Luxury Surabaya Staycation: HARRIS Hotel Bundaran Satelit Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup! This is gonna be a rollercoaster review of the HARRIS Hotel Bundaran Satelit Surabaya. Forget the polished brochures, let’s get real… and maybe a little unhinged.
SEO & Metadata Alert! (Gotta keep the Googlebots happy, right?)
- Title: HARRIS Hotel Surabaya Review: A Staycation Rollercoaster (With Wifi!)
- Keywords: HARRIS Hotel Surabaya, Surabaya hotels, Bundaran Satelit, staycation, accessibility, pool, spa, restaurant, wifi, family-friendly, review, Indonesia, travel, vacation, hotel review, luxury, best hotels surabaya
- Description: A brutally honest (and slightly hilarious) review of HARRIS Hotel Surabaya. Find out what worked, what didn’t, and whether this staycation is worth your hard-earned rupiah. Accessibility, food, fun, and (of course) the Wi-Fi – we cover it all!
- Category: Travel & Tourism, Hotel Reviews, Indonesia
Alright, let's dive in.
Accessibility: Yay or Nay? (Mostly Yay!)
So, I didn’t need full accessibility, but I did check out the situation, because everyone should be able to enjoy a nice stay. The good news is, wheelchair accessibility is a definite thing here. Lifts (elevators) worked, and the public areas seemed pretty navigable. I'm assuming the guest rooms also have some accessibility features, but I didn't personally test them. Kudos, HARRIS, for thinking about everyone. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside (which, let’s be honest, is rare in Surabaya humidity).
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Hmm…
Didn’t see anything explicitly advertised as such, but the layout should be navigable for most folks. Would be great to have a designated area or, you know, a sign saying "Accessible Zone – Please Sit Here!" or something. Small gripe, but it matters!
Internet: The Lifeblood. And the Wi-Fi?! Glorious, Free, and Everywhere!
Okay, let's be real, the Wi-Fi is a game-changer. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES, PLEASE! And it actually works! No agonizing buffering, no dropped connections. I could stream, video chat with my mom (who is, bless her heart, a technology disaster), and even… gasp… do some work. Internet [LAN] also available – for the old-school folks, and, you know, when the Wi-Fi actually fails (it didn't though, thankfully). Internet Services were (mostly) reliable. Okay, maybe I'm gushing, but good internet at a hotel is a must in this day and age of social media and instant gratification.
Things to Do: From Bliss to… Not Quite Bliss
Okay, the "Things to Do" section is where things get a little… messy. Let’s start with the good stuff.
- Pool with View: The pool is lovely, actually. Clean, well-maintained, and the view… well, it's Surabaya. Let's just say it's urban chic rather than tropical paradise. But still, a nice place to plop down, pretend you're on holiday, and judge the other guests. (Just kidding… mostly.)
- Spa/Sauna/Steam Room: I'm a sucker for a good spa. I spent a glorious hour in the sauna, feeling all the tension melt away. The massage? Divine. Seriously, my masseuse (bless her hands!) worked out knots I didn't even know I had. Pure bliss. The only downside? I almost fell asleep and drooled on my own face. Classy, I know. Spa/Sauna was well-kept and relaxing. The sauna itself was hot enough that I actually felt like I was melting. Loved it!
- Fitness Center/ Gym/Fitness: I walked past the gym and felt a wave of guilt wash over me for not having exercised in a week. It looked decent though. Clean, well-equipped – the usual suspects. I'm sure it would have been enjoyable if, you know, I actually went.
Now for the… less thrilling bits.
- Foot Bath: Didn't try it. Sounds… weird.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Covid-Era Checklist
HARRIS seems to be taking things seriously, which is appreciated! The Anti-viral cleaning products, Room sanitization opt-out, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Daily disinfection in common areas made me feel (relatively) safe. There's Hand sanitizer, which is a mandatory requirement at this point, but still nice to see. Staff trained in safety protocol, and the Safe dining setup.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (and the Indigestion)
Ah, food. The true test of any hotel.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Mostly, and surprisingly good -- Asian breakfast, International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. Decent variety, and the coffee wasn't terrible. I definitely ate too many pastries. Breakfast service was efficient and pleasant. I would have liked to try the Breakfast in room, but it wasn't an option.
- Restaurants/Poolside bar/ Coffee shop: Restaurants were okay. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable. The Poolside bar was a lifesaver. Perfect for a cold drink after a swim. And the Coffee shop provided the caffeine fix I needed to function.
- Drinks/Food Delivery: Okay, the bar had a Happy hour, but I didn't partake. Sad face. Room service [24-hour]? YES! That's a win. Snack bar, A la carte in restaurant, Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant and Alternative meal arrangement. Good choices and well considered.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Concierge/Front desk [24-hour]: Helpful and efficient. Always a plus!
- Doorman: Always opened the door for me, which I appreciated, even if I felt a little like I was walking into a time warp.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service/Daily housekeeping: Perfect!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Seminars, Meetings: These were all available but I did not try or inquire.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good thing!
- Cash withdrawal/Currency exchange: Nice to have.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Definitely!
- Babysitting service/Family/child friendly/ Kids facilities/ Kids meal: I did see a few families and kids. This hotel is definitely equipped for families.
Rooms: My Home Away From… Well, My Actual Home
My room was comfortable, clean, and functional. The Air conditioning worked like a charm. The Bed was comfy enough. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in (although I still struggled to get past 9 am). The Coffee/tea maker was a necessity. Free bottled water, internet access, desk, hairdryer, a safe. Generally well-equipped, as you can expect.
A Few Quirks (and Quibbles)
- The View: Was a little, blah, but hey, Surabaya, right?
- The Signage: A little confusing at times. I got lost a few times trying to find the spa, and I'm directionally competent! Maybe more arrows?
Overall Verdict: Worth It?
Yeah, absolutely. For the price, the location, and the amenities, HARRIS Hotel Bundaran Satelit Surabaya is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it's a comfortable, convenient, and reasonably priced hotel that ticks most of the boxes. The excellent Wi-Fi alone makes it worth it!
I'd definitely go back. And I'd definitely try to get the massage again. (Seriously, my back is still thanking me!)
Uncover Hermosillo's Hidden Gem: Hotel Colonial's Untold Secrets!Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved itinerary. This is real – the sweaty palms, the existential hotel room gazing, the "did I really just eat that?" kind of real. This is my attempt at an itinerary for a stay at the HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Bundaran Satelit Surabaya, Indonesia. And frankly? I'm already a little overwhelmed, in the best way possible.
My Surabaya Survival Guide: (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Nasi Goreng)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of a New Hotel Room
Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Ugh. Flight from… somewhere. Let's just say "far, far away." Arriving at Juanda International Airport. Immigration? A blur. Did I flash a winning smile or look like a sleep-deprived zombie? Unclear. Taxi chaos ensued. (Pro-tip: bargain hard before you get in). Finally, sweet FREEDOM…the HARRIS Hotel. The promise of air conditioning, a soft bed, and a shower that doesn't feel like an ancient public fountain.
- Anecdote alert: I swear the hotel lobby smells faintly of mango and ambition. It's a good start.
Mid-Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check-in. The mandatory "Welcome to Surabaya!" smile from the staff. (They're very polite; I, on the other hand, am still mostly a walking, talking caffeine deficiency.) Drop bags, panic about unpacking (I hate unpacking). Room inspection. Is the AC going to freeze me solid, or am I going to be forever sweating? Verdict pending. Then, gazing out the window. Surabaya. A city. Another city. My thoughts? Utterly, delightfully blank.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. This is crucial. I need food. Found the hotel restaurant. The menu? An adventure. Settled on Nasi Goreng. (Yes. Basic. Judge me.) First bite? BAM. Spicy. Savory. Glorious. Okay, Surabaya, you definitely have my attention. I think I ate it in like, 60 seconds. Shameful. But delicious shame.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM- 6:00 PM): Nap. Necessary after the Nasi Goreng coma. Dreamed of rice. Probably should've brought earplugs cuz the noise outside my window was a bit crazy.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Reconnaissance mission! Exploring the hotel. Pool? (Too many people. Pass.) Gym? (Maybe tomorrow. Or, you know, never.) Found the bar. Ordered a Bintang (the local beer) and started people-watching. Observing the locals as they gathered and talked as I was enjoying my sunset drink. My brain is mush, but I’m oddly content.
Day 2: Culture Clues And A Deep Dive Into "That Soup"
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast. Buffet. The eternal buffet dilemma: overeat, or play it safe? I did both. The fruit was amazing, though. Seriously, the mangoes are worth the airfare alone.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Trying to be cultured. A visit to… somewhere. (Forgive my lack of specifics; my guidebook is in the "I'll read it later" pile.) I'll be honest, I've forgotten the name of the place, but the colours, textures, and sounds where amazing!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. Back to the hotel restaurant. (It's convenient, okay?) But today I braved the unknown. The soup. "Soto Ayam?" Maybe. It looked… intimidating. But I took a chance. And oh my GOD. Best. Soup. Ever. So, so many layers of flavour. Comforting. Addictive. Suddenly, I knew the meaning of life. (It's in the broth.)
- Quirky Observation: There's something universally comforting about a hot bowl of soup, no matter where you are. It's a hug in a bowl. I think I’m in love.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Pool time (finally!). The sun was intense, but the water was blissful. Watched people. Judged their swimwear. Mildly. (Don’t judge me.)
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Dinner. I think I'll try some local street food tonight. I had a recommendation for a place by the park. I'm cautiously optimistic. (And armed with Pepto-Bismol, just in case.)
Day 3: Retail Therapy and the Farewell Blues (Maybe?)
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Shopping. Or, attempting to. The heat is relentless, the crowds are intense, and I'm completely lost. But the local crafts are beautiful, and there's that thrill of finding a bargain.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Another Lunch. I might have found MY ramen place (I forgot the name, but definitely ramen!), a simple but good meal, what I needed.
Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Maybe a spa treatment? To combat the "I've walked ten miles in the heat and now I smell like a wet dog and regret everything" feeling. Verdict: worth it.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Farewell dinner. (Yes, I'm already feeling the sadness of leaving.) I'm going to try that fancy restaurant in the hotel. Dress up. Pretend I'm sophisticated. Probably fail miserably. One last Bintang. One last toast to Surabaya. One last glance from the window.
- Emotional Reaction: Leaving is always bittersweet. But this has been… well, it's been an experience. Surabaya, you chaotic, beautiful, delicious mess. I'll definitely be back. (And I'm already craving that soup.)
- Imperfection: I probably still haven't mastered the "how to properly navigate the traffic/baffle the street vendors" skills. But hey, maybe next time?
Day 4: Departure
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up, pack, check out. The usual depressing airport routine. One final glimpse of the hotel – looking surprisingly normal now, without the haze of post-lunch soup euphoria.
- Departure: Back to reality. For now.
Important Notes:
- This itinerary is a suggestion. Feel free to deviate wildly. Get lost. Eat weird things. Fail gloriously. That's the point.
- The hotel staff are angels. Tip them. They deserve it.
- Take lots of pictures. (But don't get too caught up in it. Live it.)
- I may be tired, or a little bit sad, but with that soup and a very cold beer, I’m going to be fine!
- Enjoy!!!
Okay, spill the tea. Is HARRIS Hotel Bundaran Satelit REALLY a "luxury staycation" or just... another hotel?
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Luxury," in Surabaya, can be a slippery slope. You know? Like, what *is* luxury? For me, it's not just marble bathrooms (though, let's be real, I *do* like a good marble bathroom). I'd say, with my own experience, HARRIS definitely leans towards the "luxury" side, but... with some caveats. This isn't a Four Seasons, okay? Don't go expecting a personal butler to fold your socks. BUT, the rooms are spacious, the view (if you get a good one) is pretty darn sweet – especially at sunset, when the city glows – and the pool? Ooh, the pool. More on that disaster a little later. So, yeah, it's a step above your average business hotel. Think of it as "accessible luxury." You get the *idea* of pampering without having to sell a kidney.
What room type should I book? Gotta snag the best view, obviously.
Okay, so the "best view" is a subjective beast. Depends what floats your boat, right? I'd say, go for a higher floor, definitely. And try to snag a corner room if you can. They boast these panoramic views that are pretty Instagrammable, tbh. Now, I wasn't *savvy* enough to request a specific view, and got stuck with the facing-the-other-buildings-view. Which was alright, I guess, I mean, buildings are interesting too! But, let's be honest, I was slightly envious of the people who got the Surabaya skyline. You live, you learn. Next time, I'm calling ahead and *demanding* the view. Demand it!
The food! Give me the lowdown on the breakfast buffet.
Ah, the breakfast buffet – the true test of any hotel's worth! And HARRIS? They do a pretty decent job. Not *mind-blowing*, mind you. There's a good selection of Indonesian fare (nasi goreng, of course!), plus your standard Western options: eggs, bacon, pastries, the works. The coffee was... serviceable. Not the best, not the worst. They have a waffle station that I'm sure some kids are happy to use. My advice? Don’t be shy. Load up your plate. It's included, after all. Do dessert first. You're on vacation, live a little!
Tell me about the pool! Is it as fabulous as the pictures make it seem?
*The pool.* Oh, the pool. Now, here’s where things get… interesting. The pictures? They're gorgeous. Crystal-clear water, shimmering in the Surabaya sun, perfect for a leisurely swim, right? WRONG. Okay, not *completely* wrong. The pool *is* lovely, visually. Big, inviting, and the view from it is pretty spectacular. BUT... the day I went, it was total chaos. Seriously, it was a full-on aquatic zoo. Kids screaming, splashing, inflatable toys of every conceivable shape and size... I'm pretty sure I got kicked in the face by a giant inflatable pineapple.
The pool was crowded, the water was a tad murky (maybe the pineapple's fault), and the whole atmosphere felt… less "luxury" and more "family fun day at the water park." I finally gave up trying to swim laps and just sat on the edge, nursing a VERY overpriced cocktail (the drinks at the pool bar are a bit of a rip-off, just a heads-up). So, yeah, the pool *could* be amazing. But check the vibe before you commit. Maybe go early, before the hordes descend. Or, you know, embrace the chaos. Maybe that's the "luxury" of it all – the freedom to just... surrender to the madness.
Is there anything nearby? Like, restaurants, shops, stuff to *do*?
Bundaran Satelit is a pretty central location. You're surrounded by malls (that's Surabaya for you!), and there are plenty of restaurants around – from local warungs (which I heartily recommend, for a genuine taste of the city, plus they're CHEAP!) to fancy Western-style places. You can get a Grab or Gojek pretty easily. Just don't expect to be able to walk everywhere, Surabaya is not really a walking city.
Any tips for making the most of my staycation?
Okay, here's the wisdom, fresh from the trenches of my own HARRIS experience:
- Book in advance, especially for weekends. Otherwise, you might end up with the dreaded view of other buildings.
- Pack your own snacks. The minibar is ridiculously expensive. Seriously, I almost fainted at the price of the Pringles.
- Don't be afraid to explore! Surabaya is a fascinating city. Visit the House of Sampoerna, or go shopping at a local market. Escape the hotel bubble!
- Embrace the chaos. Especially around the pool and breakfast. You’re on vacation, let loose!
- Most Importantly - Lower your Expectations- I mean, come on, It's Surabaya not Bali!
Would you go back? Be honest!
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. Despite the pineapple incident and the slightly-less-than-stellar coffee. It's convenient, it's reasonably priced, and it's a decent option for a quick getaway in Surabaya. I'd definitely go back...as long as I remember to pack earplugs for the pool!
