1

I don’t have a good record where hotel recommendations are concerned but as you have had no replies here goes..
We stayed for a few days at Colin Beach Hotel at Latuhalat the end of March this year and it suited our needs

Accommodation: We stayed in their best room right by the beach... big clean room, 2 double beds, AC, TV, hot water (maybe a problem there; a bit dribbly as I remember). The place was sparsely occupied so we were able to bargain down from 300k to 250.

Beach: not much sand but able to walk along a long distance and snorkelling and swimming pleasant – bring your own gear. Very pleasant outlook....high tide salt water pool a few metres from room. Only about 4 lounges which could be an issue if there are more guests.

Food: Complementary breakfast though eggs extra. Their restaurant was a bit overpriced for me (but probably not for most), and limited for vegetarians. They refused to order in tempe or tahu so we looked around for alternatives for our main meals but not much locally available. An excellent family stall opens on the main road at night for a couple of hours selling some truly delicious fare, mostly as takeaway.... and including both tempe and tahu – fixed price meal 15k per person. Hotel staff seemed to resent our eating at the stall and dropped the choklat sprinkle and peanut butter option from our breakfast toast options. Out of Bintang all the time we were there and had to drink Ankor

Transport: An excellent bemo service operates between Latuhalat and Ambon City (overloaded at school turn out times) – 3k pp – good for daily sightseeing but I doubt it would get you out to the airport in time for your Banda flight. The hotel has a couple of vehicles which I am sure could be chartered but we chose to move out to the airport area the day before – no AC out there!

Google the place and see what you think... I'm sure you will have a beautiful trip

2

Lelisa is now under new management as Colin - see the above description.
It is probably the best bet for you.

3

Cheers guys really appreciate the help, I actually forgot that Colin Beach was on Ambon. I've been looking at that much accommodation on Ambon, Saparua, Bandas, Kei that at this stage I'm getting delusional!! I had a look on the internet at it before, looks quite nice although haven't found any pictures of the room itself but I'm sure it's fine.
Any idea of how long it takes to get to the airport? Have booked the Bandaneira flight through Bahri in Delfika but not sure what time it is at. If it was early morning could this pose a problem getting there on time from Colin Beach?

4

The NBA Bandaneira flight is scheduled for 7am with check in at 6. To get to the airport from Latuhalat you must pass through Ambon City so it's quite a way. Even to make it from a homestay besides the runway by 6am means rising before first light. That said many spend the night before in town and make it so what's an extra 20mins or so? Your choice.

5

the airport bus leaves Ambon 4.30 am

6

Cheers for the info guys, will probably go ahead with Colin Hotel. Would love somewhere beside the airport, pity there is nowhere half decent. And as udangompong says, there's not going to be much difference getting up at 4 or 4.30 anyway.
Thanks again.