Bandung Getaway: Luxurious 2BR Apt at Mekarwangi Square!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into an unvarnished, no-BS review of the hotel . Forget the polished PR speak; this is the real deal. This is my lived experience, my thoughts, and my questionable opinions laid bare for your enjoyment (or disgust, I'm not judging).
First Impressions & Getting In (Accessibility, Safety, and That First Drink)
Right, let's start with the nitty-gritty. Accessibility. This is HUGE for me because I'm the kind of person who trips over air. The hotel seems to be doing a decent job, at least on paper. We've got "Facilities for disabled guests" listed, but I haven't experienced it myself. The website is vague, so do your homework and call to personally confirm this is up your alley. The "Elevator" is a must, and thankfully, it's here!
Safety first. Okay, maybe second, after a drink! They've got "CCTV in common areas" and "CCTV outside the property." That's reassuring. "Fire extinguisher," "Smoke alarms," and "Security [24-hour]" – all good signs. The "Front desk [24-hour]" is always a plus when you’re jet-lagged and need a giant chocolate bar at 3 AM. (Yes, I've been there. Many times.) They tout "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Professional-grade sanitizing services," which, in this day and age, are non-negotiable.
Now, to the most crucial part of my arrival: a stiff drink. "Poolside bar" – check! "Bar" – double check! The website promises a "Happy hour," and that's the siren call that lured me in. Did it deliver? Well, let's just say the margaritas could have used a touch more tequila. But hey, I'm easily pleased after a long flight.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Bed (Internet, Amenities, and the Art of the Nap)
Right, the rooms. This is where the rubber meets the road. They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – Hallelujah! (The "Internet," "Internet [LAN]," "Internet access – wireless," and "Laptop workspace" are all great, especially if you’re a digital nomad like yours truly.) Plus, I need to update my Instagram, obviously.
My room? Decent. Not palatial, but functional. The "Air conditioning" was ice-cold, thank god, because I SWEAT. They have "Bathrobes" and "Slippers," which is a nice, cozy touch. "Blackout curtains" – a must for a solid nap. And speaking of naps, the bed was… okay. "Extra-long bed" is on the list, but I wouldn't swear to it. My 6'4" frame needed a bit of contortion. Needs Improvement on this front.
The "Coffee/tea maker" is a lifesaver, a godsend in the bleary-eyed morning. "Complimentary tea" is even better! "Mini bar" – always a tempting devil. "Free bottled water"? Yep. "Daily housekeeping"? Excellent. They also specify "Room sanitization opt-out available," which is a huge plus for me!
NOW. A few minor annoyances: the "Mirror" in the bathroom was a little too far from the light. It made getting ready a struggle – you know, the important stuff. And, while the "Satellite/cable channels" were plentiful, finding something worth watching felt like searching for buried treasure!
Food, Glorious Food! (Dining and Snacking)
Okay, food. The hotel claims to have it all. "Restaurants," check. "A la carte in restaurant," check. "Buffet in restaurant," check. "Coffee shop," check. But what about the food itself?
The "Breakfast [buffet]" was decent. "Asian breakfast" and "Western breakfast" options, which is smart. The coffee? Meh, needed a shot of caffeine. The omelet station was a saving grace, I will say that!
I had dinner one night at the "Asian cuisine in restaurant." It wasn't earth-shattering, but it was good. They have "Vegetarian restaurant" options (which is great for some), but I'm a carnivore at heart.
The "Poolside bar" offered surprisingly good snacks – the fried calamari was a win. "Room service [24-hour]" – bless you, hotel gods! The "Snack bar" was clutch for late-night munchies. The main issue: the portions could've been a bit more generous.
Things to Do (Spa, Relaxation, and Avoiding Exercise)
Right, the fun stuff. They tout "Spa," "Sauna," "Pool with view," and "Swimming pool [outdoor]." I'm all in on this.
The spa was… heavenly. The "Body scrub" was divine, and I swear I felt years younger after a session. The massage was sublime. I could have stayed there all day. This is where the hotel shines! Seriously, book a spa day. Just do it.
They also have a "Fitness center/Gym/fitness," which I may have glanced at. I'm more of a "relax by the pool with a cocktail" kind of traveler. But hey, it's there for the overachievers out there.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Extras)
They offer a ton of stuff. "Concierge," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage" are all helpful details. "Cash withdrawal" is a must when you're exploring the local scene, and "Currency exchange" makes life easier.
I particularly appreciated the "Contactless check-in/out" and the options for "Cashless payment service." "Invoice provided" - appreciated by the business professionals.
For the Kids and Families
"Family/child friendly" is a definite selling point. They have "Babysitting service" and "Kids facilities."
The Quirks and the Clunkers (Things They Could Improve)
My main issue? The website! It's like a confusing maze, and some of the descriptions are vague. It could be much more user-friendly. Their marketing team should be screaming by the hour!
There was also a slight blip in the service. Someone forgot to refill my mini-bar. But hey, no place is perfect, right?
The Verdict: Should YOU Book?
Overall, the hotel is a solid choice. The accessibility is a major plus, and the spa is an absolute gem. The food is decent, the rooms are comfortable, and the location is excellent.
Here's my pitch:
Tired of the same old boring hotel experience? Craving a little luxury, a little relaxation, and maybe a cheeky happy hour? Look no further than this hotel! (Okay, I’m still working on the name, but they will know who they are.) Come for the revitalizing spa, stay for the convenient location, and enjoy the exceptional service. (But the spa alone, worth it!)
**If you value peace, a good massage, and easy Wi-Fi access so you can post that perfect selfie, then do not hesitate, just reserve your spot now! You *will* not regret it!**
(I'm still working on the name, but they will know who they are.)
Sunshine Coast Paradise: Unbelievable Maroochy River House Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Bandung itinerary… well, it’s going to be less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly panicked, slightly overwhelmed, but utterly charmed traveler." We're talking Cozy 2BR at Apt Mekarwangi Square By Travelio, right? Let's see if we can survive Bandung.
Bandung Bonanza: A Messy But Magnificent Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Bandung Blitz… or, The Great Taxi Negotiation
- Morning (Basically Whenever I Actually Get Out of Bed): Arrive at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO). Okay, first hurdle: The airport is… intensely… crowded. Like, "am I accidentally in a flash mob?" crowded. And the taxi situation? Forget it. It's a chaotic dance of smiling (but ruthless) drivers.
- Anecdote: I swear, one guy tried to convince me that the meter was broken. I, being the savvy traveler… bluffed. I'd researched (briefly) on my flight. Pretended I knew EXACTLY how much the ride should cost. He blinked. We bargained. I felt like I’d won the lottery when I finally got a price that wasn’t daylight robbery.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhaustion. And mild triumph.
- Mid-Morning (Assuming The Taxi Drama Has Ended): Check into Cozy 2BR at Apt Mekarwangi Square. Fingers crossed it looks remotely like the pictures on the Travelio app. (I’m a bit of a sucker for a well-lit photo…)
- Quirky observation: Seriously, these apartment buildings are EVERYWHERE in Bandung. Makes me wonder if I should start a travel blog: "Apartments of Bandung: A Personal Pilgrimage". (Too niche? Probably).
- Afternoon: Food, Glorious, Bewildering Food:
- Lunch: Find some nasi timbel (rice, fried chicken, and all sorts of amazing sides). I’d been dreaming of this stuff. Found a tiny, bustling warung down a side street. It was dirt cheap, and ridiculously delicious.
- Rambling aside: Okay, so I’m not sure I really spoke the language, but a combination of pointing, smiling, and praying seemed to work. The spice? Intense. My mouth? On fire. My heart? Happy.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Dago & Coffee
- Destination/Activity: Let's go to Dago a super trendy neighborhood.
- Transportation Use Grab or Gojek, but be ready for some traffic.
- Coffee Stop: Hit up a cute coffee shop in Dago. I ended up at Lereng Anteng Panoramic Coffee Place. The view was STUNNING. Mountains, lush greenery… Then they brought the coffee. It was… strong. Like, “stay awake for 24 hours” strong. But the view! Wow.
- Emotional Reactions: Utter bliss, followed by a caffeine-induced buzz that made me feel like I could conquer the world (or at least, find a decent street vendor).
- Destination/Activity: Let's go to Dago a super trendy neighborhood.
- Evening: Hit the mall again for anything you might need.
- Dinner: Grab some street food. I stumbled upon some grilled corn with a sweet and spicy sauce. Heaven.
- Bedtime: Try to sleep off the day's adventures!
Day 2: The Tangkuban Perahu Volcano & A Little Bit of Drama
- Morning: (Okay, this is where things almost went south.) I’d read that Tangkuban Perahu Volcano was a must-see. So, I booked a tour.
- Anecdote: The tour guide (bless his heart) was late. Terribly late. Like, "is this a prank?" late. I was fuming. I paced, I fretted, I considered cancelling. And then he showed up, apologetic, explaining some complicated family situation. And… I caved. I’m a sucker for a good story.
- Mid-Morning: Drive to Tangkuban Perahu. The scenery on the drive was pretty amazing, though.
- Quirky Observation: The volcano itself is impressive. Smelly, sulfurous, and with a crater that looks like something out of a sci-fi film. The vendors trying to sell you everything from hats to trinkets? Equally impressive in their persistence.
- Afternoon: More Food & A Spot of Shopping
- Lunch: Tried some "cireng" near the volcano. Chewy, fried, delicious.
- Shopping: Shopping is a must-do activity.
- Evening: Relax at the apartment. Order food delivery. Watch Indonesian television (even if I don’t understand it).
- Strong emotional reaction: Pure relief at being back in the apartment, horizontal, and away from the chaos (in a good way).
Day 3: Art Deco & Departure
- Morning:
- Activity: Visit the Gedung Sate, a beautiful Art Deco building. Take some pictures.
- Quirky observation: The architecture is stunning. Totally Instagrammable (yes, I admit it).
- Mid-Morning to Early Midday:
- Activity: Visit the Bandung City Hall, a beautiful landmark.
- Afternoon: Last chance for the local food at a local restaurant before finally heading to the airport.
- Evening: Head to the airport for departure.
- Departing: I am exhausted! And happy.
Important Notes / Ramblings / Lessons Learned:
- Traffic: Bandung traffic is legendary. Budget extra time for everything. Seriously.
- Language: Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. It'll go a long way. Even if you mangle them (I did).
- Street Food is King: Don't be afraid to try it. Your stomach may grumble, but your taste buds will thank you.
- Embrace the Chaos: Indonesia isn't perfect. It's messy, loud, and sometimes frustrating. But it's also vibrant, beautiful, and unforgettable. Let go of your expectations, and just go with it.
- That Apartment: Okay, the apartment. It was… cozy (as advertised). Clean. Functional. I'd stay there again. But if you're expecting luxury? Temper your expectations. It’s a good base camp, and that's what matters.
- Final Thoughts: Bandung is… challenging, in the best possible way. It's a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and smells. It’s a place that'll work you, and leave you with a thousand stories. And for that? It's absolutely worth it.
Oh Boy, Let's Untangle... Well, Everything: Your (Probably) Unanswered Questions... Answered (Maybe) Ish.
Okay, fine, what IS this thing we're talking about? And why am I already tired?
Alright, deep breath. You're probably here because… well, you stumbled in, let's be honest. "This thing" you're asking about is… life, maybe? Existential dread? No, just kidding (mostly). We're talking about [Insert Topic Here - be it a product, service, or concept. Let's say "extreme ironing" for the fun of it]. You know, taking a perfectly mundane task and making it, well, extreme. Or maybe just… weird.
Honestly? I get the tired feeling. Life's exhausting. And sometimes, the thought of ironing… anything… fills me with a profound sense of existential ennui. But hey, maybe we can find some laughs in this. Or at least a good story or two. Let's go.
So, like, *why* would anyone want to do this? I mean, seriously?
That’s the *million-dollar* question, isn’t it? Why would anyone subject their pristine (or, let's be real, maybe not-so-pristine, like mine) shirts to the dangers of cliff faces or icy mountain peaks? It’s a fair point and, honestly, I still wrestle with it.
Some people say it’s the thrill of the adventure. The juxtaposition of something so domestic with something so… not. I went with a friend and her kids to the local climbing walls and as they were climbing I, while waiting for them, saw a guy ironing a shirt on the wall. I thought "What the Heck is that" when I talked to him, he said it was his "Art". It was amazing. I'd say it's art... or maybe just plain weirdness, but in a good way. Like... a really, REALLY good way, if you're into that sort of thing.
Others say it's about pushing boundaries. Breaking free from the everyday. Being rebellious against the tyranny of wrinkles. I get that… kinda. Me, I think it's probably a little bit of all of that, plus a heavy dose of "because we can." Though most of the time I think "because we can't."
What kind of equipment do I *actually* need? Because I’m picturing a full expedition just to get my favorite t-shirt smooth.
Okay, let's be real. While some hardcore folks pack serious gear, you probably don't need a Sherpa and a team of porters (unless, you know, you *want* them).
The Basics (The "I Can’t Believe I Need This" List):
- An iron. Obvious, right? Duh. But the lighter, the better. Trust me on this. I learned the hard way. I took a cast iron from my house I hated and it was too heavy, ugh.
- A small ironing board. Okay, maybe the *literal* board is overkill, but some kind of surface you can iron on.
- Water. For the iron, duh. Plus, hydration for *you*. Ironing on a mountain is thirsty work.
- Clothes. Your "victim" is important. Choose carefully. Don't put your favorite shirt on a mountain. Or maybe... do it. Live a little.
- Something to iron ON (the surface)
- A place. A place to do the ironing on the wall, the mountain, the tree, etc.
Is it… dangerous? Like, seriously dangerous? Because I'm clumsy enough on flat ground.
Alright, honesty time. Yes. It *can* be dangerous. I once saw someone take on one of these things... and the iron slipped. It wasn't pretty. He was fine, eventually, but it was a moment of pure, unadulterated terror.
Think about the location. Climbing up is one thing. Bringing an iron (with hot things) up to something is another. Falls, burns, and the general element of "gravity is a thing" are all distinct possibilities. Common sense? Use it. Don't be a muppet. Start small. Really. Seriously.
What's the absolute WORST thing that could happen? Besides, you know, dying.
Well, besides the obvious "falling off a cliff" scenario (shudders), I'd say… a really, *really* badly ironed shirt. Imagine: you survive a mountain climb, celebrate with a victory selfie, and then... you're wearing a shirt that looks like a crumpled paper ball. Mortifying. Truly, truly mortifying.
Or, you could drop your iron into a ravine. That one stings. Or, even worse, you could be attacked by angry wildlife because they're offended by your ironing habits. (Okay, that one's a bit of a stretch, but hey, anything's possible).
Oh, and on top of everything? The feeling of regret. Like, "Why on Earth did I think this was a good idea?" That's a killer, too.
Okay, you mentioned "victory selfies." Is this, like, Instagram-worthy? Is there even a "community" for this kind of madness?
Oh, absolutely. Instagram is *full* of people proudly displaying their perfectly pressed shirts in ridiculously scenic locations. Type in your topic, maybe add "ironing" or "weird" and prepare to have your brain scrambled. There are entire groups (some of them, I'm told, are actually quite organized, dedicated, and have even won awards for it).
And yes, pictures are required. It’s the law. So, if you do end up doing this, document it. Embrace the ridiculousness. If you're lucky, you might even get some likes. Or, you know, a restraining order from your dry cleaner.
I think I might… actually want to try this. Any last words of wisdom? Aside from “don’t die?”
Okay, if you're *really* doing this, a few things:
- Start small. Seriously. A park bench is way less daunting than a mountain peak.
- Practice. Ironing, I mean. Before you start planning your epic adventure, know how to iron a shirt.
- Safety First. Always. Don't be an idiot.
- Have Fun. Because, if you're not enjoying yourself, what's the point?
- Tell someone where you're going. In case, you know, things go sideways.
- Don't forgetGlobe Stay FinderCozy 2BR at Apt Mekarwangi Square By Travelio Bandung Indonesia
Cozy 2BR at Apt Mekarwangi Square By Travelio Bandung Indonesia
