Indonesian Paradise Found: The Grantage Hotel & Sky Lounge Awaits!
Paradise Found? Maybe. My Crazy Indonesian Grantage Hotel Adventure!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to unleash my brain-dump on the Grantage Hotel in… hmm, where WERE we? Indonesia, obvs. (SEO Keywords: Grantage Hotel, Indonesia, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Spa Hotel, Sky Lounge, Pool with a View, Indonesian Hotel, Family-Friendly Hotel, Luxury Hotel, Travel Review). I've just wrestled my notes (which look like a toddler attacked them with crayons) into something resembling a coherent review. Think of it as a travelogue meets therapy session. You’ve been warned!
First Impressions – The Good, The Slightly Sketchy, and the Completely Bonkers
Landing in a new country is always a sensory overload. The Grantage, thankfully, wasn’t immediately too overwhelming. The lobby was… grand. Lots of marble, shiny surfaces… you know, the usual "luxury" hotel tropes. Getting in was pretty easy (thanks, Contactless check-in/out – a lifesaver after a 20-hour flight). And the Front desk [24-hour] team? They were, for the most part, genuinely friendly. Though, one dude looked like he'd seen a ghost. Maybe it was too much marble.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Bit of a Panic)
Okay, here’s where things get… real. I have mobility issues, so Accessibility is HUGE for me. They said they were Wheelchair accessible. Now, "accessible" in Southeast Asia can sometimes mean "sort of, but not really." The elevator was smooth, thankfully. Elevator check! But the ramp to the pool? A bit dicey, and I nearly toppled my suitcase (and myself!) over a rogue potted plant. A solid "Meh" in this department. They really needed to pay more attention. Also, the Facilities for disabled guests weren't super obvious. I had to ask, and things appeared, but it all felt a tiny bit reactive, not proactive. Note to self: Always, ALWAYS verify accessibility details before booking.
My Room – A Haven (Mostly) with a Mini-Bar Apocalypse
The Non-smoking rooms were a godsend. I shudder at the thought of trying to sleep in smoke-filled hotel rooms. The room itself was… spacious. Seriously spacious. And the Air conditioning? Gloriously icy. Air conditioning in public area also. (And thank god the air conditioning worked, because the rest of this hotel experience will be melting your brain). Loved the Bathtub. After that flight, a long soak was heaven. The Blackout curtains were also brilliant for combatting jet lag, which I absolutely needed. And hey, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, a solid gold star.
But the mini-bar? Sweet mother of Jeebus. It was stocked like a nuclear war survival kit. I mean, it was overflowing! I am not exaggerating. I remember thinking,"Surely they have a bottle of water?". And I had to pay for it later! Lesson learned. Next time, I raid the local 7-Eleven. (Side note: they have a Convenience store at the hotel so that's cool).
Food, Glorious Food (and Some Sticky Situations)
Right, the food. This is where things get… interesting. Let's start with the positives. The Breakfast [buffet] was an absolute feast. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it, they had it. I'm talking mountains of fresh fruit, pastries that would make even a Parisian baker weep with joy, and enough coffee to jumpstart a small country. They definitely delivered good Breakfast service. I wasn't super keen on the Breakfast in room option.
I did try the A la carte in restaurant options. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a total winner. But the… well, let's just say my experience with the international fare was a bit hit and miss. The International cuisine in restaurant was a bit hit and miss. A particularly dodgy plate of pasta still haunts my dreams… shudders. Luckily, there's a Vegetarian restaurant, which was excellent.
The Poolside bar was a great touch, though. Sipping on a cocktail while gazing out at the… what was that view? Oh yeah, the Pool with view! Absolutely gorgeous. And they had a Happy hour, which, let's be honest, is always a good thing.
And here's a weird one: they had a Happy hour. I can't remember the name of the drink but I felt an immediate sense of calm.
Relaxation Central (Mostly)
Now, onto the good stuff: the relaxation options. Oh, the spa! I’m a sucker for a good spa. And the Grantage didn't disappoint. The Spa, the Sauna, the Steamroom… pure bliss. I indulged in a Body scrub and a Body wrap and emerged feeling like a slightly less stressed, slightly more moisturized version of myself. They have more than one Spa/sauna.
The Fitness center was also well-equipped (if a little deserted when I went). I did a little light workout. I am glad they had these amenities. I had the Gym/fitness available and had a quick look.
And then there's the pool (again, with the view!). The Swimming pool [outdoor] was fantastic. Definitely a highlight. And the Poolside bar was an excellent addition of course.
Safety & Cleanliness – A Mixed Bag Again
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: safety. The hotel, in fairness, seemed to be trying on this front. There was Security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas. They had Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. It's a nice touch. Safe dining setup was also in place, which I appreciated. However, the "deep clean" of my room before I arrived felt like someone had waved a feather duster at it. It's a shame.
I did appreciate the Anti-viral cleaning products and that the Rooms sanitized between stays. But seeing staff (and guests) regularly not wearing masks, made my anxiety through the roof.
The Hygiene certification was present according to my research, but maybe it could be more visible.
Things to Do – Beyond the Pool and Spa (Maybe)
Honestly, I spent most of the time by the pool or in the spa. They had a Doorman. There was Shine. I am pretty sure they had Meetings but I did not attend any. I saw Meetings/banquet facilities, I am not too sure.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Absurd
They offered a Car park [free of charge], which was nice. Taxi service will also be available. The Daily housekeeping was swift and efficient (maybe too swift – sometimes they’d practically sprint in). The Laundry service was a lifesaver after I managed to spill a liter of iced tea all over myself.
The Concierge was helpful in arranging tours and answering questions (even the slightly daft ones).
The Sky Lounge – Did We Get There?
The grand promise! The Sky Lounge. Did I ever actually experience it? Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I remember vaguely trying to find it one evening. I ended up in a rather dimly lit corner of the hotel. I think I saw some kind of seating. It's hard to remember. They obviously want the hotel to be a destination, but honestly, I think the restaurant and pool kind of stole the show.
The Verdict – Worth It?
Okay, so… the Grantage Hotel. It's a mixed bag. It's got its flaws (accessibility could be WAY better, cleanliness is a concern), and it’s got its moments of glory (the pool, the spa, the breakfast!). Overall, I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Would I go back? Maybe. Probably. If I could guarantee a room on a high floor, closer to the spa, and with a never-ending supply of iced tea… and maybe if they promised not to put me on the "sketchy" end of the hotel.
Final Thoughts:
- Accessibility: 3/5 (Room for MAJOR improvement)
- Cleanliness: 3/5 (Room needs a good deep clean)
- Service: 4/5 (Mostly friendly and helpful)
- Food: 3.5/5 (Breakfast = 5 stars, other meals = hit or miss)
- Relaxation: 4.5/5 (Spa and pool are ace)
- Overall Value: 3.5/5 (A pricier hotel, really depends on your priorities)
And now, I need a nap. This review took longer than my stay there!
Escape to Paradise: Thailand's Secret Flower Power Village!Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is MY potential trip to The Grantage Hotel & Sky Lounge in Indonesia, guaranteed to be riddled with chaos and questionable decisions. Let's see how this goes…
Project: Grantage Getaway (Operation: Chillax… maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Labyrinth (Jakarta to Grantage)
- 10:00 AM: Jakarta Airport - Touchdown! Okay, deep breaths. Already feeling the humidity clinging to me like a lovesick leech. First mission: navigate the airport. Pray for mercy and the swift retrieval of my luggage. Last time I flew, my bag ended up in… well, let's just say it involved a small farm animal. I'm not even kidding.
- 11:00 AM: The Taxi-Conundrum. Bargaining commences. Wish me luck. I'm notoriously bad at haggling, so expect to be ripped off. I'll probably pay double, but hey, at least I’ll get there!
- 1:00 PM: Finally ARRIVE AT THE GRANTAGE! (Hopefully) Check-in. Pray the room is clean… and that it has a decent view – preferably not of a brick wall. Seriously, I've endured some awful hotel views. It's like the universe is actively conspiring against me.
- 1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance & Emotional Breakdown (In a Good Way). Okay, let’s face it. I always judge a hotel room the second I walk in. Is the bed comfy? Does the bathroom have good lighting? Are there enough plugs?! Most importantly… does it spark joy? Doubtful
Day 2: Sky Lounge Shenanigans and the Quest for Coffee Perfection
- 9:00 AM: WAKE UP. (Or, more accurately, pry my eyes open. Jet lag is a beast.) Attempt to locate strong coffee. This is CRUCIAL. My happiness hinges on this vital beverage. Breakfast Buffet: Dive in and pray I don't overeat.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Poolside (Attempted) Relaxation. Sunscreen application is key. This is where I either transcend into a state of blissful serenity or become a lobster. There is no in-between. I am banking on the former.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch & Recover. More food. Need fuel. Seriously starting to feel the heat and can't remember the last time I drank water. This might cause some issues.
- 4:00 PM: Sky Lounge Pilgrimage. This is what I'm here for. The promised land of cocktails and sunsets. Am I excited? Absolutely! Will I remember any of it? Probably not. (Don't judge. It's vacation, people!)
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sky Lounge Immersed in cocktails- Watching the World. Here is where I will make all my new friends. I'll probably embarrassing myself somehow.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at Grantage's restaurant. Hopefully, they have something other than the usual bland hotel fare. I'm dreaming of something spicy and authentic. If it's the same as the dinner at the hotel, then, I'm out.
- 8:00 PM: More Sky Lounge. This is my 'I love life' stage.
Day 3: Culture Clash (Or, How I Attempt to Be Culturally Sensitive) & The Great Souvenir Hunt
- 9:00 AM: After the night before and the cocktails, I'm awake and I feel gross. Need more coffee!
- 10:00 AM: The hotel probably has some tours available. I'm looking to see if I can find something related the the culture in the area. Hopefully, I can avoid the dreaded "tourist trap" souvenir shops and discover some authentic treasures. Pray for my bank account.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, because food. I might even try some local street food, which could result in either a culinary triumph or a trip to the… well, you get the idea.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping. The souvenir hunt, activated! I need to grab some things to bring home! Wish me luck on the hunt for something truly unique.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Great Escape. Take it easy and relax because I have to get ready for my next flight.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel and try not to make any rash decisions.
Day 4: Departure - The Aftermath & The Unspoken Truths
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. I'm already feeling the post-vacation blues creeping in.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Quick final room inspection. Did I leave anything important behind? Probably. (keys, phone charger, sanity…)
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Pray I'm not late.
- 12:00 PM: Airport and flight time!
Post-Trip Debrief (Because Let's Be Real)
- Emotional State: Likely a mixture of elation, exhaustion, and a profound desire to book another vacation.
- Souvenir Count: TBD. (Likely a random assortment of things I barely remember buying.)
- Weight Gain: Inevitable. I blame the buffet.
- Most Likely Scenario: I will have stories. SO MANY stories. And most of them will start with "You won't believe what happened…" or "So, there I was…".
See? Messy, Honest, and Probably Accurate. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: HOTEL PAUL HOUSE Japan - Your Dream Getaway
Indonesian Paradise Found: The Grantage Hotel & Sky Lounge FAQs (Because Let's Be Honest, You're Probably Wondering!)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is The Grantage Actually as AMAZING as the Pictures? (And Does the Pool Have Enough Sunbeds?)
Alright, let's get real. Those pictures? They're *pretty* darn accurate. The pool? Oh. My. Goodness. It's a stunner. Turquoise water, perfect temperature... BUT. Here's the kicker. Yes, there *are* sunbeds. However, during peak season (and I mean ANY season that isn't a monsoon), it's a free-for-all. I witnessed a sunbed-hogging battle once. A full-on, towel-based turf war. My advice? Get down there BEFORE the sun decides to show up. Or be prepared to employ some serious negotiating skills (and maybe a strategically placed Bintang).
The Sky Lounge. Sounds Fancy AF. Is it Worth the Hype (and the Price of a Cocktail)?
YES. A thousand times YES. Okay, maybe not a thousand, because my bank account wouldn't survive, but seriously. The Sky Lounge is breathtaking. The views are insane, especially at sunset. Picture this: you, a perfectly crafted cocktail (try the Lychee Martini, trust me), and panoramic views of... well, paradise. The cocktails are a bit pricey, yeah, but you're paying for the experience. And the photos. Oh, the Instagram opportunities! I met this *hilariously* bad photographer up there, who kept telling me about his 'artistic vision'. I think I took more selfies than he did. He ended up dropping his cocktail all over someone. Good times. Probably worth the price.
The Rooms: Luxurious or Just… Clean? And How's the Air Conditioning? (Because Bali HEAT is no joke.)
The rooms are… comfortable luxurious. Think: plush bedding, decent-sized bathrooms, and a balcony with a view (hopefully, you get a good one). The air conditioning is a lifesaver. Bali heat is relentless, and trust me, you'll need it. My first time staying in Bali, I was sweating from places I didn't even know existed. The Grantage keeps you cool, which is absolutely vital. I once stayed in a hotel with dodgy AC. I’m still having nightmares. It was practically tropical in my room. That was traumatizing. So yes, the AC is a massive plus. And bonus? The Wi-Fi *usually* works. Usually being the operative word.
Let's Talk Food: Is The Grantage a Foodie's Heaven, or Just a Hotel Buffet?
Okay, the food. This is where things get... interesting. The buffet breakfast is decent. Standard hotel buffet fare: eggs (made to order!), pastries, fruit. Nothing earth-shattering, but gets the job done. The lunch and dinner options are where it gets a little more… adventurous. There's an on-site restaurant that serves Indonesian and Western food. The Indonesian dishes are generally good, but *watch out* for the spice levels. I once ordered something labeled "mild" that nearly blew my face off. It was a culinary catastrophe. The Western food sometimes feels a bit… bland. It's not a foodie's paradise, but it's perfectly acceptable. There are plenty of better and cheaper options around the hotel, so don't feel like you HAVE to eat every meal there. Explore! You'd be missing out on some amazing street food if you didn't. I’m dreaming of Nasi Goreng right now…
What's the Vibe? Relaxation Vacation or Party Central?
It's a bit of both, honestly. During the day, it's pretty chilled. Relaxing by the pool, sipping cocktails, reading a book… absolute bliss. But as the sun goes down and people hit the Sky Lounge? It gets a bit livelier. There’s music, people chatting, the occasional (or frequent) hen/stag party. It's not a hardcore party hotel, but it's definitely not a monastery either. You can find your own vibe. Just be aware that if you're seeking absolute peace and quiet, you might want to bring some earplugs. Or a VERY strong dose of zen.
Are There Any Hidden Costs or Annoyances I Should Know About?
Oh, yes. Always. Okay, first, be prepared for the "resort fee." It's sneaky, but it's usually there. Then, there's the mini-bar, which is, of course, ridiculously overpriced. And the laundry service? Don’t go there unless you're prepared to remortgage your house. The biggest annoyance, in my opinion, is the persistent (but friendly!) vendors trying to sell you things around the pool. They're not aggressive, but it can get a bit overwhelming if you just want to relax. Just a firm 'No, terima kasih' usually does the trick. Also, mosquitos. Bring repellent. Seriously. Bali mosquitos are ruthless. I'm itching just thinking about it. And lastly... the occasional power outage. Bali life, baby! Embrace it (and maybe pack a flashlight).
Would You Go Back? (And Would You Recommend It?)
Absolutely, YES. Despite the minor annoyances and the sunbed wars, I actually really like The Grantage. It's a solid choice. It's got a great location, the Sky Lounge is killer, and the rooms are comfy. Would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for absolute peace and quiet, consider somewhere else or visit in the off-season. If you're on a super-strict budget, maybe look at some more budget-friendly options. But if you want a comfortable, stylish hotel with a fantastic Sky Lounge and a prime location, then go for it! Just be prepared for the Bali experience – the good, the bad, and the slightly annoying. You'll have a blast. Seriously, book it. And send me a cocktail pic from the Sky Lounge!
The Spa! What's the Scoop on the Spa? Is it Worth the Pampering Session?
Okay, the spa. This is a tricky one. While the setting's lovely—dim lighting, soothing music, that sort of thing—the experience can be a mixed bag. The massages themselves are generally good, if a tad... variable. I had one massage that was pure bliss, a full hour of kneading away all my stress. I floated out of there. Honestly, maybe the best massage I've ever had. The next day? Different therapist. Different story. I left feeling like I'd been pummeled by a small child with a grudge. Honestly, it was quite painful. I suppose the massage therapist's skill is subjective, and I had exceptionally bad luck. So, yeah. It's a gamble. The prices are also on the higher side, which is to be expected in a hotel spa. If you're a spa fanatic, you might be better off venturing out to an independent spa, where you can often get a betterWhere To Stay Now
