We are back home after two wonderful weeks at the Besakih 'Resort' in Sanur. The Besakih is a fairly basic two star hotel that has become run-down over recent years - but to compensate, the staff are great - very friendly and helpful, and despite some problems we really enjoyed the stay there.
Our large "run of house" upstairs room had no view - but our balcony was totally private (unlike the villas). We had initial problems with the aircon, bathwater drain, and mouldy smell in the bathroom, but these were fixed when the staff were informed. Recent upgrades to some rooms may not include plumbing changes, and showers in the bath with a curtain may be OK - just!
The pool bar is there - but hasn't opened for a long time (someone said six years!). The advertised jaccuzzi doesn't work either and we didn't see any sign of the advertised massage facilities - other than the usual ladies operating on the beach.
Our package included breakfast which was adequate and well served, but limited in range. We only used the restaurant for one evening meal (average) or for poolside snacks.
The hotel is frequented by older clients, and may not appeal to younger people, but it was quiet and suited us well.
There are far too few lounge chairs around the pool, so the old problem of people "reserving" a place for the day by placing towels on them caused irritation and comment...
We ate at the usual beachside restaurants towards the Sindhu Street markets, and enjoyed the food and good service - but I wish that they didn't use kerosene fire lighters in their barbecues - maybe we should eat later!
The Mona Lisa, the Village and Made's Frangipani had the most enjoyable meals and service - we didn't need to venture too far to find somewhere good to eat. I wouldn't go to the Lazer bar or the Piccadilly (or anywhere that has TV) ... once was enough.
All the opinions that I read about on the net of the many and various eating places should be dated - some don't exist, others have either moved of changed hands and many Sanur maps don't have the streets marked, or are not named correctly.
Milady did some shopping - (some of the Sindhu Street market ladies are very aggressive) but the shopping wasn't a primary interest.
She did enjoy the full treatment at the Mandurah spa towards the N end of Jl Danau Tamblingan, and we both had many enjoyable and inexpensive massages by Moli of the 'Pink ladies' who operate from a Bale/boatshed on the beachfront just north of Pantai Karang.
We didn't arrange any tours, had one trip into Kuta Matahari by BlueBird metered taxi, and so we came home very relaxed and happy, and willing to go back soon, and despite the stated deficiencies - to the Besakih... but we'll have to book now for next year - it's just about booked out for the best part of the Bali season.