**Unbelievable Surabaya Stay! OYO 3783 Rumah Teuku Umar Awaits!**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dissect "Unbelievable Surabaya Stay! OYO 3783 Rumah Teuku Umar Awaits!" Okay, the name itself… a bit of a mouthful, right? But hey, let's dive in and see if the stay lives up to the unbelievable promise. This is gonna be more than a review – it's gonna be a JOURNEY. I'm going to try and cover everything because, let's be honest, finding a decent hotel in Surabaya can feel like a treasure hunt blindfolded.
First Impressions & Accessibility… or the lack thereof…
Right off the bat, let’s talk accessibility. This is HUGE. Important. I scrolled and scrolled, searching desperately for anything, ANYTHING, that specifically mentioned wheelchair accessibility beyond "Facilities for disabled guests" which means absolutely nothing. Honestly, that’s a red flag the size of a Surabaya traffic jam. Finding real specifics is an absolute headache. No specifics? You gotta assume a lot of stairs, tight spaces, and zero ramp access. That's a major bummer and automatically makes this hotel a no-go for many. Someone needs to get on that ASAP.
Wi-Fi, Internet, and Staying Connected (or Not!)
The good news: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Excellent. Essential. Life-saver. Also, "Internet access – wireless." Great. BUT… "Internet [LAN]" in the rooms is also listed. Okay, that's… retro. Who uses LAN cables anymore? It's like finding a horse-drawn carriage in the car park. But hey, if you're a nostalgic internet user, there you go. And yes, there's WiFi in the public areas. Thank goodness.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Pandemic Blues
Okay, deep breath. Cleanliness and safety are paramount these days, aren't they? And the listing tries to reassure us. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization between stays," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," and "Staff trained in safety protocol." Sounds good on paper! But I'd still recommend carrying your own wipes and judging the cleanliness for yourself. "Hygiene certification." Okay, cool, but from where and what does it mean? Also interesting that "Room sanitization opt-out available." So, they'll sanitize if you don't opt out? That's… a bit backwards, right? But hey, the “Hand sanitizer” and “First aid kit” are there, so… small mercies.
Dining: Feeding the Beast (and the Traveler's Soul)
Alright, food! My favorite section. Let's start with the basics. "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Western breakfast," "Western cuisine in restaurant." Okay, we're covered. But what kind of Western breakfast? Dry toast and instant coffee? Or the full English? These details matter! "Breakfast [buffet]" is also listed which, in a post-pandemic world, can be a gamble. Hopefully, it's well-managed and not a petri dish. They offer "Breakfast takeaway service." Smart! "A la carte in restaurant," "Buffet in restaurant," and "Room service [24-hour]." Okay, that's good. Versatile! "Bottle of water," always a plus. "Coffee shop," "Poolside bar," and "Snack bar." Okay, this is looking decent.
I have mixed feelings. "Vegetarian restaurant" yay! "Happy hour" which often indicates the place is trying to get people to spend more money. "Soup in restaurant," "Salad in restaurant," and "Desserts in restaurant," so the options are there. I have seen "Pizza" in the western section of the restaurants.
Things to Do (and Not Do) & Ways to Relax (Maybe)
Now for the fun stuff! Or maybe not? "Fitness center" - okay, standard. "Gym/fitness" - redundant, but okay. "Swimming pool" - yay! "Swimming pool [outdoor]" - double yay! "Pool with view"? Now we're talking! Potential for Instagram glory. Now, the weird stuff… "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Massage," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," and "Sauna." So, a whole range of spa treatments. Okay. But not all these services are always available at every OYO. You'll need to check availability and pricing on the hotel's actual website.
Services, Conveniences, and the Nitty-Gritty
This section is a grab bag of essential and superfluous stuff. Air conditioning in public areas? Check. Concierge? Nice. Daily housekeeping? Thank heavens. Elevator? Crucial if the accessibility situation is as bad as I suspect. "Facilities for disabled guests" again, the empty promise. "Laundry service," "Dry cleaning," "Ironing service," all good.
Rooms - the Heart of the Matter!
Now, the real important stuff! What are the rooms like? The listing is thorough, thankfully. "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Blackout curtains," "Closet," "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea," "Desk," "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Mini bar," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Slippers," "Smoke detector," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]," "Window that opens." Honestly, that's pretty standard. But it covers the essentials.
Now, here is the slightly weird element of this hotel: "Extra long bed." Maybe I am just used to "normal-sized" beds but I do hope the hotel has enough selection of bed sizes; I will be curious to see how that shakes out!
My Personal Take & The Great Surabaya Gamble:
Look, this review is a mixed bag, just like the hotel itself likely is. Some things are great – if they're actually available and functioning. The potential for a decent stay is somehow there. But the lack of clear accessibility information is a HUGE red flag. The food options seem varied, the spa treatments sound enticing, and the in-room amenities are decent.
The real question becomes: is this hotel a hidden gem, or a headache waiting to happen?
My Unbelievable Offer (If You DARE To Book!)
Here's the deal. If you’re looking for an affordable stay in Surabaya and you’re feeling adventurous, I'll offer a small booking incentive. I'm not a travel agent, but I believe in the power of a well-spent hotel!
Bettendorf's BEST Kept Secret: Clarion Pointe Review (Quad Cities)
Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because we’re about to descend into the glorious chaos that is my Surabaya adventure from the hodgepodge that is OYO 3783 Rumah Teuku Umar. Don't expect a pristine, Michelin-star itinerary. Expect, well, me.
Day 1: The Arrival (And Immediate Regret Regarding My Packing Choices)
- 14:00: Touchdown at Juanda International Airport (SUB). The humidity hits you like a wet, warm towel to the face. Immediately regretting my "stylish linen" packing choices. Should have gone with the tactical cargo pants. Lessons learned.
- 15:00: Taxi to OYO 3783 Rumah Teuku Umar. The driver, a lovely chap named Agung, drives like he’s auditioning for Fast & Furious: Surabaya Drift. I grip the seat, muttering prayers under my breath. We make it. Miraculously.
- 16:00: Check in to the OYO. Let’s be honest, the photos online promised a stately colonial mansion. Reality… well, it has character. And by “character,” I mean mismatched furniture, questionable stains on the walls, and a distinct aroma of… something. Undeniably Indonesian.
- 16:30: The room. The air conditioning barely exists. My sweat glands go into overdrive. I contemplate just staying in bed under the (thin) blanket until nightfall.
- 17:00: Okay, gotta be a trooper. Explore. Quick trip to the minimart to buy some snacks and water. Found a local instant noodle brand in the fridge of the hotel, and decided to grab a couple of packets. (Mee Sedap), and some other local brands. This will either be amazing, or a culinary disaster. Let's find out!
- 18:00: Dinner. Found a Warung down the street. Ordered Nasi Goreng Gila (Mad Fried Rice) – because, why not? It's spicy! The portions are massive. I'm pretty sure I ate enough for two people. Now I'm stuffed.
- 19:00: Back to the room. Attempt to watch TV. The channels are a glorious, incomprehensible blur of soap operas and dubbed cartoons. Decide to embrace the chaos and go with it.
- 21:00: Bed, and the incessant hum of the AC that refuses to cooperate. Already dreaming about the next day.
Day 2: History and the Sweetest Sin
- 08:00: Wake up. The humidity is still clinging to me like a needy ex-lover. Breakfast, included with the hotel… bread and jam. Simple, adequate.
- 09:00: Tandrini Market. A sensory overload! I'm talking every spice you can imagine, the scent of fresh flowers, mountains of fruits I've never seen before. Lost in the vibrant chaos. The experience is beautiful but chaotic, and I get lost. Eventually figure out my way back by just keep going straight.
- 11:00: The House of Sampoerna. It’s a beautiful old building, all colonial charm. I take a tour, get a history lesson and, even better, get to see some beautiful, hand-rolled clove cigarettes being made. The aroma is intoxicating.
- 12:30: Late lunch in the House of Sampoerna cafe. Ordering Soto Ayam. Oh my goodness, it's delicious! I ate all of it, slurping the broth like a pro!
- 14:00: Attempt to visit the Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam). It's closed for the day. Frustration ensues. I pout.
- 15:00: Back to the hotel, feeling restless. I need… something sweet.
- 16:00: The ultimate Surabaya sin: Spikoe Lapis Surabaya! The best cake in the world. Went to a shop and bought the entire cake. This cake is the reason I'm here. I devoured most of it that afternoon, regretting nothing.
- 17:00: Nap. A deep, sugar-induced slumber.
- 19:00: More Nasi Goreng. This time at a different Warung. Spicy. Delicious. My stomach is either going to revolt, or I'll get used to the spice and start craving chilies.
- 20:00: YouTube-ing about Surabaya. Discovering that it's a city full of amazing food, and amazing sights. I feel inspired!
Day 3: Art, Angels, and Last-Minute Shopping
- 09:00: Visit the Surabaya Art and Design Museum. I appreciate art, even when I don't understand it. Some stuff is, well, confusing. But there's a certain energy to the place that's quite inspiring.
- 11:00: The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It's a huge, beautiful structure in an area with a lot of Chinese culture, and I don't know why it's here. The architecture is stunning, and the stained glass windows tell stories in a way that I can understand. Peaceful and beautiful.
- 12:30: Lunch. The first time I ate a burger in another country, and it was a good one. Went to the local restaurant, and enjoyed it. It was not the best burger in the world, but it was good to have a western dish!
- 14:00: Shopping on Tunjungan Street. Found a nice little shop with batik fabrics. Spent too much money, but no regrets.
- 16:00: Back to the hotel (again). Packing up to leave tomorrow. The realization that my suitcase now weighs considerably more than it did upon arrival hits me.
- 17:00: Last look at Spikoe Lapis Surabaya. And another slice (or two). Sigh. Goodbye Surabaya, you delicious, chaotic, and wonderfully weird city.
- 19:00: Dinner. Local noodles, some chicken, and some local ice cream. I am so full.
- 20:00: Attempt to get some sleep. It's not working, all that I can think about is the cake.
Day 4: Departure (And a Promise to Return)
- 07:00: Wake up. Say goodbye to the OYO. The AC actually worked a bit.
- 08:00: Last-minute breakfast. Same as before.
- 09:00: Taxi to the airport. Agung drives again. I hold my breath. This time I survive.
- 10:00: Head home, already dreaming of my next trip.
- 11:00: Goodbye, Surabaya! I'll be back. With a bigger suitcase, a better AC, and an even bigger appetite for cake!
Unbelievable Surabaya Stay: OYO 3783 Rumah Teuku Umar - Your Burning Questions Answered (Maybe!)
Alright, spill the tea! Is this place actually *unbelievable* or just another OYO trying to live its best life?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Let's just say "unbelievable" is a *strong* word. My expectations were… shall we say, cautiously optimistic? Picture this: long flight, Surabaya heat practically slapping you in the face the second you step outside the airport. All you crave is air conditioning and a clean bed. This place? Well, it *had* those things. But "unbelievable"? Honey, not exactly. It’s more like… a perfectly acceptable, slightly quirky, and potentially slightly haunted-feeling place to crash for the night. Don't get me wrong, it was better than sleeping on a park bench. But "unbelievable" suggests it was *life-altering*, and... it wasn't.
The listing says "Rumah Teuku Umar." Did I miss a memo? Is there a ghost? (Asking for a friend… me.)
Okay, deep breaths. I'll be honest, the "Rumah Teuku Umar" thing definitely piqued my interest. Made me expect some historical vibes. What I got? A slightly charming, but also slightly… plain, building. No, as far as I know, there weren't any glaring ghosts. Although, there *was* a particularly creaky floorboard near the bathroom that *definitely* made me jump the first night. I swear I heard someone whispering "more towels" at 3 AM, but that could have been the jet lag. Or maybe I *was* in the presence of a spectral towel fiend. You know, Surabaya is a city of secrets.
The photos look… clean-ish. Was the cleanliness real, or a carefully curated Instagram filter?
Alright, this is the big one. The *cleanliness*. Let's just say, the photos were… optimistic portrayals. It wasn't filthy, don't get me wrong. I've seen worse. Much, much worse. But let’s just say the cleaning staff seemed to have missed a few… *strategic* spots. Like, under the bed? Yeah, let's not talk about under the bed. The bathroom was… functional. The shower? It *worked*. The water got hot. That's all I ask, really. In its very own way it was clean-ish. The important, often touched spots, were actually pretty cleaned. And that would make a weary traveller happy.
What's the deal with the AC? Surabaya is HOT!
The AC? Okay, this is where things get a little… *interesting*. One of the main reasons I booked was for the air conditioning! You're in Surabaya! Sweat is your constant companion. The first night, it was glorious. Ice-cold, blessed relief. The second night? Let's just say it decided to take a nap. A long, hot nap. I spent half the night fanning myself with a brochure. Eventually, it sputtered back to life around 4 AM. So, consider yourself warned: pack a fan, just in case. Or maybe develop a close and affectionate relationship with the local lizards. At the very least, you won't be alone.
Breakfast? Is there any? And if so, is it edible?
Breakfast… ah, breakfast. Okay, this is where things get a little… *minimalist*. Technically, yes, there *was* breakfast. It was a pre-packed, pre-wrapped selection of… things. I'm not going to lie, it wasn't anything to write home about. More like something you’d find at a really, really low-budget airport convenience store. I ate it, because I was starving. But it definitely wasn’t the highlight of my culinary experience. My advice? Grab something from a street vendor. You'll thank me later. Seriously, the street food in Surabaya is amazing! Way better than whatever… *that*… was.
Is the location good? Is it near anything fun?
The location... it's… okay. It's a bit out of the main tourist drag, which, on the one hand, is nice. You avoid the crowds and the relentless touts. On the other hand, you need to rely on Grab or taxis to get anywhere interesting. There's a 7-Eleven nearby, which is always a plus. And the surrounding area? Well, let's just say it's more "local" than "touristy." I did see a really friendly cat on the way to the 7-Eleven though, which cheered me up. So, proximity to fun? Meh. Proximity to a charming feline friend? Definitely a win.
What about the Wi-Fi? Gotta stay connected, you know!
Ah, the Wi-Fi. The digital lifeline of the modern traveller! It was… patchy. Let's just go with that. It worked sometimes. And when it *didn't* work, it was like being thrown back into the dark ages of dial-up. I spent a good hour one evening wandering around the hallway, holding my phone aloft like a sacred relic, trying to catch enough signal to finish a work email. It was… character building. So, yeah, plan accordingly. Download your essential information beforehand, embrace the offline experience, or maybe invest in a really, really good data plan. Seriously, Surabaya deserves your best Wi-Fi efforts.
The best part of the stay? The worst? Lay it on me! Spill the tea!
Okay, alright, alright. The BEST part? Honestly? Probably the price. It was *cheap*. Like, really, really cheap. And in Surabaya, where you can find so much delicious food at such a low cost, that helps. You'll save a LOT of money, which then gives you money to eat more street food. Also, I'll say the staff were nice, sweet, and trying their best. Definitely good people. The WORST part, though? Easily the AC situation on the second night. That and the slightly-too-creaky floorboard. And the slightly-suspicious breakfast. Oh, and the Wi-Fi. Okay, there were a few *meh* points, but listen… you get what you pay for. And sometimes, what you get is a quirky, memorable, and slightly flawed experience. Would I stay again? Maybe. Depends on how brave I'm feeling about that AC.
Would you recommend it to a friend? Be brutally honest.
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