Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Sans Stay Bukit Palma's Secret in Surabaya!
Unbelievable Maybe? My Messy Confessions from Sans Stay Bukit Palma's "Secret" in Surabaya!
Okay, people, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the tea, the coffee, and probably a little bit of my scrambled eggs on my experience at Sans Stay Bukit Palma's "Secret" in Surabaya. Honestly, "Secret"? More like… "Kinda Hidden, Unless You're Me and Spend Hours Online Before Trips" (but I'll get to that later). This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog; this is me, raw and real, navigating luxury (or a version of it) with a slightly cynical eye and a penchant for snacking.
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First Impressions: The Entryway Angst
The "secret" part? Well, finding the place felt like a treasure hunt. The directions were… well, let's just say my GPS and I had a moment. (Okay, maybe several moments. And some colorful language, mostly involving the phrase "Are you kidding me?!"). The building itself is kind of impressive from the outside, sleek and modern. But the actual entrance felt a little… understated. Like, a bit of a let-down after the build-up. I was expecting trumpets. Confetti. Perhaps a red carpet rolled out by a team of adorable, tuxedo-wearing orangutans. (I'm kidding! Mostly.)
And then, the first hurdle: Parking. While technically free (car park [free of charge], check!), getting into the spaces felt like a Tetris game. Narrow and a bit chaotic. Valet parking was an option (thank god!), but I’m a control freak. (I'm getting better though!)
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze of Movement
Now, I'm not using a wheelchair, but I always pay attention to accessibility. And honestly? Sans Stay Bukit Palma… it's mostly there. Elevator? Yes! But the hallways felt a tad cramped, and while I saw facilities for disabled guests (Facilities for disabled guests), I couldn't test them, so I'm giving this a tentative "thumbs up… but investigate further if it's a crucial factor." I'd definitely call ahead and quiz them on specifics. Because you know, the unexpected.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (and Coffee-Stained Battleground)
Okay, let's talk rooms! Available in all rooms, check! Air conditioning? Check! Free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!)? Double check! (Thank the Wi-Fi Gods!) My room felt spacious. The bed was HUGE, actually, Extra long bed, excellent! The bathrobes? Soft and fluffy (like a fluffy cloud… that I immediately spilled coffee on. Oops.) I have no idea how. But hey, that's me. I wasn't expecting everything to be perfect. I'm sure the staff has seen worse.
The details are what you’re paying for. The room had everything you expect: alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, black out curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, iron, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, wake up service, and Wi-Fi (free).
Also, the blackout curtains? Genius. I slept like a baby (after I cleaned up the coffee stain, of course).
Internet Access: The Lifeline (and My Curse)
Internet, check! Wi-Fi [free], check! I'm a digital nomad, people! The internet access – wireless was a dream at first. Until… well, until I needed to upload those colossal files for my work. It was a bit… spotty at times. I found myself pacing the room looking for a stronger signal, muttering about the need for Internet access – LAN. I swear I saw a ghost of frustration when the connection failed. I still love it!
Food, Glorious Food (and My Digestive System’s Adventures)
- Breakfast – the Battle for the Buffet: The breakfast buffet (Breakfast [buffet]) was… decent. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast both available. A la carte in restaurant you can have other options. But the atmosphere… was a little frantic. The staff, bless their hearts, were running. Constantly refilling plates and trying to keep up. It felt like a race to get your eggs before someone else did. And the coffee… well, it was the aforementioned battleground. It either was too strong or not strong enough. I ended up ordering a coffee from the coffee shop and that was delicious!
- Dinner & Drinks: The Poolside Illusion: The poolside bar (Poolside bar) was… okay. A little pricey, but the view of the (beautiful!) Swimming pool [outdoor] was spectacular. The food options (Snack bar, Salad in restaurant) were limited, but the cocktails were strong (which is what I really cared about). Happy hour? Yes, thank god, which almost made up for the lack of variety.
Ways to Relax: A Spa Day (and a Moment of Meditative Bliss)
- Spa/sauna: Yes, again! But… the spa offerings are a bit of a mixed bag. The massage was good, not amazing. Body scrub, body wrap, and foot bath options were available, but I didn't try.
- Pool with a View: The swimming pool was absolutely gorgeous! The Pool with view was breathtaking. It was clean, and the view was stunning. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just floating and staring at the sky. Pure bliss.
- Fitness Center: The gym was… functional. The Fitness center, Gym/fitness all there, but not exactly state-of-the-art. I got my workout in, but I wouldn't go there just for the gym.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassurances in an Uncertain World
This is one area where Sans Stay excelled. They had professional-grade sanitizing services, daily disinfection in common areas, and individually-wrapped food options. I saw staff trained in safety protocols and they had anti-viral cleaning products everywhere. It felt… safe, which is a huge comfort right now.
Services and Conveniences: Perks and Quirks
Air conditioning in public area, check! Concierge service: efficient. The doorman was always friendly. Laundry service, elevator, and daily housekeeping made life a little easier. I can confirm the invoice provided was accurate. I did spot a small convenience store, which I appreciated (I have a problem with impulse buys).
For the Kids: Family Friendliness (Mostly)
I'm not traveling with kids, but there are babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal available.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location (and Cab Fare)
Airport transfer: yes! But it’s still a bit of a hike from the airport. Car park [free of charge]! Taxi service is available.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Okay, here’s the honest truth: Sans Stay Bukit Palma is not a perfect 5-star experience. It has its quirks, its slight imperfections. There were some minor issues and even some moments where I felt a tad frustrated.
BUT! Overall? Yes, I'd go back. The staff was friendly, the pool was divine, and the room was comfy. It’s a good option if you're looking for a reasonably luxurious stay in Surabaya with some nice amenities and a (generally) safe environment. Just… be prepared for a slightly bumpy ride. And maybe pack your own coffee. And definitely ask about the Wi-Fi bandwidth before you commit to a massive upload. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm heading back to my room (where I can spill coffee in peace).
Luxury Redefined: Mingcheng Hotel Fuzhou - Your Unforgettable Fuzhou Escape
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is going to be a chaotic, caffeine-fueled, and possibly slightly hysterical journey through the gloriously imperfect reality of a trip to Sans Stay Bukit Palma Citraland Surabaya, Indonesia. I'm not promising perfect grammar, or even particularly coherent thought at times, but I am promising realness. Let's go…
The Sans Stay Surabaya Saga: A Travel Itinerary (or, You Know, A Very Loose Idea)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Laundry Debacle
Morning (ish) (Let's be honest, probably late): Touch down at Juanda International Airport (SUB). The air hits you. Tropical, yes. Humid, also yes. A quick customs shuffle (praying I haven't accidentally packed any illegal durian – seriously, the smell…), and then the exhilarating hunt for the pre-booked Grab car. Remember those crisp, pristine pre-trip plans? Fuggedaboutit. Already running late.
- First Impression: Chaos. Beautiful, organized chaos. The drivers are all clamoring, the luggage handlers seem to be in a constant state of organized pandemonium, and somehow, it all works. I’m already loving it.
Mid-Morning (Okay, Noon): Arrive at Sans Stay. Check-in… hopefully smoothly? My Bahasa Indonesia is about as good as my ability to do the cha-cha (i.e., non-existent) so, fingers crossed the reception staff are patient. The photos online are pretty slick, but is it actually clean? That's the real question. Room number: pray it's not on the top floor because, elevators? What elevators?
- Quirky Observation: The lobby smells vaguely of… cinnamon? Who puts cinnamon in a hotel lobby? I like it, but it's also throwing me off.
Afternoon: Unpack (haphazardly, I'm sure) and then the first REAL test: laundry. I envisioned a swift, efficient process. Reality? Turns out the hotel laundry service is… well, let's just say I’m pretty sure my favorite t-shirt, the one with the questionable pun, is now going to be the size of a handkerchief. (Dramatic Pause) I'm not even joking. I'm picturing it. Small.
- Emotional Reaction: Utter panic. That shirt was a part of me. Okay, maybe not, but still.
- Rant starts
- I am going to call my sister.
- I am going to order a massage as a mood-booster.
- Who is going to help me?
- I see the laundry service is running.
- How fast do I get my shirt back?
- Is it too late to do my own laundry?
- Where can I buy a new, amazing t-shirt?
- Rant done
- Emotional Reaction: Utter panic. That shirt was a part of me. Okay, maybe not, but still.
Late Afternoon: Explore the immediate vicinity of the hotel, probably get a little bit lost, and definitely order a ridiculously sugary iced coffee from a street vendor. I deserve it after the shirt trauma.
- Rambling aside: The architecture here is… interesting. Lots of angles, some modern, some slightly… off-kilter. It's like the buildings are all whispering secrets to each other in a language I don't understand.
Evening: Okay this is my chance to get away from all the chaos and drama I had. Have a nice dinner. Try some local delicacies. Maybe get lost one more time, just for the fun of it. Order a Grab food. Try to relax.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and Delicious Food)
Morning: Wake up (hopefully before noon this time). Actually try to eat breakfast at the hotel. The buffet promises a selection of Indonesian breakfast options. Fingers crossed. This is going to be my first taste of the region's culinary delights.
- Opinionated Language: The coffee better be good. I need serious caffeine fuel if I'm going to deal with the next few days.
Mid-Morning: This is where things get a little more structured. I go out and try to see some of the historical landmarks (I think, at least, I am going to see some of them.) Surabaya is known, in the little research I did, for its colonial history, so I suppose I will be doing that.
- Messy Structure: I am currently figuring out if it would be better to order a taxi or rent a car. Then I went to Google. Then I panicked when I saw that I am afraid of driving.
Noon: The food, baby, the food. And the way people eat here is so amazing, because it looks so different. All of the smells. All of the flavors. I am getting so excited over all of this.
- Single Experience: Okay, I gotta tell you about the warung I found (a small, local eating establishment). I saw it when I was driving earlier. I went to order nasi goreng. It was so delicious. Best ever.
- Stream-of-consciousness, Rambling, Strong Emotional Reaction: This is why I travel! I am already planning to go back! I felt so emotional! The flavors exploded in my mouth. This food is something else, I am going to return and tell everyone about it.
Afternoon The rest of the day could be pretty messy. More wander, maybe. Back to the warung. It all depends on how the day goes.
Day 3 and Beyond:
The Plans: Okay, I'm gonna level with you. I haven’t actually planned much beyond this point. I'm thinking maybe a day trip to see more of the city, or maybe just stay in a cafe, people-watching and slowly savoring a cup of kopi susu. It all depends on how my emotional state goes.
Possible Activities (or, Things I Might Do, Depending on My Mood):
- Explore the local markets (and probably buy more things I don't need).
- Visit the House of Sampoerna.
- Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases (please, thank you… more essential because my Bahasa is bad).
- Find a decent bookstore.
- Take a cooking class. (Maybe. Probably not. Let's be honest.)
The Imperfections: I am sure I'll get lost. I'll mispronounce things. I'll probably offend someone unintentionally. I'll forget to take photos. I might fall into a scooter traffic. But honestly, that's kind of the point, right?
Important Notes:
- Packing: I overpacked. Definitely overpacked.
- Currency: Rupiah. It's a lot of zeroes. I'm going to need a calculator.
- Attitude: Open. Curious. Willing to embrace the glorious mess. And, of course, deeply, profoundly hoping my favorite t-shirt makes it back to me in one piece. (Still slightly traumatized.)
- Ending: Hopefully, I'll emerge from this adventure slightly wiser, a little more tanned, and with a whole lot of stories to tell. And, most importantly, I'll have learned to love the chaos.
There you have it. The utterly imperfect, completely human, and hopefully slightly entertaining itinerary for my Surabaya adventure. Wish me luck (and maybe send a replacement t-shirt).
DORA BUTIK OTEL: Turkey's Hidden Gem Hotel Awaits!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Sans Stay Bukit Palma's Secret - Your Messy Guide
Okay, spill the beans. What *is* Sans Stay Bukit Palma's Secret, anyway? And is it... secret-secret?
Alright, alright, settle down, you eager beavers! The "Secret" isn't some Illuminati lodge meeting (though, honestly, that would be a fun bonus). It's more like… *refined* luxury. Think sleek, modern villas tucked away in the Bukit Palma area of Surabaya. The "secret" is that it's not *that* widely known, which, in my humble opinion, is a GOOD thing. Keeps the riff-raff out (I kid, I kid... mostly). It's about peace and quiet, amazing service, and the kind of design that makes you want to Instagram every single corner.
But here's the thing: my secret? I *almost* missed the turnoff. Seriously. GPS was being a jerk, and I was convinced I was lost. Ended up U-turning in a decidedly non-luxury-feeling alley. So, "secret" in terms of getting THERE sometimes... (and my memory of the drive is now more of a chaotic blur of sweating, traffic, and existential dread about my navigational skills -- which are definitely… questionable.)
The Villas - What are they *really* like? Because Instagram always lies, doesn’t it?
Okay, so the Instagram photos are pretty darn accurate this time. And I, your seasoned traveler, have no qualms in saying this! The villas? Stunning. Think minimalist chic meets Indonesian warmth. Huge windows, allowing for breathtaking views, especially at sunset. The interior design? Immaculate. Think clean lines, gorgeous local wood, and not an ounce of clutter.
Now, here's my favorite part. One the villa I got – the one I *loved*, the one I’m still daydreaming about? The bathroom. Oh. My. God. It’s like stepping into a spa sanctuary. Seriously, giant soaking tub, rainfall shower head, and enough fluffy towels to build a small fortress. I spent a solid hour just *basking* in there. Don't judge! It was my own private heaven from the terrible traffic of the day!
And YES. It's as good as the pictures. Promise.
How's the food? Because a beautiful villa is useless if the food is...meh.
Oh, the food! Okay, another thing Sans Stay nails. They offer in-villa dining, and the menu is a delightful mix of Indonesian classics and international fare. I tried the Nasi Goreng (because, Indonesia!), and it was legitimately the best I'd ever had. Seriously, perfectly cooked rice, flavorful spices, and a fried egg that was, like, a work of art. I almost cried out of pure joy. Almost. I definitely ate it all, though.
The breakfast delivered to your villa? A total *treat*. Fresh fruit, pastries, and, yes, delicious coffee. I may (definitely) have had two helpings of the croissants. No regrets. Honestly, I’m still thinking of those croissants. Like, daily. I even attempted to recreate them at home... let's just say it didn't go well. But hey, the memory is still delicious!
Service? Are we talking butler-level pampering?
Yes! Absolutely. Butler-level. But not in a stuffy, pretentious way. The staff are incredibly friendly, attentive, and genuinely seem to *care* about making your stay amazing. They anticipate your needs before you even realize you *have* a need. Need a ride? They arrange it. Need a suggestion for a local restaurant? They got you. Need extra towels because you're a shower aficionado? Done. My water was refilled before I even finish a glass. It was that good.
Okay, here’s a funny story. I, being the clumsy person I am, managed to spill coffee on my (very expensive) sunglasses. Totally my fault. Panicked, I called reception, expecting to get lectured about being a klutz. Instead? They sent someone up immediately, cleaned my sunglasses, and didn't even *bat an eye*. Pure, unadulterated service bliss. I wanted to hug them all!
What's there to *do*? Besides, you know, wallowing in luxury?
Okay, so yes, wallowing in luxury is a perfectly acceptable activity. I spent a significant portion of my trip doing just that. But if you're feeling ambitious (and let's be honest, I was barely there for a couple of hours), you can explore Surabaya! Sans Stay can arrange excursions, like trips to museums, temples or local markets – or even shopping sprees.
Me? I opted for the spa. (Shocking, I know.) The massage was heavenly. I emerged feeling like a new person – or at least, a slightly less stressed version of myself. They also have a pool, which I, of course, used to bask in the sun, and that view...
The Upsides? Downsides? Lay it on me... real talk.
Okay, real talk time. The Upsides? Everything I've mentioned so far. The villas, the service, the food, the feeling of utter relaxation. The sense of peace. Gosh, the *peace*. Seriously, total bliss. The only problem, the *single* problem, and it’s not even a huge one, is the location. Surabaya traffic can test your patience. (Hence the GPS issues. Don’t blame me, blame the chaos.) Also, this is truly a luxury experience, so be prepared for the price tag. It’s worth it, in my opinion, but be ready. If it doesn't fit your budget there are other cheaper alternatives in Surabaya.
Is it kid-friendly?
Okay, this is a tough one. Officially? They’re probably *fine* with kids. But it really depends. This isn't a resort with a massive water park. It’s a place for tranquility. If your kids are the type who can appreciate a quiet environment and not run screaming through the villas, then yes. Otherwise, maybe look for something a bit more… energetic. I just don’t want my peace to be disturbed, that’s all.
What's the best time to go?
Surabaya is hot and humid year-round. The dry season (May-October) is probably most pleasant, but frankly, even the rainy season isn't terrible. Just plan on potentially being a little more indoors. However, if, like me, you’re trying to escape the dreadful, soul-crushing cold of winter, then any time is a goodComfort Zone Inn
