We stayed here at the BGH last week of March, first week of April 2009.I think in room 338 - can't really recall due to trying to hydrate ourselves with excessive amounts of Bintang! There's no champagne in Bali and the wine is not that flash either.
I must admit that when we first arrived, the room was not what we expected, however after day 2 we got use to it. The bed was comfortable and the sheets were clean. Each morning the same guy came in to tidy up and we offered him good tips for his service. The room was a little tired and the lighting not really very conducive - however we weren't always in the room at night - so basically just somewhere comfortable to sleep. But the aircon - gosh thank heavens for aircon, it did serve it's purpose, indeed.
The staff at the Boardwalk Café are just so helpful - ask for Susi, she's just so lovely and will assist you with the biggest warm and loving smile! If you manage to meet her, ask her about her motor-cycle accident - I hope she's fully recovered.
Whilst you are enjoying breakfast and you want some excitement - I suggest you be seated near the railing (the outside eating area - near the pond) and feed the huge fish that swim below. Some are nearly as big as sharks and they have appetites similar to piranhas. I fed them most mornings with bread to watch them go into food frenzy!
The breakfasts - now there's another topic that I could go on about forever! But for me, it was far too hot to indulge in a huge feast, so early in the morning - however, my partner did! One can choose to have their eggs done any way they want; fried, poached, boiled scrambled, or if you prefer an omelette with the lot! Yes, they even have French toast (with cinnamon), Nasi and Mie Goreng, fresh fruits, toast and butter - the orange juice is not fresh (I think they use Tang) - but quenches the thirst on hot mornings. They have a breakfast chef to accommodate the long lines of guests, but my advice is to get there early, because the line can become quite long, quite early, due to all the big and hungry appetites!
The staff at breakfast will also make you feel so welcome, they always chasing you around with a pot of coffee, asking if you'd like a refill. But no Vegemite to be seen - so BYO tube! Also, no fresh milk - they use a long life variety called, Indo milk. I guess it's somewhat do-able, but not my fave in coffee!
The pool areas in-and-around the hotel is very relaxing, we seemed to be attracted to the far back one - closest to the beach. The outdoor furniture is certainly something that you'd find a Bunning's store - very modern and designed for sun - baking comfort. However, by positioning yourself there, you are fairly open to the Beach Seller's whom hold up their wares whilst you are sipping on yet another Bintang! I guess it's easier to shop whilst you're sitting down and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
We found it far more pleasing to walk along the beach to the markets, this way you're not pounding the narrow street footpath's that seem to be ever so uneven and dangerous. The OH&S factor is not something the Balinese consider as a priority and a number of Australian's on holiday seem to fall and injure themselves, whilst getting around on foot - and of course - there is no compensation in Bali, so be careful!!
I advise all holiday makers to avoid the restaurant whereby they employ the Balinese Kenny Rogers singer, (situated right across from the upstairs Mexican restaurant) which is right across the road from the BGH. We ate their (3 mouthfuls) and I must state that the food tasted like gasoline - hence the 3 mouthfuls. Also a big rat scooting around from a nearby sewer which I might add revolted me to no end. The next day, and for a full 24 hours - you guessed it - very sick. However, just a little further up the road in Poppy's Lane, there is a really Mexican restaurant named T'J's - go there, it's great and you actually feel full when you leave.
Bubba Gumps' (directly opposite BGH) is another good and safe eating restaurant - we ate there twice and can become expensive, but good food.
I think the highlight of our trip was visiting an Orphanage located in one of the villages, whereby we donated food to 100 unwanted children. They sang us the most beautiful song and gave us lots of warm kisses and hugs. How the other half live - very sad indeed.
Anyway - happy holidays to all and enjoy beautiful Bali.