Surabaya's Hidden Gem: OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng - Book Now!
Surabaya's Hidden Gem: OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng - Book Now! - A Review (That's Not Your Average Hotel Critique)
Alright, folks, buckle up. We're diving headfirst into the… ahem… unique experience that is OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng in Surabaya. Forget sterile hotel reviews; this is going to be less "five stars" and more "five… experiences." And trust me, you'll want to hear this.
Accessibility - The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Let's start with the basics. Accessibility. This is where things get a little… interesting. While the website implies some facilities for disabled guests, I couldn't find super clear details. Elevator? Yes, thankfully. Wheelchair accessibility? Well, I didn't personally test it, but I'd recommend thoroughly checking with the hotel directly before booking if accessibility is a major concern. I'm talking, call them, email them, get specifics. Don't just take my word for it, or anyone else's, for that matter.
Internet Access - Free Wi-Fi… Hallelujah! (And a Few Headaches)
Okay, the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Thank the travel gods! But, and this is a big but, the connection wasn't always… consistent. Think more "patchy" than "seamless." There’s also Internet [LAN] – I saw it listed, but frankly, I didn’t even bother trying to hook up my ancient laptop. My advice? Download what you need before you arrive, just in case. And, you know, bring a book. You'll thank me later.
Cleanliness and Safety - Sanitized… Mostly.
Now, in these post-pandemic times, cleanliness and safety are paramount. The hotel claims to be on top of it, with anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They also have the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocol, and sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They even claim professional-grade sanitizing services. Look, the place looked clean. But, and this is just me, I'm a little bit of a germaphobe. I'd still wipe down surfaces with my own wipes, just in case. (Don’t judge me!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (Maybe Not)
Alright, let's talk food. The hotel lists a ton of options: Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, International cuisine in restaurant, Restaurants, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. I’m not sure what to make of that – it sounds like a culinary explosion! The reality? Let’s just say the breakfast buffet was… basic. Edible, yes. Memorable, no. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. It kept me awake. The restaurants? I didn't try them. I ventured out for food. And I’d recommend you do the same. Surabaya has amazing street food. Don’t miss it. The Poolside bar? I don't remember seeing one, but I might have missed it.
Services and Conveniences - The Essentials (and a Few Surprises)
The services and conveniences offered are pretty standard: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes. The facilities for disabled guests are listed, but again, I'd suggest clarifying specifics.
Now, for the fun stuff. The couple's room option? Intriguing. The family/child friendly tag? Makes sense, and the hotel does have kids facilities listed. Room decorations? I didn't notice anything particularly dazzling, but hey, I wasn't expecting the Ritz.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - The Spa Mirage
Now, the website lists a ton of ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Whoa. I didn’t see any of that! Maybe I missed the secret entrance to the spa. Or maybe the website is… optimistic. Let’s just say don't base your booking on the promise of a luxurious spa retreat. Focus on exploring Surabaya.
For the Kids - Family Friendly, or Just a Place to Sleep?
They mention Babysitting service and Kids meal. If you're traveling with kids, ask about these! I didn't see any obvious kid-friendly amenities, but you never know.
The Room - My Humble Abode
Let's get to the room itself. The Air conditioning worked. Thank goodness. The bed was… a bed. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver. The Free bottled water was appreciated. The Wi-Fi [free]… well, we already covered that. The Shower worked. The Toiletries were… basic. Honestly, I can't complain. It had everything I needed. It was clean-ish. And it served its purpose: a place to sleep, and a base for exploring Surabaya.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy (Mostly)
The hotel offers Airport transfer, which is a huge plus. Car park [free of charge] - score! Taxi service is available. Getting around Surabaya is relatively easy, but be prepared for traffic.
My Verdict - Is It a Hidden Gem? Maybe… But Not in the Way You Think
So, is OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng a "hidden gem?" Well, it's hidden, alright. Hidden amongst the myriad of Surabaya hotels. But a gem? Hmm. It's a solid, budget-friendly option. It’s clean enough. It's got the basics covered. It’s a good starting point for your Surabaya adventure. Don't expect luxury, but expect a decent place to crash after a day of exploring.
Here's the Honest Truth: This isn't a luxury hotel. It's a functional, affordable place to stay. The real "gem" is Surabaya itself.
The Offer - Book Now (But Manage Your Expectations!)
Okay, here's my pitch:
Tired of overpriced, cookie-cutter hotels? Craving an authentic Surabaya experience?
OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng offers:
- Clean, comfortable rooms at a budget-friendly price.
- Free Wi-Fi (fingers crossed it works!)
- A convenient location, perfect for exploring Surabaya.
- The chance to experience real Indonesian hospitality (and maybe a slightly underwhelming breakfast buffet).
Book now and get [insert a small, realistic perk here - e.g., a discount on your first night, a free bottle of water upon arrival]!
Don't expect perfection. Expect a good base for your Surabaya adventure. Because let's be honest, the real adventure starts the moment you step outside.
Click here to book your stay at OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng - Book Now!
(And seriously, explore Surabaya. It's amazing.)
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Seaview Apartment in Johor Bahru!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-chaotic glimpse into my potential Surabaya adventure, centered around the hallowed halls (hopefully) of OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng. Let's see if I survive…
SURABAYA: A Messy, Glorious Adventure (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (at the Homestay)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Wake up in a cold sweat (or maybe just a regular sweat, because Indonesia). Flight to Surabaya. Pray the luggage makes it. I'm convinced my suitcase has a mind of its own and actively tries to get lost.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Land! Surabaya airport. Breathe in the humid air, which smells of… well, adventure, and maybe a hint of diesel. Airport chaos. Finding a Grab (or, if I'm feeling brave, a bemo - I've heard stories). The existential dread begins to creep in as I contemplate my life choices that led me here.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng. Pray the room looks like the pictures. (I'm a sucker for a good online review.) Check-in. Unpack. Immediately realize I packed way too many clothes. Consider selling them to a street vendor.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the immediate area. Okay, let's be honest, this is where things get real. Walk around the block. Find a warung (small local eatery). Order something I can't pronounce. Hope for the best. First big test: The food. This is the make-or-break moment. Will it be delicious? Will it be… something else? I'm willing to gamble. Maybe. Definitely.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the homestay. Nap. (Jet lag is a beast.) Stare out the window. Contemplate the vastness of the universe. Write in my travel journal, which will probably just be a series of incoherent ramblings.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. Maybe try a different warung. Or maybe just order room service (if they have it). I'm already exhausted. Need to find some good Indonesian coffee. (I'm a caffeine addict, don't judge.)
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Collapse into bed. Pray for a good night's sleep. And that the mosquito situation isn't apocalyptic. Pray. Pray. Pray.
Day 2: Tunjungan Street & The Power of a Good Meal (and Maybe a Bad One?)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up (hopefully refreshed). Breakfast. (Hopefully provided by the homestay? Fingers crossed.) Review yesterday's food choices. Assess if I need medical attention.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Head to Tunjungan Street. Famous for its historical buildings and, supposedly, a lot of shopping. I'm not a huge shopper, but I'm always up for a good wander. Take lots of pictures. Get lost. (It's practically a requirement.)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The Big One: Lunch at a local restaurant on Tunjungan Street. This is where the culinary adventure truly begins. This is where my stomach and taste buds will be either blessed or cursed. I'm thinking nasi rawon (black beef soup) - I've heard it's incredible. Or soto ayam (chicken soup) - always a safe bet. Or… maybe something completely random and terrifying. The suspense is killing me!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): More Tunjungan Street. Explore the side streets. Try to find a hidden gem. Get mildly overwhelmed by the crowds. Buy a ridiculous souvenir I'll regret later. (It's tradition.)
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Return to the homestay. Rest. Maybe take another nap. (I'm starting to think this is my main activity.) Reflect on the day's adventures. Update my travel journal with brutally honest opinions.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. I'm feeling adventurous… maybe. Or maybe I'll just order delivery. The food coma is real.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Bed. Sleep. Dream of delicious food and mosquito-free nights.
Day 3: Heroes, History, and… More Food (Because, Indonesia)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Sleep in! (Maybe the jet lag is finally subsiding.) Breakfast. (Again, hoping it's provided.)
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Visit the Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan). Learn some history. Pretend to be moved by the solemnity of it all. Actually, I'll probably be moved. I’m a sucker for a good historical monument.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back to the food! This time, I'm aiming for something different. Maybe gado-gado (vegetables in peanut sauce) or sate ayam (chicken satay). Or, if I'm feeling particularly brave, something I've never heard of. The possibilities are endless (and slightly terrifying). I'm ready to be surprised!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the area around the monument. Maybe visit a museum. Or just wander aimlessly, getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of Surabaya.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Return to the homestay. Pack. (Sigh.) Realize I haven't bought any presents. Panic.
- Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Last dinner in Surabaya. Make it count. Try something truly memorable. Or just order a pizza (if they have it). No judgment here.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Final night at the homestay. Review the trip. Decide if I've had a good time. (Spoiler alert: I probably have.) Prepare for departure.
Day 4: Departure & The Aftermath
- Morning (Early): Wake up. Airport. Goodbye Surabaya! This is it.
- Flight: Hopefully it will be on time.
- Aftermath: Back home. Tell everyone how adventurous I was. Maybe exaggerate a few things. Post a bunch of pictures on social media. Start planning my next adventure. (Because the travel bug never really goes away, does it?)
Important Considerations:
- Food Poisoning: A very real possibility. Pack Immodium.
- Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray. Seriously.
- Heat & Humidity: Prepare to sweat. A lot.
- Language Barrier: Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. (Like "Thank you," "Please," and "Where's the bathroom?")
- Lost Luggage: Be prepared for it. Have a backup plan.
- My sanity: Questionable.
This is my plan, folks. Wish me luck. Surabaya, here I come! (And hopefully, I come back in one piece.)
Socrates' Secret Crete Hideaway: Your Dream Island Getaway Awaits!
OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng - The Unfiltered Truth (and Some Regrets)
Okay, spill the tea! What's the *real* deal with OYO 93863 Dv Homestay Syariah Genteng? Is it actually a hidden gem, or just… hidden?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to get real. "Hidden gem"? That depends on your definition. If "gem" means "cheap and surprisingly functional," then yeah, maybe. If you're expecting a five-star experience… well, let's just say you'll be disappointed. I went in with low expectations (because, OYO, right?), and honestly, I wasn't *completely* miserable. But hidden? Oh yeah, it's hidden. Like, tucked away down a side street that Google Maps *almost* gets right. I spent a good 15 minutes circling the block in a sweaty panic, convinced I was about to get mugged. Turns out, it was just the homestay's ultra-discreet location.
The "Syariah" part – what does that *actually* mean in practice? No booze? No… what else?
Right, the "Syariah" bit. Okay, so no booze, obviously. I’m not a big drinker anyway, but I did have a moment of panic when I realized I'd forgotten to grab a bottle of water at the mini-mart. Turns out, they provide it! Bless. And the no-booze rule extends to the grounds, naturally. They also have separate prayer rooms (which is actually pretty cool, even if you're not a practicing Muslim – it's quiet and peaceful). The staff are all very polite and respectful, which is a plus. It’s definitely a more conservative environment, so if you’re planning a wild party, maybe look elsewhere. And, you know, be mindful of your attire. No tiny shorts, people! Show some respect.
The rooms – are they clean? Because let's be honest, that's a major deal-breaker.
Clean? Well… look, let's just say it's not *spotless*. There’s a certain… lived-in quality. You know, the kind of lived-in where you *suspect* the last guest might have left a few… err… *traces*. I’m not saying it was filthy, but I definitely spent a good 10 minutes inspecting the sheets. And the bathroom? Let's just say I was grateful for the flip-flops I brought. But, and this is important, it wasn't actively *dirty*. Just… a bit… *rustic*. And honestly, for the price, I wasn't expecting the Ritz. I focused on the fact that the bed *looked* clean, and then I sprayed everything liberally with hand sanitizer. Survival tactics, people. Survival tactics.
What about the location? Is it convenient for exploring Surabaya?
The location... okay, this is where things get a little… *complicated*. It’s in Genteng, which is technically central. But it's not *centrally* central. It's a bit of a walk to the main attractions, especially in the Surabaya heat. I ended up relying on Grab (the local ride-hailing app) *a lot*. Which, you know, isn’t the worst thing in the world. The drivers are generally friendly and the prices are reasonable. But be prepared to spend a bit of time in transit. And try to avoid rush hour. Trust me on that one. Rush hour in Surabaya is an experience you won't soon forget. Think bumper-to-bumper chaos, punctuated by the incessant honking of scooters. It's… intense. So, convenient? Debatable. Accessible? Yes, but with a side of sweat and a healthy dose of patience.
The staff – friendly? Helpful? Or just… there?
The staff were… alright. Friendly enough, in a slightly reserved way. They weren't exactly chatty, but they were polite and helpful when I needed something. They helped me with directions, which was a lifesaver, because navigating Surabaya streets is like trying to decipher hieroglyphics. They also sorted out a minor issue with the Wi-Fi, which was, you know, essential for my survival (I'm a freelancer, don't judge). They seemed genuinely trying to be helpful, even if their English wasn't perfect. One of the guys even offered to carry my ridiculously heavy bag to my room. So, yeah, not bad. Not amazing, but definitely not terrible. Definitely better than some of the other OYO experiences I've had, let's just say that. (One involved a cockroach the size of a small car. I'm not kidding.)
Breakfast? Is there breakfast? And is it edible?
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. This is where my memory gets a little… hazy. There was breakfast. I *think* it was included. It was basic. Very basic. Rice, some kind of mystery meat (possibly chicken, possibly not), and a fried egg. And coffee. The coffee was… strong. Very, very strong. I’m talking, could-strip-paint-off-a-wall strong. I’m not a huge coffee drinker, and I’m pretty sure I spent the next three hours bouncing off the walls. The mystery meat? Let's just say I ate it. I survived. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. My advice? Grab some street food instead. Surabaya has amazing street food, and it’s probably a safer bet than whatever the homestay is serving. Seriously. Go for the Sate Klopo (coconut grilled satay). You won't regret it.
Okay, let's get specific. What was the *worst* part?
Oh, the worst part? Easy. The noise. Sweet merciful heavens, the noise. First, there's the incessant honking of scooters. Then, there's the call to prayer at 4:30 AM. And then, there's the general cacophony of city life. And, let's not forget, my room was right next to the street. I swear, at one point, I thought a truck was actually *in* my room. I barely slept. I ended up buying earplugs from a mini-mart, which helped a little. But the noise? It's the thing that haunts my dreams. If you're a light sleeper, RUN. Seriously. Find somewhere else. Unless you have a noise-canceling headset and a serious tolerance for chaos. Then, maybe, just maybe, you'll survive. But me? I’m scarred. Forever.
