In Reply to: Its the Bali, not the Benoa posted by jonnyboy on Monday, 24. July 2006 at 21:30 Bali Time:
As I said in previously there are abut 5 restaurants. The Sateria by the beach is where lunches are served and is reasonable - i don't usually have a big lunch, but maybe a bowl of fries or an ice cream dessert - about 30,000 but you can get up to expensive depending on what you eat. The main restaurant where the breakfast is served is also reasonable - once again depending of what you order. You can also eat a snack or a whole meal here - or just go for a coffee if you wish. The expensive restaurants are the Japanese one and the one in the Blue Room during the evenings (can't remember what it's called sorry)is expensive but spectacular - we eat in there for special occasions. I said before, my favourite is the Chinese one - Lotus something. It is great food and value for money. Remember in all the hotels there is 20% extra on meals and drinks (10% tax 10% service), and they are way more expensive than what you get outside.
But as you say cocktails etc are a necessary expense.
Have you been to the Melia before? A couple of tips - the Jungle Bar has a Happy Hour from 11.00pm to 1.00am - drinks 2 for 1. Also you can buy a voucher when you check in - pay US$150 get food and drinks to value of US$200. There are other valued voucher too, I think pay US200 get US300. We always use these, but I'm a bit vague on the prices as I leave that to my better half.
Email me if you want any more info(delete the _no spam_ )- you'll love the Melia. When are you going - we'll be there September.