Just returned from a glorious 3 weeks in Bali. We did what we usually do and moved around but this trip we moved a little too much. An overview of our hotels good and bad;
Ramayana - definately my favourite in Kuta. The deluxe rooms are really lovely and it is so handy to everything. Minutes from beach, markets, Matahari, restaurants etc.
Tegal Sari - thankyou forum for the recommendation. This is really quaint and great place to stay for a few days. We were in the super deluxe rooms but there was a big difference in the standard of my room to the other room we had so I recommend that you book early to get the best. The food at this hotel is extremely cheap and of good quality, staff lovely.
Kumala Pantai - nice rooms, beautiful pool and gardens, great breakfast. Unfortunately you could never get a deckchair. The worst offenders for leaving towels on chairs all day was (much to my horror)the Australians.
Coconuts Lembongan - Lovely views, simple rooms. I preferred Hai Tide Huts but dollar for dollar Coconuts probably better value.
Melasti - An old favourite of mine but I must admit the decor of the old suites is starting to become very dated. I went and had a look at the new wing and the new suite rooms. These were a little brighter than the old suites but I was not overly impressed. I think the restaurant needs an overhall as does the old pool.
Watergarden Candi Dasa - perfect.
Best restaurants - TJs at the Watergarden was my favourite. Also enjoyed Ma Jolly, Pantai, Fabios, Indo, Koris, Bali Que?, La Monde Dirty Duck and a few others. Only one bad meal at that was on the beach at Sanur markets. Thankyou to Bali Villas for the recommendation of Lia Restaurant at Jimbaran Bay. Food was excellent and I think we paid around 1/4 of what we usually paid. Fish and squid 50,000.
Highs - staying at such lovely hotels, Candi Dasa, sipping bintang on the beach watching the sunset, Lia and TJ Restaurant, having fun with the locals on the beach, boat trips around Lembongan and Candi dasa, arriving. Booking accommodation over the internet.
Lows - leaving, Qantas flight schedule.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information.