Bandung's Chicest Minimalist Studio: Pasteur Gateway Gem!
Bandung's Pasteur Gateway Gem: A Minimalist Studio Review – Honestly, It's Complicated!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (delicious) tea on Bandung's "Chicest Minimalist Studio" at the Pasteur Gateway. They call it chic, and… well, let's just say it's an experience. It's a minimalist studio, alright. Minimalist in… everything. But hey, that's not necessarily a bad thing, right? Right?!
First Impressions & Accessibility (and a Near-Disaster!)
Finding the Pasteur Gateway was easy peasy. Located, literally, on a busy road, so accessibility to the area is a plus. But the entrance? THAT was the first test. The lobby is… well, it's there. Cleanish. I'm not saying it's a dump, but I am suggesting that it maybe, possibly, needs a little… pizzazz. Okay, let's just say it could be a little brighter.
I’m a sucker for a great entrance, and this one… delivered a feeling of slightly bewildered. But hey, it has an elevator! Which is GREAT because I’d requested a room on a high floor, wanting a view. (Spoiler alert: the view was… okay. More on that later.)
Getting Around (and Praying for the Taxi)
This place offers airport transfers, but I'm a contrarian, and I decided to brave the taxi. Don't. Just. Don't. The Bandung traffic is a monster. Seriously, the taxi ride was a lesson in patience, and I'm pretty sure I aged a decade just navigating the snarl of motorbikes. Free parking is a good bonus if you dare to drive and can find a spot, and there's a car charging station. Still, I'd recommend the hotel airport transfer: save yourself the gray hairs. Also offered is car park [on-site], bicycle parking, and valet parking.
Checking In & The Room (The Minimalist Struggle is REAL)
Check-in was… efficient. Contactless, even! Which is great in these COVID times. I’m not a fan of long chats anyway. There's a concierge (more on him later), and the front desk is manned 24/7. So, points for convenience there.
The room! Ah, the room. It’s… minimalist. Like, "Is this all I get?" minimalist. White walls, a bed, a tiny desk. It's not ugly, it's just… spare. The description promised "chic," and I think they meant "efficient."
Pros: The bed was surprisingly comfy. Clean linens! (A HUGE win in my book.) The blackout curtains actually worked, which is a lifesaver for a light sleeper like me. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms (thank goodness!) and it actually worked. There was an air conditioner.
Cons: The storage situation? Laughable. One tiny closet. One drawer. Where were I supposed to put my stuff? Also, no personality. Zero. Zilch. Nada. This place is the anti-Marie Kondo -- there's literally nothing that sparks joy.
Specifics from The Room:
- Air conditioning (essential in Bandung heat!)
- Alarm clock (because, well, modern life)
- Bathrobes and slippers (luxury, but they’re tiny!)
- Bathroom phone (I admit, I didn’t test this)
- Complimentary tea and bottled water (appreciated!)
- Hair dryer (saved my life!)
- In-room safe box (always a good idea)
- Ironing facilities (thank goodness!)
- Laptop workspace (fine, but cramped)
- Mini bar (sadly, mainly empty)
- Satellite/cable channels (a nice distraction)
- Seating area (one small sofa)
- Shower (perfectly fine)
- Toiletries (the bare essentials)
- Wake-up service (thankfully, I didn't need it – my internal clock works better than the alarm)
- Wi-Fi free
- Additional: Desk, Extra long bed, High floor, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm.
The Almost Disaster: I was so excited about the view! I envisioned myself, gazing out over the city lights. Except… my room faced the wrong direction. The view was… a car park. A car park and a sliver of distant mountains. I was so disappointed. (Later, I saw other guests with AMAZING views. Lesson learned: be specific when you request a room!)
Cleanliness & Safety (and Feeling Protected)
I’m a germaphobe, and I was pleasantly surprised. The room felt clean. They offer room sanitization opt out, which is a nice option. Individually-wrapped food options were available. Daily disinfection in common areas. They advertised anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services, so big points for that. Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere and staff trained in safety protocol. There's CCTV in common areas and outside the property and a 24-hour security guard. They also had everything: a doctor/nurse on call, first aid kit, fire extinguisher.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (and the Questionable Buffet)
Okay, this is where things get… mixed. The Pasteur Gateway offers a restaurant, and breakfast is included. (Woohoo!) I opted for the buffet. It was… a buffet. Let's just leave it at that. I managed to get a decent scrambled egg, and there was some fruit. But the "international cuisine" promised? Not quite. There was A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, and Western cuisine in restaurant offered.
There's also a "poolside bar" and a "coffee shop," which sounded promising. I gave them a shot. The coffee was… okay. The bar? Limited selection.
- My Breakfast Ramble: The buffet was a bit chaotic. Lots of people, not a lot of space. I saw a kid sneeze directly onto the pastries. (Insert horrified emoji here.) I grabbed my plate and bolted.
- Overall Dining Rating: The food could be improved. There is a Vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or… Not Quite)
The photos promised relaxation, but the reality was a little… different. They have a swimming pool (outdoor) with a view. (More on THAT later.) They have a fitness center. They offer spa services: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom.
- The Pool: I went to the pool. The view? Not great. It overlooked a… parking lot. Again, with those views! But the pool itself was clean, and the water refreshing. I spent… maybe an hour there.
- The Spa: Didn’t try it. I'm saving that for my next spa trip.
Services & Conveniences (and the Friendly Concierge)
This is where the Pasteur Gateway actually shines. The staff are incredibly helpful. The concierge, in particular, was a gem. He helped me with everything – getting a taxi, finding a good restaurant (off-site, thankfully), and generally being a friendly face.
They offered:
- 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
They’re also pet-friendly, but not always always available. Always ask beforehand, I have learned.
Family-Friendly (and a Little Too…Quiet?)
They offer babysitting services and have kids’ facilities. It's family friendly, but the vibe is very low-key. If you’re looking for a place to let your kids loose and run wild, this probably isn’t it.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
Overall Impression – The Verdict
The Pasteur Gateway is… fine. It's not amazing. It's not terrible. It
Bangkok's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Secrets of Baan 2459!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is less "perfectly planned Swiss watch" and more "slightly caffeinated, slightly anxious human flailing towards Bandung." This is my version of a travel schedule for the Minimalist Apt Studio Gateway Pasteur by Travelio in Bandung, Indonesia. And trust me, it's going to be a ride.
Bandung Bonanza: A Semi-Organized Chaos Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Gratification (Because, Jet Lag)
Morning (Around 8AM - If I can actually make it that early after the flight): Land at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO). Ugh, airports. They amplify the worst parts of humanity. Pray for a smooth customs experience. Seriously, I always picture myself somehow accidentally smuggling a kilo of something I didn't realize I had.
Morningish (9 AM - 10 AM - Depends on how long I browse the airport duty-free): Grab a Grab (basically Uber/Lyft) to the Minimalist Apt Studio Gateway Pasteur. Crossing my fingers the traffic isn't a nightmare. Bandung traffic is legendary. Prepare for the symphony of honking and general vehicular audacity.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10 AM - 12 PM -ish): Check-in, pray the place looks as advertised because let's be honest, online photos can be deceiving. Once settled, assess the situation: is the AC working? Is the WiFi capable of streaming cat videos? (Priorities, people.)
Afternoon (1 PM - 3 PM): Food. Fuel. Sustain life. Because, jet lag. Find something close-by, maybe a warung (small local eatery), and dive straight into the local cuisine. Maybe try Nasi Timbel (rice and side dishes wrapped in banana leaf). The goal: avoid ordering something so spicy I burst into flames. Fingers crossed.
Afternoon Nap (3 PM - 5 PM - or until consciousness returns): Embrace the post-lunch coma. No shame. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
Evening (5 PM - 7 PM): Stroll. A leisurely walk around the Gateway Pasteur area. Just to get a feel for the neighborhood. Scout out potential food spots for later. Or, you know, collapse on the bed and binge-watch something on Netflix. I'm flexible.
Evening (7 PM - onwards): Dinner. Probably something relatively safe and familiar, like a mie ayam (chicken noodle soup) from a street vendor. I'm a sucker for street food, but my stomach is a delicate flower. Early night, because tomorrow… well, tomorrow is a mystery.
Day 2: Tangkuban Perahu & That One Coffee Shop (Hopefully)
Morning (7 AM-ish, let's not get crazy): Wake up, stare at the ceiling, question all my life choices that led me to this moment. Drink coffee. Black, strong, necessity.
Morning (8 AM): The Big One: Tangkuban Perahu Volcano. Hire a driver or join a tour. The volcano is about an hour outside of Bandung. The goal here is to be prepared for the (inevitable) tourist hordes, the sulfur smell (which can be overwhelming), and the sheer, awe-inspiring beauty of an active volcano. (Note: Don't fall in.)
- Anecdote Alert: I swear, the last time I went to a volcano I almost tripped and fell into the damn thing. Thankfully, a kindly old Indonesian woman with a smile the size of the archipelago pulled me back. I'm still convinced she was a volcano guardian angel.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (Think 12 PM): Lunch near Tangkuban Perahu. Probably something grilled. Maybe try the local delicacy "bandung"
Afternoon (2 PM-ish): Back to Bandung. My brain will probably be fried at this point.
Afternoon (3 PM - 5 PM): COFFEE. Gotta find that Insta-worthy coffee shop I saw photos of online. The quest for the perfect latte is serious business. Maybe try Lereng Anteng Panoramic Coffee Place. The view is supposed to be incredible. I'm anticipating disappointment but trying to cling to hope.
Evening (6 PM-ish): Dinner. A good restaurant in city center. Explore the area around Jalan Braga, the heart of the old city. This area used to be famous for its Art Deco architecture, but some of it is crumbling.
Evening (8 PM - Onwards): Back to the apartment. Maybe a Bintang beer in the fridge? Netflix. Early to bed, because I need to be well rested for…
Day 3: Shopping, Street Art, and the Unexpected
Morning (Sometime before noon): Shopping. Hit up the factory outlets, or Cihampelas Walk (CiWalk). Bandung is a shopping mecca. My bank account is already weeping. I'm aiming for a t-shirt and some fake brand name shoes, and maybe learn to be a master bargainer.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (1 PM-2 PM): Lunch. Maybe something fancy, just to pretend I'm classy. Or, you know, back to a warung because I'm broke.
Afternoon (2 PM-4 PM): Street Art Hunt! Bandung has some amazing street art. Wander around Jalan Asia Afrika and Jalan Braga and see what I can find. Take photos, Instagram the heck out of it, pretend I know something about art.
Afternoon (4 PM - 6 PM): Explore an unexpected place. Embrace the unknown. Could be a local market, a museum, or just a random alleyway that catches my eye. Adventure! (Or, you know, wander aimlessly until I find ice cream.)
Evening (7 PM): Farewell Dinner. Something memorable. Maybe try a traditional Sundanese restaurant.
Evening (8 PM - Until Coma Sets In): Pack, make sure I haven't left anything crucial behind (like my sanity), and reflect on the whirlwind of Bandung adventures. Try to remember the good bits. Pray for the flight home to be easy.
Day 4: Departure (The Emotional Rollercoaster)
Morning (Whenever the alarm clock screams): Last-minute packing panic. Double-check passport, phone, wallet, and sanity. Realize I somehow accumulated more stuff than I arrived with.
Morning (Early): Grab a Grab to the airport.
Departure: Say goodbye to Bandung. Reflect on all the amazing and potentially terrible things I did. Promise myself I'll come back, but maybe with a better plan next time. That's it. That's the plan. Don't judge me. It's going to be messy and slightly ridiculous, and that's exactly how I like it. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
Bandung's Chicest Minimalist Studio: Pasteur Gateway Gem! - The Real Deal FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest, Reviews Can Be Fake)
Okay, spill the tea: Is this place REALLY as minimalist as it looks in the photos? I'm a maximalist at heart, can I even survive?
Alright, deep breaths, maximalist friend. The photos? Yeah, they're pretty darn accurate, which is both a blessing and, well, a potential existential crisis if you’re used to a house that looks like a curated explosion. It’s *minimalist*. Think clean lines, neutral colors, and that unsettling sense of... *space*. I walked in, and my first thought was, "Where's the stuff?! Where do I put my, you know, *things*?" My inner hoarder almost had a conniption. I brought a whole suitcase, a shopping bag and a backpack, and it felt like I was moving houses. But, and this is a big BUT, it actually forced me to, dare I say it, *relax*. No piles of laundry staring me down. No clutter judging my life choices. So, could *you* survive? Maybe. Just pack light. And maybe leave your collection of porcelain cats at home. Or, better yet, bring one. Embrace the delightful tension! (And then message me in the morning, and tell me how you're coping; I NEED to know!)
The view! The reviews rave about the view! Is it really Instagram-worthy? And what if I get stuck on a low floor and just see a wall? Panic!
Okay, the view. The legendary, supposedly-makes-you-want-to-write-poetry view. I’m not gonna lie, it *is* pretty spectacular. Especially at sunset. Bandung sprawls out before you like a velvet carpet studded with twinkling lights. The first time I checked, it was a gorgeous sight…for about 10 minutes. Then, as I'm busy taking photos, a sudden downpour started. I almost forgot how to breathe and I just stared the sky. My phone almost fell. But! The next evening, the same thing happened again, and that was the most beautiful view I’ve ever seen. A rainbow appeared and stayed there for about an hour. I took a lot of photo, and my phone’s memory almost got full. But here's the real talk: Low floor = wall is a legitimate fear. I *highly* suggest requesting a higher floor. Or, you know, just crossing your fingers and praying to the Bandung weather gods. Because, let's be honest, if you get a wall you're gonna be staring at that thing the entire time (and wishing you brought a poster). Also, the photos? Not always realistic. The camera can lie.
Is it *actually* in Pasteur? Because Google Maps lies to me all the time. How's the location for, like, food and getting around?
Yes, it's *actually* in Pasteur. (Unless they're pulling a fast one on everyone, in which case I'm going to demand my money back and write an enraged blog post.) It’s honestly perfect for a first-time visitor like me. Super easy access to the airport. Public transport is okayish around Bandung. Gojek/Grab (e-hailing apps) are your best friends for everything, especially if you want to avoid the traffic, which… trust me, you do. Food-wise? Loads of restaurants nearby. From those ridiculously good warungs to your usual fast food joints, you'll be fine. I spent a whole day just eating and wandering, and somehow survived. BUT – and this is a big one – the traffic. Ah, Bandung traffic. It's legendary. Leave early for everything. Consider it a mandatory part of the experience. It's like a test of your patience. And sometimes, I failed that test.
The amenities! The pool! The gym! The Wi-Fi! Do they actually *work*? Tell me the truth! (And what's the coffee situation? I cannot function without coffee.)
Okay, let's break this down. * **The Pool:** Beautiful, right? The Instagram photos make it look like a tranquil oasis. I was already in my swimsuit (I swear!) when I found out it was closed on Tuesday. I almost cried. Seriously, check the opening hours. Also, it might get a little crowded during peak times. * **The Gym:** I am not a gym person. I walked past it. It looked like a gym. The End. * **Wi-Fi:** Mostly reliable. It did cut out once when I was in the middle of a very important Zoom call (okay, it was a call with my mom). But generally, it's good enough. Don't expect super-speed internet. * **Coffee:** Coffee. The most important question. Sadly, no fancy espresso machine in the room. You’re on your own for caffeine. There's a convenience store downstairs, though, so stock up on instant coffee or whatever your preferred poison is. Or, even better, go explore Bandung's coffee scene. Coffee shop hopping is a legitimate excuse to wander around!
What about the noise? Is the traffic as bad inside as it is on the roads? And are the walls made of paper?
Noise… it depends. Pasteur is a busy area. The traffic hum? Yes, you will hear it. But, it's not deafening. The windows are decent. What's more likely to wake you up is the call to prayer from the nearby mosque (if you're sensitive to that sort of thing). Embrace it! It adds to the experience. The walls? No, not paper. You won't hear your neighbors having full-blown conversations. I'm not sure if the walls are soundproof, but I didn't hear anything suspicious from my stay. But again, this depends. I wasn’t planning to listen to the folks nearby, so that might be a different experience.
Any hidden fees I should be aware of? Sneaky charges? (I hate sneaky charges!)
Honestly, not that I noticed. But always double-check the fine print, people! Read the booking confirmation carefully. Ask about any "resort fees" or cleaning charges *before* you book. Be prepared, and you're less likely to be hit with any nasty surprises. Just be vigilant!!
Lastly, would you go back? Honestly. Would YOU?
Would I go back? Hmm... That answer, my friend, depends on the price, the view, and my current maximalist/minimalist mood. The location? Fantastic! The apartment itself? Chic as heck. The overall experience was pretty darn good. Did it change my life? Probably not. But it was a good base for exploring Bandung. So yeah, I probably *would* go back. But, (and this is a big but again!), I'd request a higher floor, pack light,Book Hotels Now
