Thanks to the forum for all the info before we went - we are not first timers but did want to try new places we didn't have time for on previous visits and used the site info to help.
Travel-
Garuda - arrived late due to late departure ( approx 2 hrs) . Payed VOA in US dollars , cleared immigration and waited for bags- beat the porters as the bags had not been unloaded yet!. Went through customs and out. Met by driver from Patra Bali, told us it was not far to hotel. Actually felt like we could have done the Kerrigans trick and walked to the hotel it was so close (the castle)
Accomadation-
The Patra Bali, very impressed with the reception area on arrival and the friendly concierge desk staff , who never faultered during our stay. they were excellant for information and a drive in the golf carts - a very much loved past time of our 5 yr old daughter.
The room - had a delux suite on the second floor very roomy , and comfortable. Good size bathroom and sitting room. we had balcony furniture although my parents and niece's rooms did nt.
The main pool was fantastic due to the water level , the child could go in alone while i relaxed on a lounge chair ( other members of the party slept - obviously too comfortable on the pool chairs )
Mother not much of a swimmer so she also liked the low depth of the pool. Very good area of the hotel , we spent a few hours each day here relaxing and swimming and of course being "tempted " by the girls on the beach selling goods.
The resturants in the hotel were o.k but a bit pricey, we did eat here a couple of times when the 5 yr old was too tired to go out in the evening and eat.
Getting to Kuta - as there were 6 of us we used hotel drivers or the shuttle - the hotel cars were about the same price as two taxi's ( meter version ) which we used to get back after journey's out.
Tours-
used hotel driver at fixed price to do a couple of tours, the price was comparable with the info on the forum. The driver Budiasa was excellant - although his English was not fluent , he felt he needed to appologise for this. Told him my Bahasa wasn't brilliant , had great trips with him. His patients was legendary- my mother and niece love shopping and he would wait while they did their stuff with out complaint. I think I complained a lot more when they would not get out of the shops especially at Tannah Lot after sunset. Well my 5 yr old , husband and I were getting hungry!
Shopping-
did my fair share...
Went to the surf outlet and the surf shops - found the non outlet shops better and the prices were brilliant in comparison to here.
Took my work trousers to get copied - went to Anika Tailor (as per the forum recommendation) and it was closer to the hotel. Ended up with two pair of trousers and a wool mix suit jacket- for less than I usually pay for 1 work blazer from the uniform shop. These were also better made and a better fit than I have ever brought at the uniform shop here. So thanks to all who recommended this tailor. Mum and niece also had clothing made. Both very impressed with what they paid for what they got.
Hit the streets a couple of times and got the usual bags , hats , clothes and the hidden at the back of the shop 'real' billibong and roxy items. All at good prices.
If the plastic bag theory is true we did well only 1 black and white stripped bag in two weeks - from a fixed price shop , the rest were black or red.
Centro - loved it duty free perfume prices far better than any where else!
Food-
ate the local food in a number of resturants in Kuta and Tuban - no problems with Bali Belly for any one. Just made sure the place looked clean. went in had a drink one member of the party went to the loo - if they were clean / well kept and we could see in the kitchen as we walked by and it looked clean we are there . If not we payed for the drinks and left, and went else where.
Pampering-
gave in on the beach to the massages - normally I would prefer a spa. But ended up having several massages on the beach for a number of reasons - the ladies were great ,very friendly, and did a brilliant massage . Had pedicures etc.Most relaxing expirience a massage on the beach listening to the waves....
Return Home
all too soon two weeks was over and it was time to come home
Flight home average ( next time will fly air paradise , did so last year and believe it to be a far better service) Child did not get a meal despite reconfirming flights and requesting a kids meal.I had to ask for an adults meal for her when food was being served and got asked where her other meal was ! We had been sat in three seperate rows in pairs and were told there were not seats together available - ha after take off I noted several empty rows together at the rear of the plane. We could n't move to these as there were 'belongings' on them - but no one sat there all night.I guess these belong to the invisible traveller and his family !
Will I go- back of course I will when finances allow.
I think we fly with a different service though.
As always with Bali we had a brilliant holiday and now I sit at home with the heater on and reading the forum with longing to return.