Vasa Hotel Surabaya: Luxury Redefined in Indonesia's Heart
Alright, let's dive headfirst into the glittering, sometimes-slightly-tarnished world of the Vasa Hotel Surabaya. Forget the bland, cookie-cutter reviews – this is gonna be real, folks. Prepare for a rollercoaster. Buckle up!
Vasa Hotel Surabaya: Luxury… with a Dose of Reality (and Amazing Wi-Fi!)
Right, so I've been. I've lived at the Vasa, and let me tell you, the internet… the glorious internet… it was my lifeline. Seriously, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!"? YES. Free Wi-Fi in the public areas? DOUBLE YES! The Lan-based internet was there too, but who NEEDS that when the Wi-Fi is basically blazing fast? Important for us digital nomads, for sure. I mean, imagine if you can't get your work done while luxuriating in a fancy place like this?! Pure agony, I tell ya! I am a digital nomad, and I need my Wi-Fi!
Getting There & Settling In: Accessibility? Kinda… (and a Bit of a Mishap)
First off, Accessibility. They say facilities for disabled guests. Well, I didn't need them, so I can't personally vouch for the specifics. They did have an elevator (yes, crucial!), and I think the public areas seemed reasonably accessible. But, as with most hotels, I’d suggest calling ahead if accessibility is a major concern. Double-check those details, peeps!
Getting from the airport (airport transfer available – huzzah!) was smooth, thanks to the hotel. Checking in (there’s “contactless check-in/out,” and a glorious 24-hour front desk – thank the heavens!) was efficient, but I'll admit, I had a minor hiccup with my room. Let’s just say the view wasn't quite the panoramic one I’d envisioned. Minor issue? Yes. Room changed? Absolutely. I'll just say the staff were super helpful, and got me into a better spot ASAP. Which is, of course, important, right?
The Rooms: Swanky Digs & Unnecessary Things
Okay, let’s talk rooms. Pure, unadulterated luxury is the aim. And, largely, they deliver. Air conditioning? Naturally. Blackout curtains? Crucial for jet lag. Bathtub? Yep. Bathrobes and slippers? Definitely. The list goes on: complimentary tea, coffee/tea maker (essential!), desk, in-room safe box, mini bar. They think of everything. Most of the time.
Though, that mirror placement… I could never quite get it right. And the additional toilet? I’m not sure why I needed it, but I'm not mad it's there.
Things to Do (and How to Relax): A Sensory Overload (in a Good Way)
Right, onto the fun stuff! "Things to do" is an understatement!
- The Pool: I spent a considerable amount of time here… just lounging. The Pool with view? Oh, yes. Gorgeous. Sun, water, a cocktail… pure bliss. (I’m a sucker for a good poolside bar.)
- The Spa: Okay, the Spa/sauna and steamroom… WOW. Massage? Absolutely. Body scrub and Body wrap? Treated myself. Absolutely divine. I actually fell asleep during my massage. That's how good it was.
- Fitness Center: I intended to go to the Gym/fitness center, to make up for the deliciousness. Did I actually go? Well…
- Restaurants! Seriously, where to begin? Okay, I am a foodie, so I spent a lot of time on this. Restaurants galore! Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant… you name it, they got it. The Breakfast [buffet] was a beast. Amazing. You could start with Asian breakfast, transition to Western breakfast, and then… well, anything goes, really. You could also get Breakfast takeaway service, because why not? The options are endless. I loved the Desserts in restaurant. Oh, my goodness!
- For the Kids: They are family-friendly. Babysitting service is available.
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-19 Considerations
This is where Vasa truly shines. I mean, we're still dealing with the pandemic, people. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Individual-wrapped food options? Yes. Room sanitization opt-out available? Yes. They've thought of everything. I felt genuinely safe.
And, a big plus: Staff trained in safety protocol. Made me feel comfortable.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: A Culinary Adventure
The food. Let's face it, that’s often the star of the show! The Poolside bar was heaven. The Restaurants are varied, and the food quality is generally excellent. I particularly remember the soup in the restaurant. I kept requesting the soup. The 24-hour Room service is a dangerous, glorious thing. I mean, a Happy hour? Sign me up. There's a Coffee shop and a Snack bar. It's honestly a bit confusing, but in a good way. So many options!
Services & Conveniences: Everything Except World Peace (Maybe)
Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Concierge… they have everything. The Convenience store is a godsend. There's even a Shrine (though I didn't visit it). Plus, they have things like Car park [free of charge], which is a massive plus, and a Car power charging station.
The Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring)
No place is perfect. I wish they had Pets allowed. That would've made it perfect. I’m not a huge fan of smoking, and I was pretty sure there was a Smoking area. I was a bit bummed there's no Couple's room, but maybe next time.
In Conclusion (and That All-Important Recommendation)
Would I recommend the Vasa Hotel Surabaya? Absolutely. It's luxurious, well-equipped, and the staff are fantastic. The WiFi is a dream, and the food… oh, the food! Sure, there are some minor quirks, but that’s what makes travel interesting, right?
Now, for the Deal of the Century!
Tired of the Ordinary? Treat Yourself to Extraordinary!
Book your stay at the Vasa Hotel Surabaya now and you'll receive a complimentary spa treatment of your choice plus 20% off all food and beverages during your stay! (Offer applies to bookings made before [Date - 1 month from the day you are writing] and for stays before [Date - 3 months from the day you are writing]. Don't miss out – experience luxury redefined! And don't forget to tip the wonderful staff! Remember the Wi-Fi - it’s probably the best internet in town!
Click here to book your Surabaya escape! [Insert link here]
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is going to be a messy, honest, hilarious, and possibly slightly deranged account of my (hypothetical, for now!) trip to the Vasa Hotel in Surabaya, Indonesia. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds. This is real life, people. Prepare for the inevitable jet lag-induced meltdowns and the glorious highs of accidental discovery.
The Vasa Hotel, Surabaya: Operation "Find My Inner Peace (and Maybe Some Decent Sambal)" - A Totally Unreliable Itinerary
Day 1: Surabaya - Arrival and the "Oh God, What Have I Done?" Feeling
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Surabaya Time, aka my head's own darn clock): Land at Juanda International Airport. The humid air hits me like a warm, greasy hug. I immediately feel like I've underestimated the whole humidity thing. Immigration? Smooth-ish. Luggage? Found it! (Victory!) Taxi to the Vasa. The driver tells me about Surabaya's “Heroes Day” and I nod like I understand. (Spoiler alert: I don't. Yet.)
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-in and Room Reconnaissance: The Vasa is gorgeous. Seriously gorgeous. I practically squeal when I see the lobby. But then…the room. Oh, the room! It's spacious, modern, and clean. I'm already obsessed with the little details. This is going well. So far. (Famous last words, am I right?)
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The "Must-Do" Lunch - and the Sambal Incident: Fine, I'll try the hotel restaurant. They push their signature dish, the "Nasi Goreng Vasa." Seems safe, right? Wrong. I order it, and it arrives looking like a culinary masterpiece. Then… the sambal. They warn you about the spice level, yeah? Nah. I am an idiot. I take a tiny, innocent-looking spoonful. My mouth explodes. Tears stream down my face. I feel like a dragon breathing fire. The waiter, bless his heart, just smiles and brings me a glass of water. I managed to finish about half of it. (Pride!)
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Nap Time and the "Where Am I?" Moment: Jet lag hits. Hard. I stumble (literally) back to my room and collapse onto the bed. Wake up three hours later, disoriented and convinced I've teleported into a parallel universe. Consider questioning the concept of reality.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pool Discovery & Cocktail Therapy: The pool is beautiful. I'm not a "pool person" but I made an exception. I order a pisang ambon cocktail. (Delicious!) And finally, I feel like I'm actually here.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at the Hotel's Bistro (another culinary adventure): I play it much safer this time. Chicken satay. It's good, but nothing could compare to the sambal experience. I can still feel the burn.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Sleep (hopefully): Stare at the ceiling, contemplating the mysteries of spice and the vastness of the Indonesian archipelago. Try to not think about the sambal.
Day 2: Surabaya - Culture Shock and the Search for Authentic Eats
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast Buffet - A Feast for the Eyes and Stomach: The breakfast buffet is a cultural experience, a vibrant kaleidoscope of Indonesian and international foods. I manage to sample everything. Then I go back for seconds (and thirds). I might explode.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM : The Heroes Monument and the "Lost in Translation" Moment: Time for some culture! I brave the Surabaya heat and head to the Monumen Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument). It's impressive, but also really, really hot. The accompanying museum is filled with artifacts and historical information, and I genuinely try to understand everything. However, I mostly end up just admiring the artwork on display. Seriously impressive!
- 1 :00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch - A Wandering Pilgrimage I decide I'm over the fancy hotel stuff. I want real food, the kind the locals eat. I stumble upon… a street food stall. I point at something that looks vaguely like chicken and hope for the best. It's actually fantastic! Another burst of spice!
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Shopping Spree and the "I Want Everything" Feeling: I found a local market. Crafts, Batik clothes, a local perfume… I've turned into a tourist cliche. But hey, I'm enjoying it!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM : Return to the Hotel I'm beat! But I'm also craving a massage.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM : Dinner and Evening Plans: I'm in no mood to leave the hotel. A simple dinner at the bistro, a local tempeh dish, and early to bed tonight.
Day 3: Surabaya - Leaving with a (Slightly) Changed Perspective
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Final Breakfast and Farewell to the Buffet: One last glorious breakfast! I load my plate with everything. I might need to be rolled out of the restaurant.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: A Bittersweet Goodbyes: Checking out of the Vasa Hotel. I'm sad to leave.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Airport and Departure: Leaving Surabaya. I feel the weight of jetlag slowly lifting.
Quirky Observations & Unfiltered Thoughts:
- The traffic in Surabaya is…an event. Imagine a ballet of scooters, cars, and becaks (pedicabs), all vying for the same space. It's chaotic, but also strangely beautiful.
- Everyone is incredibly friendly. Smiles are the currency of the day.
- I'm pretty sure I saw a cat wearing a tiny hat. Seriously.
- I'm definitely coming back. Next time, though, I'm bringing a fire extinguisher for the sambal.
- The Vasa Hotel? Highly recommended. Beautiful rooms, great service. And while the food might try to kill you with spice, the cultural experience, the people, and the gorgeous surroundings more than make up for it.
- Now I have strong sense of the place.
This, my friends, is just a taste of what a trip to the Vasa Hotel and Surabaya might actually look like. It's messy, imperfect, and maybe a little bit wild. But hey, isn't that what travel is all about?
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So, Vasa Hotel Surabaya… is it REALLY as fancy as the website makes out?
Okay, okay, let's be real. The website is... polished. Think Instagram filter on steroids. But yeah, it's pretty darn fancy. Walking in, you're immediately hit with this… *vibe*. Marble everywhere. Chandeliers that could probably pay off my student loan. And the staff? They're like, surgically polite. I swear, one of them practically bowed when I tripped over my own two feet (more on that later). So, yes, fancy. But the "really" part? That's where it gets juicy...
What's the deal with the rooms? Do they actually *feel* luxurious?
The rooms... well, mine was a "Deluxe Something-or-Other" and it felt like a small apartment. Actually, no, bigger than my *actual* apartment back home. The bed? Cloud-like. Seriously, I think I might have actually *floated* off to sleep. The bathroom? Pristine. Like, "I'm afraid to touch anything lest I contaminate it" pristine. Pro tip: ask for a room *not* overlooking the airport. The view… let's just say I learned a lot about planes I didn't really *need* to know. Oh, and the robes! Silky smooth. I may or may not have worn it to breakfast... But here's the kicker: my aircon decided to stage a protest during the night - the temperature dropped faster than my bank account. Had to call engineering - bless their hearts, they were quick, but it added a slight inconvenience.
The food. Everyone always talks about the food. Good or just good-looking?
Right? The food. Breakfast buffet? *Epic*. Seriously, a breakfast buffet that could feed a small army and tempt you with an array of pastries you can't pronounce. I'm talking fresh fruit, made-to-order omelets, the whole shebang. Lunch? I had some noodles and they were… okay. Dinner at "Chamas" was a sensory overload of grilled meats. The quality’s top-notch, no question. But, and hear me, but… sometimes things felt a little... *overproduced*. Like, the presentation was so perfect it kind of killed the vibe. And I, I have a confession: I may have sneaked extra mini chocolate desserts. Several rounds. Don't judge me, those tiny things did taste heavenly.
Let's talk about the pool. Is it a vibe?
The pool? Oh, the pool. Absolutely a *vibe*. Huge, sparkling, surrounded by comfy loungers, and staffed by people who are *way* too good looking. I spent a solid afternoon there, alternating between swimming and pretending to be a glamorous movie star. The water was blessedly cool, and the cocktails were strong. It's a perfect place for relaxing, or just watching people. *Now*, let’s talk about the tiny mishap. You see, while strutting myself towards the pool, I faceplanted in a spectacular way - a perfect faceplant. The polite staff must have seen my awkward moment and tried not to laugh. I just wanted to disappear into the floor.
What about the spa? Worth the splurge?
The spa… OK, so the spa is *exquisite*. I got a massage. Possibly the best massage of my life. Maybe it was because I was so stressed after my faceplant debacle! The atmosphere is all hushed tones and soothing scents, and the therapists? They're like massage ninjas. I walked out feeling like I'd been reborn. Worth the splurge? Absolutely. Honestly, it's worth selling a kidney for, but I'd recommend you just go for a massage. You'll be good.
Is there anything you *didn't* like? What are the downsides?
Okay, honesty hour. The biggest downside? It's expensive. Really expensive. I mean, if you're on a budget, maybe pick a different hotel. Also, the sheer, almost overwhelming, level of service can feel a little… suffocating sometimes. Like, I just wanted to sit and eat my croissant in peace without someone constantly refilling my water. I may have hidden in my room a few times to avoid the over-attentive staff. Still, it's a minor thing.
Would you go back?
Absolutely! Faceplant aside, I'd go back in a heartbeat. It's a truly luxurious experience, a proper treat, and, despite the price tag, a memorable one. Plus, I'm thinking I can finally master strutting towards the pool without needing to avoid looking like a complete idiot. Next time, I'm bringing glitter. And maybe a helmet.
Quick Questions!
- Wi-Fi? Fast and free, thankfully.
- Fitness Center? Impressive, but I preferred the pool.
- Location? Central, easy to get around. Close to some malls - good for shopping, bad for resisting more chocolate desserts.
- Kid-friendly? Yes, there's a kids' club and a dedicated pool area.
- Anything else? The staff are wonderful. Tip them well!
