In Reply to: Good points and bad+ posted by surferboy on Saturday, 6. May 2006 at 07:46 Bali Time:
it doesn't mean the person owning them are poor. Wish I owned one.
The point is Bali has bargaining entrenched in it's society. It's part of life there. If you are staying a length of time you expect a discount. Same as anywhere really. I have no quarms asking for a discount. The guy on the counter knows what is acceptable. They won't accept it if they think your offer is too low. Same as you won't accept thier price if you think it's too expensive.
That's the essence of bargaining.
I know many hotels look like they have a set price, which is what I think you are arguing. But I know some of the lower end places have 2 price lists. Depending on your nationality/look etc as to which one they give you. Some don't even have price lists so they tell you what they think you will pay. Sometimes you really NEED to bargain.