In Reply to: Comms probs with Padma Resort Legian posted by Funwith3kids on Saturday, 15. January 2011 at 10:20 Bali Time:
Sadly this happens a lot when trying to contact Hotels directly. It seems that money spend per night is no indication of service levels.
I always find it's a great yardstick when booking accomm directly which I sometimes do. If they are good on the phone or with emails (like replying within the day) then they are usually the same with all levels of service.
Having said that, as someone else suggested get a travel agent to sort out yr hotel. They have great wholesalers who will do the hard yards and also come back with a better rate then you could negotiate anyway. Don't worry about getting them to do the land only component. They should still do a good rate and save you the hassle.
Btw, travel agents will usually match any published online hotel rate.
Good luck.