In Reply to: I asked Q below but forgot one important posted by Balimagic on Tuesday, 20. September 2005 at 17:07 Bali Time:
We book directly with the hotels. I searched booking companies, but none of them bettered, or even matched, the rate I got by directly booking. I didn't pay anything up front, just credit card number for guarantee - nothing charged. We pay at check out. Last year, there was no extra charge for using a credit card. At Alam Sari, we paid for everything in one shot on the card...room, extra bed, all meals (except 2 at Indus), transportation, all courses, spa...and we got one night free for staying at least 7 nights. Our bill for 10 days all inclusive was $1500.00 US for 3 people.
The other place we stayed, Rambutan Cottages in Lovina...no charge for using a credit card either. Also booked directly.
In my experience travelling in Bali, Thailand, Hong Kong...direct booking has been easiest and cheapest. That doesn't mean that it's impossible for a booking agent to be cheaper...just my experience. I've only a couple of times been asked for 3% or 4% for using a credit card - but not in hotels, in shops, and in those cases I've paid cash instead.