In Reply to: the_whitey and Sanur Beach posted by baligirl2002 on Thursday, 29. December 2005 at 18:44 Bali Time:
Can't comment on the Sanur Beach Hotel in particular, but I've found the following to work OK. I find the best price I can on the internet and make sure that it relates to the time of year I'll be there, ie high or low season. I also make sure that it includes breakfast and all taxes. Then I print it out and use it as a bargaining tool if necessary. We really shouldn't need to pay any more than the best published price.
I don't want to drive them into the ground, a "good for you---good for me" price will do. The way I see it is this. If I book on the internet, then maybe someone is getting commission and the hotel is waiting to get paid. If I book in person they get paid direct in cash as I'm booking out. I also get to see the accomodation before I decide.
And when I turn up to negotiate I don't look anxious to find something immediately and I don't let my driver do the talking.
Hope this helps.