Seminyak can get rougher than Jimbaran, since the latter is more or less protected by a reef. Both locales face west so you'll experience some beautiful sunsets from the beach. You are correct in assuming that the Oberoi is a nicer property than the Pansea, it's also larger, almost 4X larger (the hoel grounds). Compared to the Oberoi, the Pansea is little more family oriented, evidenced by the children's pool (horrors!), the Oberoi just had more of an adult feel to it. I believe the smallest rooms at the Oberoi are the Luxury Lanais and they measure 55 sq. m. (590 sq. ft.) If within your budget, try for one of the Villas, they are huge, at least 200 sq. m. (2150 sq. ft.)

The Oberoi gardens are unbelievable, and the food is much better than at the Pansea. Note that hotel dining is very expensive in Bali. There are comparable and better restaurants not attached to a hotel that will always be 1/4 to 1/3 the cost of dining in-house. Some of these will provide complimentary R/T transporation from your hotel.

I've been to Bali five times and although I haven't stayed in either hotel you mentioned, I have tried to visit each hotel zone (Sanur, Nusa Dua, Legian, Seminyak, etc.) each time to plan my next stay there. The last time I was there was September 2001, in fact I departed LAX on the first EVA Airways flight to Asia once flights resumed after 9/11. Needless to say, everything was ridiculously inexpensive in Bali at the time.

To me, the beaches in Bali are so-so, you will be constantly approached by vendors, beach masseuses, etc. This will not happen in the Nusa Dua area as they have rules prohibiting beach vendors from approaching visitors. You'll see them strolling around, but they won't approach you unless you summon them first.

Hope you have a good time and please write a report when you return.

[This message has been edited by Mr. Roboto (edited 07-31-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Mr. Roboto (edited 07-31-2003).]