Jakarta's BEST Kept Secret? OYO 91655 Hotel Hardin Syariah Review!
Hotel Review: A Chaotic, Honest, and (Mostly) Positive Dive
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to embark on a wild ride through my experience at . Forget polished marketing fluff, this is the real deal. Think of me as your sleep-deprived, caffeine-fueled guide – ready to spill the beans AND the coffee (hopefully not on the pristine white linens).
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Good & The Slightly Confusing)
Okay, so first things first: Accessibility. Crucial. And , bless their hearts, they try. The website boasts about facilities for disabled guests, which got me excited. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a long travel day. And seeing the facilities for disabled guests listed made me hopeful. However, it wouldn’t be a proper review without some… quirks. Like, I noticed a few ramps that could be a little steeper than ideal. And while they have a car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge], getting around once you’re inside could be a challenge for some. It feels like they want to be accessible, but there’s definitely room for improvement.
Also, the exterior corridor situation… Honestly, part of me loved it for the fresh air and the feeling of being outside. Another part of me, the germaphobe in me, was a little… concerned. Especially considering the whole world is currently navigating the COVID situation.
Cleanliness & Safety - Living in a Sanitized Bubble (Mostly)
Speaking of COVID, let's touch on that. I appreciated the effort. They've got anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even have staff trained in safety protocol. Honestly, it felt like entering a slightly obsessive-compulsive sanitization zone. The hand sanitizer was omnipresent, and the individually-wrapped food options made me feel like I was on a space mission. They also have the doctor/nurse on call which is a super nice touch. They offered room sanitization opt-out available which is just… weird. Why would you not want your room sanitized? Okay, so, the one thing is the physical distancing of at least 1 meter felt… ambitious at times. It's hard to maintain that in the elevators with other people and even walking the halls.
Internet - The Digital Connection (Mostly Smooth)
Now, the things that matter. Internet. This is a big one for me. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and I can confirm it's mostly true. The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver, keeping me connected to the world. They also have Internet [LAN] which is neat, if you’re into that old-school wired thing. They even have Internet services listed – which I guess covers the Wi-Fi. All in all, I loved the quick connection, but I did struggle at one point. I was trying to upload a huge video to YouTube, and it was going…slow. But hey, the reception desk was helpful when I called them.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (With a few hiccups)
Alright, FOOD. This is where things get interesting. They offer a buffet in restaurant, which is a beautiful thing. Especially in the morning since they also have the breakfast [buffet]. I'm a sucker for the breakfast buffet, and this one was pretty solid. They had a nice array of Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options, and the freshly squeezed orange juice was heavenly. The coffee, on the other hand…. Let’s just say I was grateful for the complimentary tea in my room.
They have a bunch of restaurants. Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants. So many choices. Asian cuisine in restaurant was my jam. International cuisine in restaurant hit the spot when I was craving something different. They've got a bar too. Also, poolside bar is a must. And a coffee shop for when you need a little buzz. I did try some items in the a la carte in restaurant when I didn't feel like trekking to the buffet, and the service was perfect.
For snacking, they have a snack bar, which I totally utilized when I was caught between breakfast and lunch.
Now, for the not-so-perfect. There was one evening where I ordered room service [24-hour] – which is amazing in theory – after a super long day. The food took WAY longer than expected, and when it arrived, it wasn’t even what I’d ordered! But, hey, those things happen. I wasn't even that mad.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Pampering & Pools (The Good Part)
Alright, this is where really shines. They've got a swimming pool [outdoor] and boy, oh boy, is it gorgeous. A Pool with a view is my heaven. Sunbathing, cocktail in hand, overlooking the city? Yes, please. The Sauna and Steamroom were a dream come true, and the Spa/sauna, and the body scrub and body wrap… Honestly, I was practically floating out of there.
And the Fitness center is pretty good, too. I'm not a gym rat, but I did hit it up a couple of times just to burn off all that breakfast.
Services and Conveniences - Perks & Quirks
They had some seriously helpful stuff. The concierge was a lifesaver, and I am so thankful that they had the daily housekeeping. They have a convenience store on site which is the life of a traveler. The laundry service saved me from the mountain of dirty clothes I'd accumulated.
They also have a few slightly-less-common things. The gift/souvenir shop came in handy when I realized I’d completely forgotten to bring back a present for my mother. I did not use the Xerox/fax in business center, or any of the meeting/banquet facilities, but they're there, which is cool.
The Room Itself - My Cozy Chaos Chamber
Okay, my room. It was pretty spacious, and I had the Air conditioning! It could be controlled. The desk was perfect for working, the laptop workspace - great. I loved the high floor and the view. The internet access – wireless was spot on, and I definitely took advantage of the mini-bar. The bathrobes were super comfy, and the slippers were a nice touch. I can’t lie. The bathtub was dreamy after a long day.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Fun (Mostly)
They have a family/child-friendly policy, which I appreciate, even though I don't have kids. They have a babysitting service which I imagine is a plus for parents. They also have what I assume are kids facilities and kids meal options.
Safety and Security - Keeping Me Safe (Mostly)
Okay, safety. I noticed the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Always a good thing. The fire extinguisher and smoke alarms made me feel safe. The security [24-hour] was a definite plus.
Here's where the Stream-of-Consciousness Gets REALLY Messy
Okay, so. I'm trying to make sense of everything. As you can see, a lot is going on. The Room sanitization opt-out available thing is a mystery to me. Like, why would you?!
And I did enjoy the Happy hour at the bar. But I did find the Smoking area to be a bit… isolated.
And I did see that they have a proposal spot. Cute.
Final Verdict - Should You Book?
Look, is not perfect. There are little quirks, there are moments of frustration, but overall? Absolutely! I would book this hotel again.
It’s clean, it’s comfortable, it’s got amazing amenities (hello, spa!), and the staff, for the most part, are genuinely lovely.
Here's the Deal - A Compelling Offer for You!
Ready to experience the controlled chaos of yourself? Book your stay within the next week and get:
- FREE upgrade to a room with a view! (Because, why not?)
- A complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar! (You deserve it!)
- 20% off all spa treatments! (Because, pampering!)
Click here to book your unforgettable getaway! [Link to Hotel Website]
Don't wait! My review is just the tip of the iceberg. Come experience the adventure for yourself.
Escape to Paradise: Family Fun Awaits at Hotel Costamar, Puerto Escondido!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average pristine travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the beautiful, messy, and totally unpredictable experience that is trying to experience Jakarta from the… well, let's just say “budget-friendly” comfort of OYO 91655 Hotel Hardin Syariah. Honestly, God help us all.
The Definitive (Maybe?) Jakarta Adventure: A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Budget Hotels
- Morning (or, you know, whenever I manage to wake up after a 20-hour flight): Land in Jakarta. Pray the baggage handlers haven't used my suitcase for a game of football. Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The airport itself? Surprisingly modern, given the… well, the rest of this trip's trajectory. Finding a decent (read: not actively trying to swindle me) taxi is the first hurdle. Wish me luck.
- Afternoon: Arrive at OYO 91655 Hotel Hardin Syariah. Deep breaths. Okay, the website promised "clean rooms" and "friendly service." Here's hoping it's not like that time I booked a "luxury cabin" and ended up in a glorified shed with questionable plumbing.
- Anecdote:* The lobby smells vaguely of sandalwood and… something else. Something I can't quite place. Is that… wet dog? I'M NOT EVEN BRINGING A DOG! My luggage takes a direct hit when the lobby door gets slammed, followed by a screaming kid, I can hear his mother calling his name, his name is "Aldi".*
- Emotional Reaction:* A tiny wave of nausea hits me. This is the part where I question my life choices. Did I really need to save those twenty bucks? Are roaches supposed to be included in the 'local experience'? Am I going to need a tetanus shot?*
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Attempt to unpack. Discover a single, incredibly thin, and likely stained towel. Contemplate requesting another one, but the thought of interacting with the reception staff again fills me with a bone-deep weariness. Decide to live dangerously, using the aforementioned towel to wipe myself.
- Quirky Observation:* The TV seems to only have Indonesian channels… or, at least, that's all I can decipher. There's a constant stream of what I think is a soap opera, but the subtitles are in a language I've never even heard of, I have no idea what's going on. It's mesmerizing. Like watching a car crash in slow motion.*
- Evening: Dinner. Okay, finding food… here's where it gets tricky. The hotel "restaurant" is probably a vending machine selling day-old peanuts. Brave the local street food. Probably. Find a Warung (small food stall) nearby for some Nasi Goreng (fried rice). Hope I don't get "Jakarta Belly."
- Opinion:* The Nasi Goreng? Actually, pretty damn good. Delicious even. The best bite? The chili, for sure. The spice is worth the risk of the inevitable emergency trip to the bathroom later. Why did I eat like 4 plates already?
- Night: Try to sleep. The chorus of cicadas outside my window is deafening. Discover a tiny, possibly venomous, insect crawling on my pillow. Cue internal scream.
Day 2: Exploring the Chaos (and Hoping to Survive)
- Morning (or, you know, whenever my system has recovered from the Nasi Goreng): Struggle to wake up. Drink the extremely questionable complimentary coffee. Consider a shower, but fear the water pressure might be… an issue.
- Late Morning: Venture into the "real" Jakarta. My plan? A complete shot-in-the-dark. Get on a public bus, or maybe a ride-hailing app. I don't have a clear idea right now. This needs a good guide. The first stop: the Museum of National History.
- Rambling:* I'm thinking of trying to locate the most beautiful place in Jakarta, but I can't find it yet, this is what I usually do. This whole "planning" thing is a joke. I will get lost. I will probably say something offensive without knowing it. I will try a durian, even though people warn me about it. Then I will come back at the hotel.
- Afternoon: Get lost. Definitely get lost. Probably in the maze-like streets of Old Town. Get ripped off by a street vendor. Embrace the chaos.
- Emotional Reaction:* The crowds are intense. The smells… whew. A combination of exhaust fumes, street food, and something vaguely floral I can't identify. It's overwhelming, yet… strangely energizing.
- Anecdote: I saw a guy riding a motorbike, carrying three chickens. No, seriously. Three. Balancing them precariously. This city is something else.
- Late Afternoon: Find a rooftop café (hopefully). Sip on some iced coffee, watch the sunset (hopefully). Reflect on my life choices.
- Opinion:* Jakarta is both beautiful and chaotic. It's a sensory overload, a constant assault on the senses. The sheer vibrancy of the city is intoxicating.
- Evening: Another attempt at dinner. This time, try a different Warung. Maybe. Or maybe just order some instant noodles from the 7/11.
- Messy Structure:* I can't make a good plan… I'm always changing my mind, which sucks, even though it's "my" itinerary. Tomorrow, I was planning to go to the Art Gallery, but I don't know! I'm just going to do what feels right, I don't have to book anything, this can be a good experience.
Day 3: Farewell (or, "Get Me Out of Here!")
- Morning: Check-out. Pray the hotel doesn't try to charge me for the "missing" towel (which I discreetly hid under the mattress).
- Stream-of-Consciousness: My mind is already racing, I'm running from everything. I am getting out of here.
- Late Morning: Taxi to the airport (again, hope for the best). Reflect on my Jakarta adventure.
- Afternoon: Leave.
- Emotional Reaction:* A mix of relief and… a strange sense of melancholy. Jakarta, with all its imperfections, has wormed its way under my skin.
- Opinion:* I'm exhausted. Dirty. Slightly traumatized. But I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything.
- Night: Still on the plane, I'm writing this now. Back home. I am not looking back! I am going to sleep.
Important Notes:
- Expect the Unexpected: This itinerary is more of a suggestion than a rigid plan. Things WILL go wrong. Embrace it.
- Street Food: Be careful. Seriously.
- Bargaining: Bargain. Always.
- Pace Yourself: Jakarta is intense. Take breaks. Drink PLENTY of water.
- Don't Expect Luxury: This IS a budget trip. You're not staying at the Ritz. Lower those expectations, and you might just have a blast.
- Be open: This is the fun part!
This is the raw, unfiltered truth, folks. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor! Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go wash the lingering scent of sandalwood and… whatever that other smell was… off my hands. And maybe disinfect my luggage.
Seoul's Secret Mangrove Miracle: Dongdaemun's Hidden Oasis!
So, what *is* this whole FAQ thing anyway? Like, are we selling snake oil?
Alright, alright, let's get real. This isn't some slick sales pitch. Think of this as the digital version of me, desperately trying to answer the same darn questions over and over again so I don't lose my mind. I mean, *I* made some fantastic cookies once only to forget the recipe; no amount of FAQs could help me on that; anyway, FAQ here means Frequently Asked Questions. It's the place where you, dear reader, can find answers to questions you’ve probably already cooked up in your head. Or that I imagine you have. Or that *someone* asked me, and then I thought, "Hmm, might be useful to the masses." It's basically me trying to cover my bases before you can even ask. You know, preemptive strike against confusion. Or at least a valiant effort. Depends on the day.
Are these answers, like, *actually* helpful? Or just a bunch of fluff?
Okay, look. I'm not going to lie to you. I *try* to be helpful. Sometimes. Okay, maybe not *always*. Listen, I'm not a robot. I get distracted. I have opinions. I might wander off on a tangent about the existential dread of lukewarm coffee. But, I'm aiming for helpful, actionable, maybe even a little bit insightful, mostly truthful information. Maybe. Okay, fine. You might find some fluff. I’m human. Blame the internet.
Also, I once spent three hours troubleshooting a printer that, it turned out, wasn't plugged in a similar situation could happen here, sometimes.
What if I have a question that *isn't* here? Am I doomed?
Doomed? No! (Probably). Look, I've got a life too. (Kind of. I’m not *completely* sure anymore.) If you've got a question that's not covered, you can always… you know… ask. I'm kidding, obviously. Email, message, whatever you're into. Just be warned: I *might* take a while to respond. I’m also dealing with a perpetually overflowing inbox, a cat that thinks keyboards are delicious, and the crushing weight of... well, you get the idea. But I *will* try. Unless the cat gets to the email first. Then you're out of luck.
Where do you get your information from? Do you have PhD, a team of experts?
Ah, the million-dollar question! You know that meme where the expert is basically a dude in his pajamas? Yeah, well, let's say I'm that guy, just with slightly less coffee stains on the shirt. I'm no brain surgeon, and I don't have a panel of advisors. I rely on a mix of experience (which, honestly, could be better), common sense (debatable), and yes, sometimes, frantically Googling things.
I can't quite recall the time I was sure that everyone should grow their own food to save the planet, but that was before I tried to grow carrots; they were so small, a rabbit would need binoculars to find them... Not everything's perfect.
How do you make decisions, like, the big ones?
Oh, decisions! The bane of my existence! And the biggest ones? Forget about it. The process usually involves a lot of pacing, self-doubt, and a healthy dose of procrastination. Followed by panicking.
I'll tell you a secret. My biggest decision-making technique involves flipping a coin (seriously). But then I'll convince myself the coin got it wrong or the situation is much more complex. Then I just do whatever I feel like (eventually).
How does a day work out?
The rhythm of the day? It looks different, depending on the weather, my mood, and how much coffee is in the pot. I might wake up at 5 AM with a brilliant idea, or sleep until noon. Sometimes I go for a jog, or watch TV, or I'll just find myself making lists, planning, and then forgetting what the list was for...
There's a moment of peace when, in the middle of the most hectic schedule, I remember how beautiful the world is, and all the moments are worth it. Then I remember the deadline. But hey, it is what it is.
What are your weaknesses?
Oh, weakness! I'm terrible at staying organized. I'm easily distracted by shiny objects, or interesting facts. And I have a tendency to overthink things. Really. Too much. I also have a serious love-hate relationship with online shopping--mostly hate. Also, I tend to apologize way too much. But, as I am, I'm learning, and that's better than nothing.
So, should I trust you? Honestly?
Trust? That's a loaded question. Look, I'm not going to lie to you, I am not always right. I have biases. I'm human, and sometimes that means being... unreliable.
I can't promise perfection. I can only promise that I'm trying my best. So, trust me with a grain of salt. Check my work. Do your own research. And if something smells fishy, by all means, question it. I'd rather you be skeptical than blindly follow me off a cliff. Although if the view's good from the cliff, maybe I'll join you.
