Have lurked on the forum for a long time and got so much valuable information thought it was time to give back.
Flights - flew AA from Perth. 0450 flight left on time & arrived 15 minutes early. From pulling up to the sky-bridge to getting to baggage carousel was about 10 minutes (swimming in pool within an hour of landing).
Had pre-ordered food and it was good for the price. Flight home at 1530 (odd) and thought I had left plenty of time to get through the airport - how wrong I was. We did make it onto plane however basically got to departure gate and immediately on bus and off we went. The old adage of better an hour early than a minute late applies at present - not sure if it will get better or worse when the new airport opens).
Hotel - stayed at the patra in Tuban. Close to the airport and I didn't find the noise distracting at all. In fact it was quite entertaining watching all the takeoffs when sitting around the pool or mucking around at the beach.
We were very early for check in 9.30am compared to 2.00pm as advertised and were advised that the room wasn't ready (which was strange as the hotel was all but deserted) but to try at noon - room was indeed ready by then so all good. Also they were happy to give us a late checkout which helped the baby get a sleep before departure.
Had a 2 bedroom deluxe villa which was big enough for our family of 2 adults, 2 kids and a baby. The cot provided was sturdy and the baby slept happily in it.
Pool was huge although deserted and swim up bar never seemed to be manned nor happy hour promoted. We ended up taking our own beers down. The pool had a kids end which allowed all the kids to walk around for about 20 metres.
Grounds were immaculate and most staff were very friendly. I must particularly commend the staff in the beach bar who happily played soccer with my boys when they didn't have any customers to serve.
Having previously stayed next door at the holiday inn on a couple of occasions I underestimated the "remoteness" of the hotel. It was a fair old walk on the beach path to get to our favourite eateries in the area.
There is a free shuttle bus into Kuta and the hotel transport was reasonably priced.
Breakfast was ok - most of the food in the trays didn't seem hot enough but better than what I get at home! Egg station was a hit with the boys and bacon was real pork!!! There was a heavy leaning towards Japanese cuisine at the buffet.
Probably wouldn't stay there again - nothing overtly bad but sure there are better options.
Eateries
Ate at green garden, pantai, sa Cafe, Il cielo, mozzarella & a few others (smaller places in laneways etc) Never had a bad meal - no one got even a runny tummy. Sad to say one of our favourites (murti) has now become a massage shop :(
Shopping
I'm not one that relishes bargaining so was happy to do most of our shopping at diannes fixed price shop. A good variety of clothes and was happy to get in special soccer strip orders for the boys - couple of days.
Oldest son also bought some "vans". This was in a normal shop and initial price was rp450,000 - finished at rp130,000. They seem ok and a huge range of colours/styles.
Taxis
Used blue birds and they all put their meters on. Average trip from Kuta to hotel was rp 15,000
We all had a great time and hope to return when funds allow.