**Surabaya's STUNNING Taman Melati Studio: Best Views, Travelio Perfection!**
Surabaya's Emerald Oasis: Taman Melati Studio - Travelio's Secret Weapon (and My Slightly Chaotic Love Affair with It)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I’m about to unleash a torrent of opinions, ramblings, and maybe a little bit of drool-worthy descriptions of my recent stay at the "STUNNING Taman Melati Studio: Best Views, Travelio Perfection!" in Surabaya. (Yes, I shamelessly stole their own marketing, but honestly, it’s almost too true.)
First things first: Accessibility. Sadly, I didn’t need to assess this firsthand. However, the information is available. They advertise facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator. Thank goodness for elevators. Surabaya heat is no joke!
Now, onto the good stuff! This place oozes that Travelio polish. We're talking cleanliness. And bless their hearts, they really tried. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, professional-grade sanitizing services – all the buzzwords! Honestly, I felt safer here than in my own apartment back home. (Okay, maybe my apartment is a slight mess… but still!) They even offered a room sanitization opt-out available. Talk about peace of mind! They also had hand sanitizer readily available… I became addicted, basically bathing in the stuff.
Safety and Security: This is a big one, especially traveling solo as I was. With CCTV in common areas and outside the property, 24-hour security, and smoke alarms in the room, I felt genuinely secure. It wasn’t a cold, sterile feeling, but that reassuring kind of safety net. The front desk was also 24-hours which is another plus!
Let’s be real, though… the main reason I chose Taman Melati was the promise of the views! And OH. MY. GOD. The pictures did not lie. I'm talking Pool with a View that makes you feel like you've plunged into a postcard. The outdoor swimming pool was glorious. I spent a whole afternoon just… staring. The city sprawling below, the breeze, my cocktail… Pure, unadulterated bliss. (More on that cocktail later.)
Dining, drinking, and snacking deserves its own section. Because, let's be honest, I spent a significant amount of time here. There's a Poolside bar, which is basically my happy place now. The restaurants offered up a decent range, Asian cuisine, international cuisine, vegetarian restaurant, I just went wild. I started with the usual breakfast [buffet], Asian Breakfast, and then I went a little wild. Their Coffee/tea in restaurant situation? Superb. Like, seriously. I had to get up and leave several times before they finally kicked me out! The Snack bar and Coffee shop are also great to keep you fed and caffeinated. But for the love of everything holy, try the desserts. You’ll thank me later. And the option for room service [24-hour]? Dangerous. Absolutely dangerous. But amazing. Note: I was a bit disappointed that the happy hour wasn’t quite as… happy as I'd hoped. But hey, you can't win 'em all.
The Services and conveniences were plentiful. Air conditioning in public area is a lifesaver. Luggage storage, laundry service, dry cleaning – they've thought of everything. The concierge was super helpful with booking tours. But truth be told, I mostly just wanted to lounge by that pool.
Also, I saw a meeting/banquet facilities which is a bonus for a hotel but I did'nt end up needing it.
Things to do, ways to relax… This is where Taman Melati truly shines. They had a decent Fitness center, a Spa, and a Sauna and Steamroom. Which is where I made the biggest mistake of my entire trip.
I went for a Massage one afternoon. And it was amazing. Utterly glorious. But then, I succumbed to the siren call of the Body scrub. And that, my friends, is where it all went downhill (in the best possible way). The scrub felt so… intense. I'm not sure what they used, but my skin felt like it had been polished to a ridiculously smooth sheen. For hours afterwards, I was like a walking, talking baby's bottom. I may have even gotten a little too comfortable.
For the Kids? I didn't have any, which is a relief because, while they claim to be Family/child friendly I'm not sure I could handle the chaos. They do have babysitting service though.
Getting Around The hotel offers Airport transfer and Taxi service. The car park [free of charge] is a godsend, especially in Surabaya. But the real winner? The fact that they had a car power charging station. Genius!
Now, the rooms. Oh, the rooms. (I’m getting slightly emotional, I think.) The STUNNING Taman Melati Studio, indeed. My room was on a high floor and the view… well, you already know about the view. It had everything you could possibly need: air conditioning (essential), a super-comfy bed, a safe box, complimentary tea, and a refrigerator to keep my snacks chilled. They even leave you a bottle of water! They had an internet access [Wireless] to connect, and a desk for remote work which is great, but I didn't need it. I was way too busy taking the time for myself.
However, I’ll be real. There were a few tiny imperfections. The internet access [LAN] was a tad patchy at times. And the bathroom phone seemed a bit… retro. But honestly, these were such minor quibbles that they barely registered.
In-Room Amenities: the blackout curtains where my best friend in the morning.
The Little Things: The slippers! The bathrobes! The extra long bed! The coffee/tea maker!! (I might have used that a lot).
The Not-so-Perfect Moments: The one time I tried to order room service at 3 AM and the person on the phone sounded a bit… sleepy. The occasional whirring sound of what I think might have been the air conditioning unit. But hey, no place is perfect, right?
Final Verdict: Do I recommend "STUNNING Taman Melati Studio: Best Views, Travelio Perfection!"? Absolutely. Without a doubt. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place to disconnect, to recharge, to maybe get a little too comfortable in a bathrobe during a body scrub. It's where I made some memories I won't soon forget. Go. Just go. And tell the pool I said hello.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're talkin' Surabaya, Indonesia. We're talking Best View Studio Apt at Taman Melati By Travelio. And we're talking a glorious, messy, unpredictable adventure. Let's dive in!
Day 1: Surabaya… Hello, You Beautiful Chaos! (And Praying for a Functional Air Conditioner)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrival at Juanda International Airport (SUB). Okay, first off, Indonesian airports are a vibe. Expect a symphony of chatter, the heady scent of clove cigarettes (seriously, everywhere!), and a mild panic about finding your way to the taxi stand. Managed to haggle a tiny bit on the price (apparently, my haggling skills are still at "beginner" level). The drive to Taman Melati was… interesting. Think bustling streets, motorbikes that defy physics, and a constant stream of vibrant colours. Found the Travelio apartment. Praying the AC works. First impressions? "Best View" is absolutely accurate. The city sprawls before you, a concrete jungle peppered with palm trees. Felt a thrill and anticipation inside me. Settled in with no problem.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): First food adventure! Found a warung (small local eatery) nearby. Ordered nasi goreng (fried rice) – a classic. The flavour explosion was immediate. The rice, cooked to perfection. The egg, gooey. The chili, whoa. Nearly choked on my first bite. But hey, that's how you know it's authentic, right? Met a local at the warung, Ibu Ani, a sweet woman who talked me through the best of Indonesian cuisine. I wish I had her patience, to be honest.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Exploration time! Decided to be brave (and slightly foolish) and wander the streets. The heat was intense. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my own sweat was sweating. Found a bustling market, filled with everything from exotic fruits I couldn't name (let alone pronounce) to mountains of spices that made my nose tingle. Got a bit lost. Panicked momentarily (Google Maps is my lifeline). But then I saw a bakso (meatball soup) stand and everything was alright. The bakso was a balm to my soul.
- Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): Sunset on the balcony of the apartment. Pure magic. The city lights twinkling, the air cooling slightly. Sipped a Bintang beer (local beer, relatively cheap and refreshing) and reflected on the day. The AC is still holding out, thank goodness. Ordered some sate ayam (chicken skewers) for dinner from a local delivery service. Noticed they gave me two extra. Maybe that's because I only spoke broken Indonesian.
Day 2: Temples, Tears, and Triumph
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The alarm rang so I could visit the Cheng Hoo Mosque. This mosque, built in the style of a Chinese temple, is a true sight to behold. The architecture is exquisite, the colours vibrant, and the atmosphere incredibly peaceful. I was really moved by the cultural fusion. I wandered the grounds, feeling humbled and impressed. I accidentally broke a small rule, but no harm done (I think).
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back to the warung from yesterday. Became a regular! Ibu Ani gave me a little extra sambal (chili paste) because she said I needed "more fire in my belly." I think it worked because I started doing a silly dance to amuse her and the other customers.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The House of Sampoerna. Holy. Cow. This is the place if you're a cigar enthusiast or someone who appreciates a bit of history, and, well, I'm neither, but I was blown away. An old, colonial-era building, meticulously preserved, with a fascinating museum and a cigarette factory. Seeing the women skillfully rolling cigarettes by hand was mesmerising. There's something about the rhythms of it all. Staring at the cigarette machine felt like living in a different time. But here's where it gets messy: I got a bit overwhelmed. The smells, the history, the sheer scale of it… it all hit me at once. I think I got a little claustrophobic. I stepped outside, nearly collapsed and nearly cried. Stupidly emotional! Needed fresh air and a moment to just breathe. But then, I came back and took a tour. I'm so glad I did.
- Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): More sate ayam. More Bintang. This time, I watched the sunset and the sunrise, as the AC began it's loud protest. Tomorrow, I will call the owner of the apartment and discuss my concerns.
Day 3: The Search for the Holy Grail (aka, the Perfect Coffee)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Great Coffee Quest! Surabaya is known for its coffee, and I was on a mission to find the best cup. Wandered the streets, trying out different cafes. Disasters were made. Some coffee was bitter; some was weak; some was too sweet. I was beginning to lose hope.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back to my staple: Nasi Goreng. I'm starting to think that I'll never be able to order anything else.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Great Coffee Quest continued. Found a hidden gem! A tiny, family-run cafe tucked away down a side street. The aroma alone was enough to send me into a coffee-induced trance. The coffee? Perfection. Rich, flavourful, and with just the right amount of bitterness. I could have stayed there all day. I spent the next hour chatting with the barista about the merits of different beans and the local coffee scene. I learned all about the local Indonesian coffee culture.
- Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): The AC still has not been fixed. I'm starting to think I'm living in a sauna. I called the landlord and complained for the second time. Ordered food delivery and tried to watch a movie, but the heat and the flickering lights in the apartment made it impossible. The film became a blurry mess of sweat and frustration.
Day 4: Goodbye, Surabaya (and Goodbye, My Sanity)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): One last sunrise from the balcony. Managed to get the AC fixed and I'm able to think again. Packed. Did my best to leave the apartment in a reasonable state (let’s be honest, probably not perfect). Took a final stroll through the market, picking up some souvenirs (mostly spices, because I’m a cliche). Said goodbye to Ibu Ani, who gave me a hug and a small bag of krupuk (crackers) for the journey.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): One final nasi goreng. It felt fitting.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Headed to the airport. The drive was a blur of memories. The city, in all its chaos and beauty, had weaved its way into my heart.
- Evening (3:00 PM - onwards): Departure. Surabaya, you crazy, wonderful place. Until next time… and you’ll never guess what? The AC backfired on the plane.
Final Thoughts:
Surabaya – a sensory overload. A city that challenges you, frustrates you, but ultimately, rewards you with incredible experiences. It's a place that gets under your skin, that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe even question your sanity a little bit. And I wouldn't have it any other way. The apartment was good, the best view was fantastic, and the city was something else.
Escape to Paradise: V.Hotel & Resort Hat Yai Awaits!
Surabaya's Taman Melati Studio: Ask Me Anything (Because I've Probably Screwed Up There!)
What's *actually* so stunning about the views from Taman Melati Studio? Seriously, hype me up!
So, Travelio. Are they actually good? Or is this just another travel agent nightmare waiting to happen?
Is this place good for a romantic getaway? Don't lie!
Okay, real talk. The noise levels? How bad is it?
What's the deal with the amenities? Are they actually useful? Or just pretty decorations?
Any advice for getting around and what's the location like?
What's the biggest mistake you've made while staying at Taman Melati Studio? Spill the tea!
