In Reply to: ASTON BALI VILLA BENOA posted by hobbsfamily on Tuesday, 29. June 2010 at 22:21 Bali Time:
We stayed the Aston Bali REsort and Spa Benoa in May and for what we paid, around AUD$90 per night for two inc breakfast, it was fine. It's an older style 4 star property built in a U shape with a few trees and lawned areas in the middle and a great pool overlooking a nice stretch of beach. Very relaxing.
The room we had was the most baic Deluxe room that looked straight into the next propery. That said it was certainly clean, had everything in it that we needed and whilst a little dated it was well maintained - we certainly had no complaints.
There were other rooms at a slightly higher rate that had better views of the garden area and maybe even with sea views (glimpses).
Breakfast is served in their Café Melasti which is quite large with both indoor and outdoor areas. Choices are plentiful and the food pretty good for a buffet - food staions each with a differnt choice are scattered throughtout the cafe so you need to do a recce to get your bearings.
Like most resorts food and drinks were a little pricy compared to the outside world but there are plenty of altenatives with restaurants and cafes at all price levels within walking distance close by and a Mini mart just 5 minutes walk away if you want to stock up on drinks and snacks.
For a change of scenery the Bali Collection free shuttle bus calls at the door regularly through the day and night. Bali Collection is a small/mid size up market shopping centre with a department store, markets, cafes etc. Not as cheap as Kuta but ok. Its about a 10/15 minute drive there.
Alternatively the hotel runs a mini bus shuttle into Kuta (30 minutes away) two or three times. As it is only a mini bus it is often booked out a day or two in advance - if you're interested in using this I'd suggest you check this out with the concierge as soon as you check in.
Hope this helps.
Google the hotel and you'll find heaps more.
Cheers
PK