Luxury Getaway: Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah's Hidden Gem in Lampung!
Alright, buckle up Buttercups! I've just survived a luxurious getaway, deep in the heart of Lampung, at the Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah (and trust me, it's a mouthful). This isn't your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the raw, unadulterated truth, sprinkled with glitter and a healthy dose of caffeine. Prepare for a messy, honest (sometimes brutal) take on this "Hidden Gem."
Accessibility – Or, The Great Elevator Debate (and Other Minor Quirks)
Okay, first off, I'm no wheelchair user, but I did nose around. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. The elevator is there (thank GOD! I hate stairs, especially after a buffet breakfast), so that's a plus. The Access seems…okay? Look, it's not super polished. Some ramps could be a bit steeper. But hey, they tried, which is more than some places can say. Note to self: They really should up their game, though. Nobody wants to risk a tumble trying to reach a pool!
On-Site Grub & Booze – From Asian Bliss to "Oops, I Ordered Too Much"
Let's talk about the REAL priorities: food and cocktails! The Restaurants situation is pretty damn good. They've got a Western, Asian, International cuisine mishmash. I had an amazing Asian breakfast one morning that felt like a hug. The Buffet in restaurant was… well, it's a buffet. You know the drill. Pile it high, try everything (and probably get a food coma). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, which is crucial for someone like me. And the Poolside bar…oh, the poolside bar! That's where the magic happens. Lounging, sipping something fruity, pretending I'm a movie star… pure bliss.
They've got a Bar, with a decent selection. I had a Happy hour, naturally. And I'll admit, I may have overdone that part. The Bottle of water in my room was a lifesaver the next morning, let me tell you! The Snack bar was handy for those midday cravings.
Here’s where it gets a bit… messy. The A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant options are great, but can get pricey when you're hungover, and I may have accidentally ordered a mountain of the Desserts in restaurant. Don’t judge! We're human, right?
Cleanliness & Safety – Sanitizers, Sterilizers, and a Sense of Relief
Okay, in these post-pandemic times, this is HUGE. I am a germaphobe at heart, and I'm happy to report that Hygiene certification is visible. The Anti-viral cleaning products – yep! They’re using the good stuff! I saw staff scrubbing constantly, so my neurotic brain was relatively happy. Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services - they're really on it. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Honestly, I felt safer there than I do in my own apartment.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Sauna Secrets and Spa Shenanigans
This is where the Urbanview REALLY shines. The Swimming pool, oh, the pool! Pool with view is an understatement. Turquoise water, sun, and a breathtaking view… I spent HOURS there. They've got a Fitness center, if you're into that sort of thing (I am… not). But the real winner? The Spa!
Let me tell you a story about the Spa. I went in for a "relaxing" Body scrub. Apparently, I needed it. I left smelling like roses and feeling like a completely new woman. (Side note: I almost fell asleep during the scrub. The therapist kept me awake with her prodding.) The pressure, the oils, the sheer indulgence… it was heavenly. Absolutely worth every penny. I could have happily spent the entire week in there!
The Sauna was also tempting, and I did try a Foot bath, which was…okay. (The scrub stole the show.)
Internet – Wi-Fi Warriors, Unite!
Ah, the internet. The modern-day umbilical cord. They do have Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YAY! It’s stable and generally fast, so you can post all your envy-inducing pool pics without a hitch. Internet is available throughout, obviously – and thank goodness!
Services & Conveniences – Doormen, Dry Cleaning, and the Magic of a Concierge
They've got the standard hotel stuff. Doorman (gotta love the formality!), Concierge (helpful, but not quite as magical as I'd hoped), and the usual Laundry service and Dry cleaning. Daily housekeeping was on point. The Elevator was always there when I needed it (bless). Luggage storage, if you're a chronic over-packer like me. Not a bad offering.
For the Kids – Babysitting and Family Fun (Probably)
I don’t have kids, but they seem to cater to families. Babysitting service available (for those of you who need a break), Family/child friendly, and Kids meal options on the menu, which is always a win.
Rooms – My Personal Oasis (with a Few Quirks)
The Rooms themselves? Pretty damn good. The Air conditioning worked a treat (thank goodness!), the Blackout curtains were AMAZING for lazy mornings. The Bed was comfortable, but the Extra long bed was unnecessary (I am not that tall). The Bathroom was clean, with a Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub (fancy!). The Free bottled water was a lifesaver (again, the effects of the bar!). The Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, and the Mini bar were all appreciated.
Now, the quirks… The Closet was a bit small. And the Toiletries were… fine. Nothing to write home about. One slightly annoying thing: There was a Mirror everywhere! At one point I think I could have seen myself in five places at once, but overall, a great experience.
Getting Around – Airport Transfers and Taxi Troubles
They offer Airport transfer, which is a HUGE convenience. Saves you the stress. I didn't use the Taxi service, but saw plenty of them around. Car park [free of charge] is a bonus.
Safety & Security – Smoke Detectors Galore!
I'm always looking for the safety stuff. Fire extinguisher – check! Smoke alarms – check! CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour]… good signs!
The Offer – Your Luxurious Lampung Escape!
Okay, here's the deal. You're tired. You need a break. You deserve some pampering. You need this.
Book your stay at Luxury Getaway: Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah today!
For a limited time, enjoy:
- Complimentary welcome cocktail & free snacks upon arrival!
- A 15% discount on all spa treatments, including the mind-blowing body scrub!
- Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability) so you can maximize your relaxation time!
- Free breakfast for your first day!
Click the link now and treat yourself to an unforgettable escape! This isn't just a hotel stay; it's an experience. It's a reset. It's the pampering you've been craving.
Don’t wait! Your Lampung adventure awaits!
P.S. Did I mention how amazing the pool is? Just book it. Seriously. You won't regret it. And maybe, just maybe, I'll see you at the poolside bar!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Discover Hotel O A K, Mehandawali, India
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going FULL BONG GAJAH, Lampung, Indonesia, and it's gonna be… well, let's just say it's gonna be an adventure. I'm trying to be all "organized travel blogger" but honestly, I'm fueled by instant noodles and the faint hope that I won't get lost. Here goes:
URBANVIEW HOTEL BONG GAJAH – THE "GET ME OUT OF HERE (But Also, Maybe Give Me More Nasi Goreng)" ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival and the "Is This Real Life?" Moment
- 14:00 WIB (West Indonesian Time): Arrived at Radin Inten II Airport (TKG). Okay, first hurdle: surviving the taxi ride. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to think he was in a Fast & Furious movie… in a bajaj. My stomach has officially lodged somewhere near my throat. (Mental note: learn some basic Indonesian phrases IMMEDIATELY.) Checked in at the Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah, and the lobby is… fine. Think "functional beige" with a lingering scent of… something vaguely floral and possibly incense. (I hope it's incense. If not, I'm blaming the durian).
- 15:00 WIB: Okay, room's not bad. Clean-ish. The air conditioner is fighting a noble battle against the Lampung humidity, and I'm pretty sure it's losing. The view? Lets just say that it's not a coastal view. Instead of that, I think I will be able to see a local residential area.
- 16:00 WIB: EXPLORING THE HOTEL! Seriously, this is a thing, right? The rooftop pool is… deceptively small in the photos. And the pool is probably going to be filled with all the children of the hotel. I'm already picturing myself awkwardly trying to look cool while simultaneously avoiding accidental splashes. The gym? Well, let's just say the equipment looks like it's seen better days and is not going to be used.
- 18:00 WIB: Dinner. Found a local Warung (small restaurant) nearby. The smell of grilling chicken nearly seduced me from my hotel. This is where the Nasi Goreng dreams come true. Oh. My. God. It was the best Nasi Goreng. The rice was perfect, the egg was cooked perfectly, the sweet soy sauce was heavenly! It was a religious experience. I ate so much I'm pretty sure I'm going to regret it later. But for now? Bliss.
Day 2: Uncharted Territories and Tourist Traps
- 07:00 WIB: Woke up to the sound of… everything. Roosters, motorbikes, and the general clamor of a city waking up. (Mental note: Invest in earplugs). Breakfast at the hotel: The “American Breakfast” consisted of toast, a sad fried egg and a slice of ham that I'm 90% sure was just a rectangle of pressed meat. I'll be sticking to Nasi Goreng from now on.
- 09:00 WIB: Exploring the City. Decided to step into the heart of the city. Finding a taxi with the help of a hotel staff, and now I am on the road. The traffic is absolute pandemonium, a colourful chaos of motorbikes, cars, and… apparently, anything that moves. I was expecting an organized chaos of traffic, but I think I should give up.
- 12:00 WIB: Lunch and the cultural awakening. Found a nice little warung. The atmosphere made me feel like the only non-local people in that place. It was almost beautiful the way everything was simple.
- 14:00 WIB: Visiting the museum. The museum was not going to be what I was expected, but it had everything that I can ask for in a museum.
- 17:00 WIB: Relaxing and Resting at the Hotel. The pool, let's just say I was right about the children. Well, I'm getting used to the place.
- 19:00 WIB: Dinner at, yes, another local Warung. And the Nasi Goreng was not as good. But hey, you can't win 'em all.
Day 3: Beach Day (Or Attempt Thereof)
- 08:00 WIB: Woke up. Feeling a little less… vibrant. Coffee might be necessary. Decided to hit the beach, and my friend suggests visiting the beach.
- 11:00 WIB: On the beach. The beach was… well, it was nice. The water was warm, some local playing on the beach, and the sand was… sandy. The lack of shade was a tiny bit of a problem. But hey, did I mention I'm getting a tan?
- 13:00 WIB: Lunch at a restaurant near the beach. Ate some grilled fish, that was, surprisingly, pretty good. The view was spectacular.
- 15:00 WIB: Going back to the hotel. Not much to do, so I decided to visit the hotel.
- 18:00 WIB: Dinner at the hotel. Decided to play it safe tonight, since tomorrow I will be leaving Lampung.
Day 4: Departure and Existential Dread
- 07:00 WIB: Woke up. Honestly, I’m starting to feel like I’m acclimating to this chaos. Packed up my stuff (which, let’s face it, mostly consists of dirty laundry and souvenirs).
- 08:00 WIB: Breakfast: This time, I went for the local equivalent of a pancake, which was actually pretty good. Still, missing Nasi Goreng already.
- 09:00 WIB: Quick trip to the local market. This place was a sensory overload! The smells (sweet, spicy, and sometimes… questionable), the colours, the sheer energy of the place. Bought some coffee and a questionable fruit I can't even name. (Pray for my digestive system).
- 11:00 WIB: Hotel check-out.
- 12:00 WIB: Off to the airport. Goodbye Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah! You were… an experience. I'm probably going to miss the slightly-too-loud air conditioning and the constant hum of the city. Okay, no, I won’t. But I will miss the Nasi Goreng.
- 14:00 WIB: On the plane. Looking out the window. A wave of existential dread washes over me as I realize… I’m probably going to return. Lampung, you weird, wonderful, chaotic place. You've got me hooked. And I can't wait to come back for more Nasi Goreng.
Final Thoughts: This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, I ate some questionable food, and I missed my own bed. But it was REAL. It was messy. And it taught me that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones where you don’t have a perfect plan. And to always, always, have a backup plan for Nasi Goreng. See ya, Lampung!
Dong Van's Hidden Gem: Quang Trung Guesthouse Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah: The Lampung Adventure (Frequently Questioned, Honestly!)
Okay, spill it. Is Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah really a "hidden gem" or just another hotel pretending to be fancy?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Hidden gem" is a loaded term, isn't it? I went in with *massive* skepticism. Lampung? Bong Gajah? My expectations were, shall we say, lowered. But... and this is where things get messy... it *kind of* lived up to the hype. The location on the beach is undeniably stunning. Picture this: I, a seasoned (and somewhat cynical) traveler, waking up to the sound of waves and the smell of... well, the sea. Not the usual hotel-breakfast-buffet waft. That's a win.
The "gem" part? It's less about gold and more about the *genuine* tranquility you find there. I spent a solid hour just staring at the ocean from my balcony, and I swear, my blood pressure actually *dropped*. That's worth something, right?
What's the deal with the rooms? Luxurious or barely-there?
Okay, here's the truth bomb: The rooms aren't *palaces*. Think... stylish, comfortable, and clean. Some of the furniture felt a *little* dated, and there was a minor issue with the air conditioning in the first 20 minutes of my stay (I'm talking full-body sweat-fest before someone sorted it). But the view? Absolutely divine. I'm a sucker for a good view, and this one had me hooked.
The bathroom was functional, not spa-level. The shower had decent water pressure, God bless it. And look, let's be real, after a day of sun and exploring, all you really need is a clean bed and a place to escape the relentless, beautiful heat. They delivered on that.
How's the food? Because let's be honest, bad hotel food can ruin a perfectly good vacation.
Alright, buckle up, food lovers. The breakfast buffet... was a journey. They had the usual suspects: nasi goreng (always a good sign), some sort of scrambled eggs that looked suspiciously orange, and a variety of pastries that ranged from "surprisingly good" to "questionable texture." My advice? Stick to the nasi goreng, sample the local fruits (the pineapple was *amazing*), and avoid anything that looks like it's been sitting out for too long.
The restaurant also served lunch and dinner, and that's where things got interesting. One night, I ordered grilled fish. It was... *perfect*. Honestly, some of the best grilled fish I've ever had. The next night, I ordered the same dish and... it was a completely different experience. Less perfect. More... charred on the outside, slightly raw in the middle. (Maybe the chef was off-duty?). It was the *realest* restaurant experience I've had in a while. Take the good with the slightly less good and enjoy the view!
What is there to *do* around Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah? Is it literally just sunbathing and staring at the sea?
Okay, the activities... this is where the "hidden" aspect really comes into play. I wouldn't say there's a ton of organized entertainment, which, for me, was a blessing. You can definitely sunbathe and stare at the sea (and believe me, you'll want to). Water sports were available, though I didn't partake. There were a few local shops nearby where you can maybe find some souvenirs.
But the real draw? The *silence*, the lack of hustle. It's the perfect place to... do nothing. To read a book, to nap, to disconnect from the world (unless you use their pretty decent Wi-Fi). I spent one afternoon just wandering along the beach, collecting shells and feeling like a kid again. (Or maybe I was just avoiding the slightly questionable breakfast pastries). It's definitely a place for relaxation and recharging.
Any downsides? Something *must* be wrong, right?
Oh, honey, *every* place has its flaws. Besides the minor A/C hiccup and the inconsistent food, getting to the hotel can be a bit of an adventure (especially if you're coming from a busy city like Jakarta). Traffic can be a monster. Also, let's just say the service was "friendly", but sometimes a little slow. Expect to wait for a beverage.
And listen, there's a certain "laid-back" vibe... which means things aren't always perfectly polished. Don't go expecting a five-star experience. Go expecting a *real* experience, with all the messiness and imperfections that come with adventuring. Also, the internet connection *did* drop out for a couple hours one afternoon. This could be crucial for work if you have a very important deadline, but you're probably going there to unwind.
Would I actually recommend this place to my friends?
Okay, here's the honest truth. Yes, I would. But with caveats! If you're looking for a high-energy, activity-packed vacation, maybe not. If you need constant pampering and perfectly executed everything, look elsewhere.
But... if you crave a genuine break, a place to disconnect, and you're willing to embrace a bit of imperfection, then Urbanview Hotel Bong Gajah could be a revelation. It's a place to breathe, to unwind, and to reconnect with... well, yourself. The views are amazing, the beach is beautiful, and honestly? The slightly chaotic charm of the place grew on me. I'd absolutely go back. Maybe skip the pastries though. Just a thought.
