In Reply to: The dynamics are changing?? posted by Baldie on Thursday, 7. May 2009 at 11:38 Bali Time:
At the level we stay, ie. budget, a large proportion of guests have booked direct with the hotel, I find, and have been doing so for a long time, since many of these properties are not in travel brochures.
The GFC can affect Bali in two ways. People traveling a long distance for whom it is not such a cheap trip may start to holiday nearer home maybe. However those of us in Asia, Aus and NZ who were planning to go further afield to Europe or say Hawaii may now choose the cheaper option of Bali (or Thailand/ Malaysia). Swings and roundabouts for Bali I suppose.
Supply and demand probably will drive up prices across all levels I believe but maybe in these times will affect the budget end of the market too, which has not always been the case.
When I booked Masa Inn for August (high season) while we were there a couple of weeks ago they could not yet give me a price. When I asked if this was because of the high season they said no, they are expecting a price rise. If past history means anything I think this will be maybe Rp.50,000 or so which seems reasonable to me especially since they are always pretty much full.
We also stayed at Puri Naga for 2 weeks and tried to book for late August. Their rise was more than the usual 20% and went from Rp.350,000 up to "Our usual price is Rp.600,000 but for you special price Rp.500,000". I think that sweet as it is to stay at Puri Naga that is pricing itself way out of it's league because it needs a little TLC. I booked at Hotel Kumala (not KP) for 6 nights @ Rp.330,000 in a superior room and 10 @ Rp.390,000 in a deluxe room including 20% surcharge for high season. We move rooms because they too are full in August. The standard of the two hotels is very similar but I think Kumala may be in a better state of repair.
I also booked at Bloodyrons SBVs for 10 days which is all he had available. There again it is noticeable that as a place offering very good value for money and a good "vibe" is always practically full.
There is good value out there you just have to look a little harder and with airfares jumping off my screen onto my keyboard and through my Visa card at less that 1989 prices colour me happy!!!
PS
Bloodyron if you are reading this please will you release my family member from your pool shed as you promised if I gave your place the mention it so richly deserves.
I know, long winded, I just can't help myself.