I have been going to Bali since 1980 and can not get enough of it. The climate, the people and the culture are just wonderful. Each time I have been over there (and that is quite a lot), I stay in different places along the Tuban-Seminyak strip.
I have had to choose to stay further along towards Seminyak due to roads being placed in front of the hotels. Who wants a road between you and the beach? Not me!
My second last stay was at the Jayakarta and NEVER AGAIN was my verdict for the next trip - too many people, tourists and staff not very friendly - and average rooms. Pool area not large enough and too cramped. A road between me and the beach - although no cars on it.
18 months ago - decided to try the Bali Holiday Resort - WONDERFUL! Old and run down - yes. However it served its purpose and that was to enjoy peace and quiet, relax around the pool, talk with the locals on the beach directly in front of the hotel, a long and energising walk along the beach each night, friendly staff, plenty of food at breakfast and most of all - all the necessary items required in a room - air conditioning, comfortable queen bed, shower, bath and toilet and balcony to enjoy a cool drink while chilling out.
You do not go on a holiday to spend all your time in the room - the basics are all that is required. I was blown away that there was a fridge and a jug in the room - no more taking my own water boiling device :-). I saw the locals cleaning the grounds every day for hours and the rooms were clean and tidy every day.
I am going over again in November this year and accompanying 8x17-18 year olds - most have not been out of the country before and The Bali Holiday Resort is where we are staying.
Why bother to write this? I guess that from what I have been reading with all the negative comments about the Bali Holiday Resort, it needed to have something nice said about it. So for those people who do not have a big budget (A$22-26 a night)I have no problem recommending the Bali Holiday Resort one little bit. Total cost for each of us for 10 nights 11 days - $1400. I think that is reasonable :-))
I suppose it is a matter of what is important to you when going on a holiday, especially to another culture than what you are used to.