In Reply to: Jayakarta Hotel posted by Jess on Tuesday, 8. September 2009 at 18:58 Bali Time:
I am probably one of the recent negative reports, my advice:
see the room they give you and try and swap to closer to the pool if not happy (they can usually offer you one or two options even when full as the people yet to check in get whats left over). Tell them on check in you want it close to the pool, maybe save you a step in the process but as clovis says they will have already allocated you a room.
Try breakfast there if included in your accomodation; but if you want to enjoy your breakfast eat somewhere else or have a late lunch/early breakfast somewhere else. Dont let it spoil your holiday. You are so close to the Flying Piano and they do great food - I would rather pay to eat there than have free breakfast at Jayakarta.
If you want to spend the day by the pool maybe "play the game" and put your towel and book down before you eat breakfast and set up camp. But it you only want to use it while you swim, just wing it. I did always find a lounge later in the day, just not necessarily under an umbrella. There are three pools - you would have to be unlucky to not find one lounge free when you want to swim. And if you did just pop your stuff on a table or pavers and go for a swim, someone is bound to leave and you can quickly grab their spot. Or go out the front of the hotel and relax on the lounges on the beach - you need to pay a small amount but you will get drinks etc so much cheaper than in the hotel that it pays for itself.
I personally am disappointed in the Jayakarta as it has the potential to be, and has been in the past, a great place to stay. But value the good things such as position, beach atmosphere, grounds, pools and make do with the rest and make the most of your holiday. As most people say - you only sleep in your rooms.