In Reply to: Kumala Pantai posted by girds on Tuesday, 18. April 2006 at 19:03 Bali Time:
We stayed at the Kumala Pantai last June/July and loved it - going back this June. I think you'll find it's quite a bit cheaper than the other 3 mentioned, but then it doesn't have trimmings such as a gym, and the bar is poolside rather than swim-up. They didn't provide toiletries in the bathroom either (okay with me because I usually use my own anyway), but did have tea/coffee making facilities and mini bar.
The others have ocean views from the pool area, whereas the KP doesn't (pool has a secluded feel though and is quite large at 50 metres), although the property is opposite the beach, and the restaurant has a view of the beach. Having said that, it is possible to have poolview (well, poolside) rooms at KP, but I don't think the Niksoma or Mandira do, and the Padma is very large, so imagine any rooms close to the pool would be pricey. We had room Y-01 (in Y block), ground floor right near the pool (about a 30 second walk to retrieve forgotten sunscreen, magazines etc). It's not a large hotel, so we weren't bothered by noise from the pool.
I'm a bad judge of distance, but KP is maybe a 5 minute walk along the beach road to Niksoma, and 10-15 to Padma or Mandira (depends how fast you walk I guess!). Even if you don't stay there, it's worth having a meal at the KP as the food is good and reasonably priced. Hope this helps. You'll have a great time at any of these hotels I'm sure.