Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya!
Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Luxury Studio Apartment Above Pakuwon Mall, Surabaya! review – and trust me, this isn't your average dry-as-a-bone hotel rundown. I'm talking messy, honest, and hopefully, a little bit hilarious. Let's get real.
First, the Basics (the stuff they legally require us to review, I guess):
- SEO-Fuelled Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility!
- Accessibility is a BIG DEAL. I'm talking genuinely accessible here, not just "we have a ramp." We need details! Are the elevators wide enough for wheelchairs? Are there accessible rooms with roll-in showers? How's the maneuverability in the restaurants and common areas? I need to know everything.
- What I Want to Know: Okay, first of all, is this place actually accessible, or just "tick-the-box" accessible? I need to know if someone in a wheelchair can navigate the entire place. The elevators? Wide enough? The hallways? Clear? And the bathrooms… are they actually usable? I've seen (or rather, experienced) some 'accessible' rooms that were a joke!
- Internet Access & Connectivity:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - Sweet, thankfully, because paying for Wi-Fi these days is just…well, it's just rude.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Let me be clear: I need solid internet. Not just "it's there," but "it's fast and reliable." I'm a digital nomad, a freelancer, a human tethered to the glowing rectangle. Let's hope the public Wi-Fi doesn't turn into a buffering, pixelated nightmare.
- Services and Conveniences from Top to Bottom
- Business facilities: It is crucial for me to know about the business facilities, like Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Services and Conveniences: We're talking about, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, 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
- Getting Around
- Knowing how to get around is crucial, let's see: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
- Safety and Cleanliness (the Post-Apocalyptic Edition):
- Cleanliness and safety: Alright, this is the big one now. We're living in a germaphobe's paradise (or nightmare, depending on your perspective). So, let's see: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options (I'm picturing a tiny, lonely sachet of ketchup), Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.. This is the new normal. I want to feel safe, not like I'm playing Russian Roulette with a sneeze.
- Is this place actually clean? I want a full report, stat. I mean, the checklist is impressive (anti-viral this, sanitizing that!), but is it just a show? Do they actually clean? (I'm looking at you, hotel-room-dust-bunnies…)
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Beast):
- Restaurants: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, 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, let's be honest, a good hotel is judged by its ability to keep you fed and watered.
- Okay, let's eat! I am a fan of these things: breakfast buffets, a decent coffee, coffee shop, a good cocktail, somewhere fun at night
- Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa Edition (Or, Please Help Me Unwind):
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- Okay, I'm a sucker for a spa. Massages are essential for untying the knots from a day spent staring at a screen. Sauna? Yes, please. Pool with a view? Bonus points.
- Are these relaxation options worth it?
- Fitness Center: Is it actually a decent gym? Or just a treadmill and a rusty dumbbell?
Now, for the REAL meat of the review… my EXPERIENCE
Okay, so I finally get myself checked in. First impressions? The lobby is… well, it’s shiny. Very, very shiny. You know, like the kind of shine that makes you immediately wonder if they're trying to blind you with expensive design.
I take a deep breath, try to relax, and head for my room.
- The Room – My Temporary Kingdom:
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, 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, 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.
- Here's the actual truth bomb: the room was a studio apartment. It was not a cramped hotel room; it was a genuine, well-equipped apartment. (Okay, let's get real: I was delighted.)
- The Bed: Ah, the bed. Let's talk bed. Was it heavenly? Or was it a lumpy torture device disguised as a sleep surface? (Thank goodness, it was heavenly.)
- The Views: The view, ladies and gentlemen, was glorious. Being "Above Pakuwon Mall" is a real thing. You're literally above the mall!
- The Spa Sabotage:
- The Spa: Is it actually a spa? Or a glorified glorified sauna with some smelly creams? (I want to know the truth here!)
- My massage: I went for the massage. I tried to relax but I got distracted by how the masseuse kept talking. I'm all for friendly conversation, but not when I'm supposed to be drifting into a state of blissful oblivion.
- The Food Fiascos (and Victories):
- Breakfast: Let's talk breakfast. I need good coffee. I need good pastries. And I need, at the very least, a waffle iron. (Spoiler: The coffee was a triumph. The waffle situation? Not so much. It was a buffet, and everything was… fine. But fine is not what I want. I want amazing.)
- Room Service, 24-hour: Room service is a lifesaver when you're jet-lagged and can't face a restaurant. The burger? Surprisingly good. The fries? Soggy. You win some, you lose some, I guess.
- The Pool with a View:
- The pool was genuinely amazing. And the view! I mean, Instagram loved it.
- But, you know… I wish I had a drink in my hand. They should have a pool bar.
The Good, The Bad, and the Questionable (My Honest, Rambling Thoughts):
- The Accessibility Verdict: I need to know more here, I really do. They say "facilities for
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your meticulously-planned, boring-as-hell itinerary. This is the chaos of real life crammed into a stay at Apartment Studio Orchard di atas Pakuwon Mall SBY Surabaya, Indonesia. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster, because frankly, I'm still recovering.
ITINERARY: SURABAYA - APARTMENT STUDIO CHAOS (Orchard Edition)
DAY 1: Arrival - The Hope & The Heat
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Airport to apartment. Ugh, the Surabaya heat hits you like a wall. Instantly regret wearing that cute linen shirt. Grab a Gojek (thank GOD for Gojek) and pray the driver understands English. We're off to Pakuwon mall first to grab some supplies.
- Anecdote: The Gojek driver, bless his soul, kept offering me durian breath-freshener. He was so proud of it! I politely declined because, well, durian. The smell of it almost made me puke on the ride here. Not a good start.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Check-in. Pray the key works. Find the apartment – after a frustrating circular walk and some wrong turns. The building is massive. Feeling a little lost. Locate the apartment. Holy crap, the view! Honestly, the Orchard view is the only good thing so far. Breathe in the fresh apartment and breathe out the journey.
- Quirky Observation: The lobby has this aggressive air conditioning that’s trying to freeze you solid. I’m pretty sure I saw a polar bear statue lurking in the corner.
Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Grocery Shopping. Pakuwon Mall is overwhelming. So much…stuff. Wander the supermarket, lost in a sea of unfamiliar products. Finally find the basics: water (hydration is key!), snacks (essential for sanity), and, you know, the bare necessities.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Apartment Chill-Out (Attempted). Unpack. Attempt to connect to the Wi-Fi (struggle is real). Plop on the bed, ready to conquer the world (or at least a Netflix binge).
- Emotional Reaction: The Wi-Fi is so slow, I’m pretty sure dial-up was faster. Utterly defeated. This is where the vacation starts to fall apart a little.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Investigating the pool. The pool is great!
- Quirky Observation: This hotel has a infinity pool, great for the pictures.
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the mall. Exhausted. Craving something familiar. Settle for a generic food court offering. Regret it immediately. Mediocre noodles are not a vacation highlight.
Evening (9:00 PM onwards): Bedtime. Crash. Mentally preparing myself for the adventure.
DAY 2: Surabaya's Spicy Soul - And My Inner Critic
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Rise and Shine (Sort Of). The jet lag is real. Forced myself out of bed. Maybe I should order some delicious breakfast.
- Imperfection: Accidently slept through breakfast. The service wasn't as good as it was written in the review.
Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Attempting a Cultural Adventure. Decide on Tunjungan Plaza, a historic street. Attempt to take a taxi. Get completely ripped off by a taxi. The driver takes the longest route possible. * Emotional Reaction: I will never use a taxi again in my life.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch and Local Foods. Food stalls are awesome! It is hot and messy.
- Anecdote: I tried rawon, and it was divine. So much better than anything at the mall.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Searching for the Perfect Sunset View.
- Opinionated Language: Forget the cliché sunsets at the beach. I wanted rooftops! I searched for a bar with an incredible view. The search was worth it!
Evening (7:00 PM - onwards): Back to the Apartment, Exhausted. Take a long shower. Reflect on my successes and failures. Do it all again tomorrow.
DAY 3: Pakuwon Mall Mayhem - AND The Sudden Surge of Joy
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Late start (again). Actually manage to get some decent coffee at the shop inside the mall.
- Stream of Consciousness: Okay, so I’m obsessed with the coffee shop. The barista remembered my order! Maybe this vacation will be okay after all.
Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): More Mall Madness. Shopping time. I'm normally not a shopper, but the sheer variety is drawing me in. Find a shop with ridiculously cheap clothing.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: This shopping is amazing! I bought so many things in the sale section. I'm broke, but I don't care.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Back to the pool!
Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Packing. Realize how much stuff I've accumulated. Panic.
Evening (7:00 PM - onwards): Final Dinner (at the Mall). Reflect on the trip.
- Messier Structure: Did I miss the "real" Surabaya? Maybe. But I had fun!
DAY 4: Departure - Goodbye Surabaya!
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Check-out. Say goodbye to the dreamy views and the chaotic apartment.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Airport.
- Morning/Afternoon (10:00 AM - onwards): Departure.
Final Thoughts:
Surabaya? Messy. Hot. Delicious. Sometimes frustrating. But definitely an experience. Would I go back? Maybe. Would I stay at the same apartment? Perhaps. But next time, I'm bringing extra sunscreen, a pocket translator, and definitely learning some simple Bahasa Indonesia. And maybe a whole suitcase for shopping.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on weather, personal whims, and sudden cravings for instant noodles. Embrace the chaos! And bring extra deodorant. You'll need it.
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Okay, spill the beans... is this "Luxury Studio Above Pakuwon Mall" really all it's cracked up to be? Or is it just another Instagram fantasy?
Alright, alright, hold your horses! Let's be honest, after booking it, I was already mentally composing my "perfect day" at that mall, coffee in hand, new shoes on my feet. The reality? Well, it's a delicious mix of both. I mean, LUXURY. Above PAKUWON MALL. It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? And for the most part, it *is*. But you know, life isn’t a perfectly filtered photo, is it?
What actually *is* the apartment like? Gimme details, baby!
Okay, picture this: it's *studio*, so don't expect secret rooms, but it *feels* bigger than it looks. The design? Sleek. Modern. Think clean lines, a king-sized bed (heaven!), and enough storage to actually *hide* the mountain of shopping bags you're inevitably going to accumulate. The bathroom? Glorious. Rain shower (yes!), fluffy towels, and space for... well, all my skincare products. (Don't judge me!). The kitchen is also a mini-wonder, well-equipped for a proper cooking session. I nearly made a carbonara once, but then remembered Food Hall existed, and... yeah, that happened.
And what about the *location*? Being above the mall... that's got to be a HUGE perk, right?
Oh. My. GOD. The location is everything. I mean, *everything*. Need a fancy coffee? Done. Spontaneously need a new dress? Done. Craving sushi at 2 AM? Well, maybe not THAT easy, but almost! The elevator drops you practically *inside* the mall. It’s both incredible and potentially dangerous for your bank account. On the downside, you hear the distant mall music sometimes, which can be a little… much after a while. And sometimes you catch the smell of cooking from the food court... which is an invitation to indulge in that delicious guilty pleasure and then regret later. Honestly, though, the convenience far outweighs the minor annoyances. It’s a game-changer!
Okay, but let's talk about the downsides. There *have* to be some, right? Nothing’s perfect.
Alright, here's where the shiny veneer starts to chip a little. Firstly, the price. Let's just say, it's not exactly budget-friendly. You're paying for the convenience and the "luxury" label. Then there's the occasional noise. Sometimes, especially at night, you hear sounds from outside. Traffic, or maybe a concert, depending on what's happening. It’s not constant, but it's enough to wake you up if you're a light sleeper like me. And the elevators... They occasionally, and I mean *occasionally* have a moment. A minor one. Nothing major, but I once had to take the stairs in my heels. Let's just say, it wasn't my finest moment.
What about the people, the staff? Are they helpful?
The staff is *mostly* lovely. The receptionists are always incredibly helpful and quick to assist with whatever you need - which, in my case, sometimes includes ordering a ridiculous amount of room service. They're efficient and friendly, with the kind of warm politeness you expect. I once had a minor issue with the TV, and they fixed it in like, five minutes. Impressive! However, the problem is, occasionally, during busy times the staff can seem a bit overwhelmed. Nobody’s perfect, right?
Any tips for maximizing the experience, like a pro?
Okay, listen up, because this is gold. First, pack light. Embrace the minimalism and leave the excess baggage at home – literally and figuratively! Second, *book a massage*. Seriously. The spa is amazing, and there's nothing like starting your day with a massage on the highest floor before hitting the mall. Third, if you're planning to cook, buy your groceries beforehand – don't rely on the mall supermarkets to have everything. Last but not least: *treat yourself*. This an experience. Don't just exist there; enjoy it! Shop, eat, relax, pamper yourself. You deserve it! Oh, and tip generously. It goes a long way.
So, overall... would you recommend it? The final verdict?!
Okay, here's the messy, honest truth. If you’re looking for pure, unadulterated convenience and a touch of luxury, whilst having an obsession with shopping, then YES, absolutely. It's an experience. It's not a bargain, but you're paying for the location, the amenities, and the overall vibe. It's one of those places where you can genuinely forget about the world for a while. Plus, the people-watching from the balcony is *epic*. You get a real sense of the city's pulse. Will I go back? Probably. When my bank account recovers. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm suddenly craving a mango sticky rice from the Food Hall... *must* resist.
The Gym? How's the gym? Is it a decent one?
The gym? A mixed bag, honestly. It's there, which is a HUGE plus, and it's definitely better than nothing. They have the basics - treadmills, weights, a few machines. The equipment's well-maintained, though might be a little crowded during peak hours. The view from the treadmill is pretty good, overlooking the city. It's a decent enough setting for a quick workout. I’m more of a "walk around the mall and call it a workout" kind of gal myself. Let's just say the siren song of the food court is always calling after a sweaty session. Definitely a pro if fitness is high on your list!
Seriously... food? Aside from the mall, what else?
Okay, food. Let's break this down. The mall's a massive win, obviously. There's something for everyone. Sushi, burgers, fancy cafes, you name it. Room service? Decent, but nothing to write home about in terms of Michelin-star quality. Outside the mall, Surabaya has a *ton* of amazing food, but you'll need to venture out to find it. Grab a Grab! It's a perfect opportunity to experience the local delights. You can check online for some restaurant recommendations! So is the studio is the best for a culinary adventurer, or is it just good for an immediate food craving? The mall has the immediate gratification, outsideExplore Hotels
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