From a friend in Bali who was part of the old staff.
I went to Balihai two days ago (9 December 2008) and met a security guard whom I know. I do not think that a proper renovation is being done or on progress and am sure it can't be finished by MAY 2007. There was only a small amount of work that has been done in the lobby and restaurant; they broke the floor in the centre part of lobby where the stage used to be and made a big hole so that you can see down into the restaurant from the lobby. They have taken out the roof of the restaurant/coffee shop terrace but there was no one there to supervise the project.
If they really want to renovate the hotel completely it will take time, at least one year because right now the hotel building is in poor condition because it is old and especially after being 8 months closed.
Regarding the staff issue, no one of the many I have spoken to recently has been called or promised to be reinstated, I think that's only a rumour. I am sure when they re-open the hotel they will be implementing a normal procedure of staff recruitment
Most of staff would like to go back but it all depends on the new management and owner. What I have heard is the Hotel will be managed again by "HOLIDAY INN". 'What goes around comes around'? - like karma!
Not the news I wanted to hear. :-(((