Choosing the Hotel

THERE are a myriad of accommodations to choose room in Bali, from five-stars luxury hotels to concrete slabs for just a few dollars a night. A handful of Bali's luxury hotels provide stand-alone bungalows in self-enclosed compounds, sumptuous surroundings, private butlers and peerless service. But, if you are staying in budget places, bring your own basic comfort, as these are not provided.

The majority of tourists who travel to Bali take advantage of the special package deal holidays that include all transfers fares and hotel accommodation. Generally the cost of the better hotels is less if you book a package deal from home through your travel agent. The budget traveler will find however, that no need to book accommodation before arriving in Bali. Finding somewhere to stay will be easy.

Credit card companies constantly offer special package deals with hotels in their never-ending effort to get you to use their cards. Typically, the deals include special discounts or features when you pay with a card. The promotions are usually mentioned in advertising material that accompanies your monthly statement.

Scan those promotional letters thoroughly because the hotel personnel won't mention them to you. Even if you haven't booked the discount in advance, you can ask the reservations clerk when you're checking in if any new discounts are being offered through your card. Customer loyalty pays if you're a frequent-user member.

Finding somewhere to stay is never difficult. When you arrive in a place, you will be approached by someone with brochures or information of some kind about the best place to stay. After deciding on a place, never commit yourself to a long stay (pay only one night in advance). It would be most disappointing to pay up-front for a week then leaving you in fear that you will be carried away in their next wave.