Mercure, Kuta

Advantages: Cheap, sunny and plenty to do
Disadvantages: Can be loud with the nightlife

...Kuta is the most popular tourist destination in Bali. The beaches here are absolutely beautiful.... as long as you don't look too close (there is a lot of rubbish). When I first arrived there I had no idea where I was going to stay which was kind of scary but a couple of us hunted around for cheap accommodation and eventually found a place called Uncle Sams on poppies lane. The budget accommodation in Kuta is cheap and basic but as I didn't intend in staying there very long it was fine. It cost about £2 a night and that included a fresh fruit salad breakfast and a cup of Bali tea or coffee - the tea and coffee I do not recommend. I found it quite surreal walking along the beach in Kuta watching the surfers with the sun going down, pretty cool though. There are lots of side stalls on the streets in Kuta and some of them are hard... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, quiet, fun
Disadvantages: Weather can be dodgy

...I just got home from a couple of days in Kuta - a reasonably good trip despite the lousy weather. I arrived at Denpassar Airport - which despite the name is just south of of the Kuta Legian region. I was met at the airport by a bemo driver who normally drives for my parents when they are in Bali. From the moment we met he treated me with respect and concern - he told me about many of the scams to avoid while in town and where some of the better places to eat and shop were located. I stayed at an older and somewhat less popular accommodation called Kuta Bungalows on the corner of Jl Benesari and Melasti Lane. The owners were delighted to meet me as my parents have been visiting them regularly for years - everyone I spoke to knew my mother and spoke of her with great and I think genuine affection. I paid a reasonable price... Read review

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Advantages: Very close to Tate Modern, and Southwark tube station
Disadvantages: Located on the other side of the river from the likes of Oxford Street

...I stayed at the London Mercure London City last weekend as part of a birthday treat from my boyfriend (I believe he booked it as part of a deal with rail tickets/show tickets/hotel, so am unable to tell you how much the hotel costs separately!). We stayed there for one night (a Saturday) after spending the day shopping in Oxford Street and the evening watching Phantom of the Opera at the London Palladium. We were able to check-in from 2 o'clock onwards, and we arrived at approximately 5pm. We were greeted at reception by a member of staff and a trainee, and were offered a smoking or non-smoking room. We opted for a non-smoking room and were given room 502 on the 5th floor. Room 502 is just a few steps away from the lift, and is forwards facing so you can see straight out into Southwark Street. It is a two-person room with a decent... Read review

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