Got back December 22nd after 7 nights in Ubud. This was a last minute trip as we found cheap flights so took daughter (10) who hadn't been before for a week. We had just returned in October after 10 days so this trip was unexpected. It was nice to miss the build up to Christmas I must say.
As this was an added trip we decided to stay in Ubud as we love that area and to go budget. I couldn't find anything central on internet so booked at a small hotel within a family compound in the Peliatan area - 2 kilometres from Ubud. Bhuana Alit Villa. Looked good on the website and at only $39.00 a double it was good. At first arrival I was a bit disappointed - it was 1.00am and there was no water in the room, no shampoos or soaps, rock hard pillows and bed, empty minibar, I was thinking oh no.
However Guli, our manager was so helpful and went out into the night and came back with 3 large bottles of water. He was helpful throughout our stay and made the place special. The grounds were lovely and tropical, it was quiet, nice pool, ok breakfast (we ate out mostly), rice fields surrounds, lovely staff and Balinese owner. We bought some pillows from Centro after a couple of days. The place definately grew on us daily. There was a complementary drop off to Ubud whenever we wanted and pick up for only 10,000. That was great as it was too far to walk. My husband hired a motorbike which the three of us managed to fit on but sometimes required a car.
The resident dog blackie was a little unfriendly and apparantly numerous customers have complained but they consider him to be lucky so he stays. Did get woken in the night by neighbouring dogs but ear plugs fixed that.
I probably wouldn't stay in that room again however in the same complex they had a house which we looked through - 1 bedroom, kitchen, dining, outdoor bathroom, big and beautiful - for $50 to $60US a night. That I would love to stay in.
One of the forumites requested my jbr on this place so hope you read this.