In Reply to: Grand Istana or Seaview Cottages posted by Hathi on Sunday, 2. April 2006 at 13:56 Bali Time:
Last Year we stayed at Kuta Seaview Cottages, the year before [and several other times] at Istana Rama, We leave on Friday and have booked Istana Rama again!
so I guess I am reasonable qualified to assist!
In my opinion Istana Rama wins hands down...We would not bother with Seaview again...
The rooms are much nicer and cleaner at Istana Rama - specially the cottages
Seaview rooms were pretty musty due to lack of sunlight!
The Restaurant is much better at Istana Rama [not that you tend to eat in the hotel that much] and included Breakies are excellent [forget lunch!!!!!!]
The pool at Seaview is small and uncomfortabley warm, wheras Istan Rama is big enough to swim laps if you feel energetic [and not as warm...perfect temperature]
Staff at both were great
Seaview Cottages gardens are pretty well non existent - the whole property is filled with rooms - very closed in - you would be lucky to see daylight!
Istana Rama grounds are lovely and spacious compared to Seaview [without being huge]
It is really busy outside Seaview, due to its proximity to Hard Rock..lots of cars. people and motorbikes. Istana is only 500meters away, but MUCH quieter location.
Surf is better in front of Istana!!![most important]
Feel free to ask more if you like....enjoy