OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah Surabaya Indonesia

Indonesian Paradise: Surabaya's Hidden Gem - OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah!

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into a review of OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah in Surabaya, Indonesia – and I’m not holding back. Forget those bland, corporate hotel reviews. This is REAL. This is me. This is… well, hopefully, helpful to you. And, full disclosure, I’m writing this after staring at a screen for hours, so forgive the occasional brain fart.

Let's be honest, Surabaya. This city wasn't exactly on my bucket list. But, the universe, or maybe just a seriously cheap flight, had other plans. And, as luck would have it, I ended up at the Indonesian Paradise: Surabaya's Hidden Gem… okay, okay, OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah. Yes, that's a mouthful. Let's just call it Ampel Residence, shall we?

First Impressions (and a Bit of Panic):

Arrival. Surabaya airport. Hot. Humid. My luggage (bless it) was late, and I was already questioning my life choices. Then, finally, a friendly face from the hotel arrived. Immediately, a positive. The transfer was smooth, the driver cool, and the journey to Ampel Residence gave me a glimpse of the city's vibrant chaos.

Accessibility - The Nitty Gritty (and the "Meh"):

Accessibility: Honestly? This isn’t the hotel if you need super heavy-duty accessibility. The elevator exists, which is a huge plus. See? Real, positive, starting off!
Wheelchair accessible: I didn't personally need it, so I couldn't fully assess it, but from what I saw, it's not their top priority.
Facilities for disabled guests: See above. Check with them directly. This could be a make or break based on need.

Getting Down to Brass Tacks (and the Coffee):

Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Contactless check-in/out: Smooth as butter, even though I was a sweaty mess from the flight. I actually appreciated the contactless thing – felt cleaner.
Front desk [24-hour]: Fantastic. Especially when I realized I needed to figure out how to navigate the Indonesian tax laws at 3 AM. (Don’t ask.)
Elevator: Yes! Thank heavens. Not all hotels in Surabaya have these miracles.
Luggage storage: They held my luggage, which was a lifesaver when I had to run off.
Concierge: Helpful with basic stuff, not exactly a go-to for complex requests. However, what do you expect from a 2-star hotel?

Rooms (My Sanctuary… Mostly):

Okay, here's where things get… mixed. I stayed in a non-smoking room (thank GOD. Seriously, smokers, let's make progress.).

Available in all rooms: This I can't vouch for, as the internet access varies depending on which room it is.
Air conditioning: Essential. Seriously, you'll die without it.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! … mostly. It worked, mostly. Some days it was lightning-fast, some days it was… reminiscent of dial-up. (Shudders). Come prepared.
Internet Access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): As above, a bit of a crapshoot depending of your luck.
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: All, for the price, a solid yes. The room wasn't fancy, but it was CLEAN. That's the most important thing.
Soundproof rooms: Surprisingly quiet. Which was a blessing after the chaos of the city.
Additional toilet: No, sadly.
Bathrobes: Nope.
Bathroom phone: Nope. Unless you count the cell phone I brought!
Carpeting: Yes, which is a bit of a concern because cleanliness is a problem.
Extra long bed: It wasn't terribly long, but it was comfortable.
High floor: I didn’t ask for a high-floor room, and never got one.
Interconnecting room(s) available: Don't know, didn't check!
Ironing facilities: You get a board and an iron in the room.
Non-smoking: Yes, which is a HUGE plus.
Scale: No, thank heavens.
Sofa: No. But there was enough space to relax.
Smoke detector: Yes, which is reassuring.
Toiletries: Basic, but they had soap!
Visual alarm: I doubt it.
On-demand movies: Probably not.

Cleanliness and Safety – The Big One:

Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: This is where Ampel Residence really shines. During a pandemic (which we're still living through), this is a huge relief. I felt safe. I saw staff constantly cleaning. Seriously, A+.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Fueling Station:

Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: The breakfast was… adequate. Nothing gourmet, but plenty. You could assemble a meal. The Asian-style breakfast options were interesting.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Coffee was… coffee. Not bad, not amazing.
Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]: There's a restaurant on-site (pretty basic). 24-hour room service is a win.
Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: Okay, I didn't see all of these. But there was water and some basic snacks.
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Bar, Happy hour: Honestly, I wasn't terribly impressed with the food. The bar was non-existent, and I didn't see any of the other luxuries.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Safe dining setup: Yes, they paid attention to this.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Relaxation, LOL:

Things to do: The hotel is close to the Ampel Mosque (a must-see – gorgeous). The neighborhood is… let's say lively. Be ready for sensory overload.
Ways to relax: I didn’t see any of the advertised spa features like sauna or spa. There's a pool. The pool is… small but clean. With a view? Of the building next door.

For the Kids – Family-Friendly-ish:

Family/child friendly, Kids meal: I didn't see much evidence of kid-focused amenities.

Services and Conveniences – The "Useful Stuff":

Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service: The usual suspects. All pretty functional.
Invoice provided, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: Helpful and necessary.
Fax/Xerox in business center: I didn't use it.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: Parking was available.
Bicycle parking: No.

Getting Around – Location, Location, Location!

Airport transfer: Excellent.
Taxi service: Easy to get one.
Car park [free of charge]: Yes, handy for exploring.
Bicycle parking: I didn't notice any.

Business Facilities & Events - The "Business" Side:

Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Seminars: The hotel has some, but nothing fancy.
Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: Not particularly.

Safety and Security – Keeping You Safe(ish):

**CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [

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OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah Surabaya Indonesia

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and potentially disastrous adventure that is… Surabaya! Specifically, the OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah. Did I choose this because it looked amazing? Let's be honest, the budget said "Ampel Residence" and the heart (and maybe a little bit of Google Reviews) said "Okay, let's just make the best of it."

Here's the plan, or, more accurately, my impression of a plan, for conquering Surabaya. Consider this less a rigid itinerary and more… a series of suggestions loosely attached to reality:

Day 1: Arrival, Doubt, and the Quest for Legit Indonesian Coffee (and maybe, just maybe, some air conditioning that WORKS)

Morning (or whenever the flight actually lands… airline schedules are merely suggestions, right?): Arrive at Juanda International Airport (SUB). The first test: survive baggage claim. Last time I visited Indonesia, my luggage ended up in… well, let's just say it took a scenic route through Singapore. Cross fingers, hold breath.
The Taxi Tango: Negotiate a Blue Bird Taxi. Seriously, don't mess around with the random dudes offering rides. Trust me, the Blue Birds are generally reliable and have those nifty meters. Prepare for the fact that maybe the air conditioning in the taxi will be as patchy as the one in the accommodation. Start to develop a sense of humor if the driver's English is as shaky as my Bahasa Indonesia.
Afternoon (the true test): Check into OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah. Prepare myself for a spectrum of possibilities: A perfectly fine room, a room haunted by the ghosts of a thousand mosquitoes, or something in between. The true test will be the Wi-Fi. Pray it works because I have a feeling I'll be glued to Google Maps navigating this mad city.
Coffee Emergency: Surabaya, I have heard, is a coffee town. The mission: locate the best Kopi Tubruk. This is life or death. Serious. Need the caffeine boost. I'll be asking the locals where to find this nectar of the gods. The internet says "Depot Manten" so, that's high on the hit list (if I can find it, of course). Also, I'm bringing my own little water filter, because, well, let's call it "precautionary measures."
Evening: A stroll around the Ampel Area. Hopefully, I don't get lost. Explore the local street food! I will have my camera ready for some colorful photos! Because I'm gonna eat all the things!

Day 2: History, Heritage, and the Perpetual Search for Cold Drinks

Morning: Visit the House of Sampoerna. It's a historic tobacco factory – a relic of a different era. I'm a little bit of a history buff, so I'm kind of excited. Also, it's supposed to be beautifully preserved. Plus, they offer a free tour! (Free is always good, especially when the budget is screaming).
Mid-day: I will be visiting Red Bridge (Jembatan Merah). Maybe I'll learn a thing or two about the Battle of Surabaya while I'm there and make some time for a nice photo or two.
Afternoon: This is where the chaos begins. I am thinking of visiting the Surabaya Zoo, because why not? Although, I've heard… things. Like, it's… not exactly the cleanest, or most modern. I'm going in with zero expectations, okay? Zero. But hey, I'd never been either, so it is what it is, right?
Evening: Dinner! Food! I've heard about Rawon Setan. It's a beef black soup dish, allegedly delicious. The name is… intriguing. "Devil's Rawon." Let's just say I'm open to it, but I'm also packing some antacids just in case. If the heat is too intense (and it probably will be), or the Soup is too "devilish," then definitely Ice Cream time.

Day 3: Retail Therapy, Market Mayhem, and the inevitable "Lost in Translation" Moment

Morning: Shop at the Tunjungan Plaza. The shops are there. I might need a little retail therapy.
Mid-day: Local market time! Pasar Ampel is on the agenda. I'm imagining a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. I'll be wearing closed-toe shoes, because… again, precautionary measures. I'll probably get lost at least twice. I'll also attempt to haggle. Wish me luck. I'm a terrible haggler.
Afternoon: More exploring of Surabaya. I might check out a museum, try to get a massage (if I can find a reputable place and not end up with a back massage performed by a grumpy goat), or just wander around until I'm delightfully and gloriously lost.
Evening: Goodbye Dinner: I might even book a taxi to the airport and fly home, I'm exhausted. But the memories are so good!

The Recurring Themes (Because Let's Be Realistic):

The Heat: I will, without a doubt, be sweating. A lot. I will embrace the sweat. I will reapply sunscreen religiously. I will drink a ridiculous amount of water.
The Food Adventures: I will try everything. I might love it, I might hate it, I might have a mild allergic reaction. But I will try it.
The Language Barrier: I will attempt Bahasa Indonesia with varying degrees of success. I will apologize profusely. I will be misunderstood. I will point, gesture wildly, and laugh a lot.
The Search for Cold Drinks: This is paramount. I will be perpetually on the hunt for cold, refreshing beverages. Think iced tea, fresh fruit juices, anything that will prevent me from melting into a puddle of tourist despair.

This, my friends, is my plan. A plan that will likely be fluid, chaotic, and full of unexpected turns. But hey, that's the beauty of travel, right? Embrace the mess. Embrace the adventure. And pray for good Wi-Fi. Wish me luck! Wish me coffee! Wish me a functioning air conditioner! Wish me… everything!

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OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah Surabaya Indonesia

OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah: Surabaya's... Let's Just Say Experience

Okay, spill it. What is this place actually like?

Right, buckle up. Picture this: you're in Surabaya, Indonesia, probably sweating buckets already (it's the humidity, okay?). You've snagged a cheap room at OYO 91511 Ampel Residence Syariah. "Syariah" in the name is your first hint. It *is* a religious establishment, and the vibe... well, it's definitely not a disco. More like a quiet, slightly worn, but ultimately *functional* haven. Think "budget backpacker meets devout traveler."

Anecdote Alert! I remember the first time. I walked in and immediately thought, "Oh, this is... different." The lobby had this faint scent of incense and something else... which I *suspect* was the aftermath of a particularly active mosquito. But hey, the smiling staff were super friendly, and that, my friends, goes a long way.

Is it actually clean? Because you know... Indonesian hygiene can be, well, a thing.

Listen, let's address the elephant in the room. Cleanliness expectations? Manage them. It's not the Ritz-Carlton, okay? The rooms are generally okay. The sheets *are* generally clean, which is a huge win in my book. There might be a stray dust bunny clinging to the corner of the room. There might be the occasional… well, let's just say I’ve seen some interesting things on the bathroom floors. But honestly? For the price, I’d say it's a reasonable level of cleanliness. Don't go expecting sterile, but do expect functional. My advice: pack some anti-bacterial wipes. You'll thank me later.

Rambling Aside: I've stayed in *much* worse. Trust me. One time in Thailand... okay, I'm getting off track. The point is, Ampel wasn't perfect, but I slept soundly and didn't catch anything too horrifying. Small victories, people, small victories. And hey, the air conditioning *worked*, and that's a massive plus in Surabaya's heat!

About that "Syariah" thing... how does that manifest itself?

Right, here's where things get... interesting. No alcohol allowed. Don't even *think* about bringing a bottle of Bintang in with you. The hotel itself is quiet. Don’t bring a lot of loud party guests! You might hear the call to prayer from the nearby mosque – an experience, for sure. It's all part of the experience, and it's important to be respectful. Also, it's best to dress modestly when you're outside the room.

Quirky Observation: This is where you really notice the cultural differences. Suddenly, the bikini you packed for the beach is less relevant. It's a good reminder that we're guests in their space. Also, the lack of a minibar might be a bummer for some. I personally would have loved a cold soda.

What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, internet.

Ah, yes, the internet. Prepare for a mixed bag. Sometimes it's speedy. Sometimes it's slower than a snail in molasses. Don't count on streaming Netflix. Think more "checking emails and basic web browsing." The signal strength can be a bit... erratic. I got frustrated a lot. I ended up going to a coffee shop to get my work done... but, that's not a problem with the hotel.

Emotional Reaction: Honestly, the Wi-Fi was the most irritating thing. I needed to work, and it was a constant struggle! I mean, come on! This is the 21st century! Okay, okay, deep breaths. It's a budget hotel. It is what it is. But still!

Is it good for tourists? Is there anything to see nearby?

Location wise, it depends on what you're after. It's near the Ampel Mosque, which is a major religious landmark. That's a definite plus if you're interested in Islamic culture. There's also a market nearby, which is good for browsing and getting a taste of local life. Just be ready for crowds and the general hustle and bustle of Surabaya! You're not going to be stumbling distance from the main tourist areas, so factor in transportation (Grab or taxis are your friends).

Anecdote doubling down: One time, I got completely lost trying to find my way. The street signs can be... cryptic. But, eventually, a kind local pointed me in the right direction (it helps to know a few basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases). They even helped me get a taxi. That's the real beauty of traveling, the kindness of strangers. Also, the market was fantastic! Street food galore! Delicious and affordable!

What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful?

The staff? Generally lovely! They're genuinely trying to be helpful. They might not all speak perfect English, but they're patient and will do their best to assist you. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations! They were always very polite. They also seemed to be everywhere at once. I loved that.

Opinionated Note: The staff was definitely a highlight. They truly made the experience, despite the minor hiccups. You felt like they cared. In a budget hotel, that makes a huge difference.

Would you stay there again? Be honest!

It depends. If I was on a super tight budget and wanted a clean, simple place near the Ampel Mosque, then yes, I would. If I needed luxury or a lively atmosphere, definitely not. I'd go with a different spot. It's a solid budget choice, but it's not for everyone. This is a place for a specific kind of traveler. I think I'd also need to re-evaluate my internet needs first!

Stream of Consciousness Conclusion: Honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag. The Wi-Fi was a killer. The cleanliness could be better. But the staff was great, and the price was right. Also, the experience was... unique. It's definitely a place that sticks in your memory. Would I recommend it? Well, if you're reading this, you're probably considering it already, and if you're willing to embrace the imperfections and the cultural differences, you'll be fine. Just remember your hand sanitizer. You'll be fine. Probably .

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