Ubud Bali accommodation - large family

mskeggs on 20/10/2015 - 23:12

Never been to Ubud before and am struggling to find accommodation for next month.
We have 2 parents, 4 kids to stay for a week. I thought maybe a private villa, but they seem to be Aussie prices rather than Asian prices (i.e. $1500+ for a week). I am used to 3 star accommodation for $60 a night in Asia, not $200+!

Any OzBargain recommendations? We like clean + comfortable beds, and a pool if possible - everything else is negotiable.

If it helps, we like being friendly with locals, not locked away in a western resort.
Personal recommendations welcomed.

Travel

Comments

  • altomic on 20/10/2015 - 23:17
    +1

    Airbnb?

    • mskeggs on 20/10/2015 - 23:38

      Yeah, had a look. Maybe, if I don't get a better offer. I'm a little hesitant (even though we have had good experiences before with airbnb) as there is no assurance the room is there - at least with a regular provider you can usually be reasonably sure they block off rooms when they are sold.

  • noyesmaybeok on 20/10/2015 - 23:56

    6 people is a large family? Huh :D

    AirBnB perhaps… yes, I find there is "local prices" and "dumb ass westerner" prices with very little in the middle. It jumps from $20/night to $100/night, to $500/night very quickly.

    If it puts you at ease I've spent about the last 6 months in AirBnB accommodation. Some problems here and there, never anything as bad as the room not being available though.

    • mskeggs on 21/10/2015 - 00:11

      I think I know what you mean about large family, but it certainly has changed dramatically in a generation. Of course, most asian hotel 'family' rooms are a couple room with a baby sharing the bed. I guess Malaysia at least had a concept of larger families. In AU a big family is now 2 or 3 kids, because who can afford a bedroom each, plus a pony, gym class, piano, french study, swimming lessons, hockey training and an ipad for more than one or two ;-P

      AndI agree the ramp up between local and tourist. Unfortunately for the budget, I want a week of nice accommodation, so we aren't quite down at the backpacker cost basis.

      • noyesmaybeok on 21/10/2015 - 00:15

        If you can find an AirBnB with a dozen or more good reviews it should be fine.

        Nearly all problems I had were stupid things, like 30 mins before arrival they emailed to say they'd be late etc. Yeah, I'm already in a taxi or on the bus to your place, that's pretty poor.

        Or would put the street address and fail to mention any info about the fact it's not a house it's actually a gated complex with 100 odd units. So you just sit out the front waiting for someone to hopefully look and realise where you are. Stupid rubbish like that, not too much in line of ongoing problems.

  • StewBalls on 21/10/2015 - 07:31

    Ubud is pricey at the best of times unfortunately.

    That said, depending on who you are flying with…you may be able to get land credits with the airlines partner hotels?

    Don't rule out talking with a travel agent, they often have in-house deals.

  • pyramid on 21/10/2015 - 07:37

    I stayed at Gangaa house and it's kind of home stay but they have separate units for guest…you can 3 units for your gang….only downside is its next to busy Street so vehicle noise until midnight. Place is clean n typical Balinese…

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 21/10/2015 - 10:37

    What seems to be the specific issue? Is it the poorer value for money relative to other places in Bali or no accommodation within your budget whatsoever ($60? $100?).

    When I went to Ubud 3 years ago the focus of the central area appeared to be escaping that "modern hotel" atmosphere. For a couple wanting the "authentic" standalone home-style experience it was one of the cheapest places in Bali (and the cheaper accommodation was closer to the centre).

    On a budget, I can only imagine 2 adults and 4 children fitting in a villa in Ubud however, due to the simple style of most home-style accommodation when I was there. But they're not really what I consider "budget" at a bit over $100, but you can even get 4 star e.g. http://www.booking.com/hotel/id/ratna-villa-2.en-gb.html?lab…

    Of course the other alternative is for mum and dad to take 2 kids each in different rooms. With a pool (in a 3 star place or thereabouts) it'll still cost you around $100 for 2/3 rooms so you won't be saving much. My standards are low so I'd settle for 2 x $20 family rooms in a 1 star place or homestay (or 3 x $20-25 rooms if a pool is important and your kids are old enough).

    • mskeggs on 21/10/2015 - 11:28

      Thanks PPP.
      Is that villa you linked too far away from things?

      • peterpeterpumpkin on 21/10/2015 - 13:56

        No worries. It's a little far to the centre. Or I suppose you can say all the other hotels are just close. I suppose with a minivan for 6 people it's not so bad but I hate having to haggle over transport (still no metered taxis AFAIK) and I love walking. Maybe bicycles have improved since my time there but I doubt it. Literally every bike has fallen apart from me in Asia (Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam) and necessitated a long walk to make up for it (the $2 rental fee was hard to resist).

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