Unbeatable Makassar Stay: Lia Homestay Syariah (RedDoorz Partner!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you’re about to get the real lowdown on "Unbeatable Makassar Stay: Lia Homestay Syariah (RedDoorz Partner!)". Forget the polished TripAdvisor reviews, I’m here to give you the unvarnished truth. And let me tell you, this little RedDoorz gem is… well, it's a mixed bag, folks. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Maze):
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. Sigh. This is where things get a little… murky. While Lia Homestay claims "Facilities for disabled guests," I wouldn't bet the farm on it. Remember, this is Indonesia. Accessibility standards might be a little… different than what you're used to. The website doesn't scream "easy access." I'd recommend calling ahead and getting very specific about your needs. Do they have ramps? Are the rooms truly wheelchair-friendly? Honestly, I'm envisioning a slightly precarious climb, maybe a narrow doorway or two. Proceed with caution, my friends. This isn't the fault of Lia, more of a cultural thing.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because Nobody Wants the Makassar Flu:
Okay, listen up. In the age of COVID (and beyond!), we all want a clean hotel. Lia Homestay throws around words like "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Professional-grade sanitizing services." That’s good! They also boast “Rooms sanitized between stays”. I’m assuming this means they try! I’d still pack my own disinfectant wipes and maybe a biohazard suit, just in case - kidding! But seriously, look for evidence of recent cleaning. Smell for it! Honestly, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I’m always on high alert. It's a good sign they have the basics. But again, check. I imagine the quality is very dependent on the individual staff.
They also seem to take security seriously: "CCTV in common areas", "CCTV outside property", "Front desk [24-hour]," "Safety/security feature," and "Security [24-hour]," . That's all good news. Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers? Yep, they are there. My anxiety levels are starting to dip a little.
The Room: Where Dreams (and Wi-Fi) Go to Die?
Now, the rooms. The descriptions sound promising: "Air conditioning," "Free Wi-Fi," "Blackout curtains," "Desk," "Hair dryer," and "In-room safe box" are all good things! “Free bottled water” is a lifesaver in the humid Indonesian climate. But "Internet access – LAN" – hello, old school! Who even uses LAN cables anymore? The "Complimentary tea" is a nice touch, along with "Coffee/tea maker". "Satellite/cable channels" are a bonus for a relaxing evening.
Now, for the real question: how’s the Wi-Fi? The website screams, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" But, and this is a big BUT… hotels often say they have good Wi-Fi. In reality? It can be spotty. Plan for potential Wi-Fi outages and maybe download some offline content beforehand. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. I’m imagining it being stable, but not lightning-fast. The internet speed is critical. I need to work and this has to be solid. I can't emphasize this enough.
Dining, Sipping, and Snack-Time Shenanigans:
Alright, food! This is where things get really interesting in Indonesia. Lia Homestay offers stuff like "A la carte in restaurant," "Asian breakfast,” "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Restaurants”. This indicates some variety. It also boasts a "Bar". This is nice for people.
The “Breakfast [buffet]" could be a hit or miss. Buffets in some Indonesian hotels can be a bit, well, underwhelming. I have a feeling the selection will be limited at best. “Breakfast takeaway service” is a plus, especially if you're pressed for time.
There is talk of "Coffee shop" but that could mean anything. “Snack bar” is good for a quick bite. They also have a "Poolside bar". This is a definite plus, especially with a view of the pool – if there’s a view.
Things to Do (and Ways to Almost Relax):
Okay, so this is where I get a little lost. "Spa" "Spa/sauna" "Steamroom" and "Massage". Okay, so they say spa services! But. I'm picturing something more… basic. Think maybe a slightly overpriced massage table in a dimly lit room. I wouldn't go expecting a full-blown, luxurious spa experience. Probably a basic Indonesian one.
They have a "Swimming pool". "Pool with view". Maybe if you're lucky, it overlooks something scenic. "Fitness center"? Could be a treadmill stuck in a corner. I'd need to see some pictures.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and Puzzles
They provide a bunch of general conveniences too: "Air conditioning in public area" is critical. "Cash withdrawal" is useful and "Currency exchange" is good. "Daily housekeeping" is something you expect and "Elevator" is nice. "Ironing service," "Laundry service," and "Luggage storage" are all good.
Services
"Airport transfer" is a huge convenience. "Car park [free of charge]." "Valet parking". That's useful!
They also have "Meeting/banquet facilities." "Gift/souvenir shop" is a nice touch. "Concierge" is good.
For the Kids (Bless their hearts, if they survive):
"Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal." Okay, this could be great for families.
The Bottom Line (My Honest Take):
Look, "Unbeatable Makassar Stay: Lia Homestay Syariah (RedDoorz Partner!)" is probably not going to be the most mind-blowing, luxurious hotel experience of your life. But, it could be a solid option. It is probably a good place to start.
Here's the catch: the price is probably the key here. If the price is right, and you temper your expectations, you might have a perfectly pleasant stay. Just be realistic.
My Persuasive Offer (Because I’m Trying to Help You, Here):
Here's the deal: If you're looking for a budget-friendly stay in Makassar, and you prioritize cleanliness and safety, Unbeatable Makassar Stay: Lia Homestay Syariah (RedDoorz Partner!) might be worth a shot.
Here's why you should consider booking now:
- Value for Money: If the price is right, you're getting a decent deal, especially including the basics.
- Convenient Location (Maybe): Probably close to something.
- Safety First: They seem to be emphasizing safety measures.
- The Pool (Maybe): If that pool has a decent view, it could be worth it just for that.
My Recommendation:
Call the hotel before you book, ask specific questions about accessibility, and double-check the Wi-Fi situation. Make sure the price is a steal. If the answers are good, and the price is right… well, it might be a reasonable base for a Makassar adventure. Just pack your own… just in case… cleaning supplies!
Escape to Paradise: Sayang Sanur Villa VI Awaits in Bali
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into my Makassar adventure, specifically, the Lia Homestay Syariah Pettarani, Mitra RedDoorz Makassar in Indonesia! This isn't your pristine, meticulously curated itinerary. This is life, baby. Expect the unexpected. And probably a lot of me rambling.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Bed-Sheet Debacle (Oh, and Street Food!)
14:00 - Arrival at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG): Okay, first thing's first: the airport. Let's just say Indonesian airports aren't exactly known for their efficiency. It took me a glorious hour-and-a-half to clear immigration. An hour-and-a-half! Spent most of it sweating like a pig and wondering if I'd remembered to pack deodorant. (I hadn't, obviously). Found a taxi eventually; bargaining is key - you'll be paying way too much at first.
16:00 - Check-in at Lia Homestay (fingers crossed it actually exists): Okay, the homestay. Booking online had me a bit nervous, you know? Always skeptical about how accurate the photos are. Found Lia Homestay easily, the staff was welcoming-ish. The lobby…well, let's call it "functional." And then…the room. It smelled faintly of… something. Not bad, not good. Just… something.
Now, the bedsheets. Oh, the bedsheets. I'm pretty sure they'd seen better days. Like, a few better days. They were clean-ish but had a weird texture. Like a slightly scratchy, slightly damp… thing. I'm not gonna lie, I considered sleeping on the tiled floor. But, I had an early start, and the floor was tiled and cold. Decided to tough it out. (Spoiler: I lived to tell the tale. Barely.)
18:00 - First Street Food Adventure! (This is where things get interesting): Forget the hotel food! Right outside the homestay was a glorious explosion of smells, sounds, and sizzling goodness. I dove in.
- The Coto Makassar: I started with the Coto Makassar, the city's signature dish. A rich, savory soup with beef, tripe, and various unidentifiable (but delicious!) bits. It was amazing. Seriously, I could have eaten five bowls. The slightly fatty nature of the broth was a total delight.
- The Pisang Epe: Grilled bananas with a sweet sauce? Yes, please! This was instant happiness, I love it, so much. It was the perfect counterpoint to the savory Coto. Sweet, chewy, everything I needed at that time.
19:00 - Attempt at local communication: Tried to ask the vendor if he had any other things on the menu. The language barrier was REAL. The vendor just laughed and pointed at the Coto and the Pisang Epe, so I ordered more.
20:00 - Back to the Room of Questionable Bedding: Survived. Just.
Day 2: Exploring Makassar & Overcoming My Fear of Clumsiness!
08:00 - Breakfast at the Homestay (another adventure): Breakfast was included (huzzah!). It turned out to be a sad plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) and a lukewarm cup of instant coffee. I ate it because, well, I was starving.
09:00 - Fort Rotterdam (and the heat!): Decided to be a tourist! Found a becak (a sort of rickshaw-cycle) and haggled my way to Fort Rotterdam. The fort itself was actually pretty cool. Old stone buildings, remnants of the Dutch colonial era. Wandered around, trying to imagine what life must have been like back then.
- The Heat Factor: Also, I nearly melted. The sun was brutal. By the time I was done, my shirt was soaked, and I was pretty sure I resembled a sweaty, slightly bewildered tomato.
11:00 - Lunch at a Random Warung (spicy alert!): Found a little warung (local, basic restaurant) near the fort. Ordered some nasi campur (mixed rice with various meats and veggies). The food was delicious - incredibly flavorful - and about a thousand times spicier than I expected. My mouth was on fire. I had to chug three glasses of water. But hey, at least I felt alive!
13:00 - Kayu Bangkoa Beach: The beach was nothing special, I will be honest. I wanted to rest but there were children everywhere, shouting and running around, so I didn't manage to.
15:00 - Back to the Homestay (and more questionable decisions): Decided I needed a nap after the beach fiasco. Managed to wrangle myself into a state of tired. The bedsheets still hadn't improved. Wondering if I should get a pillowcase from outside:
18:00 - Dinner (and a near-miss): Went back to the same street food vendor, the Coto guy recognized me. Made some friends. Ended up almost eating my own foot when the vendor brought a bowl of Coto with a chili pepper that was the size of my mouth.
Day 3: Flying Away.
- 09:00 - Farewell Makassar: A final Coto Makassar. Always the coto.
- 11:00 - Checked out of Lia Homestay.
- 12:00 - Arrived at the airport.
- 14:00 - The End! The end of the best trip ever!
Final Thoughts:
Makassar was a whirlwind. It was hot, chaotic, and challenging. The Lia Homestay? Well, let's just say it wasn't exactly the Ritz. But the food? The people? The sheer, unadulterated experience? Absolutely unforgettable. I'd go back in a heartbeat, bedsheets and all. And next time, I'm packing extra deodorant. And maybe a hazmat suit for the chili peppers. And definitely a better pillow. Overall a wonderful experience!
Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable Luxury at Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel, Nikko
Okay, So What *IS* This Thing Anyway? (Like, Seriously, Define "It"!)
Alright, alright, settle down, Nancy Drew. "This Thing" could be a whole buffet, depending on what you're even *asking* about. Are we talking about that time I tried to bake a cake and ended up with something that could double as a hockey puck? Or maybe the existential dread that comes with deciding what to have for dinner? Because, honestly, those are both valid things to be confused by. Give me some friggin' context! But, generally, this FAQ is about... well, it's about *me*. My life, my thoughts, my epic fails, my questionable successes. Think of it as a very, very, *very* loosely organized digital diary, written in a fit of caffeinated enthusiasm. Don't expect it to be, y'know, *sensible*.
Why Are You Doing This? Seriously, What's the Point?
Ugh, the age-old question. I'm not entirely sure. Maybe I just like the sound of my own digital voice. Maybe I'm hoping someone, *anyone*, will relate to the sheer absurdity of existence. It's a gamble, folks. Mostly, I'm procrastinating doing actual work. And, to be honest, there's something cathartic about unloading all this... stuff. Like a digital therapy session, except instead of a therapist, you get a bunch of rambling, probably inaccurate answers. And possibly a sprinkle of grammatical errors. (Sorry, not sorry.)
What Are Your Qualifications to Answer Questions About... Anything?
Qualifications? Honey, I barely qualify to tie my own shoes, let alone give sage advice. My resume is... let's just say it's got "lived experience" in bold font. I've survived awkward dates, burnt dinners, and the existential crisis of trying to assemble IKEA furniture. That *has* to count for something, right? Okay. Maybe not. Look, I'm winging it. We all are. Consider this a disclaimer: **Anything I say is probably wrong. Don't make life decisions based on this.** You've been warned.
Let's Talk About That Cake. The Hockey Puck Cake. What *Happened*?
*Sigh*. The cake. Oh, the cake. Okay, so I decided, on a whim, to bake a cake for my niece's birthday. Seemed simple enough, right? WRONG. I'd gotten this super-fancy recipe online, with words like "sift" and "ganache" and "deconstructed pineapple flowers" – clearly, I was over my head. The first sign of trouble: the oven. Thing decided to be a furnace on overdrive. My kitchen was basically the sun's evil twin. Then came the batter. It was lumpy, uncooperative, and looked suspiciously like something you'd find in a mud puddle. But, pressed on, I did. I poured it into my brand new, super-expensive cake pan (that I'd specifically bought *for this occasion*). The result? A brick. Seriously, I think I could have built a small house with it. It tasted like sadness and burning, simultaneously. The ganache, by the way? Also a disaster. Ended up looking like a watery, brown mess. We ended up getting ice cream from the store. From that day on, I decided to leave the baking to the professionals.
Okay, So What *DO* You Actually Like, Then? (Besides Ice Cream, Apparently)
Okay, okay, enough gloom. What brings me joy? Hmm... Let's see. Cozy sweaters, definitely. Rainy days and a good book. Long walks in the woods, even if I get completely lost (which, let's be honest, is highly likely). But truly, I love laughing until my stomach hurts, and when someone *actually* understands the weird joke I just told. I guess I also like a good cup of coffee and the satisfaction of crossing something off my never-ending to-do list (even if I add three more things right after). And, yes, ice cream. I *really* like ice cream. Especially after a super-failed cake attempt. Chocolate chip cookie dough, please.
What About... Relationships? (Ugh, Dating... or Not?)
Relationships? Oh, boy. Where do I even start? Let's just say I've had my share of romantic misadventures. There was the guy who only ever talked about himself (classic). The one who ghosted me after a fantastic first date (rude!). And, of course, the one who thought wearing Crocs on a date was a good idea (run, RUN FAR AWAY!). My advice? Take everything with a huge grain of salt. Don't settle for anything less than someone who treats you like you're the best thing since sliced bread (which, let's be honest, is pretty darn good). And maybe, just maybe, avoid anyone who owns Crocs.
What Are You *Really* Afraid Of? (Get Deep, Already!)
Okay, okay, let's get real for a sec. I'm definitely afraid of public speaking. Ugh, the thought alone makes my palms sweat. And spiders. Obviously. And, you know, failing. Failing at things that really matter. But the *deepest*, most soul-crushing fear? It's the fear of not living fully, of holding back, of always playing it safe. The fear of looking back at my life and thinking, "I could have done *that*."
What's a "Perfect" Day for You Look Like?
Oh, this is an easy one. Wake up, no alarm clock (bliss!). The sun is shining. Coffee is brewing. I have a leisurely breakfast of whatever I feel like (pancakes and bacon, probably). Then, maybe a hike in the woods, listening to podcasts, and just enjoying the fresh air (that's my happy place). Afternoon? Curled up with a good book and a cup of tea. Later, dinner with friends, full of laughter, and terrible jokes. (I *love* a good, terrible joke.) End the day with a movie, popcorn, and a feeling of pure contentment. Simple, yes. And *perfect*. (Until the inevitable existential crisis kicks in at midnight, of course, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.)
