Luxury Surabaya Staycation: Stunning 1BR Tamansari Papilio Apartment!
Surabaya Staycation: Tamansari Papilio Apartment - My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Review
Okay, so picture this: you're in Surabaya, a city that's buzzing with life, and desperately craving a little escape. I was exactly there, and decided to treat myself to a staycation at the Tamansari Papilio Apartment. The online descriptions promised luxury, a sleek 1BR haven, and a chance to actually relax. Did it deliver? Well, let's dive in. Buckle up, because this is gonna be a rollercoaster.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Got to appease the algorithm, right?)
- Keywords: Surabaya staycation, Tamansari Papilio Apartment, 1BR apartment, luxury accommodation, Surabaya hotels, wheelchair accessible, spa, swimming pool, fitness center, internet, restaurants, family friendly, safe hotel, clean hotel, Indonesian travel
- Metadata Description: Honest review of the Tamansari Papilio Apartment in Surabaya, Indonesia. Details on accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, fitness), dining options, cleanliness, and overall experience. Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible options.
First Impressions - A Little Hiccup (Like Life Itself)
Finding the place was… an adventure. Surabaya traffic? Let's just say it's character-building. The accessibility looked promising online. The apartment boasts wheelchair accessibility – a massive plus for inclusivity. The exterior corridor design gave me a good feeling about easier access to the room.
Check-in/out [express] was advertised, and thankfully, it actually was. This was a godsend after the drive. The friendly staff greeted me at the convenient Front desk [24-hour]. The doorman and security [24-hour] presence already started easing my mind, despite being a bit tired from travel.
The Apartment - My Little Oasis (Mostly)
Stepping into my 1BR apartment was… nice. The air conditioning kicked in immediately, which was a relief. They got the air conditioning in public area as well, which was great for the overall comfort of the property. The non-smoking rooms (a must for me!) were a win.
The room itself was pretty well equipped: Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, 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.
I settled in, ready to unwind… and then I noticed something. The Internet access – wireless… it wasn’t quite as lightning-fast as I’d hoped. Fine, not a total deal breaker. The Internet access – LAN was available, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore?
The Amenities - Spa Day Dreams (and My Floundering Attempt at Relaxation)
This is where things got interesting. The Tamansari Papilio Apartment boasts some serious amenities. I was all in.
- The Spa: Oh, the Spa! They had a Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. This was going to be the highlight. I envisioned utter bliss. In reality, it took a bit of finagling to book a slot (popular!), but I eventually got in. The massage was… good. Not mind-blowing, but decent. The steamroom was a welcome reprieve from the Surabaya heat. The sauna was surprisingly empty!
- The Pool: The Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor] were definitely a draw, especially the Pool with view. The water was cool, and the view was decent. I spent a good chunk of time there, letting the sun (and my worries) melt away.
- Fitness Center: Okay, I intended to hit the Fitness center, Gym/fitness. But… let’s just say the allure of the pool (and room service) won out. Next time… (maybe).
Dining & Drinking - Food Coma Incoming!
The apartment's dining options were pretty extensive: A la carte restaurants, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Because I decided to go for the full experience, I gorged myself on the Breakfast [buffet]. The Indonesian food was delicious! And I ordered Breakfast in room one morning (because, why not?). The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend. There was even a Vegetarian restaurant option.
Cleanliness and Safety - My Inner Germaphobe Was (Mostly) Happy
Listen, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. The current world situation just exacerbated it. The apartment scored points here. They had it all: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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. This level of attention to detail put my mind at ease (mostly).
Accessibility - Still a Major Plus
As mentioned earlier, the wheelchair accessible features were a big win! The elevator made it easy to get between floors, and I spotted other Facilities for disabled guests. The apartment seemed genuinely committed to inclusivity.
Services and Conveniences - The Little (and Not-So-Little) Things
Tamansari Papilio understands how to make you feel pampered. They have: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids - Bringing the Little Ones?
They've got you covered with: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Getting Around - Logistics Made Easier
The Tamansari Papilio offered: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
Overall – The Verdict (with a Few Rambles)
Would I recommend the Tamansari Papilio Apartment for a Surabaya staycation? Yes, absolutely. It's a solid choice. Everything was well-kept and in-order. It’s a comfortable base for exploring the city. The spa, pool, and dining options are definite highlights. The internet could be a little quicker, and the massage, a bit more exceptional, but honestly? Those are minor quibbles.
That said, it wasn't perfect. This wasn't a fault of the hotel but more the chaos of my life that day!
- The Imperfection Factor: I dropped a plate of nasi goreng. (Don't laugh! Post-plate-drop, the hotel staff was incredibly helpful.)
- Quirky Observation: The reading light was a little… dim. I'm sure it was meant to be cozy, but I had to squint slightly to read my book.
- Emotional Moment: The pool. The view. The feeling of actually being able to relax. Priceless.
- The Messy Truth: I think I ate and slept more than I explored, and I'm completely okay with that.
Final Grade: 4.25/5 Stars – Would stay again! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a nap.
Sapporo Gem: 53m² 2BR, Free Parking, 9-Min Walk to Kotoni Station!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average itinerary. This is my Surabaya, Indonesia, adventure, seasoned liberally with jet lag, existential dread over my rapidly depleting savings, and a healthy dose of "did I really just eat that?"
The Exquisite (and Possibly Slightly Overpriced) 1BR Tamansari Papilio By Travelio Surabaya – Or, How I Became Best Friends with a Washing Machine:
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Surabaya Swelter and the Hunt for a Decent Nasi Goreng
- 6:00 AM (ish) – The Airport Antics: Touchdown at Juanda International Airport. Let the humidity embrace you like a wet, warm blanket. Passport control? Smoother than I expected, which instantly makes me suspicious. Did I miss something? Am I being too optimistic about this whole trip?
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Taxi Tango: Negotiating a price with a taxi driver is a skill I seem to have forgotten. After much back-and-forth (and accidentally insulting his driving skills, apparently), I'm finally whisked away to my "exquisite" apartment. The drive itself is fascinating. Motorcycles, street food vendors, and buildings that defy gravity… it's a sensory overload in the best possible way.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - The "Exquisite" Revelation: Arrive at the Tamansari Papilio. Apartment… actually looks like the pictures! Score! But the excitement fades a little when I realize I have no idea how to operate the air conditioning. Cue frantic Googling and a brief power struggle with the remote.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Unpacking and the Existential Fridge: Unpack (mostly). The fridge. The fridge. It's empty. Panic. I need sustenance. I need coffee. I need… something that doesn’t involve instant noodles.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - The Nasi Goreng Quest: Okay, the first order of business: find some authentic nasi goreng. My internal GPS is, unfortunately, powered by pure, unadulterated guesswork. I wander the streets, slightly lost, sweating profusely, and feeling the first tendrils of homesickness creep in. Finally, a street vendor beckons! Praise be! This nasi goreng? Divine. Absolutely divine. I'm pretty sure I inhaled half of it before I even realized what was happening.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - The Nap of Despair (or, Jet Lag Wins): Back at the apartment. Sleep. Deep, glorious, utterly necessary sleep. Jet lag is a beast, people. He knows my weaknesses.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Grocery Run and The Washing Machine's Embrace: Time for water and groceries. Finding an ATM on unfamiliar streets is a mini adventure itself. Then, the moment I've been building up to: figuring out the washing machine. It takes a good hour, a YouTube tutorial (or three), and a near-flood situation, but I conquer the beast. Victory feels sweet.
- 5:00 PM til Bedtime: I'm going to be honest, I have no idea how to fill my time. I'm pretty well done for the day and will probably just be falling asleep again
Day 2: Surabaya's History (and My Chronic Sense of Being Underdressed)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Coffee and Realization: My morning ritual is now a coffee and some online research. I need a plan. I need structure! I need to know, what is there even to do here? I decide to explore the historical sites.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - The House of Sampoerna (and a Minor Existential Crisis): Okay, this place is gorgeous. The House of Sampoerna, a cigarette factory turned museum, is something else. I spend way too long staring at the old cigarette-rolling machines and imagining myself in a vintage movie. Then I stumble upon the gift shop, almost buy a pack of vintage cigarettes (because why not?), and then have a sudden panic about, well, everything.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Heroic Struggle and The "Heroic" Monument: After a (very hot and sweaty) taxi ride, I visit the 'Heroic' Monument to commemorate the Battle of Surabaya. The monument, the whole area, is a bit dusty, but so very grand. However, I felt distinctly underdressed for this occasion. I'm pretty sure I was the only person wandering around in t-shirt and shorts.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Lunch and the "Spicy Challenge": Found a local warung (small eatery) near the monument and tried something called "Rawon." It looks a bit… dark, but the taste? Amazing. However, I'm pretty sure someone slipped some ghost peppers into the concoction. My mouth burned for a solid hour, and I may have consumed an entire bottle of water.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Exploring the Old Town and the Mystery of the Empty Buildings: The Old Town ('Kota Tua') of Surabaya is charming. There are old buildings and some really interesting architecture but also a lot of empty and forgotten buildings. It makes you think about the rise and fall of fortunes.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Finding a Local "Coffee Shop," and Watching the Evening: Back at the apartment, I go to a coffee shop. It's very simple and very local. I sit and just watch the people.
- 7:00 PM- Bedtime: I've exhausted by the amount of sensory input, the heat, the spicy food. Bedtime.
Day 3: Exploring The Suburbs and My Love-Hate Relationship with Transportation
- 8:00 AM-9:00 AM - Breakfast and a Big Decision: Breakfast at the apartment, trying to remember how to boil an egg. It's a battle of wills. The question of the day: Scooter or Taxi? The scooter is the more adventurous option, but I'm a terrible driver. Decisions, decisions…
- 9:00 AM-12:00 AM - The Suramadu Bridge and The Suburbs: I decide to go on a Scooter and brave it. The Suramadu Bridge. It takes you across the sea, and into the countryside? I think? It felt a little bit like being in a real-life video game. I get lost, of course, but finally make it into the suburbs. It's beautiful, full of smaller towns with smaller food stalls.
- 12:00 PM-2:00 PM - "The Street Food Adventure": My scooter adventure led me on a hunt for street food. I try all sorts of things, some of which (with all honesty) I'm not sure what they were. This is the life!
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - The Train Station: A train station? What? It turned out that in the suburbs, there's a really old train station. Who knew?
- 4:00 PM-Bedtime - Back to the Apartment and the Washing Machine's Embrace, Again: The washing machine got me into a bit of trouble. Clothes were not clean, some were messed up. But I got it working, eventually. That's all that matters.
Day 4: Leaving Surabaya and the Question of "Did I Even Do Anything?"
- 7:00 AM-9:00 AM Farewell to Surabaya, and Morning Blues: I'm leaving. It's happening. I think about whether I've done anything. I eat my last nasi goreng. It does not taste the same as the first one.
- 9:00 AM-10:00 AM - Airport Run: Get to the airport, and go through security. I think I have had an amazing experience.
Notes:
- This is just a draft. Things will undoubtedly change! I'll probably get lost a dozen times. My plans will be utterly ignored. And I'll likely eat things I can't identify. That's part of the fun, right?
- Bring Immodium. Just in case.
- Embrace the chaos, the heat, and the questionable street food. Surabaya, here I come, ready for the ride!
Luxury Surabaya Staycation: Tamansari Papilio Apartment - The Real Deal FAQ (And My Brain Dump!)
Okay, so... I stayed at that Tamansari Papilio place. It's advertised as "luxury." Let's dissect this, shall we? Consider this a chat with your best friend, only I'm the guinea pig.
1. Is the "Luxury" Label Just a Marketing Gimmick for the Tamansari Papilio? Seriously, spill!
Alright, here's the truth: it's... half-and-half. The *building* itself? Yeah, it *looks* swanky. The lobby is all marble, the elevators are fast, and the staff (mostly) seem genuinely nice. Walking in, you're like, "Ooh, fancy!" But here's the kicker: the "luxury" *within the apartment* is... well, it depends. My experience? Let's just say it started with a 30-minute scramble to figure out the smart TV (technology...my nemesis!). The finishes felt *mostly* high-end, but I did find a dodgy cupboard door, and seriously, one of the towels had a *thread* hanging off. Luxury? Not quite, but definitely a step above your average hotel, mostly!
2. Okay, so, the 1BR... spacious? Cluttered? Tell me the truth, my room-loving soul needs to know!
It was a *decent* size. Okay, okay... spacious-ish. It wasn't like a cramped shoebox, which is a win in my book. The living area was good, and the bedroom had enough space to awkwardly dance around without constantly bumping into things. The real problem I had was the *clutter*. Okay, maybe it wasn't technically *clutter*, but some things were... not really my style. A weird decorative vase that looked like it belonged in a museum, and a strategically placed (I think) art piece, made me question some design choices. I'm not saying it was bad, but it wasn't *my* comfortable cozy.
3. What about the pool and facilities? Is the Instagram life real there?
Okay, the pool. This is where things get interesting. The *pool itself*? Spectacular! Infinity edge, overlooking the city, the works. Instagrammable heaven. But... *finding* a sun lounger that wasn't already claimed by a towel-wielding ninja at 7 AM? A challenge. I'm not kidding. I once saw a towel *before* 8 am. That's dedication! The gym seemed alright, I didn't go (I'm on vacation, people!), and there was a little convenience store on the ground floor which was nice when I needed supplies.
4. The Location - How's the Vibe Around Tamansari Papilio? Easy access to fun stuff? Or stranded in a concrete jungle?
The location is *decent*. It's in a pretty central area, with some malls nearby. You won't be *stranded*, but walking around isn't always the easiest option, Surabaya traffic is… well, Surabaya traffic. Grab or Gojek are your best friends. You can get to a variety of restaurants (from fancy to downright delicious warungs - a must-try!), but you'll probably need a ride. It's not the bustling heart of the city, but it's also not isolated, so...win-win-ish?
5. The Service - Did the staff bend over backward? Were they invisible? Or a mix?
The staff were… okay. Friendly enough, but not overly attentive. I had to call for a hairdryer (I *always* forget mine) and it took about an hour. I wouldn't say the service was "luxury level," but it was efficient and everything was done. I tried to engage in conversation but was met with polite replies, as expected. I'm the type who prefers to have the staff do their jobs without any interruptions, so that works pretty well. Now, a funny incident... I asked where to find the best local food... and the helpful staff actually *called* and asked to find out for me. That was dedication!
6. The "Smart" TV - Please tell me more about that tech drama!
Oh, dear god, the Smart TV. This is where it got *real*. The TV was supposedly this amazing, modern, connected marvel of technology. It wasn't. It was a box of confusing menus, remote controls that refused to cooperate, and a near collapse of my sanity. The first afternoon was spent wrestling with it, trying to connect to my Netflix. I was almost considering writing my own TV script at that point. After an hour, I finally got it, only to discover the Wi-Fi connection was sketchy. My first night was spent mostly staring at a loading screen and shouting at the TV. The next morning, I woke up and gave up because, what is a staycation if not taking a step back and relaxing!
7. The Food - Cook your own? Room service? Nearby food options? Dish the dirt!
The apartment has a kitchen, which is cool if you plan on cooking. They supplied basic kitchen equipment. However, I am lazy. I got some instant noodles, but that's about as adventurous as I got. Room service? Didn't try it, because there's so much to go explore outside. Nearby options? Plenty! I sampled some amazing local warungs (small, often family-run restaurants) within a Grab ride's distance. I fell in love with the Soto Ayam!
8. Would you recommend this place? Be brutally honest!
Okay, here's the bottom line: If you're looking for a nice, comfortable stay with good facilities and a central location, and don't mind a few minor imperfections, then yes, Tamansari Papilio is worth considering. Don't expect *true* over-the-top luxury, and brace yourself for a potential battle with the Smart TV. But overall? I had a good time. And isn't that what matters?
9. Any deal-breakers? Things that really bugged you?
The Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi was a bit dodgy, and for a work-from-home-adjacentTrip Hotel Hub
