For the first time in 4 years stayed in Amed again. We used to stay at 'Bayu Cottages' in the past when it still belonged to an American guy and was run by some locals in a 'very local way'. At that time the basic rooms were clean and that's about it.
We had no reservation and decided to try it this time again and were impressed about what has happened to the place. The new owner doubled the employed staff that now works shifts of 8 hours per day and have 4 days off per month instead of the old staff that worked 16 hours per day, 7 days a week. Rooms used to be clean but now they are spotless. The new owner improved the facilities in the rooms by changing the old cheap mattresses for really thick and comfortable spring-coil mattresses, placed digital safe-boxes in each room, installed TV's in every room and the restaurant with over 30 digital satellite channels on it, changed the fans and AC's to 'silent types' and had fire and smoke detectors as well as emergency lights installed in each room, there's a pitcher with fresh drinking water in each room with free refills, etc. , etc. Room rates have increased though, but it's still a bargain compared to other places with the same level of quality and facilities. Oh, and the - included in the daily room rate - breakfast is simply fantastic!
The restaurant in general has also improved a lot, in quality of the food, the choice of meals and the availability of it. At the 'old place' everything was always 'habis' but now they keep a real stock-system in their kitchen so they don't run out of their essentials.
Biggest surprise we had was about the condition of the beautiful snorkel spot right in front of the hotel. We arrived there expecting it to be deteriorated in the past 4 years but the contrary had happened. The corals had grown in an amazing way, giving the whole area an abundance of different colors, shapes and sorts of corals, with of course the marine life that comes along in such a place. We spent hours and hours each day floating in the water and enjoying this natural beauty.
For sure 'Bayu Cottages' will be our choice of accommodation again when travelling to Amed.