Luxury Surabaya Stay: Studio Benson Next to Pakuwon Mall!
Luxury Surabaya Stay: Studio Benson – Next to Pakuwon Mall – A Messy, Honest, and Opinionated Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill all the tea (and probably the coffee from the coffee maker) on my recent stay at Studio Benson, conveniently (and I mean conveniently) nestled next to Pakuwon Mall in Surabaya. Forget those polished, PR-approved hotel reviews, you're getting the real deal – warts and all.
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Gotta get that Google juice flowing, am I right?)
- Keywords: Surabaya hotel, Studio Benson, Pakuwon Mall, luxury stay, accessible hotel, Surabaya accommodation, studio apartment Surabaya, hotel with pool Surabaya, spa Surabaya, fitness center Surabaya, free Wi-Fi, Surabaya Indonesia, accessible rooms Surabaya, family-friendly hotel Surabaya.
- Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of Studio Benson next to Pakuwon Mall in Surabaya. Discover the pros, cons, and quirks of this "luxury" stay, including accessibility, amenities, dining, cleanliness, services, and those crucial little details you actually care about.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good and the "Meh"…
So, first things first: the location. Perfect. Seriously. Being practically on Pakuwon Mall's doorstep is a godsend. Clothes shopping, a cinema, food, more food – it's all right there. (More on the food later, trust me.)
Accessibility: Okay, let's talk accessibility, because, you know, it's important. The building itself seems to have decent accessibility. Elevators? Check. Wide entrances? Check. But honestly, I didn't put it to the full test. I'm walking around, but I noticed the ramps and wide doors. My biggest concern was the potential for "false promises". Always a worry with hotels which claim accessible rooms, even if it is well designed! That said, I didn't encounter any major immediate red flags. They do list facilities for disabled guests, so that's promising. But, as someone who's spent too much time in poorly planned hotels, I always urge future guests to confirm everything specific to their needs with the hotel before booking.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Haven't tried them, nor did I notice any.
Check-in/out (Express & More): Smooth for what's worth -- especially through the Contactless check-in/out.
The Room – Studio Life & The Battle of the Blackout Curtains
My studio? It was pleasant. Clean. A decent size. Honestly, pretty standard. Let's break it down, shall we?
- Available in All Rooms – The Essentials: Air conditioning? YES. (Thank the heavens!) Alarm clock? Check. Blackout curtains? (Insert dramatic sigh). Okay, almost blackout curtains. They tried, bless their hearts. But a sliver of light always managed to sneak in, which, as a light sleeper, drove me slightly crazy. The constant battle between me and the sun: a tale as old as time. Bathrobes? Yep. Bathroom phone? I did not try it. So, it's a check.
- Bathroom: Separated! I am very happy for that!. The bathroom was functional, with basic toiletries. The shower was alright and good water pressure.
- Tech Time: Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely. (And thank goodness, because I'd have started climbing the walls without my streaming fix.) Internet access – LAN? Yes, in case you're into the whole "wired" thing. I did not bother with the hard cable.
- The Details: Closet? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Important to have! (And the complimentary tea was a welcome touch.) Desk? Check. Hair dryer? Check. Mini bar? Yes! I was very happy to have a Refrigerator. In-room safe box? Always a plus. Satellite/cable channels? Yep. Sofa? Essential for that late-night TV binge. Smoke detector? Well, I didn’t smoke! Soundproofing? Mostly successful, although I did hear things, but it was not a big problem.
- Extra Features: Extra long bed, Interconnecting rooms available. On-demand movies. Reading light. Slippers. Smoke detector. Socket near the bed. Telephone. Toiletries. Wake-up service.
Cleanliness and Safety – Sanitized or Sanity-zed?
Honestly, I felt pretty safe. COVID-19 protocols seemed to be in place and enforced.
- Safety First: Hand sanitizer readily available. Staff seemed to be trained in safety protocols. Daily disinfection in common areas. Individually-wrapped food options (more on those later…). Rooms sanitized between stays. They gave me the impression of being pro-active about safety.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: Love that, but I didn’t opt for it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious Food (with Occasional Caveats)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Being so close to Pakuwon Mall is a massive food advantage. But let's talk about the hotel's offerings, shall we?
- Breakfast: I opted for the "Asian Breakfast". It was good. Not mind-blowing, but satisfying. Buffet in restaurant? Yes, but with all the COVID-19 precautions.
- In-room Dining: Room service [24-hour]? Yes! A lifesaver. A la carte in the restaurant? Yes.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Laundry
- The Perks: 24-hour Front desk? Check. Luggage storage? Yup. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. Elevator? Yes, you can make use of the elevator.
- The "Meh": I didn't use the Currency exchange, Xerox/fax, Dry cleaning service, nor the iron service.
- The Laundry: I was happy in being able to take advantage of the Laundry service.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Dreams and Fitness Center Hopes
- The Options: Gym/fitness? Yes! (I might've skipped it…too much mall food!). Sauna? Yes, but I never tried it. Swimming pool [outdoor]? YES! It looked inviting. Pool with view? Pretty much.
- Spa Services: Body scrub/wrap/massage? Available, but not my thing this time.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service? Yes. Family/child friendly? Yes, they seemed to be.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
- Convenient: Airport transfer? Yes. Car park [free of charge], but it was never a problem, Car park [on-site]. Taxi service? Always available.
The Emotional Rollercoaster – Quirks, Rambles, and Honest Feelings
Look, this wasn’t a flawless stay. But it was comfortable, convenient, and generally a good experience. I'd stay there again. (Mostly because of the Pakuwon Mall proximity. I am not kidding. You can't beat that.) The staff were friendly and helpful. The room, while not luxurious, was perfectly adequate. And the pool looked fantastic, even if I didn't have time to use it.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing Is Perfect!)
- The Blackout Curtain Fiasco: The sliver of light! Oh, the sliver of light! Seriously, hotel, address this!
- The Minor Annoyances: It's a studio, so space can be a little tight.
Final Verdict – Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for super-luxury, this might not be it. But if you want a clean, comfortable, convenient stay with easy access to shopping, food, and amenities, Studio Benson is a solid choice. Just pack an eye mask (or maybe, just maybe, ask for a room without sun-battling blackout curtains). This hotel is a good base to explore Surabaya, and it is a very good one for its price.
Uncover Palermo's Hidden Gem: Villa D'Amato Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your sterile, perfectly-organized travel brochure. We're diving headfirst into Surabaya, baby, staying at a Travelio place right next to Studio Benson (which, let's be honest, is probably where I'll spend a significant amount of time judging people's gym outfits…just kidding…mostly). Here's a schedule, or at least, what I think will happen. Prepare for chaos.
Surabaya Shenanigans: A Totally Unreliable Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Regret (Followed by Unexpected Joy)
- Morning (Like, really AM): Land at Juanda International Airport (SUB). Ugh, airports. The smell of jet fuel mixed with stale coffee always gets me. Grab a grab car (or whatever the Indonesian equivalent is – hopefully it's a decent driver, unlike the last guy who took me to a random rice paddy in Bali).
- Impression: First impressions are usually wrong.
- Mid-Morning: Check into my Travelio apartment near Studio Benson. Pray to the travel gods it's not a total disaster. (Fingers crossed for actual AC… and not just a glorified fan.)
- Anxiety Ridden Thought: Is the bed comfortable? I NEED sleep. Jet lag is a monster.
- Lunch (Or Should I Say, "Food Emergency"): Find some REAL Indonesian food. Not the touristy "safe" stuff. I want spice! I want flavour! I want to feel ALIVE. (Probably going to Google "Best Warungs near Studio Benson" and hope for the best. Maybe I'll just eat everything).
- Quirky Observation: Will the food be so good I cry? Is that a valid travel goal? Asking for a friend… that friend is me.
- Afternoon: Stroll around the Pakuwon Mall. A bit of a culture shock. People-watching will be my new hobby.
- Anecdote: Maybe try to find a good place to buy a SIM card so I CAN connect to the world.
- Impression: I'm already starting to feel the humidity. And the lure of endless shopping. My wallet trembles in fear.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Gym? Possibly. Maybe. The thought of running on a treadmill after a flight…meh. Instead, explore "Studio Benson"-adjacent adventures. Perhaps just an evening coffee and people-watching session.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a slight twinge of loneliness already. Travel is a weird mix of excitement and, you know, existential dread.
- Imperfection: Okay, fine. I'll admit it. I'm probably going to order room service. And watch a questionable amount of Indonesian TV.
Day 2: Food Coma and Street Art (and Possibly a Breakdown)
- Morning: Breakfast! Again, something spicy and delicious is desperately needed. Google maps tells me there's a place with "authentic" Nasi Goreng nearby. Let's see if it lives up to the hype… and doesn't give me food poisoning.
- Opinion: Breakfast is the most important meal. Especially when you're in a new country fighting jet-lag.
- Mid-Morning: Stroll through the streets, get lost, and intentionally stumble upon some vibrant street art. Surabaya has a decent reputation for it.
- Anecdote: I hope I don't get too distracted and trip over something. I'm clumsy.
- Lunch: Repeat of Day 1, with a slightly higher chance of a spice-induced panic attack.
- Impression: I'm becoming very familiar with the "where's the nearest bathroom" map function.
- Afternoon: The G-Spot
- (Deep Breath) Here's the thing… I spent three hours at the G-Spot, the most famous club in Surabaya. I'm still trying to figure out why. The dancing was intense, the music was blaring, and by the end, my ears were ringing. The people were definitely interesting. My friend, who accompanied me, ended up finding a partner. But I found a greater appreciation for the need for sleep.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Maybe just a quiet dinner. Maybe get a massage. Maybe just crawl into bed and watch Netflix.
- Emotional Reaction: My body is aching, my mind is spinning, and I'm pretty sure I need a serious detox.
- Imperfection: I might have accidentally ordered karaoke. This could get ugly.
Day 3: Culture Shock (Continued) and Departure (Maybe)
- Morning: Explore a local market. I mean, it's the only way to get a true feel for a place.
- Rambling Thought: I need to brush up on my bartering skills… or at least learn how to say "no, thank you" politely.
- Mid-Morning: Visit a historical site or museum. Get some culture in me. Try to figure out what really matters deep down.
- Opinion: I can't claim to be a history buff, but I'll try to appreciate it. Maybe.
- Lunch: One last hurrah! Try something different, or just revisit my favourite spot from Day 1.
- Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping (because, you know, the people back home expect something other than just more Instagram pictures).
- Opinion: I don't buy cheap trinkets. But my family does.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Head to the airport. Attempt to remember my packing list. Hope I didn't lose anything.
- Emotional Reaction: A mixture of sadness (leaving) and relief (sleep!). I think I need a vacation from my vacation.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to radical change, spontaneous detours, and a healthy dose of "winging it." My mood, the weather, and the availability of delicious food could all alter the course of events. Tread carefully, and expect the unexpected. Wish me luck… I'll need it.
Rhodes Getaway: Unbelievable Comfort Hotel Deals!
Studio Benson: The Surabaya Adventure (and Sometimes Misadventure) FAQ!
Okay, spill the tea. Is Studio Benson *really* as good as they say it is? Like, next to Pakuwon Mall is a huge selling point, right?
But, and this is where the "real" comes in, it's not *always* rainbows and sunshine. My first time there, I was so excited, I practically sprinted across the road. Almost got mowed down by a scooter! My fault, totally, but that's Surabaya for you – a beautiful chaos. So yeah, the location is AMAZING. Just...watch where you're walking. Seriously. And bring your credit card, because… well, Pakuwon Mall.
Is the studio itself… well, luxurious? Because "luxury" sometimes means "tiny and overpriced."
I remember one time I was battling jet lag so badly, I was convinced the AC was possessed. Kept adjusting the temperature! It's good, it's just… a studio. And the "luxury" part comes in the details, the nice finishes, the potentially good views (depending on your floor). Don't expect a ballroom, but do expect a comfortable, well-equipped space to recover from the Surabaya heat and traffic!
What about the view? Do you actually *see* anything interesting?
The first time was on the lower floors-- it wasn't much to write home about. Maybe a sliver of the city, mostly other buildings. A bit disappointing, to be honest.
The second time, I lucked out (or maybe I paid more, who knows?). Higher up, and BAM! Panoramic city views, especially at sunset. It was genuinely beautiful. I spent a good half-hour just staring. The colors! Traffic lights twinkling! Basically, book a high floor. It’s way more Instagrammable. And honestly, something about seeing the city sprawl out before you as you sip your morning coffee just makes you feel...important. Or maybe it's just me.
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper.
I'd say the Studio Benson does a better job than most at combating noise. The windows are pretty good, but you're still in a bustling city. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Seriously. Pack a good pair. Alternatively, embrace the city's energy! Maybe try a white noise app, or a good old-fashioned sleep mask. You'll adjust. Or, you'll be grumpy. It's a coin flip.
What's the deal with the Wi-Fi? Is it reliable? Because I NEED to work/stream my guilty pleasure shows/stalk my ex.
But! There was *one* time… oh, the horror. I was right in the middle of a video call for work, and the internet decided to take a vacation. Gone. *Poof.* I scrambled for my mobile hotspot, looking like a crazed person. I think I managed to salvage it, but the memory still haunts me slightly.
So, yeah. It's *usually* good. But backup your internet plans, just in case. Surabaya’s internet is still a bit of a gamble.
Food! Is there any good food *near* the Studio Benson? Because walking for miles in that heat is a no-go.
And don't forget the things outside the mall. There's traditional Indonesian food, everything from soto ayam to nasi goreng. It's all delicious. Plus, the mall itself has grocery stores if you want to cook your own meals (the studio kitchens are small, but functional). The area has so many food options it's almost overwhelming. You will not go hungry. Promise.
Are there any downsides I should be aware of before I book?
* **Traffic, traffic, traffic:** Seriously, Surabaya traffic is legendary. Getting anywhere *outside* of walking distance from the mall can be a nightmare. Factor in extra time. And be patient. * **The studio size:** It's a studio. It’s not massive. Don't expect a lot of space to spread out. * **The price:** It *can* be a bit pricey compared to other options in Surabaya, especially if you're on a budget. Shop around and compare. Consider what you're getting in terms of location and amenities. * **The elevator wait during rush hour:** Sometimes you’ll wait. A long time. It's a minor inconvenience, but a good thing to be prepared for. * **The laundry situation:** I think some studios might have a washing machine. If not, it’s the hotel service or an independent laundry service. It's not super convenient.
BUT (and it’s a big but!), the pros often outweigh the cons. The location is just *Wallet Friendly Stay
