Firstly, thanks to everyone that provided advise to me before I left Perth for Bali. I found the information I gathered on the forum invaluable both before leaving for Bali and whilst there. Our group included Myself, husband, daughter (9), son (4) and my mother in law.
After getting many quotes for our trip we approached Nico who was recommended by the forum. Her first price was our best price and she was very helpful and friendly at all times, even when we had to make changes. I will be using Nicco's services again and would recommed her to others.
We were collected from the airport by driver Scooby Doo (again recommended by the forum) who I made contact with over the net before we left. He was reliable and friendly at all times, we also hired him for a day trip and paid Rp 375 000 for the day. I would recommend Scooby to fellow forumites.
Our accommodation was at the Dynasty Hotel. 15 nights in 2 Superior rooms. The Dynasty is fantastic, the staff are great and the vibe around the pool is fun, there is always something going on. The Buffet nights are good value and the cocktails by the bucket are legendary. Spennt many Happy hour's (12 -1 & 5 - 7) by the pool. The only disappointment for us was the kids club and the lack of supervision. One staff member for 23 kids around a pool (while the life guard played table tennis) was not good enough as far as I'm concerned. When I put my 2 in the kids club for the 1st time I noted that my 4 year old was a non swimmer and was assured that he would be supervised in the baby pool only. As I hung around in the background I was able to jump in the pool and help him resurface after he came down the waterside having come off his flotation ring. No one except my husband and I were watching him at the time. I am not sure what would have happened if we weren't there although I try and assure myself that if kids drowned at the Dynasty we would hear about it here in Australia. In saying all of that, I think that the Kids Club is a good idea, but only as a suppliment to parents supervision (many a cocktail was consumed by the pool) whilst watching the kids play in the kids club.
I hope I haven't bored you with the details. I will post a shopping, eating and bike ride JBR soon.