Indonesian Luxury: Your Private Lift Awaits at Waterplace Residence!
Indonesian Luxury: Waterplace Residence - My Brain Dump After a "Private Lift" Adventure!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Waterplace Residence, the Indonesian "luxury" experience that promised a "private lift" and delivered… well, let's just say it delivered a whole lot more, both good and… less good. This isn't your sterile travel blog; this is a real person's chaotic, slightly-obsessive-compulsive take.
Accessibility: The Good, The Sigh, and The "Meh"
Right off the bat, they tout accessibility. That's HUGE, right? Especially for someone like me who’s… well, let's just say I appreciate a smooth arrival. The elevator is a must-have, and they, thankfully, have one. But listen, while they claim facilities for disabled guests, things felt a bit patchy. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I peeked around, and things weren't perfectly seamless. This is something they REALLY need to nail, because luxury should mean inclusive luxury. More work needed here.
On-site Restaurants & Lounges: The Endless Pursuit of the Perfect Coffee
Okay, the restaurants… deep breath. They have a bunch. Asian, Western, Vegetarian options - tick, tick, tick! But seriously, finding a decent cup of coffee in a hotel restaurant feels like a quest for the Holy Grail. The coffee shop was a lifesaver, though. They had a decent latte that got me through a particularly grueling email session. (Ugh, work.) The Poolside bar was chef's kiss for a sundowner, I can tell ya! And the happy hour? Well, let's just say I made the most of the bar. They definitely know how to make a cocktail.
Cleanliness & Safety: "Sterilizing Equipment" - Now That's Reassuring… Or Is It?
Let's face it: COVID has made us all germaphobes. Waterplace residence tries. They have a laundry list of things: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Whoa, that felt like a tongue twister! I guess the hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. I think it all made me feel safe, though the sheer amount felt a little… overdone. Like they're trying a little too hard. But hey, better safe than sorry, right?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet of Emotions
Ah, food. My love language. the breakfast buffet was… a battlefield. Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. But it was busy. The Asian breakfast offerings were delicious, but the Western breakfast felt a bit… predictable. The A la carte in restaurant was where it's at, and boy, did I order! I loved the salad in restaurant and soup in restaurant I got. I am definitely a fan of soup, and I am happy they had it. The bottle of water was much appreciated, and I made sure I got it. (Stay hydrated, people!) You can also order from the room service [24-hour], which is convenient, but nothing beats an actual restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The "Private Lift" Revelation… and the Luggage!
Here's where things get interesting. The "private lift." That's the hook, right? And yes, it's cool. It felt extra fancy, but honestly? It gets you to your room. Big whoop. What really made the stay? The Concierge. Absolutely brilliant. They helped me navigate some tricky local transportation issues, and they were always, always cheerful. The luggage storage was a lifesaver when I arrived before check-in. And the daily housekeeping? My room was spotless. Absolutely spotless. Also, the facilities for disabled guests here needed some improvement.
Things to Do: Spa Day - My Personal Heaven (and Hell)
Okay, I'm going to go deep here. The spa. OH. MY. GOD. I was utterly stressed beforehand – a work project from hell, family issues… the works. I went for a massage and was transported. The spa/sauna was glorious. The steamroom… heaven. The Body scrub was a particularly wonderful experience, and I almost fell asleep during my body wrap. I'm not usually one for this kind of pampering, but it was precisely what I needed. I also tried the foot bath, which was relaxing. The pool with a view was the cherry on top, and I would have stayed there forever. I'm putting this as one of my favorite aspects of the hotel. This spa is worth it, every single penny. The fitness center was all right (I’m not a gym bunny, but those who are will be happy!).
Rooms: Air Conditioning and… Wait, Where's the View?!
My room… hmm. Air conditioning - check. Blackout curtains - check. Comfy bed - check. I was, however, on a lower floor than I expected. The window that opens was a nice touch. I didn't feel like my view was amazing. I did like the Complimentary tea since I love my tea. The complimentary bottled water was a welcome.
Internet: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Needed. The internet was reliable, and the Internet Access – wireless was good. There was even internet [LAN] if you need it. But I am not the type of person who goes online. I went to enjoy myself!
For the Kids: Babysitting and… More Questions
They have babysitting service! And family/child friendly. But listen, I didn't see a ton of families milling about. Maybe it's a well-kept secret.
Getting Around: Car Park (Free of Charge) – Hallelujah!
Car park (free of charge) - HUGE win. Absolutely essential. The taxi service was also easy to use. Airport transfer was great.
The Verdict? And My Secret Weapon for YOU!
So, Indonesian Luxury: Waterplace Residence? It has its flaws. But the spa? The concierge? That damn, glorious, albeit slightly unnecessary, "private lift?" Yeah, it's got a certain je ne sais quoi.
Here's the deal:
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PRO TIP: Call in advance and tell them that "I heard the spa is phenomenal".
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into… well, my version of luxury. The kind where the private lift is a novelty and the Instagram-perfect breakfast is probably gonna get cold while I decide which filter to use. Here’s the chaotic, messy, and hopefully hilarious itinerary for my Surabaya adventure at Waterplace Residence. Buckle up, because this is gonna be a ride.
Trip Title: Surabaya Scramble: Luxury, Laundry, and Laughter (Probably Lots of Laughter At My Expense)
Accommodation: D'lux 2 BR at Waterplace Residence w/ Private Lift (Because I deserve it, even if I'm secretly terrified of the lift)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Judging the Living Room Decor
- 9:00 AM (Jakarta Time) – Flight from Jakarta takes off. Oh god, did I pack enough snacks? My travel motto: "Have snacks, will travel." I'm currently questioning my life choices, starting with the oversized carry-on.
- 10:30 AM – (Surabaya Time) – Touchdown! Finally! After the cramped flight and the mandatory airport shuffle, the air is thick with that delicious Indonesian humidity. I make a mental note to find some good sunscreen immediately. Seriously, my fair skin and the sun are mortal enemies.
- 11:30 AM – Private Transfer to Waterplace Residence. The driver, bless his heart, seems unfazed by my attempts at broken Bahasa. The city whizzes by. First impressions: Surabaya is big. And busy. Did I mention I need to learn how to navigate a scooter ASAP? Maybe not.
- 12:30 PM – Arrival & The Great Lift Panic. Okay, here we go. The private lift. Honestly, I'm sweating. It's like I'm about to enter a tiny, luxurious prison. I fumble with the key card. Success! I'm inside, pushing the button. Please don’t get stuck! Arrived at my heaven? No. It’s a beautiful apartment, no? The living room… hmm. Modern. Clean lines. Maybe a little… minimalist? I’m already mentally re-arranging the furniture. Is there enough space for my collection of useless travel souvenirs?
- 1:30 PM – Lunch – Surabaya Food Frenzy Begins (or, Where Did I Put the Sambal?!). Gotta eat. And I'm starving. Found a local warung nearby. The menu is all in Indonesian. I will randomly point; it will be an adventure. Nasi Goreng, here I come! Oh my god, the flavors! And the sambal! My mouth is on fire, but it’s the good kind of pain. I'm basically embracing the chilli.
- 3:00 PM – Jet Lag Nap of Doom. Exhausted. The humid air, the spicy food, the general overwhelm of being in a new place has me sprawled out on the king-sized bed. Wake up in two hours? Probably more like six.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner – Trying to be Cultural (and Finding the Perfect Instagram Shot). Okay, let's try a nicer restaurant. Something authentic, obviously. It’s a good opportunity to showcase my impressive (lol) chopstick skills. Must take pictures of everything. Especially the intricately carved fruit garnishes. They’re works of art, I tell you!
- 9:00 PM – Sunset stroll and finding a cafe (the perfect cap to day 1). Time to see Surabaya’s sunset views. Found a cafe, made a local friend with a delicious coffee.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Shopping Sprees, and Karaoke Catastrophes (Coming Right Up!)
- 7:00 AM – Wake Up and Regret Eating All That Chilli. My stomach is rumbling. But the view is spectacular! I can almost feel the city waking up. Must find strong coffee, immediately.
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast (The Luxury Kind). Apartment breakfast is a must.
- 9:00 AM – Explore - The house of Sampoerna (Cigarette Museum/Mansion). It's a gorgeous building. The smells! It’s like stepping back in time. The history is fascinating, and the architecture is stunning. But, I’m not a smoker. I've got some real mixed feelings from the whole experience.
- 12:00 PM –Lunch at the local food court. I still can't tell what's what, but every dish so far is a culinary masterpiece!
- 1:30 PM - Shop, Shop, Shop! Surabaya shopping mall. The shopping malls are huge and full of everything you could possibly need.
- 4:00 PM – Karaoke Night (Do Not Expect Professional Singing). This is happening. Karaoke is an essential part of Indonesian culture, and I’m fully embracing it. Prepare yourselves, Surabaya. The only thing that could make this any better is if I find a willing backstreet cat to sing with me!
- 7:00 PM – Karaoke Debrief and Late Night Snacks. After a certain point in the night – I'm not sure when, exactly – the karaoke becomes less about singing and more about supportive screaming. My voice is shot, my dignity is… well, let's just say it's been surrendered to the karaoke gods. Back to the apartment for the midnight snack. I’ll order something and pray it arrives before I fall asleep face-first into a pillow.
Day 3: Reflections, Relaxation, and the Reluctant Departure
- 9:00 AM – Slow Morning and Farewell Breakfast. One last glorious sunrise and I'll slowly get myself ready.
- 10:00 AM – Apartment Tour, Goodbye to The Private Lift. A final walk around the apartment. My stay at waterplace residence has been amazing.
- 11:00 AM – Final Coffee & Souvenir Hunting. One last mission to find the perfect souvenir.
- 12:00 PM – Head to Airport.
- 1:00 PM – Airport. Last minute duty free shopping.
- 2:00 PM – On the flight
- 4:00 PM – Home
This is my Surabaya adventure, the truth! It's a messy, imperfect, and probably hilarious snapshot of my time in this dynamic city. It's the kind of trip where the best memories are made when things go sideways. And, hey, at least I got a private lift out of it. Surabaya, you’ve been real. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a nap… and maybe some antacids.
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Indonesian Luxury: Your Private Lift Awaits at Waterplace Residence! - You *Sure* You Wanna Know? (FAQ)
Okay, so a *private* lift? Seriously? Isn't that just, like, super extra?
Look, let's be real. I was skeptical too. Like, "Oh, fancy-pants, probably-inherited-money-or-sponsored-by-someone-who-definitely-isn't-budgeting-for-ramen" kind of extra. But… here's the thing. Living in Indonesia? Especially in Surabaya? Traffic is a beast. A total, honking, sweaty, exhaust-fumed *beast*. So, the thought of *not* waiting for a slow, smelly elevator crammed with people… yeah, it started to grow on me.
It's a power move, basically. You step out of your car in the ridiculously opulent Waterplace Residence lobby (think polished marble that's probably older than your grandma), and *bam* – that private lift is all yours. No awkward small talk with Bapak who's clearly wearing a knock-off Rolex. Just you, your groceries (and a questionable amount of instant noodles, let's be honest), and pure, unadulterated elevator bliss.
And honestly? Sometimes, after a particularly brutal day dodging *ojeks* in the heat, that elevator is a lifeline. It's like a mini-escape pod back to your luxurious bubble of air conditioning and… well, whatever luxury you can afford to put *inside* your apartment. Which, let's face it, often involves copious amounts of Bintang and a very comfy sofa to collapse on.
Beyond the lift, what *else* qualifies as "luxury" at Waterplace Residence? Spill the tea, please!
Alright, here's the scoop. "Luxury" at Waterplace… it's a mixed bag, folks. They definitely go big. The pools are gorgeous (when you're not fighting off a horde of screaming kids), the gym's pretty decent (if you can motivate yourself to *go*), and the views from the higher floors? Stunning. Seriously, you can see the whole city sprawl out before you, twinkling like a million tiny… well, lights. Good for impressing a date, terrible for remembering you still haven't cleaned your apartment.
But here's the slightly less perfect side. Some amenities… well, they're a bit 'hit or miss.' The staff are generally lovely, but sometimes communication is… a challenge. I once tried to order something from room service and spent a solid ten minutes explaining that, yes, I *did* want *nasi goreng*, and yes, it *was* for *me*. It ended with me hanging up and just ordering from GoFood. Seriously, GoFood is your friend in this place. The 'luxury' restaurant on the ground floor… let's just say, you might find better, cheaper food at a *warung* down the street.
And the noise! Oh, the noise! Between construction, and the occasional karaoke session blasting from someone's balcony, and the constant honking of vehicles below... Sometimes, even the private lift can't fully shield you from the realities of Surabaya life. Honestly, bring earplugs. Lots and lots of them.
Is it REALLY worth the price tag? Be brutally honest!
Ugh, the dreaded question. Look, I wrestle with this one daily. Let's face it: Waterplace Residence ain't cheap. In fact, it's more like "not-cheap-at-all." You're paying a premium for the perceived exclusivity, the (admittedly awesome) private lift, and the… *idea* of luxury.
Honestly? Financially, it's probably not the *smartest* decision I've ever made. But it's hard to quantify the value of your sanity when you live in a city like Surabaya. The convenience of that private lift after a particularly grueling market trip? Priceless. The security? Definitely a plus. The fact that my place is *generally* cleaner than the average Surabaya apartment? Also a win.
So, is it *worth* it? That depends. Are you willing to pay a LOT for a slice of relative peace and quiet? Do you desperately need a break from the chaos of daily life? Then, maybe. If you're on a tight budget or prefer a more "authentic" Indonesian experience? Probably not. I'm constantly weighing the pros and cons. It's a battle between my desire for luxury and my nagging inner voice screaming “save money!” Ask me again next month. My answer might change. A *lot*.
Let's talk about the *lift*. Any funny stories? Awkward encounters? Tell me everything!
Okay, okay, the lift stories. Here's the thing: the private elevator is a glorious blessing… and sometimes a source of utter comedy.
There was the time, early on, when I was *convinced* someone was following me. Every time I went up, I'd press the button, the doors would open, and… *nothing*. Then, I'd call it again, and *still* nothing. I'd glance behind me, paranoid, convinced I was being stalked by a phantom elevator enthusiast. Finally, after about the fourth call, the doors opened to reveal… absolutely no one. Just me. I think it was a glitch. Or maybe the elevator gods were messing with me.
Then there was the incident with the durian. Now, Indonesian durian is… fragrant. Let's put it that way. I foolishly decided to bring a durian up in the elevator after a particularly delicious (and pungent!) street purchase. Mistake. The smell. Oh, the smell! It permeated the elevator… for *days*. I'm pretty sure the cleaning staff started avoiding me after that. My apartment smelled of it for a week. I still have flashbacks. Never again, I swear. NEVER AGAIN.
Any advice for someone considering Waterplace Residence?
If you're seriously thinking of moving into Waterplace Residence, here's the unfiltered truth:
- **Negotiate everything.** Seriously. The price, the amenities… everything. You can probably get a deal, especially if you're renting.
- **Embrace the chaos.** Things aren't always perfect. You might encounter a few… quirks. Just roll with it. That's Indonesia, baby!
- **Invest in noise-canceling headphones.** Trust me on this one.
- **Learn some Bahasa Indonesia.** Even basic phrases will make your life SO much easier.
- **And most importantly: Manage your expectations.** It's not perfection. It's "luxury" with a healthy dose of Indonesian reality. But hey, at the end of a long day, when you can step into your own private lift and escape the madness? It's pretty darn good. (Just keep that durian far, far away.)
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