In Reply to: Bali-Hai Resort posted by SassyCat on Thursday, 5. January 2006 at 11:15 Bali Time:
Have stayed at the Balihai on two previous occasions and love the place, however our last visit was not so good. The hotel is under new management (again) and things appear to be not so great. This really broke my heart because like Filo we felt the place was our second home. We will miss the old staff very much. Here are a few little things that happened on our recent stay. Many may sound trivial but added together they were enough for me to ring Garuda Orient and be transferred to another hotel.
- On arrival in our room I noticed there was no ice bucket. I called roomservice for one, but was only brought ice in a jug. They said they would send a bucket. Four requests and two days later I recieved an ice bucket. Ten minutes later a second one appeared.
- The grounds have been let go and the place is looking shabby. Hedges not cut, gardens not the same etc.
- There was a blown light globe in our bathroom. These rooms have no natural light, so are pretty dark. Once again, four requests and two days. It was not until I dragged someone in from housekeeping and pointed to the light and asked him to fix it NOW that it got done.
- HUGE price rises. In the past, all prices have included tax etc. Now, all prices are subject to 21% service charge. This is in effect a 20% increase since April.
- In addition to this 21% rise, some items on the menu have also risen, eg April price 24000Rp, December price 36000Rp plus tax.
- Happy hour used to be a highlight of the Balihai. It was a great gathering where you could meet and chat to other guests with 50% off beer and cocktails. This is no more. There is a mere 30% off certain drinks, but a cocktail that cost 20000Rp in April at happy hour now costs about 34000Rp. I was either at the Hotel or on the beach for about 6 happy hours and there was never more than one or two people at the bar.
- Breakfast buffet has always been a hit with my boys. This time they commented on how little there was on offer. An example is the fruit. One day they had only paw paw. This is not amongst my favorites so I asked if there was any chance I could get some water melon. Was told that it would be charged to my room, even before I was told yes. I have found better service than this in 2 star places.
- Every day my boys were told volleyball would be on tomorrow. Tomorrow never came. I know that it is quiet at the moment, but perhaps they should not have made the promises. Bingo was also cancelled, as were all of the activities.
- Decided to speak to the new manager to express some of my concerns. Only because I loved the place so much. I found him rude and arrogant. He did not tell me his name nor offer me his business card. In short he told me that if I didn't like what he was doing I should move to another hotel.
I know some of you may be thinking that the price of everything has gone up in Bali and I agree, however my stay at the Balihai came at the end of three weeks in Bali, so I had already become accustomed to the new prices. I stayed at the Dynasty for 10 nights on the same trip, and although were also not full they still managed to hold their heads up and run activities, happy hour and keep their prices reasonable. A much more enjoyable experience, however no substitute for the Balihai I once knew.
I am now on the hunt for a new place to substitute for the Balihai. I love the beachfront aspect, the fact that is has so much character and is not too big. Even in busy times there were always pool chairs. Would love to hear any suggestions.
Filo, if you are reading this, I felt exactly like you do. One thing I will continue doing is visiting the girls on the beach outside the resort. They too have noticed the decline in the resort and its upkeep. I make a point of visiting them on my first day in Bali and giving them all of the business I can. I certainly hope the resort gets it act together, or that mine was a one off bad experience.
Narelle