Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: OYO 91486 Kostel Velisia Syariah - Your Perfect Stay!
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: OYO 91486 Kostel Velisia Syariah – Your Perfect Stay? (Buckle Up, Buttercup!)
Okay, so let's get real, shall we? Finding a decent hotel in Yogyakarta isn't always a stroll in the rice paddies. You've got your sprawling resorts, your backpacker dives, and then… well, then you have OYO 91486 Kostel Velisia Syariah. This place, advertised as a "Your Perfect Stay!"… well, let's just say my expectations were, shall we say, tempered. But hey, I’m nothing if not an adventurous soul (and a sucker for a good deal). So, I dove right in.
The Rundown: What's the Deal?
First off, the name is a mouthful. Seriously, try saying that after a few Bintangs. But hey, it’s an OYO, which generally means budget-friendly. And the "Syariah" thing? Means it’s a Muslim-friendly hotel. No booze in sight (unless you sneak in your own, wink wink – I'm kidding! or am I?).
Accessibility & Safety – The Good (and the Slightly Less Good):
- Accessibility: Let’s be honest, Yogyakarta isn’t exactly the most accessible city in the world. Think narrow sidewalks and uneven streets. The Kostel itself… well, it HAS an elevator! That's a HUGE win for those with mobility issues (and lazy people like me). However, the general Yogyakarta infrastructure surrounding it might pose more of a challenge. The hotel itself tries, but the city outside… is another story.
- Cleanliness and Safety: This is HUGE right now, obviously. They’ve got the usual suspects: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, and the "Daily disinfection in common areas" promise. Did I see it happen religiously? Maybe not. But the rooms were surprisingly clean and the front desk staff seemed genuinely committed to cleanliness. They even had "Anti-viral cleaning products." Fancy! I felt reasonably safe, though. Maybe a little too safe after being served a meal with "individually-wrapped food options".
- Security: CCTV cameras are dotted around, which is reassuring. 24-hour front desk? Check. Fire extinguishers? Yep. Smoke alarms? Praise be! So, on the safety front, they’ve got you, mostly.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fuel the Adventure (or Find a Nasi Goreng Hawker!)
Okay, this is where the Kostel got a little… interesting.
- The Restaurant: They have restaurants – plural. (It should be noted that those "restaurants" might be one and the same, it’s a bit hazy). Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine? Check. Western breakfast and Western cuisine? Also check. I went for the "Asian" breakfast, and it was a… let's call it an experience. Let me just say, don’t go in expecting Michelin stars. But the coffee? Surprisingly good. And they do have a Coffee shop.
- The Bar: Okay, no actual bar. Remember the "Syariah" thing? But there’s "Coffee/tea in restaurant" and a "Poolside bar" which apparently sells… well, coffee and tea. Again, not exactly a party scene, but hey, you are in Yogyakarta for the culture, right?
- Room Service: 24-hour room service! Score! But the menu was limited. Again, budget-friendly, remember? The convenience is King here not the quality.
- Alternative meal arrangement: A bit of a weak point (but you can’t expect everything to be perfect)
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) – Beyond the Breakfast Buffet
This is where Kostel Velisia REALLY starts to surprise.
- The Pool: Outdoor swimming pool? YES! Pool with a view? Kinda! Not Eiffel Tower views, mind you, but it's a nice spot to cool off after a day sweating your way through Borobudur.
- The Spa: Spa? Sauna? Steamroom? Okay, hold your horses. Not quite a full-blown spa experience. More like “a room” with some treatments. I didn't try any of them, but the idea of a body scrub after a dusty bus ride through the mountains was definitely tempting.
- Fitness: Fitness Center? Gym/fitness? Yes, in theory. But let's just say I've seen more comprehensive gyms in a storage shed. Still, a few treadmills and some weights are better than nothing, right?
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually worked. Bonus points for that. They do have Internet access – LAN, but, let’s be honest, who uses that anymore?
- Front Desk: 24-hour front desk? Check. Concierge? Yes, but I'm not sure what a concierge does in this hotel, but they seemed keen to help.
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning: Yep, they’ve got it. Because who wants to wash their own clothes on vacation?
- Car Park: The "Car park [free of charge]" is a Godsend. Especially in a city where parking is a battle for the ages.
- Other Cool Stuff: They have meeting facilities, event hosting, and even a gift shop. A meeting stationery for a budget hotel? Fancy!
The Rooms – Where the Magic (or Mild Disappointment) Happens
- Cleanliness: The rooms were clean, which is a huge win in a budget hotel.
- The "Comforts": Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double-check! A fridge? Yes! Free bottled water? Bless their hearts!
- My "Shower" Anecdote: Okay, personal story (prepare yourself). My shower could've won an award for the "Worst Water Pressure in Asia" category. The water trickled out like a sad little tear. I spent a good five minutes just trying to get the shampoo out of my hair. BUT, let’s be honest, it was hot water. And it was a shower. Small price to pay for a few nights of decent sleep.
- The Bed: The bed was surprisingly comfy. Extra long bed? Don't think that I'm that tall.
For the Kids – Family Fun (or Chaos?)
- Family and Kids: Family/child-friendly? Yes! Babysitting service? Yep. Kids meal? Might be just for the buffet.
Getting Around – Navigating Yogyakarta's Maze
- Airport Transfer: They offer airport transfers, which is a great convenience.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but be prepared to bargain a bit.
- Car Parking: The "Car park [free of charge]" is a blessing.
The Verdict: Is OYO 91486 Kostel Velisia Syariah Your "Perfect Stay?"
Look, if you’re expecting a five-star luxury experience, you're barking up the wrong tree. But if you’re on a budget, looking for a clean, comfortable, and relatively safe place to crash in Yogyakarta, and you're intrigued by the "Syariah" vibe, then OYO 91486 Kostel Velisia Syariah is a solid choice.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth:
It's not perfect. The restaurant isn’t going to win any culinary awards. The spa is… let's just say "basic". The water pressure in the shower is a cruel joke. BUT, it's clean, the staff is friendly, the Wi-Fi works, and it serves as a good base camp for exploring the wonders of Yogyakarta.
My Final, Opinionated Rating:
I'd give it a solid 7/10. It delivers on its promises for the price. You won’t be disappointed, but you might get a good laugh along the way. I'd go back, especially if I was on a budget.
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Ready to experience the hidden gem? Ready to tackle Yogyakarta?
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- Clean, comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price!
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- Syariah-compliant environment.
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Don’t wait – book your adventure today! (And maybe pack a good book to read while you wait for the water to warm up!).
Persona Motel: Sungai Petani's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is my actual train wreck… I mean, trip… starting from the hallowed halls (and slightly questionable towels) of OYO 91486 Kostel Velisia Syariah Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Consider this less a "schedule" and more a "survival guide" with a dash of existential dread.
Day 1: Arrival and the Unbearable Lightness of Being (Bored)
Morning (7:00 AM - NOON):
- Land at Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG). The plane ride was a disaster of toddlers and turbulence. The one thing that got me through? The tiny, suspiciously delicious, airplane peanuts. I swear those things are laced with something.
- (7:30 AM): Border Control. My passport photo is looking rough. "You look tired, Miss," the immigration officer said, with a barely disguised smirk. HE IS RIGHT! Welcome to Indonesia.
- (8:00 AM): Grab a pre-paid taxi that will overcharge me and eventually find my way to OYO 91486. Let me tell you, the directions are vague. "Go past the thingy… then the other thingy… you know the one." Thanks. This place seems quiet but I'm a little weary of the "Syariah" part, hoping for a relaxing stay.
- (9:00 AM): Check-in. Note to self: learn some basic Bahasa Indonesia. "Selamat pagi… hotel?" doesn't cut it when trying to negotiate a slightly less humid room. Found my room (yes, room. It's… compact). It smells mildly of incense and despair.
- (10:00 AM): Shower. Water pressure: anemic. Towels: thin and possibly recycled from the previous century. I'm already questioning all my life choices.
- (11:00 AM): Wander outside for a bit. It's HOT. Like, "sweat-dripping-down-your-back-and-into-your-undies" hot. Find a warung (small local eatery) and try to "speak" a few words of Bahasa. The woman behind the counter just laughs and then makes me something delicious I can't identify, but eat with gusto. It's the only way to cope, really.
Afternoon (NOON - 6:00 PM):
- (1:00 PM): Attempt to nap. Fail. The cicadas are auditioning for the world's loudest orchestra.
- (2:00 PM): Embrace the fact that the Wi-Fi is erratic. Stare out the window at the bustling road. Contemplate the futility of man and the fleeting nature of life… or maybe just order some room service. Who am I kidding? Room service it's is.
- (3:00 PM): The room is like a humid bubble. I open the window, and the air is thick with the smell of spices and exhaust fumes. It’s… exotic? I'm undecided. I realize I’m actually pretty hungry, so I will go on a walk.
- (4:00 PM): Find a local market. The air is a riot of smells and colors. The stalls overflow with fruits I've never seen and spices that make my nose twitch. I feel like I'm in a living painting.
- (5:30 PM): Get back to the hotel, slightly overwhelmed and still hungry. I decide to go out at night, but it gets dark too quickly.
Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever I Pass Out):
- (7:00 PM): Force myself to go out for dinner. I'm determined to have some Indonesian food, and I stumble upon a warung that looks legit. I will give it a try.
- (8:00 PM): Get a plate of nasi goreng. It's amazing. I mean, amazing. The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. I eat way too much and feel pleasantly stuffed.
- (9:00 PM): I stroll back to the hotel, feeling a little drunk on the street lights and food. I feel like I'm beginning to get the hang of this travel thing.
- (10:00 PM): Crash. Pass out on the bed, exhausted but content. This is what it's all about, isn’t it?
Day 2: Temples, Tummy Aches, and Transcendental Regret
Morning (7:00 AM - NOON):
- (7:00 AM): Wake up. The humidity is a constant companion.
- (7:30 AM): Breakfast. The hotel provides something, but I skip it, having sworn I'll never touch a questionable buffet again. I go out for street food.
- (8:30 AM): Take a Grab to Borobudur Temple. The drive is chaotic but entertaining. The motorcycle taxis are the craziest thing I have ever seen and I am terrified.
- (9:30 AM): Borobudur. Massive. Magnificent. Overwhelming. The sheer scale of this thing is incredible. I wander the complex, taking in the intricate carvings and the serene atmosphere. Feel a wave of peace wash over me, until some guy tries to sell me a dodgy Buddha statue. Gotta watch out for those guys.
- ((11:00 AM): I get lost in the details. It's not just the architecture – it’s the faces of the Buddhas, the subtle curve of their smiles, the shadows dancing on the ancient stones. It's a feeling. I can’t even properly put into words.
Afternoon (NOON - 6:00 PM):
- (12:00 PM): Lunch: I stop for lunch at some place near Borobudur. The food is… less amazing than the nasi goreng from the previous day. Pretty disappointing, actually.
- (1:00 PM): I find a cute street cat. I try to take a photo, but it runs away. My life in a nutshell.
- (2:00 PM): Drive to Prambanan Temple. I don't know what I expected, but it’s far more magnificent than imagined. I was impressed by the elaborate stone carvings and the scale of the complex is astounding.
- (3:30 PM): Explore everything. The temples. The gardens. The surrounding atmosphere. I get carried away and end up wandering around the wrong side, getting completely disoriented.
- (5:00 PM): Realize the sun is going down and make my way back before it gets dark
Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever I Pass Out):
- (7:00 PM): I'm tired, so I decide to go to some cafe for a chill dinner. I order a dish that looks innocent, but ends up being the spiciest thing I've ever eaten. Fire. Flames. Tears. I am dying.
- (8:00 PM): I try to recover with a giant bottle of water.
- (9:00 PM): Back at the hotel, I question my life choices.
- (10:00 PM): I am starting to feel unwell. The stomach is not so fine. I'm thinking of that spicy thing…
Day 3: The Day I Basically Survived
Morning (7:00 AM - NOON):
- (7:00 AM): I wake up at seven in the morning and already feel drained. I realize the spicy food did a number on my stomach.
- (7:30 AM): I force myself to eat a plain piece of toast. It helps a little.
- (8:00 AM): I start to feel slightly better. I decide I will go out this day as well.
- (8:30 AM): I decide to take a walk and explore the local shops and art galleries.
- (10:00 AM): I go to a local art gallery. I appreciate the colors, the details, and the emotion that are in those paintings.
- (11:00 AM): I visit a coffee shop, and I relax a bit.
Afternoon (NOON - 6:00 PM):
- (12:00 PM): I have some lunch and my stomach pains are gone.
- (1:00 PM): I go back to the hotel and relax some more.
- (2:00 PM): I decide to go to a spa.
- (4:00 PM): I am back at the hotel and I feel so good.
**Evening (6
OYO 91486 Kostel Velisia Syariah: The Real Deal (or Maybe Not... Let's See!) FAQs
Okay, Spill the Beans: Is "Syariah" *Really* Syariah? (Because my friend Brenda had a bad experience...)
Alright, let's get this out of the way. "Syariah" in Yogyakarta, and frankly, everywhere, can be... a spectrum. I've stayed at Velisia a couple of times, and yeah, they *do* put in an effort. Think: no alcohol, separate prayer rooms for the ladies (which, honestly, Brenda found a bit cliquey), and a general vibe of respecting modest dress codes. But, and this is a big BUT, don't expect a hardline, Saudi Arabia kind of experience. It's more... Indonesian Syariah-lite. I saw a couple wearing some pretty tight jeans once, so... make of that what you will. Brenda, on the other hand, had a terrible experience with a guy checking in with a woman who wasn't his wife; she swore the front desk gave him the stink eye. It's a gamble, folks. Expect respectful, but maybe not flawlessly pious. It's Indonesia, after all – chill out, yeah?
The Rooms: Cozy or Cramped? Because I'm a claustrophobe, and "budget" often means "cellar."
Oh, honey, I get you. Budget hotels and small spaces? It's a recipe for panic. Velisia is... well, let's say they maximize space. The rooms are *not* palatial. Think perfectly functional. The beds are (usually) clean enough. The bathrooms? Adequate. You're not going to be throwing a football in there, but if you're just looking for a place to crash, sleep, and maybe contemplate why you ate that extra nasi goreng, you're golden. I did once have a room where the AC was less "air conditioner" and more "glorified fan," which made me want to scream. So, yeah, check that AC *immediately*. My advice is to book a slightly pricier room if you can; a little extra space can make all the difference between "barely okay" and "actually bearable." Seriously.
Breakfast Included? And if so, is it actually edible? (I've survived hotel breakfasts before...)
Yes! They *usually* include breakfast. It's included. And usually, it's... Indonesian. Expect some nasi goreng, maybe some mie goreng, maybe some bread (but don't hold your breath for anything fancy). The coffee? Well, it's coffee. Don't expect Blue Bottle, but it'll get you caffeinated enough to navigate the chaotic beauty of Yogyakarta. I once had a breakfast where the nasi goreng was… let’s just say it was *memorable* in its blandness. I’m talking rice and soy sauce and *nothing* else beyond a sad little fried egg. So, while it's free and convenient, don't expect a culinary masterpiece. Consider it fuel, not fine dining. Walk outside and eat real food! You're in Yogya, for Pete's sake!
(This is important) The Location! Is it convenient, or am I going to spend my entire trip crammed in a becak? (Because I'm directionally challenged.)
Okay location is everything. Velisia's location is... okay, not amazing, but workable. It certainly isn't in the middle of Malioboro or anything - prepare yourself for a (cheap) ride to all the touristy spots. You can find warungs everywhere. It's not scary, safe to walk around. It could be better, but it could be *much* worse. You'll probably need to use Grab or Gojek to get to most of the "must-see" places, but that's the reality of Yogyakarta regardless of where you stay unless you're *super* central. The upside? It's usually quieter than being right in the thick of things. One time, I was stuck in a horrific traffic jam that seemed to go on for *hours*. If I were staying right on Malioboro, I swear I would have lost my mind.
WiFi – Reliable or a Digital Blackhole? Because I need to post those Insta stories... Obviously.
Ah, the eternal question. The WiFi at Velisia Syariah is... a coin flip. Sometimes it's decent, good enough for browsing, sending emails, and slightly annoying your friends with your vacation photos. Other times? Prepare for the digital dark ages. I've spent hours staring blankly at a buffering screen, completely defeated. If you *absolutely* need reliable internet (for work, essential streaming, etc.), get a local SIM card with data. Seriously. Don't rely on the hotel WiFi. My advice? Download everything you need before you arrive and assume you’re temporarily off the grid. Or embrace the digital detox, and start paying attention to the world around you. Which... I know, is *so* hard.
Staff Friendliness: Are they genuinely helpful, or just going through the motions? (Because I'm a notoriously demanding guest...)
The staff tends to be... fine. Perfectly fine. They're generally polite and willing to help with basic requests. They'll probably point you in the right direction if you ask for directions. But you won't necessarily feel *warmly* coddled. I'm talking, no "extra mile" situations. Don't expect them to magically know all the best hidden gems of Yogyakarta. Don't expect them to solve your problems. They're doing a job. I've had a few genuinely lovely interactions, but mostly it's just efficient and functional. Again, it's budget, so adjust your expectations. And be nice to them, people! It costs nothing to be friendly.
Overall, Would You Recommend It? (Give it to me straight!)
Okay, the honest truth? It depends. If you're on a tight budget, looking for a clean place to sleep, and don't need luxury, then yeah, it's a solid option. If you're expecting five-star service or a flawless experience, absolutely not. It's a budget hotel. Manage your expectations. I've had good stays and I've had mediocre stays. It's not perfect, but it's *okay*. It's the kind of place you stay if you're spending most of your time exploring Yogyakarta and just need a place to crash. It beats sleeping on a shared hostel bed, and it’s definitely a step up from some of the truly *questionable* budget options I've endured. I mean, for the price, you can't expect the Ritz. I guess what I'm saying is: it's fine. It's truly, honestly, just *fine*. Go in with that mindset, and you probably won't be disappointed. Now go explore Yogyakarta! It's worth it.
