I am a little perplexed with the Tegal Sari at the moment in trying to book our accommodation for our trip next year.
I am booking 4 weeks accommodation more than 8 months in advance yet I cannot get the room availability that I want for the whole period as they are already booked. As a result I have worked out 4 room changes between 2 of my favourite rooms at the TS over the 4 weeks, moving back and forth between the 2 rooms - a few nights here/few nights there.
Last time I booked at the TS (and at 2 other Bali hotels) the booking simply required credit card details in advance on which they placed one of those balance reservations that lasted about a month or so. (i.e the amount was not deducted from my card but the available balance was a little lower.)When our stay was over we then paid in full, no problem. Same procedure at 3 different hotels. This time around however I have been advised by the Tegal $ari that they will require 50% deposit up front 8 months in advance to secure my booking! :O
I am a little surprised and am wondering if anyone else has had the same experience? I have booked several hotels in bali in the past and not ever had to pay a cent until check out so am a little surprised. I am not entirely happy about paying that amount up front when I don't really think it is necessary, given their 100% occupancy rates, plus I'm not happy about the thought of 8 months worth of credit card interest on $1000 either :( It's not like the trip will fall through either - I have already bought and paid for all the airfares - I need the accommodation!
In the unlikely event that my booking fell through they would have no problem filling the rooms anyway as they have 100% occupancy all year through, according to them. I know this because I have been advised in the past that this is why they do not offer any discounts for regular return guests or long-term stays.
To add insult to injury they have advised that check-in is at 19.00 hrs :O and checkout remains the same at noon. I don't recall a 7pm check in in the past - is this the case now??? Plus, I have been advised that as of April 1 breakfast will no longer included in the room rate :(
I have no choice but to pay it obviously (and check in after dinner and not get breakfasts included after April 1) but I would really like to hear from any TS regulars as to whether they have ever been asked to pay 50% up front so many months in advance or have a 7pm check in?