Unbelievable Family Getaway in Indonesia: OYO 1376 Kina's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This is not your average hotel review. I'm not just gonna list features like a robot. I'm going to feel this place, sniff out the good, wrestle with the bad, and tell you EXACTLY if you should hand over your hard-earned cash to . Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster, because that's the only way to truly capture the hotel experience.
Okay, here we go…
First Impressions & Getting Around (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confused)
Right off the bat, the promise is HUGE. The website touts "luxury" and "unforgettable stays". But let's be real, websites lie. So, the actual first impression? Well, arriving at a hotel is always a little janky, isn't it? Especially if you're using a taxi service. (Yes, they offer one, thank god!) And a car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] are a good sign either way because getting to the airport transfer is a headache that I don't wanna get into. Valet parking is a touch of class, though. That's how you know they're trying. Then the security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas made me feel slightly less paranoid, which is a win. CCTV outside property is a plus too; you never know what kind of shenanigans go down after dark. They have a doorman, which adds to the "luxury" veneer, but honestly, I've met doormen who are friendlier than my cat. Elevator is crucial, especially with all those heavy bags and, I noticed, facilities for disabled guests (good job! Accessibility) And it’s an exterior corridor, so getting to your room may or may not be an adventure.
The Room: My Sanctum (or Maybe Not)
Okay, the room. This is where it gets personal. They say everything’s Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (!? Is this 1980?), Bathtub (YES!), Blackout curtains (thank the heavens), Carpeting (iffy, but okay), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (nice touch!), Free bottled water (essential!), Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN (meh), Internet access – wireless (YES!), Ironing facilities (hallelujah!), Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking (thank GOD), On-demand movies (always a plus), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (seriously?), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone (again, the 80s!), Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] and Window that opens. Whew! That's a lot.
The extra-long bed was a blessing. I am tall. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. I'm a light sleeper, and I NEED darkness. Complimentary tea is a small kindness that goes a long way. Free bottled water is also a necessity. The slippers were… well, they were slippers. Not particularly luxurious, but clean. The minibar was stocked, but extortionately priced, as always.
Room decorations might have been a bit bland? They're clearly not going for, like, "eccentric artist's studio." More like "comforting beige sanctuary." Which, you know, sometimes you need. And the extra toilet made me feel boujee as hell.
Now, for the imperfections (because there are always imperfections): The Wi-Fi, though free, occasionally sputtered. And that bathtub… well, it looked luxurious, but the water pressure was… let's just say, not optimal. And what's with bathroom phones? Are you kidding me?!
Cleanliness and Safety: Can I Breathe?
This is HUGE, especially these days. I’m a germaphobe at heart, and I've got to feel somewhat safe. They're hitting the right notes: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available (I always opt out!), Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol Sterilizing equipment. Frankly, they're checking all the boxes. And the smoke detector and fire extinguisher gave me some peace of mind.
Food, Glorious Food! (and the Occasional Hangry Meltdown)
Food at a hotel is a gamble. No bones about it. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Holy smokes. That's a lot.
Breakfast was, well, breakfast. A buffet in the restaurant offered the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, sad-looking pastries. I tried the Western breakfast and it was… edible. The Asian breakfast, I'm told, was a bit more exciting. Breakfast takeaway service is a lifesaver for a grab-and-go.
The room service [24-hour] was clutch. Especially when I was feeling a bit… antisocial. The salad in restaurant was actually surprisingly good. The coffee/tea in restaurant was hot!
The poolside bar was where I spent most of my afternoons. The happy hour was… essential. (They also had a snack bar, but I avoided it because I'm not sure what things they have there).
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (My Inner Lazy Person Squeals)
Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Let’s be honest, this is where a hotel can make or break you.
The pool with view? Stunning. Absolutely stunning. I spent hours lounging there, sipping cocktails, and pretending I was a glamorous movie star. The swimming pool [outdoor] was refreshing, and the sauna and steamroom were a welcome respite after a long day of… well, doing nothing.
I did spend a slightly awkward hour in the fitness center. It was… functional. The gym/fitness equipment was pretty standard. I even got a massage (it was, without exaggeration, one of the best I've ever had in my life – truly transformative). The spa/sauna was a sanctuary and a much-needed indulgence. I didn’t try the other treatments because I’m too chicken.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
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. This is the "making your life easy" section.
The concierge was fantastic, they booked me a show and got me dinner reservations (it was like having my own personal assistant). The daily housekeeping was impeccable. The laundry service was a lifesaver. The convenience store was a lifesaver. I even used the currency exchange (
Liverpool's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Suites Await!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my trip to Super OYO 1376 Kina Family Residence Syariah in Indonesia. This ain't a polished travel brochure, folks. This is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for…well, prepare for anything.
Day 1: Arrival – The Blessing and the Blunder
- 6:00 AM (ish) - Jakarta Airport Arrival & Immediate Panic: Ugh. This is why I hate early flights. Bleary-eyed, clutching my ridiculously oversized backpack, and already questioning my life choices. Jakarta Airport…it’s a vibe, alright. A chaotic, sweaty, delicious-smelling vibe. Finding a taxi was a battle. Seriously, it felt like a scene from Mad Max, but instead of gasoline, everyone wanted my tourist dollars.
- 7:30 AM - Taxi Ride of Terror (and Tiny Delights): Finally, a taxi! My driver, bless his soul, seemed to think he was auditioning for (insert Fast & Furious movie title here). We weaved through traffic like a caffeinated cobra. But hey, amidst the near-death experiences, I saw glimpses of Jakarta – the vibrant street food stalls, the shimmering skyscrapers fighting for space with crumbling colonial-era buildings. Raw beauty, you know?
- 9:00 AM - Super OYO 1376 Kina Family Residence Syariah – The Anticipation…and the Reality Check: Okay, so the website photos looked…well, flattering. The reality? Let's just say it's got charm. The lobby was…cozy. Let's go with cozy. The staff? Sweet as pie, but communication was tricky. My Bahasa Indonesia is basically "terima kasih" and "sate enak," which, surprisingly, only gets you so far.
- 9:30 AM - Room Revelation & Initial Disappointment (followed by Resilience): My room! Well, it was clean. The air conditioning…sort of worked. There was a faint smell of…something. Indefinable. I’m choosing to believe it adds to the, uh, “ambiance.” I wanted to have a really nice place, I was so devastated when I saw the room, it was so unlike the pictures, but quickly I thought, "Alright, you're here, this is it", and started to adjust.
- 10:00 AM - The Quest for Coffee and a Map: Needed. Caffeine. Now. And a map, because I don't know where I am. This is when I discover the "mini mart" (more like "tiny corner shop of questionable snacks") down the street. Success! Managed to buy some pretty suspicious coffee, (It tastes like a mixture of dirt and something else).
- 10:30 AM - The First Wander & The First Wrong Turn: Armed with my questionable coffee and a flimsy map, I set out to "explore". The streets were a sensory overload - motorbikes buzzing like angry bees, the aroma of exotic spices, and a cacophony of sounds I couldn't identify. Of course, I got lost within five minutes. This is a theme, by the way.
- 12:00 PM - Food Stalls. A Delicious Risk: Found a street food stall. The food looks incredible. I point at something that looked like a deep-fried cloud of deliciousness. The vendor smiles, gives me a thumbs up. I smile back. No regrets. (So far).
- 1:00 PM - Back to The Room, The Dreaded Nap: The food was fantastic, but now, exhaustion has won.
- 2:00 PM - Wake up, feeling refreshed, ready to explore!
Day 2: Culture Shock, and the Amazingness of Unexpected Kindness
- 8:00 AM - The Early Morning Noise Orchestra: No lie there was a rooster, a muezzin, and a construction crew, all competing for my attention. This is Indonesia at its finest.
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Attempt #2: Okay, better attempt for a better meal at the corner shop.
- 9:30 AM - The Museum Mishap: Today, I tried to go to the National Museum. Wrong bus. Traveled, lost, disoriented and eventually gave up. So I went to a cafe, where I found peace and quiet.
- 12:00 PM - Cafe Time & Journaling: Finding a calm space is essential for my sanity. So, I ordered a coffee, and just wrote about it.
- 2:00 PM - Exploring More: Still lost, walked a few roads, saw many things. Real experiences are way better than what you can read about.
- 5:00 PM - A Random Act of Kindness: While trying to navigate my way back to the hotel, I stumble, and one of the locals rushes to help. He was kind and helpful.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner & The Language Barrier Laughs: I go to eat, and end up talking with another local, and we couldn't understand each other. it was fun.
Day 3: Deep Dive (and the Dreaded Laundry)
- 9:00 AM - Laundry Day Disaster: There's a small laundry service. I give them my clothes. Crossing fingers.
- 10:00 AM - Re-visiting the area: I decide to re-visit the area to see what else i missed.
- 12:00 PM - Street Food Extravaganza (Again!): The food is amazing again, but very spicy this time.
- 2:00 PM - Laundry Pickup Anxiety: Are my clothes even coming back?
- 4:00 PM - The Laundry Miracle: My clothes are back. Clean and folded (probably). Success!
Day 4: Travel Again, and Depart
- 8:00 AM - Packing time.
- 9:00 AM - Checking out time.
- 10:00 AM - Taxi time.
- 11:00 AM - Airport time.
Quirks & Observations:
- Traffic in Jakarta is a performance art. A high-pressure, adrenaline-fueled, horn-honking performance art.
- The "local" version of English phrases is hilariously butchered.
- The humidity is a force of nature. My hair is permanently a frizz-monster.
- I've never sweat so much in my life.
- The people are genuinely kind and welcoming, even when they can't understand a word I say.
- I'm constantly lost.
- I love the food.
Emotional Rollercoaster:
- Day 1: Fear, overwhelming awe, slight freak-out, and eventually, acceptance.
- Day 2: Frustration, gratitude, and a burgeoning connection with the place.
- Day 3: Laundry-induced anxiety, then eventual triumph! A sense of accomplishment.
- Day 4: A slight pang of sadness, but a huge appreciation for the experience.
The Verdict:
Super OYO 1376 Kina Family Residence Syariah? Well, it wasn't the Ritz. But it was my base camp. It was the place I stumbled back to, exhausted and exhilarated, with stories to tell. Indonesia? It's a chaotic, beautiful, maddening, delicious, and utterly unforgettable place. And I wouldn't trade the mess, the wrong turns, and the questionable coffee for anything. This trip was a reminder that the best travel stories aren't about pristine hotels and perfectly planned itineraries. They're about embracing the chaos, saying "yes" to the unexpected, and laughing when things go hilariously wrong. Now, where to next…
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla Hotel!
So, like, what *is* this whole "life" thing anyway? No, seriously.
What are your biggest regrets? Go on, spill the beans.
Oh! Also, I regret that terrible haircut I got in 1998. Proof that bad decisions happen, and that pictures *do* last forever.
What makes you happy? The *real* answers, please.
What are you *terrible* at? Be honest.
What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened to you?
What's something you changed your mind about?
Then I met *him*. The whole thing went out the window! I still value my independence, absolutely, but there is something about sharing your life with another person, a level of comfort an trust, that is truly something else. I am now a believer, and I *love* being married, it's challenging as heck, but worth it (most days!).
What's the single most important piece of advice you've ever received?
Cats or Dogs? (Don't be shy, I need opinions)
