Zoom into Paradise: Mulawarman Hotel's Unbelievable Luxury!
Zoom Into Paradise: Mulawarman Hotel - My Honest (and Slightly Over-the-Top) Review!
Okay, people, let me tell you about the Mulawarman Hotel. "Unbelievable Luxury," huh? Well, I'm here to spill the tea. And trust me, after my stay, I needed buckets of it. This isn't your sterile, corporate hotel review. This is the real deal. So buckle up, because we're doing a deep dive, folks.
First things first: Accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did notice the ramps and elevators. Seemed pretty good. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, so that's promising. I'm sure they're trying, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at baking a cake. (It resembled a hockey puck.)
The Rooms: My Little Fortress of Bliss (Mostly)
Right, so let's talk about the rooms! Air conditioning? Check. Thank goodness. Because it REALLY gets hot in [Location of Hotel – I'm assuming somewhere tropical here, let's say Borneo]. Blackout curtains? YES! God, I needed those. My internal clock is a chaotic mess. Free Wi-Fi? Yep, and thank the internet gods for that! Apparently, it's free in all rooms AND you could hook up with Internet [LAN] if you are that kind of person… Alarm clock? Snooze. Bathrobes and slippers? Ahhh, yes. I basically lived in them. Felt like royalty. (Even if said royalty was just… me.) And the extra long bed? Heavenly. Finally, a bed that could handle my flailing limbs in the middle of the night! I was VERY thankful for the air conditioning, especially after my disastrous attempt at exploring the local cuisine.
Now, the not-so-perfect: Remember those soundproof rooms? Well, let's just say the sounds of jungle nightlife occasionally managed to infiltrate. Roosters? Monkeys? I swear I heard a tapir doing jazz hands at one point. But hey, it's part of the experience, right? Also, I swear the mirror in my bathroom made me look slightly older than I actually am… but maybe I just needed more sleep.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They REALLY Sanitize the Kitchenware?!
Okay, this is a big one these days. I’m a bit of a germaphobe. The Mulawarman did a decent job, I'll give them that. The phrase “Anti-viral cleaning products” really caught my eye - and the daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring. From what I saw, they were all pretty committed to following protocol. They even had hand sanitizer practically EVERYWHERE. Hand Sanitizer? Check!!! Rooms sanitized between stays? Double check. I saw the cleaning staff doing their thing. Which, by the way, made me a little paranoid because I was constantly picking things up and putting them back down just in case they were watching.
Now, the big question: the kitchen and tableware items? Were they really sanitized? I didn't personally inspect every single fork, but I did see the staff being careful, and everyone seemed to be wearing masks. So, you know, fingers crossed I didn't pick up anything nasty! They were also offering individually-wrapped food options which I appreciate.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Epic Food Adventures (and Mishaps)
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? Restaurants? Plural, baby! There was a main restaurant offering, among other things, Asian cuisine and a Western cuisine. And a Coffee Shop where I spent way too much time. The breakfast buffet was a feast. But, let's be real, I was more interested in the coffee/tea in the restaurant and the fact that they offered breakfast in room. One morning I ordered breakfast in my room and let me tell you, it was such a life.
Now, let's talk about the poolside bar. Picture this: me, draped in a robe, sipping on a questionable, yet delicious, cocktail while watching the sunset. Happy hour was everything. I may have indulged a bit too much.
Now for the big reveal. One night, I tried the [Name of specific local dish if you can find one, otherwise improvise] at the main restaurant. Let's just say, it was a memorable experience. My taste buds were doing the cha-cha. The next day, I mostly stuck to the salad in restaurant and prayed for mercy. They did offer alternative meal arrangement so if something happens to you then you're at least covered.
I must say, the bottle of water they provide? Lifesaver.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax): From Jungle Adventures to Spa Shenanigans
This is where the Mulawarman really shines. The swimming pool [outdoor]? Gorgeous. Pool with a view? Absolutely. I spent hours just floating around, staring up at the sky. Pure bliss.
And the spa! O-M-G. Seriously, the spa was a dream. I got a massage, I got a body scrub, and I almost fell asleep. Totally worth it! They also have a sauna, steamroom and foot bath. My recommendation: do the whole shebang. You won't regret it.
They also have a Fitness center, if you're into that sort of torture. I walked past it. I did, however, consider a body wrap. Maybe next time.
The things to do here are plentiful. And they offer babysitting service.
For the Kids:
They have a family/child friendly service. I don't have kids but I definitely noticed it!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
This is where the Mulawarman really goes the extra mile. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Doorman? Check. The staff was incredibly helpful, always with a smile.
They also offered a currency exchange, but honestly, I mostly used the cashless payment service. So much easier.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Airport transfer? Yep. Taxi service? Available. Super convenient.
The Extras (That Made Me Go "Ooh!")
- Meeting/banquet facilities? Yes. I didn't need them, but the options seemed substantial.
- Complimentary tea? Bless their hearts!
- Safe dining setup: Reassuring!
- Elevator: Essential.
- Ironing service: Useful, though I mostly lived in my bathrobes.
- Invoice provided: Useful for those expense reports!
- Room service [24-hour]: HELLO! I utilized this feature, multiple times.
- Luggage storage: Extremely handy for keeping my space clutter-free.
- Dry cleaning: Didn't need it, but good to know!
- Front desk [24-hour]: always good.
The Quirks, Cracks, and Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Perfect!)
Okay, so here's the dirt. The Wi-Fi, while free, was a little spotty at times. I’m pretty sure my video call made my internet crash during a very important virtual meeting. Whoops. Plus, the elevators made a weird humming noise. I’m not sure if this is a bonus or not. The water pressure in the shower could have been better, and I'm certain I saw a rogue dust bunny in my room. But hey, no place is perfect, right?
My Final Verdict: Should You Zoom Into Paradise?
Absolutely! Despite my minor gripes, the Mulawarman Hotel is fantastic. The luxury is, for the most part, undeniable. The staff is genuinely lovely. The spa is sublime. The location is amazing, and the overall experience is one you won't forget. It's not perfect, but it's a damn good time.
Here's my honest, slightly chaotic, and utterly real ranking:
- Cleanliness: 8/10 (for the most part, and with the exception of that rogue dust bunny)
- Comfort: 9/10 (bed was heavenly)
- Service: 9.5/10 (staff were fabulous)
- Food: 8/10 (the good, the bad, and the slightly explosive)
- Overall Experience: 9/10 (I'd go back in a heartbeat!)
My Quirky Observation: The hotel lobby had this weird, but very appealing, smell that I'm convinced was a mixture of orchid blossoms and pure happiness.
My Emotional Reaction: Pure joy. Seriously.
SEO-Friendly Summary: Looking for a luxurious getaway in [Borneo, or other location]? The Mulawarman Hotel is your answer! Boasting incredible amenities like a stunning pool, spa treatments, delicious dining, and a focus on safety, it's perfect for couples, families, or solo
Escape to Paradise: Locanda Dell'Angelo, Italy - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't just an itinerary, this is… well, it's me trying to navigate Zoom Hotel Mulawarman in Indonesia. Prepare for rambling, regrets, triumphs (maybe), and a whole lot of… gestures vaguely… stuff.
The "Uncoordinated Chaos" Guide to Zoom Hotel Mulawarman (and hopefully, some delicious satay)
Day 1: Arrival – "Lost in Translation (and Luggage)"
- Morning (7:00 AM, Jakarta airport, probably): Okay, first off, the flight? Let's just say the in-flight entertainment and I had a very complicated relationship. I swear I saw the same episode of "This Old House" three times. Pretty sure the air hostess thought I was possessed. Oh, and my luggage? Missing. Yep. Already off to a fantastic start. I’m picturing it right now, probably in Cancun with its own tiny umbrella drink.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM, ish): Reached Zoom Hotel Mulawarman. The lobby is… well, it is a lobby. Modern, I guess? Clean, thankfully. Which is a godsend, considering my current level of travel-induced grumpiness. The staff… they're lovely, though? Smiling, helpful, and bless them, because I’m pretty sure I just looked like a bewildered walrus. They spoke English, thankfully. My Indonesian vocabulary currently consists of "terima kasih" (thank you), and "nasi goreng" (which, by the way, I really want).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Found my room! Bit small, honestly. Tiny window looking out at… another building. But hey, at least it has AC! Indonesia is hot. Like, "stick-to-everything" hot. Tried to unpack, realized my luggage is still frolicking in Cancun, and then had a minor existential crisis. Decided to focus on the positive: the bed looked comfy.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Finally, a good call. The bed was comfy. Took a nap. Woke up slightly less grumpy. Decided to go find that nasi goreng.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Found a street vendor. Success! The nasi goreng was… glorious. Spicy, flavorful, and a total revelation. Nearly wept with joy. Followed it up with a Bintang beer. Life is good. Then proceeded to accidentally offend a street cat by giving it a weird look. My social skills are clearly still adjusting.
- Evening (8:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Tried to watch some TV. Most channels in Indonesian. Ended up watching dubbed reruns of "Friends". Phoebe's voice in Indonesian… unsettling. Good night.
Day 2: "Culture Shock and Culinary Bliss"
- Morning (8:00 AM): (After a slightly better sleep, thanks to the nasi goreng). Breakfast at the hotel. Buffet. Everything looks… suspect. Played it safe with toast and (what I think was) fruit. Added some coffee. A caffeine hit was definitely needed.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Went to a nearby market. WOW. Sensory overload in the best way possible. Smells, colors, sounds, people everywhere! Got a pair of ridiculously bright, patterned shorts. Regret? Maybe. Will I wear them? Absolutely. Saw a guy selling live chickens. Decided to give up staring.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Attempted to talk to a local. My Indonesian is… terrible. Their English… also not great. Mutual confusion ensued. Managed to buy a bottle of what I think is water. Hope it's not something… else.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a tiny warung (small local restaurant). Ordered something. Pretty sure I have no idea what it was. It was… um… brown. And spicy. And… delicious. Best accidental food experience this week. Also, I may or may not have developed a slight obsession with the little plastic packets of chili sauce.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back at the hotel, attempting to use the pool. Which looks lovely, except every inch of surrounding space is occupied by loud children. They are adorable though, and judging by their swimming skills, probably more accustomed to the heat than I am. I retreated back to my room - it's the safe space.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): The room again, still no luggage. Decided to call and update my insurance company about the missing luggage. After spending twenty minutes on hold, I hung up. Another nap was in order.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Trying to track down some Satay. Heard it’s a MUST. That's the goal for tonight. If a I manage to find it, I'll be singing its praises for a week straight.
- Evening (8:00 PM): SUCCESS. Found a Satay place. It was AMAZING. I mean, amazing. The peanut sauce! The grilled meat! The… oh, my god. I think I almost licked the plate. Worth every penny. Worth the entire trip, maybe.
Day 3: "Embracing the Mess"
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast. Tried the "mystery food" again. Still don’t know what it was. But at least my stomach hasn't revolted yet.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Decided to walk around the local area. Saw even more beautiful things, like the stunning buildings with intricate carvings. Had a minor existential crisis about what to do.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Back to the warung. Ordered the same dish. Felt like I was greeting an old friend. Seriously contemplating moving in.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Went to the souvenir shop. Bought way too many things. My luggage will never be able to handle this. (If it ever shows up, that is.)
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Attempted to use the hotel gym. Realized I’m incredibly out of shape. Gave up after five minutes. Resigned to the fact that I will be fat and happy.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Last day. More satay. More joy. More Bintang. Planning on a quiet evening, just reminiscing about how amazing this trip has been…
- Evening (9:00 PM): Decided to treat myself. The whole trip. It was not a fancy dessert place, but a local fruit stall, and purchased a large plate of fresh fruit. The explosion of flavors, the vibrant colours, the way everything melted in my mouth… It was a perfect end. And the best part? I could eat the whole thing and not even feel guilty.
- Evening (10:00 PM): The missing luggage finally arrived back at the hotel, I have been able to wash the same clothes I've been wearing for three days. It was such a relief!!
Day 4: "Departure – Adventures and Ambiguities"
- Morning (7:00 AM): Goodbye Indonesia. I will never forget. And I'm not sure I'm ready to leave. I love the people, the food, and the whole atmosphere of the place.
- Morning (10:00 AM): I'm on the plane now, flying high a day and a half off. I loved this place.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Back home
- Evening (7:00 PM): I miss my food and I miss the fun. I'm already planning my return.
- Evening (10:00 PM): The End.
Final Thoughts: Would I recommend this trip? Absolutely. Despite the chaos, and the lost luggage, and the occasional cultural misstep (and the fact that I still can't speak Indonesian!), Indonesia… has honestly been incredible. Zoom Hotel Mulawarman? It's a good place to start. Make sure you try the nasi goreng and the satay. And maybe, just maybe, pack some extra underwear. Just in case.
Ibis Shanghai Gubei: Your Chic & Budget-Friendly Escape Awaits!
Zoom into Paradise: Mulawarman Hotel - You Got Questions? I Got... Well, Answers (Mostly)
Okay, seriously, is the Mulawarman Hotel *really* as luxurious as it looks in those Instagram posts? Because come on, those infinity pools look Photoshopped.
Alright, look, I'm a cynical person. I walk into a hotel expecting chipped paint and lukewarm coffee. But the Mulawarman? It’s… well, it's close. I'm talking *borderline* fairytale stuff. That infinity pool? Not Photoshopped. You actually *feel* like you're swimming into the ocean. Honestly, the first time I saw it, I literally started laughing. Like, a genuine, disbelieving guffaw.
The rooms? Forget the "deluxe" room, go straight for the suite. Trust me. The bathtub is bigger than my first apartment. And the amenities! God, the amenities. They had, and I'm not kidding, a *pillow menu*. A freaking pillow menu! I chose the "Memory Foam with Unicorn Dreams" (okay, I made that up, but you get the idea).
Now, here's a confession: I almost cried when I saw the sunrise from my balcony. It was ridiculous. A grown adult, reduced to a blubbering mess by the sheer beauty of it all. Don't judge me. You'd probably do the same.
What's the food like? Because a beautiful view is great, but I need to eat. And I'm picky. Real picky.
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. The main restaurant, the "Spice Route" or whatever it's called (names blur after a while), is pretty dang good. The breakfast buffet? Legendary. I’m still dreaming of the Indonesian pastries. Seriously, I'd go back just for those.
Now, the fine dining experience? That's where I had a bit of a… "moment." I ordered the lobster bisque. And it came with, and I swear to God, a tiny little truffle oil-infused crouton. It looked perfect. Elegant. And then… I took a bite, and I thought I saw Jesus. The lobster was cooked perfectly, the broth was unbelievably rich. I may or may not have licked the bowl clean. Don't judge me again!
Here's the not-so-perfect part: room service got a *little* lost. I ordered a club sandwich at 2 am (because, you know, vacation), and it took an hour and a half. It arrived lukewarm. *Minor* imperfection. But, I was hangry, so I ate it anyway.
Are there any activities besides staring at the view and eating amazing food? I get bored easily. Like, *really* easily.
Oh, yeah. They’ve got stuff. A spa (obvs), a gym (bleh), and water sports. There's scuba diving and jet skiing (neither of which I attempted; I prefer to lounge). I did try the yoga class... for about ten minutes. Turns out, I am not a "yoga person." I spent most of the time giggling and trying not to fall over.
But seriously, the main activity is relaxation. Total and utter, blissful relaxation. There's a beach. There are sunbeds. There are cocktails with little umbrellas. It’s very difficult *not* to relax. You're basically forced into it. Which is, you know, the point.
One thing though: there was a slight issue with the promised "private beach cabana." It turned out… it wasn't *quite* private. Some families snuck over (shame on them!), and the staff were slow to boot them. It took some assertive gesturing to get them to leave, but hey, it made for a story. And eventually, I had my glorious, undisturbed cabana time.
What about the service? Is it all stuffy and pretentious or actually good?
The staff were fantastic! They were friendly, helpful, and generally seemed genuinely happy to be there (which is always a good sign). No stuffy attitudes, no rolling of the eyes when I asked for another cocktail (and another, and another… you get the picture). They were attentive without being overbearing.
The highlight was the concierge. I needed help with, ahem, a "situation." Let's just say I managed to get myself hopelessly lost in the local market. He not only got me back safely (and smelling of all sorts of delicious spices) but also arranged for a driver to take me there *again* the next day. He was a lifesaver. I tipped him handsomely, and he deserved every penny.
Okay, maybe one slight blip: housekeeping, while well-meaning, seemed to have a habit of leaving my room door slightly ajar. No major issues, but it did give me a minor heart attack a couple of times. I learned to check the door religiously.
Alright, hit me with the cons. No place is perfect, not even a paradise.
Okay, honesty hour. It's not perfect. Besides the slightly lost room service, and the door being ajar (which, let’s be honest, is very minor), Here are my gripes: The Wi-Fi was a bit patchy in the rooms, and I really needed to upload those sunrise pics (priorities, people!).
It can be expensive. Very expensive. So save up, or start selling organs. Just kidding! (Mostly.) But the cost is worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience from my point of view. My only major gripe? Leaving. That was just a nightmare. I considered faking my death to avoid it. I really did.
Also, I miss it. I miss it like a lost limb. I am already trying to figure out how I can go back. Send help. And maybe a truffle oil crouton.
Would you recommend the Mulawarman Hotel? Be honest!
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Go. Just go. It’s a splurge, sure. But it's an unforgettable experience. It’s a memory you'll cherish. even with the door ajar. You'll be smiling for months afterwards. Or, staring at your screen, desperately trying to book the next flight. Either way, it's a win.
Just promise me one thing: if you go, and you see a slightly crazy person by the infinity pool, clutching a cocktail and muttering about truffle oil, come say hi. It'll probably be me.
