Escape to Paradise: Eljie Hotel Gorontalo Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Eljie Hotel Gorontalo Awaits!
Gorontalo or Bust! My Wild Ride (& Review) at Eljie Hotel: Escape to Paradise? Let's Find Out!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups, because I've just wrestled my way back from Gorontalo, and let me tell you, it was an experience. And at the heart of it all was the Eljie Hotel. "Escape to Paradise," they say. Did I find paradise? Well, let's just say it was more like…an interesting vacation with some seriously fantastic bits sprinkled in.
This isn't your polished, perfect travel blog post, folks. This is me, raw, honest, and probably still slightly sunburned, spilling the tea (or, you know, teh tarik I was guzzling down) on Eljie Hotel.
First Impressions (and a Little Near-Disaster): Accessibility & Getting There… Almost
Right off the bat, let’s talk practicalities, folks. Accessibility is huge, right? So, Accessibility: the hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn’t personally test them out (thankfully!), but it’s worth calling ahead and getting specifics, just to be completely sure. Don't assume people!!!
Getting to the hotel? Another story. Airport transfer? Yep, they offer it. Smooth, right? Nope. My flight was delayed, the driver was hours late, and I spent a delightful few hours wrestling my luggage in a humid Gorontalo airport. (Not Eljie's fault, but still… the journey IS part of the vacation, right?). At least the car park [free of charge] was indeed free of charge when I finally arrived. They also have car park [on-site] if you don't want to walk! So, good on them!
The Lobby? Eh, standard. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Elevator? Definitely a plus. Especially after that luggage debacle. Seriously, I’m still having nightmares about those suitcases.
Rooms: Where the Escape Begins (or Doesn't, Depending)
Okay, the rooms. The heart of the experience, yeah? Let me break it down…
- Air conditioning: A MUST in Gorontalo, and thankfully, it worked like a CHAMP. Thank you, sweet baby AC gods.
- Free Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi [free]? Check. In all rooms? Yep. And it mostly worked. Mostly. There were a few moments of "spinning wheel of death" which, in the 21st century, still manages to make me want to throw my phone out the window.
- Bathroom Basics: Additional toilet? Check. Bathtub? Yep. Shower? Double yep. Hair dryer? Hallelujah. Toiletries? They had some, nothing fancy, but hey, better than nothing.
- The Extras: Coffee/tea maker? Awesome. Complimentary tea: YES! Free bottled water? Double YAY - hydration is KEY. Mini bar? A mini-fridge, at least, which I stocked with my own stash of Bintang. Safe box? Yup, felt safe enough, not that I brought anything that would have needed to be locked up, mind you.
- The Good Stuff: Soundproofing: actually pretty decent. Gorontalo is a lively place, and I slept like a baby, and even felt more relaxed with a blackout curtains
- The Weird Stuff: I swear, I spent a week looking at the Mirror that was in my room. It was the only kind of company I had besides my laptop and the sounds of the bustling streets.
**Here's the thing: I am not sure if the view had a *Window that opens* , I don't remember. Honestly, I was more obsessed with the view out the window… or maybe I was just that obsessed.
Dining & Drinking: The Culinary Rollercoaster
Okay, food. This is where things got really interesting at Eljie.
Breakfast [buffet] was included. Asian breakfast was the star. Nasi Goreng was decent. The Western breakfast, though? Let's just say my tastebuds were not particularly thrilled. The eggs were… what can I say? Questionable. So I ate the Nasi Goreng.
Restaurants: They have them! A la carte in restaurant? Naturally. International cuisine in restaurant? Sure. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Mostly.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, naturally. They also had a Coffee shop, but I never saw anyone.
Poolside bar: Yes. The pool view as I ate lunch was beautiful and I loved it.
Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver after a particularly brutal day of exploring.
Happy hour: Didn't actually make it to happy hour because I was exhausted, but knowing it's there is a bonus.
Desserts in restaurant? Snack bar? Soup in restaurant? I don't remember these. I was more concerned with the Nasi Goreng and the Bottle of water
Vegetarian Restaurant: Yes! With plenty of fresh vegetables.
Breakfast Takeaway Service This was useful after a long night.
Relaxation & Pampering: Can You Really Escape?
This is where Eljie almost redeemed itself:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, the pool with view was the best part of this trip! The water was perfect, the sun was hot, and I just floated around for hours, contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I’d actually packed enough sunscreen). Poolside bar was essential for getting drinks.
- Spa & Sauna: I didn't try any of the treatments, but the brochures looked enticing. Maybe next time for a massage?
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: Yes, they had a gym. I did not go. Let's be honest, I was there to relax, not torture myself.
- Steamroom: Nice to consider.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Spa/sauna: These are nice to have.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind (or Not?)
Okay, hygiene is on everyone's minds these days, right?
- Daily disinfection in common areas? I saw them cleaning, but let's be real, how do you know if it was truly anti-viral cleaning products? Who knows!
- Rooms sanitized between stays? I certainly hoped so.
- Hand sanitizer: Abundant.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to know the drill.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Probably.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Don’t know, didn't see this option, which is strange.
- Safe dining setup: Fine.
- Daily housekeeping: Awesome, really appreciated this.
Services & Conveniences: What Else Is On Offer?
- Concierge: Helpful!
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient, if you needed it.
- Doorman: A nice touch.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Very important if you overpack, like me
- Luggage storage: Always a good thing.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
- Business facilities: They have Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Air conditioning in public area, etc.
For the Kids, etc: What About the Others?
- Family/child friendly: Didn't see any kids, but it seemed like a possibility.
- Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Unknown.
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My Verdict: Paradise-Adjacent
So, did I find "Escape to Paradise" at Eljie Hotel? Not quite. But did I have a good time? Absolutely. The pool was divine, the AC was a godsend, the staff was friendly. The food was… well, it was an experience. And Gorontalo itself? Absolutely worth visiting!
My Final, Honest, and Slightly Unhinged Recommendation:
Eljie Hotel is a solid choice for your Gorontalo adventure. If you're looking for a chill, reasonably priced place with a great pool and a convenient location, then BOOK IT. Just maybe bring your own snacks and low expectations for the Western breakfast. And for the love of all that is holy, download a few movies for those inevitable internet hiccups.
And now… for the hard sell!
ESCAPE TO PARADISE (with a dash of Reality!): BOOK ELJIE HOTEL NOW!
Here's why you SHOULD do it:
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the messy, glorious chaos that is… my imagined trip to Eljie Hotel in Gorontalo, Indonesia. Forget your perfectly polished itineraries, this is the REAL deal.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle (and Maybe Some Nasi Goreng Dreams)
8:00 AM - The Pre-Trip Panic: Okay, so I'm supposed to be arriving at the Gorontalo airport. In reality, I'm probably still frantically packing, convinced I've forgotten something vital. Passport? Check (probably). Enough mosquito repellent to ward off a swarm of vampire bats? Double-check. My brain is currently a war zone of "Did I pack my good socks?" and "Will I ever master the art of a perfect travel pillow setup?"
10:00 AM - The Flight (and Existential Dread): Assuming I actually make it to Jakarta, the connecting flight to Gorontalo is my next hurdle. Flying is a weird mix of boredom and terror for me. I’ll be staring out the window for hours, pretending to contemplate the vastness of the universe while secretly worrying about air pockets and turbulence. I'm going to try to not get sick on the flight.
1:00 PM - Arrival at Gorontalo and the Luggage Tango: Okay, we made it! Gorontalo is HOT. Immediately questioning my life choices (in the best way possible). First impressions? The airport is… well, it's an airport. Clean enough, but I'm already sweating and wondering if my luggage made it. Ah, the age-old travel gamble! Will it be a blissful reunion or a heartbreaking separation?
2:00 PM - Taxi to Eljie Hotel - The Sensory Overload Embrace: Finally! A taxi! The ride is a whirlwind of new sights, sounds, and smells. Scooters whizzing past, vibrant street art, and the distinct aroma of… chili peppers? This is what I came for! I’m trying to absorb every single detail, despite the slight nausea from the bumpy ride. Feeling a sudden craving for Nasi Goreng.
3:00 PM - Check-In and the Room Revelation: Eljie Hotel! Hopefully, my suitcase is here. The lobby looks inviting – blessedly cool after the heat outside. Check-in goes smoothly (thank goodness). The room… the room is everything. I'm not expecting a palace, but I'm praying for AC. Fingers crossed! Let's hope I at least got the room with the view, as the one with the view to my room's air condition isn't ideal.
4:00 PM - The Initial Reconnaissance Mission: Time to explore! I need to find the Nasi Goreng source ASAP. Also, a quick walk around the hotel grounds. I'm sure it's all immaculately maintained (or maybe a little bit charmingly disheveled – I'm secretly hoping for the latter). Also, let's start planning. Are we doing a day trip? Snorkeling? Sightseeing? I'm already overwhelmed with anticipation!
7:00 PM - Dinner - The Nasi Goreng Victory (or Potential Disaster): I've found a restaurant! Now, the real test. Will the Nasi Goreng live up to my sky-high expectations? (Secretly hoping for extra spicy). I'm also going to try some other dishes I've never heard of – embrace the unknown! I'm hoping to get to know the food, as Indonesian food is one of the best.
9:00 PM - Collapse and Pre-Sleep Ramblings: After dinner, I'm wrecked. Jet lag is hitting me hard. I'll probably spend the next hour battling mosquitos and cursing my lack of planning. I might manage to write some more in my journal, but then it's going to be lights out. Tomorrow is going to be big, or so my over-optimistic brain keeps telling me.
Day 2: Diving into the Deep End (and Possibly Overdoing It)
7:00 AM - Sunrise Struggle: Ah, the siren call of dawn. Assuming I'm not still battling the ghost of jet lag, I'll try to catch the sunrise. If I can actually peel myself out of bed, that is. Coffee is essential here. Preferably strong coffee.
8:00 AM - The Breakfast Buffet Battlefield: Breakfast time! This is where the true test of a hotel's quality lies. I'm hoping for a decent spread and that the coffee lives up to the hype. I am going to try lots of food, but in moderation. Maybe I should even bring a snack incase of emergency.
9:00 AM - The Diving Adventure (Or the Scuba-Doubting): Okay, this is it. I've signed up for a diving excursion. I'm going to spend the day underwater -- it's going to be either awesome or terrifying. My biggest fear? Sharks! But I’m sure it'll be fine. Right? Just… breathe. Maybe bring a camera (waterproof, of course).
12:00 PM - Dive-Side Lunch… and Existential Dread: Lunch on the beach! Fresh seafood, gorgeous views. I should be ecstatic. But my mind's still replaying the dive. Did I remember to equalize properly? Did I see any sharks? (Thank god, no!).
2:00 PM - The Second Dive (If I Dare…): Do I go for it? Or do I take a nervous swim in the shallow end, watching everyone else? I will definitely consider.
5:00 PM - The Post-Dive Debrief (and Sunburn Assessment): Back at the hotel, it's time to recover. Shower, change, and stare blankly at the wall while processing the day. Did everything go right? Did I look like a natural? Or a complete klutz? The post-dive glow is real, but so is the potential for sunburn.
7:00 PM - Dinner - Finding the Perfect Food (or Just Settling): Tonight I'm going to treat myself to a nice meal (hopefully, without getting any water in it, as I ate a lot of seafood). Finding a good restaurant (or just any restaurant) outside the hotel. I'm debating whether to explore a little bit or just order room service. I might even brave some street food.
9:00 PM - The Late-Night Drink (and the Existential Crisis): Time for a nightcap! I'll probably end up chatting with the staff, getting lost in conversations. Maybe I'll even try to learn some Indonesian phrases. Or, more likely, I'll just get lost in my own thoughts, contemplating life, the universe, and why I always forget to pack earplugs.
Day 3: Culture Shock, Sand, and Saying Goodbye (Maybe with a Tear?)
8:00 AM - The Final Breakfast (and Regret): Another day, another breakfast buffet. Trying to savor every morsel. Wish I'd tried more on the last two days. Realizing I'm probably going to miss the delicious food.
9:00 AM - Exploring Gorontalo (The Culture Shock Edition): Time to see some sights! I'll take a taxi to the center of town and see where it takes me.
12:00 AM - The Beach Day (and the Sand-in-Everything Problem): A beach day! I'm going to relax on the sand, read a book, and try to find the perfect spot. I'll probably end up with sand in places I never knew sand could get.
2:00 PM - The Final Meal and The Goodbye: A final meal, trying to remember everything. Saying goodbye is always hard.
4:00 PM - The Airport Farewell: The airport again. The inevitable departure. The bittersweet feeling of leaving, mixed with the excitement of returning home.
7:00 PM - The Final Thought: I will never forget this trip. This place makes me happy.
This is my imagined itinerary for Eljie Hotel, Gorontalo.
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Escape to Paradise: Eljie Hotel - You've Been Warned (Kidding, Mostly!) - FAQs
Okay, so... what *is* the Eljie Hotel, exactly? And is it REALLY paradise? (Because, let's be honest, "paradise" gets thrown around a LOT.)
Alright, buckle up, because "paradise" is subjective. Eljie Hotel in Gorontalo? Picture this: it's supposed to be this idyllic beachfront escape. Palm trees, crystal-clear water, the whole shebang. The brochure? Absolutely stunning. My reality? Well, let's just say it was a bit more "rustic charm" and a little less "Instagram-worthy perfection." It's a series of bungalows right on the sand, the kind of place that *sounds* amazing, but you know...things happen.
It *is* on the beach, the sand is gloriously soft, and the sunset views? Absolutely breathtaking. I'd give the view a solid 9/10. The actual 'paradise' part? Depends on your definition. If you're looking for a perfectly manicured, air-conditioned experience, maybe not paradise. If you're okay with the occasional lizard sharing your room (true story!), a slightly wonky toilet, and a few moments of "is this real life?", then you're headed in the right direction. I'm not going to lie – I was initially horrified by a cockroach I saw scooting across my wall, but I got over it (eventually). Because the sunsets were phenomenal.
The rooms! Spill the tea – are they worth the cost? (Because trust me, budgeting is a real thing.)
Okay, this is where it gets… nuanced. The rooms themselves are… functional. Don't expect five-star luxury (you're not paying for that, thankfully). The beds are comfortable enough, the air conditioning (thank the heavens!) works, and the mosquito nets are a lifesaver. But the decor? Let’s call it “eclectic.” Think mismatched furniture, maybe a slightly stained cushion, and a vibe that screams “lived in.”
Here's the thing: the price is reasonable. I'd say the cost is fair for what you get. You're paying for the location, people! Waking up with the ocean practically at your doorstep? Priceless (okay, maybe not priceless, but you get the point). Just don't go in expecting a Ritz-Carlton experience. Manage your expectations, people! I walked in with no expectations and I was able to enjoy it more. I did wish, however, the shower pressure was better, but that's just being nitpicky.
Food! Tell me about the food! (Because a bad meal can ruin an entire vacation, and I'm hangry just thinking about it.)
The food… ah, the food. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, honestly. They have a small restaurant on-site, and they serve up local Indonesian fare. The good news? The fresh seafood is amazing. Seriously, the grilled fish? *Chef's kiss.* Absolutely divine. The bad news? Options are limited. And sometimes, maybe, just *maybe*, the food took a *little* while to arrive. Patience is a virtue, and you'll need it here.
One particularly memorable evening, I ordered the nasi goreng. I waited. And waited. And *waited*. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, it arrived – and it was delicious! But I was so hungry I almost ate the plate. Then, another night, I was so tired, I skipped dinner, but that's on me. Do your research on restaurants nearby just in case, or stock up on snacks for the room. Because, hangry is bad and I avoid it at all costs.
What's there to *do*? Besides, you know, staring at the ocean and contemplating life (which is also a valid vacation activity).
Okay, so Eljie isn't exactly a hub of non-stop action. But that's part of its charm, right? You can snorkel (the coral reef nearby is supposed to be incredible, although I'm a terrible swimmer and didn't try), swim, and sunbathe. There are also some nearby islands you can explore, which look amazing in photos (again, I didn't make it, this time due to lack of planning). It's *really* about relaxing.
I spent most of my time reading, swimming, and, yes, staring at the ocean. Which, honestly? Was exactly what I needed. They have some basic amenities, such as snorkeling gear, but you *might* want to bring your own. Trust me on this. You don’t *need* to be busy. If you’re the type of person who gets antsy without activity, maybe this isn't the place for you. But if you're craving a true escape, a place to disconnect and just *be*? You've found it. I loved it. It was exactly what I needed. I was so relaxed, I didn't do anything except, lay out in the sun, take pictures of the sunset (which I'm not exaggerating about) and stare at the water. I'll take that over the busy life any day of the week.
The staff! Are they friendly? Because let's be honest, a rude staff can make or break a trip. (I've been there, ugh.)
The staff at Eljie are lovely. Truly lovely. They’re incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care about your experience. English isn't their first language, but they tried their best to communicate. They worked very hard. They're incredibly kind and helpful. You just need a little bit of patience and a smile goes a long way. Like, ridiculously friendly. They will bend over backwards to help you. No complaints there! This is their saving grace.
One time, I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 2 am (don't ask). I managed to wake up the night guard, who, bless his heart, helped me get back inside with a smile. He didn't make me feel like an idiot, which was a real plus. So yes, the staff? Definitely a highlight. That night guard is a saint.
Any warnings? Any "wish I knew that before I went" tips? (Because, you know, wisdom is a thing.)
Okay, listen up. Pack bug spray. Seriously. The mosquitoes are relentless. Also, bring some basic toiletries. The provided ones might be… let's say, minimalist. And bring a flashlight or a headlamp. Power outages can happen, and it gets *dark* at night.
The biggest tip? Manage your expectations. This isn't the Four Seasons. This is a relaxed, laid-back kind of place. Embrace the imperfections. Embrace the unexpected. And most importantly, embrace the beauty. You’ll have an amazing time if you can just roll with the punches. It's not going to be perfect, but that's okay. That’s part of the charm. Embrace the charm! That's where I feel I stumbled. I went in *expecting* perfection (silly, I know!) and the imperfections initially threw me. But once I let go of those expectations, I had a great time. You will, too.
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