In Reply to: Nice Budget Hotel & booking Info Please posted by tunaman on Sunday, 23. January 2011 at 09:41 Bali Time:
Is the only way to go unless you want a package holiday with the trimmings.
Package holidays can sometimes work out not much more expensive than self booking depending on the hotel you choose and flight price.
If you are after boutique hotels then they can get a bit pricey.
Budget hotels are the way to go in my opinion if you want to travel frequently.
Poppies 1 area is a favorite place to stay for frequent return holiday makers and is now becoming very popular with more middle age and above couples.
If you post your hotel price range you will get plenty of recommendation.
La walon would be a good choice for a first go at budget accommodation in kuta.
A bit more upmarket the new AP Inn Apartments or Kuta Town Houses
Bit less glam Masa inn and Secret garden Inn.
I like to book Bali accommodation direct with the hotel (good if you are a frequent guest)
For places i have not stayed at before I like to use Asia rooms dot com. not the very cheapest but you part with no money up front and pay the hotel direct on arrival or checkout.
Also you can cancel up to 24hours before your stay and it costs nothing,cancel less than 24 hours and you will be charged 1 nights stay only.
Most go for cheap flight and specials then get accommodation after the flight is booked.
With special rate flights you are best to take what you can get. Mid week flights are easier to get as most want to fly out on a Friday/Saturday and return on a weekend because its an annual holiday..
I now only put in midweek dates for flight specials as it doesn't bother me what day I go,every day is a weekend in Bali :)
I have been self booking for both Bali and Thailand for well over 10 years now and apart from the savings its more about the freedom. with budget hotels you can afford to do overnight (or more) trips and keep you room at the original hotel without costing much.
Also with budget hotels there is no need to arrange "Late" Checkout,you just pay an extra night because its so cheap and relax until ready for the airport.
Enjoy,its good fun self booking.