Taman Melati's BEST Studio? Travelio's Hidden Gem in Surabaya!
Taman Melati's BEST Studio? Travelio's Hidden Gem in Surabaya! – My Surabaya Surprise! (Warning: May Contain Rambling)
Alright, folks, buckle up because I just got back from a Surabaya adventure, and I need to talk about this place: Taman Melati's BEST Studio? Travelio's Hidden Gem! (And yeah, that's its actual name. Long, but hey, it works.) I'm not going to lie, I went in with zero expectations. Surabaya wasn't exactly on my "must-see" list. But, fueled by a desperate need for a vacation and a surprisingly cheap flight, I found myself staring at this studio apartment, and honestly? It completely surprised me.
Let's get one thing straight: this isn't the Ritz. But it’s not trying to be. It is a solid, genuinely comfy place, and it delivers a lot more than you might expect for the price point. And okay, I’ll admit, the whole “hidden gem” thing? Kinda true.
Getting There & General Stuff: The Practical Bits (And My Initial Impatience)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is important, and I'll be honest, I didn’t look into it properly before I booked. The Elevator was a godsend, because I'm not getting any younger and my luggage seems to get heavier every trip. The Facilities for disabled guests are listed but I couldn't specifically see them - this is something you'd absolutely want to check prior to booking to be sure.
Check-in/out [express]? Check. Although, I'll tell you what, after a grueling flight and a taxi ride that felt like driving through a washing machine, express wasn’t fast enough. Thankfully, the Doorman was a lifesaver, directing me and managing my grumpy arrival. Contactless check-in/out was a bonus. I'm all for avoiding human interaction when possible. The 24 hour front desk gave me some peace of mind, too.
Rooms: My Little Surabaya Sanctuary & The Blackout Curtain Revelation!
The BEST Studio itself? Surprisingly spacious. Seriously, I wasn't expecting that. It had everything: Air conditioning (a MUST in Surabaya), Free Wi-Fi (a lifesaver for a travel blogger like me!), and the pièce de résistance: Blackout curtains. Guys, blackout curtains. I’m talking pitch black in the middle of the day. This is a game-changer for sleeping off jet lag or, ahem, simply surviving a Surabaya afternoon. It was a whole new level of sleep, and trust me, I needed it.
The Bed was comfortable (extra long, I'm guessing, because I'm tall), and everything was clean and tidy. The Bathroom, while not luxurious, was perfectly functional with a decent shower. They even had complimentary bottled water which is always appreciated. I might have taken a couple extra, just in case. The In-room safe box made me feel a little more secure.
Important Note: I saw smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and felt a general sense of safety, which is always a plus.
The Wi-Fi (and My Ongoing Love-Hate Relationship with Travel Tech)
Okay, so the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a big selling point for me. And it worked! Mostly. Let’s just say it wasn’t always lightning-fast. I’m old enough to remember dial-up, and sometimes the connection felt a little… nostalgic. But hey, I got my work done, eventually. The promise of Internet Access – [LAN] was intriguing, but I never really used it. Let's be real, I'm a Wi-Fi gal. The key point is that there was Internet access – wireless. And it’s a solid choice if you just need to get connected, which is a blessing.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Undying Love for Asian Breakfast)
This hotel is a buffet dream. The on-site Breakfast [buffet]? Delicious. The Asian breakfast was everything I'd hoped for - I ate my weight in Nasi Goreng, and honestly, I have no regrets. The Breakfast service was prompt and the staff was wonderfully attentive - which is just a major plus because I get grumpy if I have to wait for my grub. They also offer Breakfast takeaway service which is a game changer if you're in a rush. The options were extensive. If you're a buffet person, you will adore it!
There was also a Coffee/tea in restaurant, and restaurants, so you’re covered on the food and beverages. It felt safe with Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Things to Do (Or, My Attempt at Relaxation)
Okay, so this isn't a resort with a million activities. But there’s a Swimming pool [outdoor]. The pool I’m always up for a dip, and it looked pretty inviting. I heard they had a Pool with a view, although I didn’t see much of a ‘view’ as such – the scenery was pretty decent. I didn't go to the Gym/fitness because that sounds like hard work. I wasn’t really in the mood to use the other services, but they had what you might want: Spa, and Massage.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Edition
Look, I’m a worrier. Especially when it comes to traveling in these times. I noticed they were taking precautions. Hand sanitizer was readily available. The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed legit. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas, and heard about Rooms sanitized between stays. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was enforced, which made me feel better. Individually-wrapped food options were available at the breakfast buffet. The kitchen seemed super clean with Sanitized kitchen and tableware items which is a must in this day and age.
The “Hidden Gem” Factor: My Verdict
Alright, time for the big question: Is this truly a “Hidden Gem”? Yes… and no.
- Yes: For the price, the comfort, convenience, and the genuinely friendly service, it’s fantastic. It's not flashy, but it's reliable and a great base for exploring Surabaya.
- No: It's not secretly a luxury resort disguised as a budget stay. Don't go expecting a Michelin-star restaurant. It’s more like a solid, dependable, comfortable stay.
My Overall Feelings (AKA: My Emotional Reaction)
I truly enjoyed my stay. I went in with low expectations, and Taman Melati’s BEST Studio completely surprised me. I loved the laid-back atmosphere, the comfortable room, and the amazing breakfast. This isn’t just a place to stay; it's a place to relax after a long day of exploring. The convenience of the location was a bonus. I felt safe and secure throughout my stay.
Final Verdict: If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, budget-friendly stay in Surabaya that offers a good value, then definitely check out Taman Melati's BEST Studio? Travelio's Hidden Gem. It might just surprise you too. I'd recommend it to anyone!
My Recommendations for Future Guests:
- Bring a good book (or download some movies) for those Wi-Fi glitches.
- Get up early for breakfast to avoid the potential rush.
- Explore Surabaya! It's a lot more interesting than you might think.
My Honest Score: 8.5/10 (Plus bonus points for the blackout curtains!)
Offer Alert!
Tired of boring hotels? Craving an adventure in Surabaya? Book your stay at Taman Melati's BEST Studio? Travelio's Hidden Gem TODAY! Enjoy comfortable rooms, a delicious Asian breakfast, and a surprisingly relaxing atmosphere, all at a price that won’t break the bank. Book now and get a complimentary bottle of water upon arrival! Don't miss out on this hidden gem! Click here to book your adventure and find out for yourself!
Unbelievable Cirebon Getaway: Urbanview Hotel Sunday Steal!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my potential Surabaya adventure, fueled by caffeine, questionable decisions, and the desperate hope that my luggage doesn't end up in Uzbekistan. This is for the Best Good Studio Taman Melati Surabaya By Travelio, and honestly, I'm already picturing those "Instagram-worthy" balconies.
Day 1: Surabaya – Where are my Slippers?! (and the Adventure Begins, Maybe)
- Morning (Ugh, Mornings…):
- 7:00 AM (ish) - The Great Luggage Hunt: Right, first hurdle. Did I pack the right adapters? Did I remember to charge my phone?! I swear, I’m gonna triple-check everything and still forget something. Expect a frantic search for my travel pillow, which I’m pretty sure is surgically attached to me at this point. Flight from… somewhere. Hopefully, it’s on time. I’m a notoriously late person. This could be disastrous.
- 9:00 AM (ish) - Landing & Taxi Tango: Okay, landing survived. Now the fun begins: navigating the airport. Finding a taxi that doesn't look like it's about to fall apart is the first challenge. Then, haggling! UGH. I stink at haggling. I’ll probably pay double what I should. Pray for me.
- 10:30 AM (ish) - CHECK-IN! (Fingers Crossed for the View): Finally, the promised land! The Best Good Studio at Taman Melati Surabaya by Travelio. The pictures online better be accurate. I'm praying for a decent view from the Studio, not just a brick wall. Oh god, what if the air conditioning doesn't work? Surabaya's supposed to be HOT. I might melt like a popsicle. Here goes nothing…
- Afternoon - Apartment Ambush! "Good" becomes "Good Grief"
- 12:00 PM - Apartment Exploration & De-briefing: Okay, I'm in. Let the unpacking begin. The first thing I do is unpack my slippers and the essential items (phone charger, snacks, essential toiletries). Then exploring the place. Taking pictures. Maybe calling someone for advice. I'ma check if the wifi works and if the water pressure is decent so can I get a strong shower.
- 1:00 PM - Food Hunting (or Disaster Waiting to Happen): Time for lunch. I'm torn. Do I brave the Indonesian street food immediately (risky business with my sensitive stomach) or play it safe with a Western restaurant? I'll probably chicken out and head to a familiar restaurant. But I NEED to taste some local cuisine. I'm guessing that I'll find some recommendations from the front desk or from online search such as Google Maps.
- 3:00 PM - Recovering from Lunch and a Possible Nap: Food coma setting in. Time for a nap. Or maybe just sprawl dramatically on the bed and stare at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I remembered to pay my phone bill).
- 5:00 PM - Grocery shopping, getting the lay of the land, and maybe (DEFINITELY) getting lost: Time to check out the surrounding area. Is there a supermarket? Where's the nearest convenience store for emergency snack runs? I'm going to probably get so lost! I will blame the Google Maps and my poor sense of direction.
- Evening - Evening of Relaxation (or Frantic Search for Entertainment)
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (Trying to be Adventurous): Okay, I am going to find food in the neighborhood. Is there a market? A cafe? A mall? Probably a mall.
- 9:00 PM – Relaxation or Binge-watching: Back at the studio. Finally, peace. Time to chill. Watch a movie, read a book, or maybe (okay, probably) binge-watch something trashy on Netflix. Just need to figure out how to use the TV..
Day 2: Surabaya - Temples, Tears, and (Hopefully) Better Food
- Morning - (Early Risers Club - NOT ME):
- 7:00 AM - The Morning of Regret: Did I really set an alarm to go to the nearby tourist center? I definitely need more coffee, so let's go.
- 9:00 AM - Temples (and Introspection): Let's go and visit the temple. I'm going to try to be respectful, you know, not wander around in a t-shirt and shorts. I'll try to actually understand some of the history instead of just taking pictures. I am not going to make promises…
- Afternoon - Culture, Coffee, and Possible Meltdown:
- 12:00 PM - Lunch (Round Two) and Regrets, Again: I am ready for lunch, and I will try something truly Indonesian. I'll ask the locals. It's the only way to get a truly authentic experience.
- 2:00 PM - Coffee Break and People Watching: Surabaya is a big city. I'll find a coffee shop and check the surrounding area.
- 4:00 PM - Shopping (or the impulse buy): Finding the local market is going to be fun! I am going to find souvenirs for my family back home,
- Evening - Evening of Exploration (or a Quiet Night In):
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (and the Street Food Challenge): Tonight, I'm eating street food - I swear I am. I'll try the famous Nasi Goreng. I might regret this - send prayers.
- 9:00 PM - Balcony Vibes or Indoor Panic: Back at the studio. I am going to chill or I am going to work on my laptop.
Day 3: Surabaya - Reflections, Departures, and the Eternal Question: Did I Pack Enough Underwear?
- Morning - (Slow Motion):
- 9:00 AM - The Last Surabaya Breakfast: One last delicious Indonesian breakfast at the local cafe. It depends on if I am feeling adventurous…
- 10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: Ugh, I have not bought presents for anyone.
- Afternoon - Departure Time:
- 12:00 PM - Check-out and Airport Bound: Time to check out. Hope I haven’t left anything behind!
- 2:00 PM - Airport Adventure (or Calamity): Making my way to the airport.
- Evening - Home Sweet Home (Hopefully):
- 5:00 PM - Final Thoughts and Goodbyes: Time to say goodbye to Surabaya. It's been real.
The "Maybe" Factor (Because Life is Unpredictable):
- Potential Disasters:
- Food Poisoning: Pray for me.
- Getting Lost in a Maze of Narrow Alleyways: Probably inevitable.
- Forgetting Important Items: Always a threat. Extra toothbrush? Check!
- Running Out of Cash: Could happen.
- Hopes and Dreams:
- Discovering an amazing hidden gem restaurant that only locals know about.
- Having a genuine, meaningful conversation with a local.
- Actually learning a few key Indonesian phrases.
- Not completely embarrassing myself.
So, there you have it. My Surabaya travel plan. It's not perfect, it's probably messy, and it's guaranteed to evolve. This is less of a rigid itinerary and more of a rough guide. The real adventure lies in the chaos, the unexpected detours, and the inevitable mishaps. Wish me luck! I'll need it. And if you happen to see a lost, bewildered traveler wandering around, it's probably me. Don't hesitate to offer me directions (or a pep talk).
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Blenio Apartment with Veranda & Garden!
Taman Melati's BEST Studio: Travelio's "Hidden Gem" in Surabaya? Let's Get Real...
Okay, so... is this place REALLY a "hidden gem" as Travelio claims?
Ugh, "hidden gem." That phrase. It's like the real estate agent of accommodation descriptions, isn't it? Okay, straight up, with all my imperfections – and believe me, there are MANY - this place, the BEST Studio at Taman Melati, Surabaya, it's got *potential*. Let’s just say hidden-gem-ness is subjective, depends on your expectations, and *definitely* depends on what you're looking for. For me? Sometimes. Other times... well, keep reading.
I booked it because the photos looked bright, the price was right, and I was, frankly, desperate for a decent Wi-Fi signal. I needed to actually WORK. Surabaya isn't exactly known for its, shall we say, *digital infrastructure perfection*. So, yeah, “hidden gem”? Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s just unravel this, shall we?
What's the actual *studio* like? Is it as advertised?
Ah, the photos. Those lying little devils. Nah, just kidding (mostly). My experience? The overall *vibe* of the studio? Spot on! Clean-ish, generally. Bright-ish too, as long as the sun's cooperating. The *size*? Okay. It’s a studio, so, you know, compact. Don't expect a ballroom, basically. You’ve got a bed (comfortable enough!), a small kitchenette (more on *that* later), and a teeny tiny bathroom. It’s… functional. Not luxurious. Not particularly stylish. But, it’s clean-ish, and again, that Wi-Fi… did its job!
Now, the *details*… let’s just say the devil's in the details. And the devil sometimes leaves a little trail of… well, let's call it 'rustic charm'. More on that later too. Like, REALLY later. I had to chase a cockroach out of the bathroom one morning. And then I cried. Okay, I'm embellishing. A little. But still...
The Kitchenette! Tell me about the kitchenette. I can cook, right? Right?!
The kitchenette... oh, the kitchenette. It's where dreams of simple meals go to die... or at least, become slightly sadder versions of themselves. Yes, technically, you *can* cook. There's a cooktop, a sink, and a fridge. And a few sad, mismatched cooking utensils that probably haven't seen a proper scrub in... well, let's not go there. If you're a culinary minimalist, great! You can boil some eggs. Make instant noodles. Possibly even attempt to grill a sad little piece of chicken.
However, if you're picturing a romantic evening whipping up a gourmet feast, you're in for a rude awakening. Realistically, think: “Can I survive off of Indonesian street food for a few days? Yes.” Not “Can I create a masterpiece of culinary delights right here?” No. Absolutely not.
I ended up eating a lot of instant noodles. And a couple of sad, overcooked eggs. And some… well, let’s just say the kitchenette experience wasn't exactly the highlight of my stay.
What about the bathroom? Is it clean?
Okay, the bathroom. We’re getting to the nitty-gritty now, aren't we? It was… functional. Let’s leave it at that. Shower pressure? Weaker than my will to resist that extra piece of cake at breakfast. Cleanliness? Eh, it wasn’t *filthy*, but it wasn’t spa-level clean either. There were definitely some water stains that looked like they'd been there for a few weeks. And, as I mentioned earlier, the occasional… visitor.
Basically, it's a bathroom. You can shower (if you like tepid water), brush your teeth, and… well, you get the idea. It gets the job done. But, again, don't expect perfection. If you are a 'bathroom perfectionist', you are in trouble.
The Wi-Fi! You mentioned the Wi-Fi. Was it any good? 'Cause I need good Wi-Fi!
YES! The Wi-Fi was the hero of this saga! It's the ONE thing that *really* delivered. For me, the Wi-Fi MADE the stay bearable. Strong, consistent, reliable. I am a digital nomad, I work online. I need that Wi-Fi! And it was! I was able to hold video calls without my face freezing, upload hefty files, and generally conduct my online business. So, if Wi-Fi is a priority for you, this is a HUGE plus. Seriously - a game changer.
The rest? Well... let's just say it made the Wi-Fi even more valuable because you *need* something to take you away from the imperfections. Thank you, Wi-Fi, thank you.
What's the location like? Is it convenient for getting around Surabaya?
Location, location, location! This is where things get a little… tricky. It's in a student area, which means there are plenty of warungs and cheap eats around. That is a HUGE plus. The area is generally safe, too, which is always nice. However, it's not exactly *central*. Getting around requires Grab (the local ride-hailing app) or a taxi. Walking anywhere significant in Surabaya, especially in the heat, is not really a good idea (trust me, I tried it the first day).
So, convenient? For cheap eats and a generally safe area, yes! For getting to the main tourist hotspots? No. Expect to budget time (and money) for transport. It is a good starting point. It is, if not the BEST location ever.
Would you recommend this place? Be honest!
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend it? Here's the deal: if you're on a tight budget, need decent Wi-Fi, and aren't expecting luxury, then… maybe. If you're a seasoned traveler who can roll with the punches and embrace a bit of "rustic charm," then you might be okay. If you're a perfectionist, a clean freak, or are super high maintenance, RUN! Run far, far away! Seriously. Save yourself the angst and the disappointment.
For me? I'd probably stay again. Not because it's perfect, but because it's… adequate. And that Wi-Fi really did save the day. And I did get used to the, ahem, "rustic charm," eventually. But, you know what? Next time, I'm bringing my own multi-purpose cleanerHotel Safari
