In Reply to: Family accommodation for 5 posted by L_Price on Wednesday, 7. March 2007 at 13:59 Bali Time:
Near the airport, and catering for families, are the Bali Garden, Bali Hai, Dynasty, the Patra, and Febris.
I have read that there is not much shade around the pool at Febris. I also recall someone commenting that the hawkers in the laneway can hang over the fence and hassle you while you are in the pool area. I stand to be corrected on both counts though. No organised kids club that I know of.
The Patra is a big resort with plenty of grassed area and a kids club. However it is a bit too close to the airport and further away from 'the action' for my liking and a taxi is needed to go out for meals/shopping. Granted taxis are cheap but we prefer to have a wander around and fall into a place for dinner. We also like to wander back and walk all that extra food off that you tend to eat while on holidays.
For these reasons the Dynasty or the Bali Garden would be my choice. Friends stayed at the Bali Garden and the room they were allocated was too close to the road and they were kept awake by music nearly all night from one of the bars. They asked to be moved and their request was accommodated. If you choose to go here it may be wise to ask for a quiet room to begin with. I don't think they have a kids club here.
Both the Dynasty and Bali Garden are very close to Waterbom Park (a must do for a day out).
We have stayed at the Bali Hai and it would not be my first choice. The reason I say that is that one of my chilren is now 12 and the kids club at the Bali Hai seems to be geared towards younger children whereas the Dynasty still suits us.
They are my opinions only and others may have something different to say or make alternative suggestions for accommodation in that area.
We too are looking for suitable accommodation in Ubud so I will watch your replies. We stayed in Mas (near Ubud) last time and it was a real hassle getting transport back to the hotel at night after dinner.
The transport was provided by the hotel and although the drive itself was only 15-20 mins, we had to wait for the car to come and collect us which took equally as long. This made for some testy times for the children as they were really tired by that stage. I wouldn't do that to them (or us) again.
I hope I have not overloaded you with my comments.