travelmom2011

First time to Bali and Thailand and traveling with two of my children (18 & 22). Will be there the first week in August. There is such a wealth of information here in the forums, online and in guide books. I'm pretty sure I've narrowed down that we'd like to stay a few days by the beach (probably Seminyak) and 5 days in Ubud. Having a tough time finding a place to stay in both locations that also meets our budget. I'd like to keep lodging costs to $200 per night. (In Ubud, I'm willing to pay a little more if it's got a great view and is walking distance to town.) Any suggestions of specific places (villa or hotel) to stay in Seminyak, preferably on the beach that will allow 3 people in one room? And in Ubud, would like to stay somewhere (villa, hotel or house) that is within walking distance/biking distance to town, has a great view, pool and can accomodate 3 people.
I've seen marmot post a lot of answers to posts and hoping she can give me some ideas. (I've already tried Alam Shanti and unfortunately nothing is available.)

Thailand:
Planning on visiting one of the islands and Bangkok. Always thought of Phuket, but looks like there are other islands that are more beautiful and less commercialized. Need an idea of which islands to visit, how many days and where to stay. Same for Bangkok. (I was thinking of using points to stay at Hyatt in Bangkok.) Suggestions welcome!

marmot

In Seminyak I'd look at the Colony. They have several configurations that would allow 3 people in one room. After you add the ++21% tax you may be closer to $300, but August is a tough time for discounts. The Colony's location is GREAT, within a few minutes walk to a good beach, many many restaurants, shops, spas, clubs. Your kids will love it.

In Seminyak, You have to check the location carefully. Villas and moderate resorts will not be right on the beach. Some are within a 5 minute walk; some require a taxi. Have a look on Trip Advisor and airbnb. After you make some selections I can help you with the location.

There are MANY lower priced budget hotels and villas in Seminyak. I don't have any specific recommendations, except to avoid Sunset Road and look at addresses in Petitenget and Oberoi.

Batu Belig is a little farther out, but it's a lively and laid-back area close to the north end of Seminyak beach. Look at Villa Asri, The Brown Feather and others of this type. Again, I can't recommend these or any other Batu Belig property personally, but I like the area for good value and good vibes.

In Ubud it's a trade-off between a great view and walking distance to town. If you're in town -- or within walkable distance on the other side of the monkey forest -- you'll get a pleasant garden but not the big river valley vistas. If you're on the Ayung river or one of the other river valleys, you'll have to arrange transport to town. Both are good choices, but are different environments.

I like the Alam Sari which is about 20-30 minutes drive outside of Ubud. They offer lots of activities like hikes and bike rides. Also their village stay program is (in which you actually stay in a family compound, but under the direction of Alam Sari) is something to consider for a night or two to balance out the higher prices at the beach.

travelmom2011

Hi marmot!

Thank you so much for the advice. I did find a few places to consider:

http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p3660508

(But, the price isn't $199 but $290 per night) Are you familiar with this villa and the area where it is located?

Villa Sonia ?
http://www.villasoniaubud.com/packages.php

Kama Bisma ?
http://kamabismabali.com/accommodation.asp

Infinity Villa
http://www.travelmob.com/vacation-re...urce=travelmob


I've decided that I'd prefer the views as opposed to proximity to town. As long as a shuttle/car transport is available if it's far. And I don't mind walking or biking to town either.

As far as Seminyak, I've already checked out the Colony based on some of your past posts. It's lovely! I'm pretty sure I'm going to book it. I just want to get dates figured out for Ubud first. I also thought that it would be best to go to Ubud for the first portion of our stay and finish up our stay in Seminyak since it's closer to the airport.

marmot

All of those Ubud villas look quite nice. To compare you should consider what's included and what's important to you: air/con, wifi, hot water, transport to Ubud, driver on call, breakfast included, staff on call such as driver or cook, ability to sue the kitchen to cook yourselves. Most importantly, make sure there is a 24 hour security guard.

I'm not familiar with any of the properties you referenced, but I looked at the maps.

Villa Damee is in Pejeng Kelod, a nearby village -- a long walk or short drive to Ubud central. It appears to be surrounded by rice paddies, so you'll get space, light and mountain views, but not river valley views.

Villa Sonia is in Nyuh Kuning which is a village contiguous to Ubud, either a long walk or a short drive to Ubud central. It's a pretty area with a lot of restaurants and shops, more village than countryside.

Kama Bisa is on the edge of Ubud proper. Again a short drive or a long walk to Ubud central.

Infinity Villa appears to be near Telaggalang, but that's more than 6kms from Ubud as the description indicates, so I'm not sure. The villa appears to be surrounded the rice paddies, but in a more isolated and upland area than the other three. The area is quite scenic. More pictures http://www.infinity-villa-ubud.com/

The Colony is a great value for Seminyak. You can't beat the location. The design is more colonial inspired, but the service and ambiance are pure Bali. La Lucciola which is wonderful for breakfast, lunch and dinner is just steps away, as is Body Works for massage and spa treatments. August is busy in Seminyak so if you want to go to any of the better known restaurants, be sure to make reservations.

travelmom2011

Hi marmot
I booked the Villa Damee but was only able to get it for four nights and didn't get the exact dates that I preferred. I arrive in Bali July 29 and villa isn't available until Aug. 1. So I can either spend all 3 nights in Seminyak, or spend those 3 nights in Ubud at a different villa in a different area. Perhaps mountainous region with views of river and valley? And then perhaps just spend one night in Seminyak at the end of the visit to Bali since it is closer to airport. Thoughts?

marmot

I would only stay in Seminyak if you like the idea of some beach time, not because it's closer to the airport. You could easily fill up 8 days in either place; it just depends on how you want to spend your time.

I don't know your kids, but if they're like my twenty-something son, they'll want a few days in Seminyak.

Kazza3013

We stayed at kajane mua in Ubud, fantastic hotel right in town, gorgeous view and own pool.

LancasterLad

For info, the Visa on Arrival increased at the beginning of July from US$25 to US$35.