Indonesian Luxury: Uncover Hotel Antariksa Surabaya's Hidden Gems
Indonesian Luxury: Uncover Hotel Antariksa Surabaya's Hidden Gems (For Real This Time!)
Okay, let's be real. When you Google "luxury hotel Surabaya," a zillion options pop up. But finding true Indonesian luxury, that's the holy grail, right? Well, I just got back from the Hotel Antariksa (and survived, thankfully!), and I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, warts and all. SEO be damned, this is what really went down.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But With Potential!
Okay, so first impressions matter. The Antariksa claims to be accessible, and they've got elevators (thank GOODNESS!). But, and this is a BIG but, I noticed a few potential hiccups for seriously disabled guests. The ramps looked okay, but I didn't have the gear to test them thoroughly. (Wheelchair Accessible? Needs a Closer Look!) I'd call ahead and specify your needs before arriving, because a little extra planning could make all the difference.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms? YES! But…
Brace yourselves. The Wi-Fi in my room was amazing – fast, reliable, and totally free! They've got Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!! Huge win. **(Internet, Internet [LAN], Wi-Fi in public areas) ** Now, if you're a digital nomad like me, looking at Internet services, they have some basic stuff, but don't expect fiber-optic superpowers. Bring your own hotspot as backup.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (With Some Wild Cards!)
Alright, let's talk fuel. The Asian breakfast was a dream. Seriously, the nasi goreng was life-changing. (Asian cuisine in restaurant) They had a Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, but I also indulged in Breakfast in room one morning – because, pajamas. (Breakfast service)
The restaurants are plentiful, but I encountered my first wobble of the trip. The menu claimed "International cuisine," but one of the dishes, let's just say it, tasted like it had been left out… for a long time. (International cuisine in restaurant) I politely sent it back, and the staff were gracious. (Alternative meal arrangement) The Soup in restaurant was excellent, though!
The Poolside bar was pure bliss, serving up icy cocktails. I had a conversation with myself over a Mai Tai and a bowl of chips. I lost. There's also a Snack bar that's perfect for a quick bite. Also, very important: they have a Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop if you are like me and you need your fix. They also offer the Bottle of water at all times.
Here's a quirky observation: the Desserts in restaurant were surprisingly good! (I was skeptical, okay? I'm from the land of real pastries.) And, for the health-conscious, a decent Salad in restaurant.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Shenanigans & More!
Okay, the spa. This is where things got seriously good. They proudly boast of Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. I dove in headfirst. The massage was divine – kneaded all the stress out of my travel-weary muscles. (Gym/fitness, Sauna, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) After the massage I went to the Fitness center to try and walk off all the delicious Indonesian food - not sure if it worked, but I got some exercise in.
I sat by the Pool with view and watched the clouds. Glorious.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Protocols Done Right (Mostly!)
Let's get down to brass tacks: safety. Anti-viral cleaning products, Doctor/nurse on call, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Antariksa takes its safety seriously, which is comforting. They had lots of precautions in place, but I still recommend carrying your own pack of disinfectant wipes – you can never be too careful, right? They also had First aid kit and Hot water linen and laundry washing.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Pitfalls
Okay, so they've got everything you'd expect from a luxury hotel: a Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, and Terrace.
Now, for the slightly less glamorous stuff. The Convenience store had the usual overpriced snacks, so stock up before you arrive. I was impressed with the Cashless payment service. They even have the Food delivery option, great for late night snack runs. The Front desk [24-hour] and the Security [24-hour] gave me peace of mind. They also had the Air conditioning in public area which was amazing.
For the Kids: (Not My Expertise, But Here's What I Saw)
If you're traveling with kids, Antariksa seems to be pretty kid-friendly. They had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I saw a playground area, which looked okay. However, since I don't have any kids, I can't dive too deep.
Available in All Rooms: Comforts and Quirks
Okay, let's go room-by-room. They have all the basics: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The bed was heavenly. (Extra long bed) I spent an embarrassing amount of time sprawled out on it, catching up on sleep. The bathroom was spacious and clean (thank you, housekeeping!). (Daily housekeeping) They offer Room decorations for special occasions, and some rooms can be Interconnecting room(s) available. They also have Non-smoking rooms in case you're sensitive to smoke.
Getting Around: Taxi! Bicycle! Airport!
They offer Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Getting around Surabaya is a breeze! Taxis are readily available.
My Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely. With Caveats.
Hotel Antariksa is a good option, but not perfect. The food could be a little more consistent. The accessibility needs thorough investigation. But for the price, the spa, the staff, and the general vibe of the place make it a solid choice.
Here's My Unsolicited Advice and a Compelling Offer
Book now, but here's the crucial part:
- Book a Deluxe Room and ask for a room above the fifth floor: The view is worth it.
- When booking, request a room on a higher floor.
- Double-check for your needs before booking, and ask if any of the staff can speak your language.
The Offer:
Indonesian Luxury Unlocked at Hotel Antariksa!
Escape to Surabaya and discover the hidden gems of authentic Indonesian hospitality!
Book your stay at Hotel Antariksa Surabaya today and receive:
- A complimentary spa treatment (choose from a massage or body scrub)!
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout your stay!
- A guaranteed room upgrade (subject to availability)!
- Breakfast for two, including our legendary Asian selection!
Why wait? Experience the best of Surabaya with the Hotel Antariksa! (Book during the coming month for a small discount!)
Click here to book your unforgettable getaway: [Insert Link Here].
(P.S. Tell them the travel blogger sent you. Maybe I'll get a discount next time!)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Altara Suites Danang - Your Dream Vietnam Getaway
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, color-coded travel spreadsheet. This is me -- after three coffees and a slightly-too-spicy nasi goreng -- mapping out my potential emotional rollercoaster of a trip to Hotel Antariksa in Surabaya, Indonesia. Let's do this…
MY POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS-BUT-HOPEFULLY-AMAZING SURABAYA EXPEDITION
Day 1: Arrival and the Perils of Air Conditioning
- 8:00 AM (ish): Ugh. Waking up. This is the worst part of any trip. Especially when the alarm clock app has decided to update itself to a polka version of “Gangnam Style.” Seriously, phone? Anyway, scrambling for that passport like it's a winning lottery ticket. Showering, packing the backpack and the small carry-on luggage with the essentials. Praying the flight isn’t delayed. (Spoiler alert: it probably will be.)
- 12:00 PM (ish): Finally on the plane. That claustrophobic pre-flight tension is building. The woman next to me is already eating durian. The smell will haunt me for weeks.
- 3:00 PM: (ish): Land and try to navigate the Surabaya airport with a mixture of jet lag and sheer terror. Immigration. Passport stamps! Success! Wait, did I accidentally pick up someone else’s bag? Ugh. Nope, just mine. Taxi to Hotel Antariksa.
- 4:00 PM: CHECK-IN. Hotel Antariksa: Okay, the lobby’s okay. Smells vaguely of lemon-scented Pledge. I hope the rooms are better than the lobby. First impressions count, right? Praying for a decent bed and clean sheets. And…OH GOD, the air conditioning. Is it set to "Antarctic Blast"? Seriously, I swear I heard a walrus honking. Maybe I should find my travel pants; the weather here is hot, hot hot, but I'm shivering in the air conditioning.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Unpack. The small carry-on luggage for the day. I'm going to check and double-check everything is there. Find the mosquito repellent spray. (Essential, trust me.) The room's actually… not terrible. The view is of… another building. Close enough. But that bed looks inviting. Must. Resist. Urge. To nap.
- 7:00 PM: Food hunt: Let's be honest, this is the most important part of the day. I stumble out of the hotel, slightly dazed by the air conditioning, and head to the local street food scene. (The hotel restaurant? Nah. Too predictable. And probably, overpriced.)
- 7:30 PM: Sate Ayam. Okay. This is the stuff. The first bites are glorious. I order too much, of course. I always do.
- 8:30 PM: The stomach is feeling full, and the heat from the street has worn off. Back to the hotel.
- 9:00 PM: Realizing I forgot to buy water bottles. Curse the air conditioning.
- 9:30 PM: Attempting to watch Indonesian TV. Utterly failing. It's a glorious, blurry mess of unfamiliar faces and incomprehensible sounds. I love it.
- 10:00 PM: Collapsing into bed. Sleep!
Day 2: Culture (and the Inevitable Tourist Trap)
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up feeling… surprisingly good! Maybe the sate ayam was magical. Or maybe it's the air conditioning that has frozen me into a human popsicle overnight.
- 9:00 AM: A simple yet satisfying breakfast from the hotel. The coffee, strong and delicious.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Exploring: First stop, the House of Sampoerna. Seems like a safe bet, right? A historic cigarette factory turned museum? Cultural immersion! Turns out, it's actually fascinating. The stories of the family are captivating. The architecture is stunning, and the cigarette rolling demonstration… well, it's an art form. The gift shop is a trap. Must. Resist. The urge to buy a miniature, gold-plated cigarette case… or at least, a T-shirt. Okay, I bought the t-shirt.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Trying to find a restaurant nearby. Ended up in a warung that served a weird noodle dish that was mostly noodles with bits of chicken.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Heroes Monument. Let's be real, it's a monument. It is fine. It's hot. Lots of history. Did I read all the plaques? Probably not. Did I take some pictures? Absolutely.
- 4:00 PM: Back to Hotel Antariksa. Feeling pretty knackered.
- 5:00 PM: Trying the pool. The hotel pool? A little green around the edges. Slightly questionable. But the sun feels good. I take my chances anyway.
- 6:00 PM: Sundown: That glorious orange light. The sky is perfect. Time for a cold beer and maybe some snacks from the 7-Eleven. The best idea of the day.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a fancy restaurant: Why did I think this was a good idea? The food is pretty and bland. The portions are small. The bill is huge. Regret.
- 8:30 PM: I wander around the city.
- 9:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Early to bed.
Day 3: A Culinary Dive (and the Fear of Food Poisoning)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Wake up. No food poisoning! Success! But… feeling a bit delicate after the fancy dinner. Lesson learned: Stick with the street food.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Trying to find some more Sate Ayam. Still the best option.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Local market, I'm still trying to figure out what all of these things are.
- 4:00 PM: More beer. A lot more beer.
- 5:00 PM: Contemplating a cooking class. Maybe I should learn to make that sate ayam myself.
- 6:00 PM: A small meal to end the day.
- 7:00 PM: Packing.
- 8:00 PM: Goodbyes and thank you, Hotel Antariksa!
Final Thoughts (and a Rant):
Surabaya, you are… something else. The heat, the traffic, the sensory overload. The food, though! Absolutely incredible. The air conditioning is a constant battle. But you know what? The whole experience? Unforgettable. It's messy, imperfect, and sometimes terrifying. But that's what makes travel so damn brilliant. Would I go back to Hotel Antariksa? Maybe. Depends if they've fixed the air conditioning. And if they serve more sate ayam. God, I miss that sate ayam already… This is real life now?
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's Ginowan Terrace Resort Awaits!
Indonesian Luxury: Unveiling the Secrets of Hotel Antariksa Surabaya - Expect the Unexpected!
Okay, so you're thinking about splurging at the Hotel Antariksa in Surabaya, huh? Smart move! But before you dive headfirst into the lap of luxury (and trust me, Antariksa *does* have a lap!), let's get some stuff straight. I've been there. I've survived (mostly) unscathed. And I'm here to share the *real* deal, the messy, the wonderful, and the 'wait, what just happened?' of the experience. Forget the brochure promises, here's the dirt (and the diamonds) of what to expect.
1. Is Antariksa REALLY as luxurious as the pictures make it out to be?
Right, the photos. They're *stunning*. Seriously, those infinity pools alone could sell a kidney (don't do that, though). In general? Yes. But... and there's *always* a but, isn't there? The lobby? Gleaming marble. The rooms? Spacious and well-appointed. The service? Mostly impeccable (more on that later...). But... and here's where I get real... The lighting in my room was… *intense*. Like, interrogation room intense. I spent the first hour frantically searching for a dimmer switch. Eventually I just draped a towel over one of the lampshade. Problem solved, but still, the little imperfections can be a thing.
2. What's the "must-do" experience at Antariksa? The one that *everyone* raves about?
Okay, here's where I get *really* opinionated. Forget the usual suspects: the spa (nice, but you can get a good massage anywhere). The rooftop bar (views are great, but the cocktails are a bit…enthusiastic with the sugar). *My* must-do? **The Indonesian Rijsttafel at their in-house restaurant, Java Spice.**
Listen, I'm not exaggerating. It’s a FEAST. A *culinary orchestra* of flavors. And the presentation? Forget about it. It’s like every dish is a tiny, edible work of art. I swear my jaw actually *dropped* when they brought out the first platter. You get EVERYTHING: Rendang (the BEST rendang I've ever had, seriously), satay, gado-gado, curries, rice that’s cooked in some sort of magic genie oven… It's enough to make you weep from pure joy. And the service? Impeccable. Attentive but not overbearing. I nearly licked my plate clean. (Almost. I maintained *some* semblance of decorum.)
Here's a slightly less perfect memory. I may have, possibly, *accidentally* ordered a second portion of the crispy fried chicken. Let's just say, by the end, I was practically waddling back to my room. No regrets. Zero. Totally worth it.
3. What’s the deal with the service? Is it really as polished as they claim?
Alright, let's be real. Service is where things get a bit… unpredictable. For the most part, it’s fantastic. The staff are overwhelmingly friendly, eager to please, and generally bend over backwards to help. They remember your name, anticipate your needs… you feel like royalty.
But… (here we go again) there were a few hiccups. The concierge couldn't find my lost luggage for two hours. In their defense I was the one who forgot which airline I was traveling with, and I guess that's a bit difficult. In the end, they were lovely but I'm sure my baggage handler was laughing at my misery at the time. But hey, even the most luxurious places have their off days, right? Just be prepared to be patient, and a gentle reminder or two might be needed. And always, ALWAYS tip generously. It's the Indonesian way of saying "thank you," and trust me, they deserve it.
4. Is it family-friendly? Or more of a romantic getaway vibe?
It's… a bit of both. They definitely cater to families. The kids' club looked pretty amazing. The pool area has a separate section for the little ones. But the overall atmosphere leans towards sophisticated, quiet luxury. Think more "parents escaping the kids for an hour of poolside cocktails" than "toddler-chaos-fest." You *can* bring the family, but I'd say it's more geared towards couples or those seeking a tranquil escape. My advice? If you're bringing kids, pack earplugs. (For yourself, and maybe the other guests.)
5. Any hidden costs or things they *don't* tell you about?
Good question! They're pretty upfront, generally. But… watch out for the minibar. Seriously, it's a minefield of tiny, overpriced goodies. I once accidentally took a swig of a "designer" water that cost more than my lunch. Ouch.
Also, the airport transfer. It's convenient, but it's pricey. Consider grabbing a Grab or a local taxi to save some rupiah. Otherwise, just be aware of the usual luxury hotel expenses: spa treatments, premium alcohol, etc. They add up! Oh – and be prepared for potential upselling. They might suggest a "deluxe" room upgrade. Are those the only upgrades? Yes. I'm still not sure if I should have taken it, but I do remember the initial room choice I had. It felt like staying at a really fancy hospital.
6. Is it worth the price tag? Seriously, be honest.
Okay, deep breath. This is where I waffle. Is it cheap? Hell no. Is it *objectively* worth the money? Probably not, if you're on a shoestring budget. You can get a perfectly lovely and comfortable stay for far less in Surabaya.
But… (surprise!) if you're looking for a truly special experience, where you can relax, be pampered, and indulge in some seriously delicious food (that Rijsttafel, I tell ya!), then yes. Absolutely. It's an investment in your sanity, your happiness, and your taste buds. It's a splurge. a treat. A little slice of paradise in the heart of Surabaya. Just be prepared for a few minor quirks, embrace the imperfections, and be ready to loosen your belt. You won't regret it (provided you can afford the minibar). Go. Then tell me about it. And then… let's go again, okay?
