Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz - Seriously Though, You Won't Believe This! (A Real Review, For Real People)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to tell you about Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz in Yogyakarta. And let me tell you, I went in expecting… well, a RedDoorz. You know? Budget-friendly, basic, maybe a little… bleh. But holy moly, this place actually blew me away. Prepare for my brutally honest, stream-of-consciousness, slightly-too-detailed-and-maybe-a-little-obsessive review.
Accessibility: Navigating Yogyakarta and the Hotel Itself
First off, let's talk accessibility. Finding the hotel itself wasn't a total nightmare. It's surprisingly close to the Malioboro strip, which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because you're right in the thick of it, curse because… well, Malioboro is a chaotic, vibrant, sometimes-overwhelming whirlwind. The hotel itself claims to have "facilities for disabled guests," but I didn't personally test this. However, the elevators seemed okay, and the lobby wasn't ridiculously cluttered.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Honestly, I can't definitively comment on this. I didn’t see anything specifically flagged as wheelchair-accessible, but I also wasn't actively scrutinizing for that specific detail. Call the hotel directly and they’ll give you a straight answer, I’m sure.
Wheelchair Accessible: See above. I’m giving a tentative "maybe?" Get the details directly from the source to ensure it suits your needs.
Internet - The Lifeblood of a Modern Traveler (with Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!)
Okay, let's talk internet. Because, let's be real, in this day and age, reliable Wi-Fi is almost more important than… well, air. And Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz DELIVERS. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YESSS! I'm talking fast, dependable Wi-Fi that didn't make me want to throw my laptop out the window. Seriously, I needed to upload some ridiculously large files and it handled it like a champ. Internet [LAN] - I didn't personally use the LAN, but it's available if you're old-school or need a hardcore connection for something.
Internet Services: Standard stuff, really. The Wi-Fi extends to Wi-Fi in public areas, but the rooms are where it really shines.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - (More Than You Expect!)
This is where things got really interesting. I wasn't expecting much in the relaxation department, but Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz surprised me.
- Things to do: Okay, so let's be honest, you're in Yogyakarta. The real thing to do is explore the city! But after a day of temples and street food (which I did, extensively, and my stomach is still recovering), you'll want to relax.
- Ways to relax: Now, this is where the hidden gems start peeking through.
- Fitness Center: Yes! A real fitness center! (I didn't use it, because, uh, street food…) But it’s there, and looks decent, so if you’re a gym rat, rejoice!
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Okay, this was a game-changer. A beautiful, clean, outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. Pool with view: The view wasn’t spectacular, but it was a definite bonus, offering a sense of tranquility.
- Spa: Whispers… They have a spa. I got a massage. It was a miracle. Really. After a day of dodging motorbikes and haggling with vendors, my muscles were screaming. The massage was expertly done, and I emerged feeling like a new human. Pure bliss.
- Spa/sauna: Didn’t try the sauna specifically, but I heard good things.
- Massage: See above. Highly, HIGHLY recommended.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive? (Yes, Yes I Did!)
Okay, let's get real. I'm a bit of a germophobe, and I was really curious about the hygiene situation. Especially post-pandemic.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I didn't check the label, but the rooms looked and smelled clean.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed to be a thing.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hygiene certification: Not sure, didn't ask.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Standard, which I appreciated.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Observed as much as humanly possible.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Possibly, but again, didn’t investigate too closely.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good to know.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely. My room was spotless.
- Safe dining setup: I felt comfortable. The staff were clearly taking things seriously.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Seemed to be the case.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Absolutely. They were masked and seemed well-informed.
- Sterilizing equipment: I’m guessing, but didn’t see it in action.
- CCTV in common areas: Yes, making me feel safer.
- CCTV outside property: Also present.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Yes and yes.
- Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour]: These are comforting, especially when you’re in a new city.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure!
The food situation was another delightful surprise.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: I had the Asian breakfast. It was awesome. Nasi goreng for the win!
- Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant: The buffet was varied and plentiful. Great coffee.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Absolutely. Essential.
- Happy hour: I didn’t find a specific “Happy Hour,” but the bar prices seemed reasonable.
- Poolside bar: Did I mention the pool? The poolside bar is a must. Cocktails, snacks, and sunshine? Yes, please!
- Restaurants: The on-site restaurant offered a good selection of both Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Room service [24-hour]: Excellent! Perfect for late-night cravings.
- Snack bar, Bottle of water: Available at all times.
Services and Conveniences - Making Life Easier
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning: You need AC in Yogyakarta! And it works! Everywhere!
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every day.
- Elevator: Essential for getting around.
- Laundry service: Yes! A lifesaver after days of wandering around in the heat.
- Luggage storage: Convenient!
- Concierge, Doorman, Front desk [24-hour]: Friendly and helpful!
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking in Yogyakarta can be a nightmare, but this was simple.
- Airport transfer: Available, which is handy.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Seemed to be.
- Babysitting service: I didn't see this advertised.
Available in All Rooms: The Little Things That Matter
- Air conditioning: Already mentioned, but it deserves a second shout-out, because, heat!
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathtub, Shower, Separate shower/bathtub: Excellent water pressure!
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping off those late-night adventures.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Caffeine is my friend.
- Daily housekeeping: Again, fantastic.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Perfect for catching up on emails (or writing ridiculously long reviews).
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: Saved me valuable luggage space.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Again, the internet!
- Mini bar: Stocked with goodies!
- Private bathroom, Toiletries, Towels: All the essentials.
- Refrigerator: Very useful.
- Satellite/cable channels: For when you just need to chill.
- Seating area, Sofa: To chill.
- Telephone, Wake-up service: Standard, but good to have.
- Window that opens: A nice touch! (
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't going to be your perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is going to be a hot, humid, slightly-sleep-deprived diary of a trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia. And let me tell you, perfection is not the name of the game here.
Hotel Headquarters: Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz (aka, My Slightly-Too-Firm-Mattress Prison)
Right, let's start with the "base camp." Astana Malioboro Mitra. RedDoorz. The RedDoorz part told me everything I needed to know – budget-friendly, potentially slightly dodgy, but hey, adventure! The mattress, however, is actively trying to separate me from my spine. I swear, I felt more comfortable sleeping on the concrete floor of a bus station in Thailand (true story, don't judge). But the AC blasts like a polar vortex, so I'll take it.
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and Temple Fatigue
- Morning (ish): Landed in Yogyakarta. The airport was… chaotic. Think a crowded market, but instead of mangoes, everyone's pushing carts full of luggage. My pre-booked airport transfer was like, "Yeah, we'll find you!" But finding me was a feat worthy of the Olympics. Finally, we meet a guy with a name like "Budi, but with a funny accent." He's driving a beat-up Suzuki that smells faintly of incense and regrets. I'm already loving this.
- Midday: Squeezed into the hotel, dumped my backpack (which weighs the same as a small child), and wrestled with the aforementioned concrete… I mean, mattress. Then it was time to plunge headfirst into the city.
- Afternoon: Okay, I had a plan. Borobudur Temple. Yeah. So, I booked the sunrise trip. Sunrise. I'm not a sunrise person. Never have been. But it's Borobudur, and everyone says you have to. I regret the 3 am wake up call… and the slightly underripe papaya breakfast I shoved down my throat.
- BOROBUDUR: The Majestic, the Mind-Boggling, the… Hot. Seriously, it was like walking on a giant, ancient, stone oven. I swear, the sun actively hated me. The carvings, though? Mind-blowing. All those Buddhas, nestled in bell-shaped stupas, whispering secrets from centuries ago. I spent a good hour just wandering, utterly stunned. And then, I got a little bit lost. Not a big deal, just wandering in a sea of tourists, muttering misi, misi (excuse me, excuse me) and swatting at persistent monkeys.
- Pro-tip: Wear sunscreen. Apply liberally. Reapply religiously. I looked like a boiled lobster by the time I left.
- Evening: Prambanan Temple (and my rapidly fading will to live under the hot sun). More temples! They are stunning, but between the temples is an entire shopping strip, and I am not okay with it. The lighting is all wrong, and I am struggling with the concept of everything being bright, and then suddenly bright and also shaded. The best part? I ran into a cat that had no idea why it was there.
- Night: Dinner at a warung (local eatery) near the hotel. Nasi Goreng (fried rice) with a side of spicy bliss and indigestion. The street musicians serenading us were a mix of good, bad, and "tone-deaf but enthusiastic." I clapped heartily.
Day 2: Battling the Batik Blues and Street Food Shenanigans
- Morning: Decided to embrace the local art scene. Batik lessons! I figured, "How hard can it be?" Turns out, very hard. My attempt at creating a batik masterpiece looked more like a Jackson Pollock painting after a toddler's sugar rush. My instructor, bless her heart, kept smiling and saying, "Very… unique." I think she was being polite. Mostly what I learned was how quickly hot wax can burn.
- Midday: Time for some serious street food therapy. Malioboro Street. The sensory overload is real. Scents of grilled meat, sweet sauces, and something I couldn’t quite identify (but was probably delicious) fight for dominance. Got a bag of Gado-Gado (salad with peanut sauce). It was a pure explosion of flavor, and I definitely spilled some on my shirt. Embrace the mess, I say!
- Afternoon: Decided to get a massage after all that hot sun and awkward batik. Ahhh… heaven. Until the masseuse started cracking every joint in my body. I think I levitated an inch or two. I'm not sure if I was relaxed or terrified.
- Evening: Spent a few hours at a coffee shop in town, just writing. I wanted to finish this itinerary, of course, but also just to observe.
- Coffee Shop Observation: The coffee here is amazing. Dark, rich, and strong enough to raise the dead. The people watching is even better. Couples holding hands, students hunched over books, a man with a parrot on his shoulder… Yogyakarta is a place of endless surprises.
Day 3: Exploring the Sultan's Palace (& My Mental Sanity)
- Morning: The Sultan's Palace (Kraton). Oh, the glory! The ornate architecture, the intricate carvings, the… the crowds. More crowds than I've ever seen in my life. I spent most of my time squishing through groups, which wasn't the most relaxing thing in the world. I tried to listen to the tour guide, but I swear he was mumbling. I’m pretty sure I learned very little.
- Midday: Lunch at a local restaurant. The food was incredible, but I got a little too adventurous with the chili peppers. Let's just say I spent the next hour desperately trying not to cry.
- Afternoon: I just needed time to relax. I took a taxi back to the hotel, lay on the bed, and just tried to relax. I read a book… then tossed it, and just closed my eyes. I'd had enough.
- Evening: Ate some food on the street. It was good!
Day 4: The End is Near (And I'm Okay With It)
- Morning: More temples and markets. I made a list of things I didn't buy.
- Midday: Food and drinks.
- Afternoon: A visit to a local art gallery. I liked some of the art!
- Evening: I wanted to go back and watch the sunset at the top of the Temple, but I just wasn't feeling it. I ate dinner and drank a beer on the street. I was okay with it.
Departure:
- Early morning flight. The airport chaos was somehow even worse than the arrival. But hey, at least I had a slightly more functional spine after the (finally) adequate hotel sleep.
Final Thoughts:
Yogyakarta. It was hot, it was hectic, it was occasionally bewildering. But it was also beautiful, full of flavor, and utterly, unapologetically human. And yes, my itinerary might not be as organized as a Swiss watch. But that’s okay. Because sometimes, the best memories are made when your plans fall apart and you just… go with the flow (and maybe pack a bigger bottle of sunscreen).
And I’m leaving with a batik “masterpiece” that may or may not hang on my wall, a slightly scorched face, and a heart full of memories (and maybe a touch of indigestion). Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I change a thing? Nope. Okay, maybe I'd upgrade the mattress… just a little bit.
Unbelievable NTC Homestay Deal in Parit Buntar, Malaysia!
Astana Malioboro Mitra RedDoorz: The "Hidden Gem" (Let's See About That!) - FAQ
Okay, Okay, "Hidden Gem"... Really? What's the Catch? Is it Actually Worth the Hype?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because "hidden gem" is thrown around more often than "I love Indonesian food" after your first nasi goreng. And yes, the Astana Malioboro Mitra *does* have a certain allure. Think of it like a slightly dusty, but surprisingly charming, vintage shop – you *might* find something amazing, or you might just get a rash from the mothballs.
Honestly? The "hidden" part is debatable. It's *near* Malioboro Street, which is hardly a secret. The "gem" part... well, it depends. My first impression? A bit…underwhelming. The lobby was fine, I guess. Cleanish. The staff? Sweet as pie, but slightly overwhelmed, which is understandable. Now, the hype? I'd temper your expectations, folks. Let's just say it's not the Ritz.
Let's Talk Rooms: Cleanliness, Comfort, and…Well, Anything Else We Should Know?
Okay, ROOMS. This is where things get a *little*…dicey. My room? Remember that vintage shop analogy? Yeah, feeling that again. Clean-ish. Let's be generous. The bed was…a bed. Not a cloud, not a torture device, just…a bed. The air conditioning worked, thank the gods, because Yogyakarta is hotter than a dragon's armpit.
Here's the thing: Expect basic. Really basic. Towels that have seen better days. A bathroom that, while functional, won't win any awards. The water pressure? Spotty. One minute you're getting a gentle drizzle, the next you're getting blasted into next week. (And maybe bring your own soap, the provided stuff was…questionable.) But here's a secret: I actually *liked* the simplicity. It was…honest. No pretense. Just a room. A place to crash after a day of exploring the madness that is Malioboro.
Oh! And a word of warning: Soundproofing? Non-existent. You *will* hear the other guests, the street vendors, the muezzin calling to prayer at 4 AM. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Your sanity will thank me.
Oh, one more thing! One time I swear I got a room with a tiny gecko in it. I named him “Gary”. He seems to be the guard of the room.
Breakfast? Is there Breakfast? And If So, Is it a Disaster?
Breakfast! This is where things get…interesting. Yes, there's breakfast. Included in the price, which is a definite point in its favor. The menu? Let's just say it's not a culinary masterpiece. Think toast, eggs (scrambled, usually), fruit (if you're lucky), and some kind of questionable Indonesian offering. My advice? Lower your expectations. Way, way lower.
Honestly, I wouldn’t go back there for breakfast. But if you are not so picky and just want to eat something to survive, it's perfectly edible. I’m more of a "find a warung" kind of traveler, anyway.
Location, Location, Location! Tell Me About the Proximity to Malioboro, Restaurants, and…Literally Anything Else.
The location is…a win. That's the biggest selling point, honestly. Malioboro Street is a short walk away – you're practically in the thick of it. Restaurants are plentiful. Street food? Everywhere. You can eat your weight in gado-gado and bakpia. (And you *should*.) Temples, markets, and transport options like becaks are all easily accessible. This is where Astana Malioboro Mitra shines. You're in the heart of the action.
But be warned: "Close to the action" also means "close to the noise". That's a trade-off. But a worthwhile one, in my opinion, if you're looking for that central Yogyakarta experience. You gotta embrace the chaos!
The Staff: Friendly or Frosty? Are They Helpful?
The staff are genuinely lovely. Seriously. Polite, helpful, and always smiling. (Bless their hearts; I'm not sure how they do it in such a tourist-filled environment!) They were incredibly patient with my atrocious Bahasa Indonesia. They tried hard to assist, and I mean…really tried. Sometimes, there were communication barriers, but overall, their friendliness was a huge plus.
One time, I had a problem with my room, and they sorted it quickly and efficiently. Plus, they were always happy to offer recommendations for food and things to do. They gave me a recommendation to visit the local markets--great!
Okay, The Biggest Question: Would You Actually Recommend This Place?
Ugh, the million-dollar question! Look, it depends. If you're a luxury traveler, absolutely not. Run far, far away. If you need pristine conditions and absolute silence, avoid it. But...if you're a budget traveler, a backpacker, someone who values location over luxury, and doesn't mind a bit of character (and, let's be honest, a few imperfections), then...maybe.
I mean, I'd go back. I’m not sure why. Maybe it's the nostalgia, maybe it's the convenient location, maybe it's just the sheer, chaotic energy of the place. Despite its flaws, it has a certain… charm. It’s not perfect. It’s not flash. But it’s honest. And sometimes, that's all you need. It’s not going to win awards, but it's a perfectly decent crash pad and a good base for exploring the madness that is Yogyakarta.
Just remember the earplugs. And maybe bring your own soap.
What’s the Deal with RedDoorz? Are They a Good Company to Book With? Any Issues?
RedDoorz is basically a budget hotel aggregator. They manage a bunch of properties. And as far as I have used them– I haven’t had that many problems. But do your research on the specific property. Check the reviews. Read the fine print. Because RedDoorz itself is just a platform; the quality of the experience ultimately relies on the individual hotel.
I wouldn't say RedDoorz *itself* is the problem; it's the inconsistent quality of the properties they manage. But considering the price point, I wouldn't expect the same level of care and attention as a more expensive hotel. Just… temper your expectations, and you'll be fine!
Anything I Should Pack That I Might Not Think About?
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