In Reply to: accommodation advice posted by tmw on Friday, 19. May 2006 at 05:11 Bali Time:
I stayed at the Rumah Manis in 2004 with girlfriends and we had a great time. The outdoor area was great to relax in with the plunge pool. The staff were lovely and friendly. The busy laneway was a turn off, but we loved Bali so much we laughed that off as another fun experience. The rooms are dark, but we only slept in there.
Called in to visit the staff when I was there in April and they said it was very quiet there with only a handful of rooms taken up.
In 2005 a larger group of us stayed at the Villa Coco, but in the large 4 bedroom villa with private pool it was fantanstic and we could not fault. The one and two bedroom villas are lovely and clean but no private pool. The main pool isnt very big, but we did spend a few evenings at the bar there with Dickie the Barman and had a great time. Its down double 66 and closer to the Beach end so not far to walk at night to the cafes overlooking the beach.
Have not stayed at the Seminyak as its a little too far for me as we enjoy walking around the Legion and Kuta areas.
So it really depends on what area you would rather be in.
Another option is the Kuta Lagoon (near secret garden) which we stayed in this year as there was only the two of us we had a pool access room and loved the location. The villas there looked fine also and had a plunge pool.
Staff great.
Good luck in your choice, but I think anywhere is great as long as its clean and I am in Bali.