RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza Surabaya: Best Halal Hotel Near the Plaza!
RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza Surabaya: Best Halal Hotel Near the Plaza!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, sometimes slightly pungent, waters of reviewing the RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza Surabaya: Best Halal Hotel Near the Plaza! This isn't your dry, corporate-speak review. This is the real deal, the one where I, your intrepid (and slightly caffeine-addicted) travel blogger, tells you what it really feels like. And let me tell you, after a few nights at this place, I've got thoughts. Loads of 'em.
First Impressions (Accessibility & That Vibe)
Okay, so the whole "Syariah" thing? It means Halal. Big plus for my Muslim friends, and even for me, 'cause it means no sneaky bacon in the breakfast buffet. (Though, admittedly, sometimes I miss bacon.) Now, the accessibility: Let's be honest, Indonesia isn't exactly known for its wheelchair-friendly infrastructure. I didn't have a wheelchair, but I kept an eye out. The elevator was a lifesaver (because, stairs? No thanks!), and the website claims facilities for disabled guests. I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm specifics if you have any mobility issues, though.
The Internet Abyss
Right, the internet. This is where things got a little… well, let's just say it was a rollercoaster. Listed as having "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and a general "Internet" service. Technically, true. Practically? Let's just say my Netflix addiction suffered. Wi-Fi in public areas? Vaguely better, but still prone to disappearing acts. Internet [LAN]? I didn't even see a LAN cable port, but hey, maybe I missed it in the whirlwind of signal searching. Okay, rant over, the internet wasn't the strongest.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Good News
Now, the stuff that made me feel like I wasn't going to catch some gruesome bug. Cleanliness and safety: This is where RedDoorz seemed to actually care. Lots of stuff going on – Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Absolutely. They even had those scary Sterilizing equipment things lurking around. The staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely concerned about hygiene. And huge kudos for the Rooms sanitized between stays. Made me feel A LOT better. There was Daily housekeeping and Room sanitization opt-out available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly)
Alright, the food. This is where opinions get… strong. The Asian breakfast was decent – a solid foundation of rice, noodles, and savory things. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, buffet-esque. Not gourmet, but edible and plentiful. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a little more refined, and sometimes I had the Alternative meal arrangement. A la carte in restaurant available. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a definite plus, needed it! They offered Breakfast takeaway service. I saw a Snack bar – for when hunger strikes in between meals. Didn't feel for anything else.
Services and Conveniences: The Behind-the-Scenes Stuff
The concierge was helpful, the doorman offered a friendly greeting. Cash withdrawal was easy enough. The elevator was a life-saver (again!). The dry cleaning might have been helpful to have. The Luggage storage was useful. They had an Invoice provided. They had a convenience store, which was handy for late-night snack runs (although my internet signal was never in the mood for online ordering). There was a safe dining setup, which I appreciated.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Okay, the actual rooms. Here’s where we get specific. Air conditioning? Blissful, Surabaya can get hot. Air conditioning in public area? Needed! Alarm clock? Standard. Blackout curtains? Excellent for sleeping off all that delicious food. Coffee/tea maker? Essential for getting me going in the morning. Desk? Helpful for, you know, pretending to work. Free bottled water? Hydration is key! Hair dryer? Thank the heavens. Internet access – wireless? (See above… it tried). Refrigerator? Great for keeping drinks cold (and the occasional suspicious-looking leftovers). Satellite/cable channels? Entertaining. Shower? Always necessary. Wi-Fi [free]? (Insert sigh). The was Seating area too.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Pampering Potential
Okay, here's where I got a little… underwhelmed. They have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness. Never saw them but they were there, right? The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Pretty standard, but a lovely place to chill in between sightseeing. They didn't seem to have the Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Massage, Spa/sauna options. So if you're hoping for a pampering paradise, this might not be the place.
Getting Around & For the Kids
Car park [free of charge] was a huge perk. Airport transfer – yes, thank goodness. Taxi service was easy to get. If you need.
For the kids: Family/child friendly, Babysitting service and Kids meal. If you're rolling with the little ones, the Family/child friendly is a good sign. I didn't see the Babysitting service, but I did see a Kids meal option on the menu.
The Experience…The Messy Bits
So, the RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza Surabaya: Best? Well, let's just say it's a solid, budget-friendly halal option. It served me well as a base to explore Surabaya. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s clean, safe, and the staff is genuinely nice. The location is fantastic if you're hitting Jembatan Merah Plaza (duh!). If you're a digital nomad, be warned about the internet. But hey, maybe it's good to disconnect once in a while, right?
The Offer: Snatch This Deal!
Ready to experience the RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza Surabaya? Here’s why you should book now:
- Prime Location: Seriously, steps from Jembatan Merah Plaza and close to everything you need.
- Halal Guarantee: Peace of mind for Muslim travelers.
- Clean & Safe: Worry-free stay, thanks to their commitment to hygiene.
- Budget-Friendly: Bang for your buck! This is a great deal.
- Free Car Park: Huge bonus if you're driving!
Book your stay at RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza Surabaya today! Click the link below and experience Surabaya in comfort and safety. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. (Just maybe download your movies beforehand, haha!)
Pauls Valley's BEST Kept Secret: Unbeatable Value Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't your polished, perfectly-edited travel brochure. This is real life, Surabaya style – messy hair, questionable food choices, and all. We're staying at that RedDoorz Syariah near Jembatan Merah Plaza, which, let's be honest, felt like a solid budget choice. Let's see how this all unfolds…
The Unofficial, Probably-Not-Perfect Surabaya Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Surviving the Surabaya Shuffle
Morning (8:00 AM, Ish if I’m honest): Landed in Juanda International Airport. The air hit me like a brick of humidity. Seriously, it's like someone cranked up the rainforest setting on the climate simulator. Finding a Grab (the local ride-hailing app) was a mini-mission. The driver, bless his soul, spoke approximately seven words of English, but luckily, we managed to point and nod our way to the RedDoorz. The room? Clean-ish. Definitely smelled of something vaguely floral trying to fight off the lingering scent of, well, everything that's ever been cooked within a ten-mile radius.
Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Check-in finally done. They wanted my passport, my soul, and my mother's maiden name, it felt like. Then a sudden, terrifying realization: No breakfast. Okay, breathe. We'll find some noodles, surely.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Embarked on the Great Noodle Hunt, which morphed into the Great Everything-That-Smells-Delicious-Hunt. We stumbled upon a warung (local eatery) and ordered whatever the friendly woman pointed at. Turns out it was rawon, black beef soup. First bite? Mind. Blown. Seriously, the richness, the spices… it's like a party in my mouth, and everyone's invited. Okay, I'm obsessed. I could come back and just eat rawon for a week straight. The only downside? It painted my teeth a charming shade of charcoal. I’m going to need to find a toothbrush ASAP.
Afternoon (2:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Attempted to stroll around the iconic Jembatan Merah Plaza (Red Bridge Plaza). Honestly? A bit hectic. Lots of vendors, lots of noise, and lots of things I definitely did not need to buy. Okay, I actually bought a ridiculously bright scarf for a dollar. No regrets. Except… I seem to have lost my way. And my water bottle. Sigh.
Early Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): This is a real problem when you have only a vague idea about your surroundings but still have to find something to eat. I needed something quick before I started to get grumpy. Found some street food…that looked even worse than the last place. I ordered myself some Soto Ayam… this was amazing, but the heat did not help!
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Back at the RedDoorz. Netflix and chill? Maybe. Probably. Definitely. My brain is fried from the sensory overload, and my stomach is doing a happy dance. This is the life.
Day 2: History, Hauntings (Maybe?), and a Thousand Temples (Approximate)
Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up. It's a miracle. This is after I heard someone knocking on the door. I wonder if this is my room service. I go to open the door, and it's absolutely nothing!
Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Let's get some history! Visited the House of Sampoerna, a cigarette factory turned museum. The architecture is stunning. I am absolutely obsessed with the building! I spent hours just looking at all the intricate details. The story is interesting and I really enjoyed it!
Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:30 PM): Okay, things are about to get weird. I'm heading to the Gereja Merah, a church I heard was haunted (maybe). I'm trying to be open-minded, okay? (I'm also secretly terrified of ghosts.)
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Gereja Merah was okay. No ghosts, which is half-relief, half-disappointment. The architecture was definitely worth it. Again, I got something to eat. Had a few different kinds of food, but nothing really stood out from what I had already eaten!
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Okay, time to relax and check out. I am a complete mess at this point, but in this case, it's a good thing. Now, time to find the next location!
Day 3 and Beyond…
To see: The Ampel Mosque. The Surabaya Zoo (if I'm feeling brave, I heard it can be a bit rough). Possibly a cooking class. Because, rawon. Always rawon.
The Reality: Who knows? I’ll probably get lost. I'll probably eat something questionable. I’ll probably fall in love with this city. That's the point, right?
Things I’ve Noticed (and might change before I leave):
The Traffic: Utter chaos, but kind of beautiful chaos in a twisted sort of way. Scooters zigging and zagging like they’re in a video game.
The People: Incredibly friendly and patient. They also seem to find my attempts at Bahasa Indonesia hilarious. Which is fair.
The Heat: Did I mention it's hot? Like, perpetually summer-in-a-sauna hot. I'd advise you to bring the coolest clothes you own!
The Food Food Food: Still thinking about that rawon…
Final Thoughts (For Now):
Surabaya, you magnificent, sweaty, chaotic, delicious beast. I’m here for it. Even the slightly sketchy details. Even the questionable smells. Even the inevitable sunburn. This trip? It’s turning out to be a beautiful mess. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now. Where did I put that bottle of water… and that scarf…
Tangerang Getaway: Luxurious 1BR Escape at Casa De Parco!
RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza Surabaya: The Truth (and a Few Rambles) About This "Halal Hotel"
So, is RedDoorz Syariah Jembatan Merah Plaza *really* halal? Like, legit?
Okay, let's get this out of the way. The "Syariah" in the name is a big selling point. I mean, if you're looking for a strictly halal experience, avoiding alcohol and any dodgy business, then yes, it's *mostly* halal. They've got those prayer mats in the room, which is a nice touch, and I’m pretty sure there's no blatant booze on display. However… I get the feeling the "Syariah" is more like, "We try really hard to be Syariah-ish."
I remember one time, I ordered room service. The menu *said* everything was halal. But then, I saw the delivery person practically *running* from the front desk, clutching a bag that looked suspiciously like...well, let’s just say I didn't order anything that could have been in a *certain* bag. Made me a little nervous, to be honest. Maybe I'm just easily spooked, but still. It's not a 100% guarantee you're getting a completely pious stay, you know?
What's the deal with the location? "Near the Plaza" they say... how near, really?
Okay, "near the plaza" is… well, let's just say it's Indonesian-near. Which means, it *is* near. You could technically *walk* to Jembatan Merah Plaza, maybe in, like, 10-15 minutes if you're a speed walker in the Surabaya heat. (And trust me, Surabaya heat is a *thing*). But you wouldn't want to. The traffic? The sidewalks? Forget about it.
Honestly? Grab a Gojek (Indonesian version of Uber/Lyft). It'll take like 5 minutes and cost about a dollar. Much better use of your time and sanity. Trust me, I tried walking once...never again. Spent more time dodging motorcycles than actually enjoying the sights.
Is the hotel clean? This is a big one.
Eh… "clean" is also a subjective term, isn't it? Let's put it this way: it's not *filthy*. The rooms are generally tidy, the sheets seem clean (I *think* I’ve never got any bedbugs), and the bathrooms are… passable. The floors? Well, if you're the kind of person who walks around barefoot, maybe wear some flip-flops. Just a suggestion.
I remember one time, I dropped a pen and it rolled under the bed. I peered under there. Let's just say, I didn't *want* to peer under there. (Mostly, I'd hoped I hadn't lost the pen.) But generally, it's okay. It's certainly not the Ritz. Don’t have those impossibly clean vibes. But for the price? I've seen far worse. Way, way worse.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they know anything about, you know, anything?
This is where things get…interesting. The staff are generally *trying*. They're certainly polite. But... fluency in English is a bit hit-or-miss. My Indonesian is terrible, so communication sometimes involved a lot of pointing, gesturing, and Googling "How to say 'Where is the nearest Indomaret?'" (It worked, by the way. Indomarets are my best friends.)
One time, I asked the front desk about booking a taxi. The guy, bless his heart, spent a solid five minutes staring intently at his computer, clicking furiously. Finally, he looked up, bright-eyed, and said, "Taxi... ready!" And then promptly handed me a phone number – a number to a phone company, not a taxi service. Cute, but not exactly helpful. Still, points for effort, I guess.
Pro-tip: If you need something important, like transportation or a restaurant recommendation (besides the one the guy probably recommended), try asking a local. They're usually *much* more helpful. And the hotel staff? They’ll probably smile politely and nod.
The rooms… what are they *actually* like?
Okay, the rooms. They're… functional. The word "spacious" doesn't really apply. Think "cozy". "Compact". "Efficiently organized" (that's a nice way of saying "cramped"). You get the basics: a bed (it *usually* doesn't creak too much), a TV (with… programs?), and a bathroom. Don't expect luxury. Don't expect a view (unless you really, *really* like the view of the alleyway next door).
The air conditioning usually *works*, which is a huge plus in Surabaya. Seriously, you appreciate AC down there. And, the wifi is… well, it's there. Sometimes it works really well, and you can stream a movie. Other times it's like a dial-up connection from the 90s, and you’re better off reading a book. Which, honestly, isn’t so bad. I actually *like* reading books sometimes. (Rant over.)
So, is this hotel worth it? Should I book it?
Alright, the million-dollar question. Here's the deal: If you're on a budget and need a place to crash near Jembatan Merah Plaza, yeah, it's probably worth it. It's cheap. It's generally clean *enough*. It’s got that essential AC. And, let's face it, you're there to explore Surabaya, not spend your entire holiday in a fancy hotel room.
Just don't go in expecting the world. Manage your expectations. Pack some hand sanitizer. Download your shows before you go (just in case the wifi decides to go on vacation). And maybe… maybe bring your own pillowcase. (Kidding! Mostly.) And embrace the chaos. Because Surabaya, like this hotel, is a little bit chaotic, a little bit quirky, and surprisingly charming in its own way. So, if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, with the occasional questionable room-service delivery person, then, yes, go for it. Just come prepared to laugh. A lot. And maybe bring a phrasebook.
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