In Reply to: Lombok Hotel posted by lee_lee on Sunday, 18. April 2010 at 18:36 Bali Time:
Business visitors probably prefer to stay in downtown area i.e., closer to airport but others prefer the Sengiggi area. It is a small strip you can walk from one end to the other in less than 20 minutes.
The hotels like Sheraton, Holiday Resort, Quincy Villas are north of the strip. Holiday resort is five minutes by taxi from Holiday Resort.
My favorite place to stay in The Beach Club (they have a website). It is run by an Aussie couple and within walking disance from the southern end of the strip.
They have four cottages with a swimming pool. The staff are friendly and they offer almost home cooked food. The cottages are overlook the beach.
Sengiggi strip has some nice restaurants and couple of places wih live music. If you want to enjoy authentic Indonesian food, you can go to one of many "warungs".
There is also one Mataram Mall closer to the airport with McDonalds and shops. Across from that are many Indonesian restaurants.
Many people would like to visit one of the islands (gilis) with hotels but no powered vehicles. You get there by 20 minutes ferry ride.
Some would like to climb Mt. Rinjani. Some others prefer white beaches of Kuta about 90 minutes by road from the airport. Novotel is the only star hotel in a remote location. Kuta is a favorite for surfers.
On a hill in Kuta is "Ashtahari" serving lunch and tea but they are closed for dinner. You have a fabulous view of he bay from there.
On way to Kuta you can visit a Sasak weaving shop where you can buy exquisite hand woven materials.
Like Bali Travel Forum, there is a "Lombok Lovers" that will give you plenty of information. It is managed by a Brit who also has a home stay in Kuta. You can get detailed information from Lombok Loves. Through them you can go for sea fishing.
Lombok is probably 20 years behind Bali but it is a unique place.
Have a fabulous stay in Lombok.
Josi