accomodation in Bali- deals on last minute bookings?
Mar 24th, 2009, 07:44 AM
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accomodation in Bali- deals on last minute bookings?
I'm considering a rather last minute trip to Bali, in May.
I was intially considering renting a small, modest villa in Ubud for an entire week, and just hanging out in one spot. But now my Mom has (shall we say...) invited herself to come along. She is more of a "follow your bliss/no reservations" type of traveler.
I'm wondering if, given the economy and low season, we might be able to snag some good deals at nice hotels or villas by calling up the day before?. Has anyone had luck with doing this? Or do you think we'd be better off arranging everything in advance before we leave?
Thanks for your feedback.
I was intially considering renting a small, modest villa in Ubud for an entire week, and just hanging out in one spot. But now my Mom has (shall we say...) invited herself to come along. She is more of a "follow your bliss/no reservations" type of traveler.
I'm wondering if, given the economy and low season, we might be able to snag some good deals at nice hotels or villas by calling up the day before?. Has anyone had luck with doing this? Or do you think we'd be better off arranging everything in advance before we leave?
Thanks for your feedback.
Mar 24th, 2009, 11:26 AM
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Cruisin - I think that you can definitely do this for the reasons you gave (economy, low season). www.balidiscovery.com (Bali Discovery Tours) is a good place to start. They are located in Sanur and the website has tons of hotel listings. Pick two or three that you like and right before you go, see what you can work out. You can call Bali Discovery directly - their phone numbers are in the "contacts" section of the website. I used them a few years ago and was able to negotiate things like free meals and massages but I didn't do it at the last minute. However, you have absolutely nothing to lose - worst case scenario is that you don't get the best deal. Alternatively, you could call the hotels directly but that would require a bit more leg work - with that approach, you might be better off just showing up (not recommended after the long flight(s) from the east coast). Good luck - let us know how it works out.
Mar 24th, 2009, 01:51 PM
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Bob, not sure if it is just LA GTG recovery or not but peak tourist season is July, August and between Christmas/New Year's. May is actually considered "rainy season" and is slow tourist-wise (but don't let that stop you, Red.)
Mar 24th, 2009, 04:17 PM
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cruisin, My prediction is that Bali will have a very low low-season between Easter and July 1. The high-season generally reflects holiday periods in other countries -- the school holidays at Easter, Australian and European holidays in July/August and the whole month of December. Aside from these times, rates are always negotiable, but I think this year they will be super flexible.
Bali, and Indonesia as a whole, hasn't yet felt the effects of the world recession because plans that were made a long time ago are still being realized. But as fewer people make new plans, tourism will drop.
I don't know about making a reservation one day in advance, or having no reservation at all; I'm a planner and that degree of uncertainty makes me nervous, but I believe if you wait until early May you'll find some good deals.
The rainy season is roughly from September to March plus or minus a week or two according to the whims of nature. It still rains all year but April to August is technically "dry season." This year seems particularly rainy, though I haven't actually looked at the figures.
Bali, and Indonesia as a whole, hasn't yet felt the effects of the world recession because plans that were made a long time ago are still being realized. But as fewer people make new plans, tourism will drop.
I don't know about making a reservation one day in advance, or having no reservation at all; I'm a planner and that degree of uncertainty makes me nervous, but I believe if you wait until early May you'll find some good deals.
The rainy season is roughly from September to March plus or minus a week or two according to the whims of nature. It still rains all year but April to August is technically "dry season." This year seems particularly rainy, though I haven't actually looked at the figures.
Mar 24th, 2009, 04:36 PM
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Thank you all for the feedback and suggestions.
I think we will book our first few days in Ubud and then perhaps "keep it loose" as to where we go from there for the next week. As a bit of background, both my Mom and I have both been to Bali before...my Mom actually lived in Bali back in the 70's in her hippie days...she prefers the term "bohemian", lol.
I tend to be the type-A plan everything in advance kind of traveler, but perhaps we can come up with some good deals if we keep part of our itinerary flexible....
I think we will book our first few days in Ubud and then perhaps "keep it loose" as to where we go from there for the next week. As a bit of background, both my Mom and I have both been to Bali before...my Mom actually lived in Bali back in the 70's in her hippie days...she prefers the term "bohemian", lol.
I tend to be the type-A plan everything in advance kind of traveler, but perhaps we can come up with some good deals if we keep part of our itinerary flexible....
Mar 24th, 2009, 05:36 PM
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Bob is half right, May is the beginning of high season, AND Bali is having its best year for quite some time. That said, they are running a "Bali Bonus Night" promotion where you can get one night free for a long stay (how long depends on where you're from.) Unfortunately, there's no web site showing which hotels exactly are participating and what their deals are, you just have to contact the hotel and see.
I would not wait until the last minute. Secure a nice place now.
I would not wait until the last minute. Secure a nice place now.
Mar 25th, 2009, 12:03 PM
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OK, I think I've sketched out a rough itinerary: starting in Ubud for 3-4 days (booked in advance), then some beach time for 2 days (Gili islands perhaps), concluding in Seminyak for 2-3 days.
Question re. Seminyak: it seems like it is all villa accomodation, with private pools. Is there a less "romantic-y" option...traveling with my Mom afterall. I'd love to stretch the budget for the Legian for 2 nights, but unless I can get a great deal, I don't see that happening. Suggestions for a nice boutique hotel, which wouldn't be too isolated/secluded/romantic?
Thanks
Question re. Seminyak: it seems like it is all villa accomodation, with private pools. Is there a less "romantic-y" option...traveling with my Mom afterall. I'd love to stretch the budget for the Legian for 2 nights, but unless I can get a great deal, I don't see that happening. Suggestions for a nice boutique hotel, which wouldn't be too isolated/secluded/romantic?
Thanks
Mar 25th, 2009, 12:52 PM
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Why Seminyak? - some good restaurants there, but not much else (I know because we stayed in Canggu, one town north). How about Sanur, if you are looking for more beach (and a decent town besides)? - RHK etc will chime in on this and it should be much more reasonable. If you have 8 days, just do two places, by the way - not sure if Lombok is worth the trouble to get there but then if you have been to Bali before, it might be.
I am amused by the conflicting information as to what is tourist season and what isn't - I guess that's what you get on an open forum.
I am amused by the conflicting information as to what is tourist season and what isn't - I guess that's what you get on an open forum.
Mar 25th, 2009, 01:00 PM
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Hi Craig-
We were also considering Sanur, and we've stayed there before. I thought Seminyak sounded a bit more interesting, with stylish boutiques, etc. where as Sanur is a bit sleepier. But I haven't been there in years, so perhaps my view is off base.
We were also considering Sanur, and we've stayed there before. I thought Seminyak sounded a bit more interesting, with stylish boutiques, etc. where as Sanur is a bit sleepier. But I haven't been there in years, so perhaps my view is off base.
Mar 25th, 2009, 03:26 PM
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I've yet to find the perfect beach in Bali. They all have their ups and downs. I like Seminyak because it's offers the best accessibility to the things I like to do. Long walks on the beach, watching the breakers crash on the surf, watching the surfers crash on the surf, taking a walk or short drive to my favorite restaurants and shops, seeing the sun slip into the sea.
I have several friends IRL that will only stay in Sanur, or only stay in Jimbaran. I find, though, that they spend an inordinate amount of time in taxis driving to Seminyak for meals and shopping. No question, though, that Sanur and Jimbaran are better swimming beaches.
crusisinred, In Seminyak the resorts are on the beach and the villas are in-land. I prefer the resorts because I think the villas can be too isolated.
Your idea of trying for last minute deals may well work in Seminyak in May. I believe that there will be a severe post-Easter let down in Bali. I hope I'm wrong, but I have to think that people are going to be cutting back on travel along with everything else. So I'd give the resorts -- Legian, Samaya, Oberoi, Anatara -- a call mid-May and see what they can do for you. In the interim I'd take a look at the Sofitel for a good value. Not exactly a boutique but nice grounds and a good location. European ambience.
Another place that's a little further north on the border of Seminyak and Kuta is the Padma. This is a favorite among Jakarta expatriate families. A good value and nice atmosphere.
I have several friends IRL that will only stay in Sanur, or only stay in Jimbaran. I find, though, that they spend an inordinate amount of time in taxis driving to Seminyak for meals and shopping. No question, though, that Sanur and Jimbaran are better swimming beaches.
crusisinred, In Seminyak the resorts are on the beach and the villas are in-land. I prefer the resorts because I think the villas can be too isolated.
Your idea of trying for last minute deals may well work in Seminyak in May. I believe that there will be a severe post-Easter let down in Bali. I hope I'm wrong, but I have to think that people are going to be cutting back on travel along with everything else. So I'd give the resorts -- Legian, Samaya, Oberoi, Anatara -- a call mid-May and see what they can do for you. In the interim I'd take a look at the Sofitel for a good value. Not exactly a boutique but nice grounds and a good location. European ambience.
Another place that's a little further north on the border of Seminyak and Kuta is the Padma. This is a favorite among Jakarta expatriate families. A good value and nice atmosphere.
Mar 25th, 2009, 04:00 PM
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Red, if by "stylish boutiques" in Seminyak you mean good shopping, forget it - we found the shopping to be really lame and I truly trust that Putu (mentioned all the time on this forum) knew the best places. Seminyak is tiny anyway - just a few blocks of shops and restaurants. Much better shopping in Ubud and if you can get a driver to take you to the surrounding towns for crafts, all the better. You probably know all of this anyway. My point is give Seminyak a miss and concentrate between Ubud and somewhere else. Maybe try eastern or northern Bali just for something different?
Mar 26th, 2009, 10:22 AM
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Bali Bonus Nights...as mentioned by Michael:
http://www.balidiscovery.com/message...ge.asp?ID=5104
stay 7 nights at an Aman and get the 8th night free! among other offers....
Lori: I'm still hoping to make it to SR this year! Would love to meet you IRL
http://www.balidiscovery.com/message...ge.asp?ID=5104
stay 7 nights at an Aman and get the 8th night free! among other offers....
Lori: I'm still hoping to make it to SR this year! Would love to meet you IRL
Mar 27th, 2009, 07:20 AM
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Lori-
When are the dates that Ponheary needs help getting ready for the new school year? I seem to recall she mentioned end Aug or beginning Sept? I'd love to come over for a week and help out with that, or another project you might have going on, at some other time of the year.
Hope all is well,
Lorna
When are the dates that Ponheary needs help getting ready for the new school year? I seem to recall she mentioned end Aug or beginning Sept? I'd love to come over for a week and help out with that, or another project you might have going on, at some other time of the year.
Hope all is well,
Lorna
