Suggestions of where to stay in Kuta & Ubud.

Try Prawita in Kuta -- I haven't stayed there for a long time but I think it will be the type of thing you are looking for.
http://hotelprawita.com/Hotel_Prawita_-_The_Hotel_with_Heart/Home.html
Sorry there are no prices but I think it will be about AUD50. I suggest booking in advance if Feb turns out to be a peak season (or even weekend).

Sorry no Kuta recommendations but last time I was there I just found a small GH near the market which was about half what you are talking about.

Paul

Many thanks Paul, I had a look at their website and it looks ideal, close to everything we need. I'll contact them soon for a reservation.

Ubud tends to be busy throughout.
Do you want to stay in the centre or in the spa like hotels a little further out, but generally within walking distance (less that a mile) of the centre?

Can't really say ae123456 because I never been to Ubud before, I just heard it nice and scenic and a pleasant change from the beaches, so thought we'd take a look for a couple nights. So I'm open to suggestions.

For Ubud, I would stay out of the center. It is much too crowded with tourists and the many, many tour buses bringing day trippers from the Kuta/Seminyak areas. You can find quiet, rice-paddy-view hotels away from the center, even just one or two streets back that seem a world away from the chaos and noise. We often stay on Jalan Bisma for an easy walk to all the excitement and restaurants. Take a look at Uma Sari or Nick's Pension. The best part about Ubud are the many attractions near there like Gunung Kawi, Yeh Pulu and the Pejeng temples anyway. Use Ubud central for shopping and massage.

Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali -- famous for its temples, art galleries and dance performances at night. There is the famous Monkey Forest (make sure that you have nothing, like glasses, pens, etc, that the monkeys can snatch from you). There are many important places a little bit out of town so hire a car and driver or a motor bike for a day or two. You will to be properly licensed for a motor bike and wear a helmet, too. Plan on more than "a couple of nights".

Paul

Hello.

If you want to stay away from the crowds, I would avoid Legian and Kuta. I only say this because I have stayed there before. Look into Nusa Dua, or Seminikyak. All areas are easily accessible to the beach via, a private driver. Not too expensive.

Kuta and Legian, is just too crowded with Tourists and its difficult to get in and out of the area due to the traffic congestion. Only stay there if you want to party, go to pub and like going to night clubs. Otherwise stay at the other areas, where all other ammenties are just as good, and much easier to get to.

I wrote a blog back in 2012, take a moment to have read through. you may find some random things there to be useful.

http://henrylam.zenfolio.com/blog/2012/9/tips-for-travelling-to-bali

Hi @macbobbi.124581

I'd recommend Nirwa Homestay (£19/night), Nirvana Pension (£20/night) or Jungut Inn (£10/night) and I have further recommendations here.

Hope that helps,
Rachel x

Thank you everyone for taking time to offer your suggestions and recommendations, all are very helpful for us. I'll start checking online for the various acommodations you have all recommended.

HenryLam & acrosslandsea: I took a quick look at your Bali blogs and both certainly looks interesting and informative. I'll have a more thorougher read later today.