Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya!
Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of the Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya! Yeah, that's a mouthful, but trust me, we gotta get the name out there for the SEO gods, even if it makes my tongue tie itself in knots. This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. We're going FULL-ON, warts-and-all, opinionated, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit messy. Grab a snack, you'll need it.
First Impressions - The Good Stuff (and the Uh-Ohs):
So, you waltz in, right? (Or in my case, shuffle in after a grueling flight). The lobby? Pretty slick. Modern, clean lines, that whole “designed for Instagram” vibe. Accessibility? Let's get this out of the way first: the elevator is your best friend. Navigating with luggage? Easy peasy. The actual apartment… we'll get there.
Accessibility & Safety, The Basics:
- Accessibility: "Elevator" is the key word; the building is generally accessible. They make sure their elevator is constantly there
- Cleanliness and Safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. Apparently, they wage war on invisible enemies, which is reassuring.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Seriously, you can't escape it.
- Hygiene certification: I assume… nobody exactly waved a certificate in my face.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Fine by me.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: That's the bare minimum, people.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seems like it. They seemed to know what they were doing as far as the guidelines.
- CCTV in common areas & outside property: Big Brother is watching… but, hey, safer, I guess.
- First aid kit: A must-have.
Okay, back to the apartment. My expectations were HIGH. “Luxury Studio Apartment” above a mall? Sounds swanky! And… it is nice. Modern furniture, a comfy bed, a decent view of the city (depending on the room; don't expect the Eiffel Tower). But… and there’s always a “but,” isn't there? I swear I heard a faint thump-thump of the air conditioning that's the building's background noise.
The Rooms - The Nitty Gritty:
- Available in All Rooms:
- Air conditioning: Essential in Surabaya!
- Alarm clock: Who uses these anymore?
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Nice touch, if you're into that sort of thing. I mostly just lounge around in my travel pants.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus!
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Caffeine fix, check.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: If you must…
- Free WiFi: Okay, so you can work in your pants!
- In-room safe box: For your wallet and your secrets.
- Internet access – wireless: That's the magic phrase.
- Ironing facilities: For those who pack… properly.
- Mini bar: Temptation central.
- Non-smoking: Thank the heavens!
- Private bathroom: Phew!
- Refrigerator: To stash your snacks.
- Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies: Let's just say I was very glad for this.
- Seating area, Sofa: For relaxing after a long day of… well, being alive.
- Telephone: Still there.
- Toiletries: Basic, but hey, they're there.
- Window that opens. A nice one!
Okay, I have to tell ya, the Wi-Fi was GOLD. Seriously, I'm a digital nomad, this is absolutely vital. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is not just a perk -- it's a necessity. No horror stories of dropped connections! Internet access - LAN is there too. Internet Services as well, but the Wi-Fi reigns supreme.
Let’s Talk Relaxation – or, How to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist:
- Pool with view: YES. This is where it’s at. The view is pretty incredible, perfect for sunset. Now, I don't wanna be a cliche, but I grabbed a cocktail from the Poolside bar and watched the sun sink. Absolutely glorious.
- Fitness center: I intended to go to the gym. I really, REALLY did. But the pool won.
- Spa/sauna: I didn't actually make use of it, sadly, but it’s there!
Things to do: I had a goal, eat, and get away. If you're there for leisure, I'd look into the mall for starters.
Eating, Drinking, and Generally Making a Mess of Yourself:
- Restaurants: The big perk here is that Pakuwon Mall is right downstairs. Endless options!
- Breakfast [buffet]: I went for the Asian-style breakfast. Didn't disappoint!
- Coffee shop: Always needed.
- Room service [24-hour]: Crucial for those late-night cravings.
- Poolside bar: Mentioned above. Drinks, views, perfection.
- Desserts in restaurant, Bar. The dessert was a highlight.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant, International and Western cuisines in restaurant. You've got options, folks.
- Other possibilities: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Bottle of water
The Imperfections (Because, Let's Be Real):
- Noise: Look, you're above a mall. There's a certain level of ambient noise. It’s not unbearable, but it's not dead silent either.
- That one lightbulb: I swear, one of the lightbulbs in the bathroom flickered constantly. Drove me nuts. Minor, but annoying. I am absolutely sure someone can take care of that problem.
The Verdict – Would I Book Again?
- Cleanliness and safety: Pretty solid.
- Amenities: Excellent.
- Overall Experience: It's a solid choice. I'd come back.
The Offer (Because, Marketing):
Tired of the Same Old Hotel Routine? Crave Luxury, Convenience, and a Touch of Surabaya Magic?
Book Your Stay at the Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya, and Get Ready For:
- Effortless Living: Enjoy unparalleled convenience with the Pakuwon Mall literally at your doorstep. From dining to shopping to entertainment, everything is within reach!
- Unwind in Style: Relax and rejuvenate with the incredible amenities. The pool is just a little luxury. Free Wi-Fi is a lifesaver!
- Experience Surabaya, Your Way: And the most useful aspect is the Access of all these things!
Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity! Book your Luxury Studio Apartment today and…
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There you have it! A brutally honest, somewhat scattered, but hopefully helpful review of the Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya. Now go forth and book your stay. And tell them I sent ya!
Indonesian Island Paradise: OYO 91403 Reva Residence Syariah Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a living document, a chaotic symphony of Surabaya adventures from the glorious, slightly too-slick-for-its-own-good, Apartment Studio Benson. And trust me, we're gonna get down to the messy, human heart of this thing.
Surabaya Chaos: Apartment Studio Benson, Here We Go! (Or Maybe Not, Who Knows?)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Air Conditioning, and the Pursuit of Mie Goreng Glory
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Touchdown! Surabaya's Juanda International Airport. My flight was… well, let's just say the pre-flight peanuts were the best part. (And I love peanuts.) Immigration? Smoother than I expected. Which, of course, made me immediately suspicious. Are they too friendly? What are they hiding?! (Probably amazing food, let's be honest.)
- 2:00 PM - Taxi Tango to Benson. The cab driver, bless his heart, drove like he was auditioning for a Fast & Furious spin-off. I held on for dear life, clutching my phone, frantically googling "Surabaya traffic laws… are they optional?" We arrived in one piece. Sort of.
- 2:30 PM - Apartment Arrival & Mild Panic Attack. Apartment Studio Benson: sleek, modern, and… chillingly air-conditioned. Seriously, I might need a parka indoors. Found the WiFi password buried under a mountain of brochures. Success! First mission: connect to the internet. Second mission: figure out how to turn down the Arctic blast. (Wish me luck.)
- 3:00 PM - The Great Internet Hunt. Finally connected to internet!
- 4:00 PM - Food Quest: Mie Goreng! Okay, I'm starving. The air conditioning is winning. I'm already a shivering mess. Must. Find. Authentic. Mie Goreng. Looked for restaurant recommendation near apartement, and found a recommendation.
- 5:00 PM - Sukun Restaurant - The Mie Goreng Revelation. Okay, Sukun Restaurant. It's a bit of a walk, and I'm starting to melt in this tropical heat. But the Mie Goreng… oh, the Mie Goreng. Spicy, savory, noodles swimming in a sauce of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. I'm pretty sure I moaned with pleasure. Twice. Found the beauty of local drink.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Coffee Cravings, and the Battle of the Bathroom
- 8:00 AM - Wake Up and Cold: The air conditioning situation is becoming a personal vendetta. Wrapped myself in the duvet (which is ridiculously fluffy, thank goodness), and considered just hibernating until the heat death of the universe.
- 9:00 AM - Coffee and Culture: Found a local coffee shop. The coffee was strong, the people were lovely, and I think I was the only bule in the place. I felt a slight pang of "am I being stared at?" but then I remembered the amazing coffee and the potential for excellent people-watching: I was in the best place.
- 10:00 AM - Exploring Surabaya’s Old Town. Okay, things are getting real. Surabaya's Old Town is a chaotic, beautiful explosion of history and sensory overload. The architecture is stunning, the smells are… intense (mostly delicious, with a hint of mystery). I got gloriously lost (and I loved it). Found a hidden alleyway with street art that made my jaw drop. Definitely channeling my inner adventurous self.
- 12:00 PM - Lunchtime Fiasco. Found a warung (small roadside restaurant) that looked promising. Ordered something I thought was chicken satay. It tasted like… well, I’m not entirely sure. Let’s just say it involves spices I’m not used to. Edible? Yes. Memorable? Absolutely. For all the wrong (and right) reasons.
- 1:00 PM - Back for the bathroom. Bathroom in the apartment became an issue.
- 2:00 PM - Siesta, Air Conditioning, and Existential Dread. Back in the apartment, feeling the post-lunch food coma. The air conditioning is still roaring. I need a nap. I’m starting to question all my life choices. Is this what travel is? Is this what life is? Okay, nap time.
- 6:00 PM - Final Night at Surabaya. Packing up and getting excited for tomorrow.
- 7:00 PM - Ready: Ready at the apartment.
Day 3: Departure – A Final Bow (and a Prayer for Affordable Souvenirs)
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast and Last Moment: Last breakfast at the apartment.
- 10:00 AM - Shopping for souvenir. Searching for final gifts.
- 11:00 AM - Goodbye from Benson. Check out of the apartment.
- 12:00 AM - Airport bound.
- 1:00 PM - Departure. Onto the next adventure. Goodbye Surabaya!
Final Thoughts (Because I Need to Vent):
- The Air Conditioning: It’s plotting against me. I swear.
- Mie Goreng: Still dreaming of it. Need to learn how to make it. Immediately.
- Surabaya: A whirlwind of chaos, beauty, and unexpected delights. I'll be back. But first, a long, hot shower. And possibly a therapist. Just kidding… maybe.
Luxury Studio Above Pakuwon Mall: The Real Scoop (and My Brain Dump)
Okay, so *luxury* studio... is it actually luxurious? Like, *really* luxurious?
Alright, let's get this out of the way: "luxury" is subjective, right? For me, coming from a, shall we say, *humble* pre-Pakuwon existence, yes. It's like, woah. Think plush furniture (that you secretly worry about spilling your morning coffee on), gleaming surfaces (that demand constant dusting – dammit!), and views... OH. THE VIEWS. You're practically *in* the mall! Which is both amazing and slightly terrifying, depending on your mood and your credit card balance. It's definitely a step up from my old place, where "luxury" meant an uninterrupted hot shower (usually followed by a power outage, because Surabaya) and a working fridge.
The location: Being *above* Pakuwon Mall... is it as awesome as it sounds? Or a constant assault of shopping tempts?
Okay, *here* we get into the emotionally charged territory. It's a double-edged sword, people. On the *plus* side: food, glorious food! Missing a spice for your impromptu Indonesian feast? Five minutes, tops, and you're grabbing it from the supermarket downstairs. Need a new outfit for that impromptu karaoke night? Done. Feeling lazy? Delivery options galore. It's like living in a giant, climate-controlled, retail-therapy-inducing playpen. BUT... the temptation! Oh, the *temptation*! That limited-edition lipstick you *definitely* don't need but *absolutely* deserve? Snares you. That impulse buy of a six-pack of macarons at 10 PM? Guilty. It's a constant battle between "responsible adult" and "shiny object syndrome." I may or may not have spent half my first month's paycheck on a fancy juicer. I still don't know how to use it properly. The truth is, I have to actively *force* myself to leave and see the rest of Surabaya!
What's the deal with the maintenance/building management? Are they actually helpful? Or a source of constant headaches?
Ugh. This one... varies. From what I've gathered from my neighbors, it's a mixed bag. Sometimes they're *amazing*. Need a clogged drain fixed? Boom, they're on it. Unexpected leak in the middle of the night? Miraculously, someone shows up. I had a problem with my AC – Surabaya heat, you know? - and the maintenance guy was *fantastic*. Really helpful and he knew what he was doing. Then there are the days... when a minor issue becomes a week-long saga involving multiple phone calls, broken promises and vague pronouncements. My neighbour has been waiting *three weeks* for a flickering lightbulb change, and the only thing I'd say is... good luck... and move on.
The studio itself... is it *actually* spacious? Or is it shoehorned into a tiny box?
"Spacious" is again relative. It's a studio, so it *is* a single room, essentially. But it's cleverly designed. They use all the space effectively. My place has a built-in wardrobe, a little kitchenette (perfect for making instant noodles!), and a small balcony (great for watching the city lights twinkle and silently judging the traffic below). It feels bigger than it looks in the pictures. Thank goodness. I was worried about feeling claustrophobic, but so far, so good. I've even managed to have the occasional guest over, and they haven't suffocated yet! (Disclaimer: I've had *one* guest, so far. The judge is still out).
Parking: A nightmare? Or surprisingly easy?
Okay, look, parking ANYWHERE in Surabaya can be a blood sport. Especially during weekends if you're around the mall. But for residents of the building, you get designated parking. Which is a HUGE bonus. I've heard horror stories from friends who live elsewhere, battling for spots, circling the block like vultures. Here? It's relatively painless. You just... park. Granted, you pay for it, but the convenience is worth it. *Especially* if you've just spent an hour haggling for souvenirs at Pasar Atom and you just wanna get home to your AC.
Noise levels: Constant mall chatter or peaceful oasis?
It's surprisingly quiet! Honestly, I was expecting a constant hum of activity, but the soundproofing is pretty good. You hear *occasional* announcements from the mall, like a distant, muffled roar. But the rest of the time, it's perfectly peaceful. Sometimes I even forget I'm *above* a shopping mall. Which is a good thing, because it means you can actually, you know, concentrate on something besides being tempted to pop down and get a new pair of shoes. I do have to say, late at night, when the cleaning crews start their work... well, let's just say I've invested in some top-of-the-line earplugs. Especially after a terrible karaoke night up the street!
Security: Safe and sound? Or do you worry?
Security is taken seriously. You need access cards for everything. There are guards everywhere. The building feels very safe. I've never felt unsafe. Which is a huge relief. It's one of the things that made me feel better about the whole "luxurious" experience - knowing that someone is taking care of your stuff, your safety, even when you're being a bit reckless with your spending. The only real scary moment was when I lost my access card, and waited on the front desk, completely in pajamas. The look on the guards' faces, when they asked for my ID... it was like a judgement.
Would you recommend it? Give it to me straight.
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