Unbelievable Makassar Luxury: Hotel Sutomo's Hidden Paradise!
Unbelievable Makassar Luxury? Hotel Sutomo's Hidden Paradise – Or Just a Pretty Picture? (A Messy, Honest Review.)
Okay, so I just got back from Makassar, or Ujung Pandang, or whatever you call it these days. And before the jet lag fully rots my brain, I need to spill the tea on Hotel Sutomo. This place…well, it's an experience. And not always the one I was expecting. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a ride.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Hotel Sutomo in Makassar, Indonesia. From the "unbelievable" spa to the questionable food, get the real story on accessibility, cleanliness, amenities & if it's worth the hype. (Spoiler: It's complicated.)
The Good, The Bad, and The Slightly Questionable (Starting with Accessibility, Because My Knees Are Screaming):
Let’s start with the important stuff, yeah? Accessibility. I went in with hopes a small town hotel in Indonesia wouldn't be the most accessible place in the world. And you know what? They tried. They definitely tried. There's an elevator, bless their hearts. And in places where it wasn't fully accessible, the staff were QUICK to help. They were super polite, even if it wasn't always a breeze. Wheelchair access? Mixed bag. Some areas are great. Others? Let's just say I got a workout I didn't budget for. The paths to the swimming pool (outdoor) weren't exactly smooth sailing, but hey, at least there was a pool!
Internet Access (and the Eternal Struggle):
Oh, the internet. My mortal enemy (especially in this age). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – they shouted from the rooftops. And the reality? Well, sometimes it worked, and sometimes it pretended to be a really slow dial-up. The Internet access [LAN] was, predictably, non-existent. So, embrace the digital age and get ready to use your hotspot, folks.
Cleanliness and Safety (Are We Sanitized?!):
This is where Sutomo actually surprised me. After the recent outbreaks, I am always concerned. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? You betcha. Seeing the staff go around and working was re-assuring. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep. They're taking the Hygiene certification seriously. A good point for them. But, truth bomb: the room sanitization opt-out available felt a little odd. Like, is it really THAT clean if you have to opt out? Just an observation.
Rooms – The "Luxury" Test:
Okay, let's get down to the brass tacks: the rooms. The listing boasts "luxury," and well the Air conditioning ran like a champ. The Blackout Curtains were a godsend after a long day out there. The Complimentary water was a lifesaver. Additional Toilet in our suite – bonus points! Bathrobes were provided, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were still slightly wet from the previous guest. Speaking of which the Bathtub was nice, spacious, and clean. But, you know what wasn't? The soap dispenser still had some leftover, dried-up soap in some corner. Minor complaint, but it's the little details that make or break a luxury experience, right?
Things to Do (or, How I Spent My Vacation):
First of all, the swimming pool was gorgeous. Pool with view? Absolutely. Seriously, I could have stared at that view for hours. I spent one afternoon basically melting in the sun, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. And yes, there's a Fitness center, which I didn't touch. (Vacation, remember?)
Spa – The "Almost Nirvana" Experience:
Let's talk about the Spa. This is where the "Unbelievable" part potentially comes in. I went for a Massage, and I was ready to melt. I mean, I was desperate for a massage. The ambiance? Stunning. Soft lighting, gentle music, all very zen. The therapist? Sweet, professional, and… okay, the massage itself was pretty good. Not the best I've ever had, but I'm not complaining. It was relaxing. However one small critique: During a body wrap, the smell of certain creams or oils was a little bit underwhelming for me. It wasn’t a fully immersive experience for me.
Dining (A Culinary Adventure, Mostly):
The Breakfast [Buffet] was… interesting. The Buffet in restaurant itself was plentiful, a mix of Western breakfast and Asian breakfast. The Coffee shop served a decent caffeinated beverage. However, I noticed the fruit wasn't as fresh as I was hoping for and some things did not seem very appetising.
Services and Conveniences (The Usual Suspects):
Daily Housekeeping was on point. The staff were always friendly and helpful. They kept everything clean. Doorman was charming. The Concierge was super helpful, although the language barrier was a challenge at times. They arranged the Airport transfer with no sweat. No complaints there.
For the Kids (Not Applicable to Me, But I Spotted Some):
There were Kids facilities, apparently. I spied a play area, which seemed to appease them. I didn't see much of the babysitting service, but I'm sure they're available should you choose.
Getting Around (Taxi!, Taxi, Car!):
Car park [free of charge]? Yay! I love free parking. Taxi service was readily available too, which was the easiest way to get around.
The Verdict:
Hotel Sutomo is…complicated. It's not perfect. It has its flaws. But it's charming in its own way. It's trying to be a luxury hotel, and it's succeeding in some areas. If you're looking for picture-perfect perfection, this might not be it. But if you're looking for a memorable experience with a beautiful pool, kind staff, and a generally pleasant stay, then go for it. Just temper your expectations a bit, bring your own Wi-Fi booster, and maybe pack a few extra bars of soap. You might have a blast.
Platinum Palace: Delhi & NCR's Most Luxurious Destination?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a glorious, messy, and probably slightly disastrous (in the best way) trip to Hotel Sutomo in Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia. My itinerary? Well, it's less a rigid schedule and more of a… suggestion. A suggestion that will probably be completely ignored at some point. Let's see how this train wreck unfolds, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Accidental Ayam!
Morning (aka "The Arrival From Hell")
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG). Pray to the travel gods for smooth transit. Pray harder for my luggage to arrive with me.
- 8:30 AM: Stumble through customs, sweating like a politician at a town hall meeting. Find a taxi. Haggle like my life depends on it (it probably does, my wallet is weeping already).
- 9:30 AM: Finally, finally, arrive at Hotel Sutomo. It looks… well, it looks like a hotel. A clean hotel with the traditional look of a well-maintained establishment. The lobby? Classic. I'm immediately hit with the humid air and the scent of… something. Incense? Jasmine? Mystery. I love it already.
- 9:45 AM: Check-in. (Pray my room is not, you know, haunted or directly next to the elevator that goes BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ all night.)
- 10:30 AM: Room unpacked and settle in. (Or not, I might decide to unpack later. Or next year.)
- 10:45 AM: First impressions of the room, a beautiful mix of modern and traditional, the view on the 5th floor is very good, a mix of building and ocean. The AC better works or I'm going to melt into a puddle of irritable tourist.
- 11:30 AM: Explore the hotel and eat at the restaurant. (I didn't get a chance to see the menu so this is what I did instead, just randomly order one food from the menu.)
Afternoon (aka "The Ayam Debacle")
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Oh God, the menu! So many things I don't recognize! I point at something that looks vaguely familiar. It's… "Ayam Goreng." Fried chicken! I can handle this.
- 12:30 PM: My Ayam Goreng arrives. It looks glorious. Crispy skin, tantalizing aroma. I take a bite… and then another… and another. Holy mother of all that is chicken-y, THIS IS THE BEST. FRIED. CHICKEN. I HAVE EVER. EATEN. The balance of spice and savory is exquisite. I immediately decide I will eat nothing else for the rest of my trip.
- 1:30 PM: The post-chicken coma hits. I attempt some work (I'm a travel blogger, duh). Can't. Focus. Too. Full. Ayam bliss.
- 3:00 PM: Wander around Makassar. Get slightly lost. It's fine, disorientation is part of the adventure, right?
- 4:00 PM: Found a local coffee shop. I've learned, in my copious amount of travel, that no matter where you go, an excellent cup of coffee can make any situation better.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. (Hopefully, more of the chicken.)
Evening (aka "The Anticipation… and the Mosquitoes!")
- 7:00 PM: Stroll around the Hotel, enjoying the hotel's atmosphere and the city's environment.
- 8:00 PM: Plan for tomorrow (which is usually the point where my plans completely disintegrate).
- 9:00 PM: Read. Watch some TV. Probably accidentally fall asleep on the bed, or get my self up in the middle of night to find a snack.
- 10:00 PM: Mosquito reconnaissance. This is the moment of truth. Are they feasting tonight or are they not? I've learned that mosquito repellent is my best friend in tropical locations.
- 11:00 PM: Sleep. Hopefully. And dream of… fried chicken.
Day 2: Fort Rotterdam, Floating Island, and A Failed Attempt at "Culture"
Morning (aka "History with a Side of Humidity")
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Let's hope the hotel breakfast is decent. Or at least has strong coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Head to Fort Rotterdam. This is where the "Culture" part comes in. (I'm not a big history buff, but I'll fake it.)
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Fort Rotterdam. Honestly, it's a pretty impressive fort! Old stone walls, history oozing out of every crack. I try to absorb some of the historical significance, but mostly I'm just trying to stay cool in the sweltering heat.
- 11:00 AM: Take some nice pictures in the fort, and ask some people to take my picture.
- 11:30 AM: I'm kind of done with the history thing. Ready for a cold drink. The Fort is pretty though.
Afternoon (aka "Floating Island Dreams and Disaster")
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! (Chicken? I hope so!)
- 1:00 PM: Decide to go to Samalona Island. Sounds idyllic. Floating… island… sounds like paradise.
- 2:00 PM: A boat ride to Samalona Island.
- 2:30 PM: Arrive at Samalona Island and it looks like it's straight out of a postcard. Azure waters, gleaming white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze. It's BEAUTIFUL.
- 3:00 PM: Snorkeling! The water here, I'm blown away.
- 4:00 PM: Back on the boat. But on the way back, a storm hits. Dramatic, torrential downpour, waves slamming against the boat. I'm clinging on for dear life, praying to the travel gods to keep us afloat!
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Mainland. I'm drenched, slightly traumatized, but alive!
Evening (aka "Recovery and Reflection - with more Ayam?")
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, back in the hotel because I wasn't really prepared for the things that happened just now.
- 8:00 PM: Reflecting on the day. Floating islands, awesome snorkeling, and near-drowning experiences. Travel, you crazy beast!
- 9:00 PM: Writing tonight's blog post.
- 10:00 PM: Mosquito check. Again.
- 11:00 PM: Ready for a good night's rest.
Day 3: Departure and Deep Regrets
Morning (aka "The Ayam Withdrawal")
- 8:00 AM: Waking up!
- 8:30 AM: Hotel breakfast. There's no chicken! A wave of despair washes over me. How am I supposed to function today?
- 9:30 AM: Pack my bags. I can never pack neatly.
- 10:00 AM: One last walkaround, feeling the atmosphere.
- 11:00 AM: Check out of Hotel Sutomo. Saying goodbye.
- 12:00 AM: Head to the airport.
Afternoon (aka "The Final Ayam Fantasy and Departure")
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the airport. I will find chicken. I WILL!
- 2:00 PM: Departure. As the plane lifts off, I gaze back at Makassar. A pang of regret, of sadness that the chicken-filled adventure is over.
- 5:00 PM: A quick thought on everything I've done.
Evening (aka "The Longing")
- 7:00 PM: As I'm sitting on the airplane returning. I can't help but replay all the funny moments.
- 8:00 PM: I'm already planning my return to Makassar. And I know what I'm going to eat when I get back.
So, there you have it. My "itinerary." A roadmap to adventure sprinkled with chicken, near-death experiences, and a whole lot of me figuring things out as I go. Makassar, you were a blast. Now to plan my return.
Jomtien Beach Paradise: Luxury Penthouses Await in Pattaya!
Unbelievable Makassar Luxury: Hotel Sutomo's Hidden Paradise! - (or, the time I almost became a hotelier)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *really* as good as those Instagram influencers make it out to be?
Alright, alright, settle down, Insta-stalker. Look, the influencers? They’re paid. Let’s be real. *Is* Hotel Sutomo good? Honey, let me tell you... It’s… complicated. Yeah, it's gorgeous. The lobby practically *gleams*. You walk in and that air conditioning? Sweet relief! Suddenly, I'm thinking, "Maybe *I* could run this place!" (Spoiler alert: I can't. I can barely keep my own plants alive.) I had a minor meltdown when the elevator *didn’t* immediately show up. Okay, it was more like a *brief* moment of existential dread. But, YES, the photos are accurate. The views are breathtaking...until you realize you left your phone in the food court below. But seriously... it IS good. Just... manage your expectations, yeah?
The rooms! What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually "luxury"? And is that the right kind of Luxury?
Luxury, my friend, is a subjective beast. Let me paint you a picture: I booked the "Presidential Suite" (because YOLO, and also because I’d been crying about deadlines all afternoon and deserved it). The room… was bigger than my *apartment*! Multiple living areas, a marble bathroom where I could have theoretically held a small pool party, (I didn’t, because, again, alone). The bed? Cloud-like. The towels? Fluffy enough to make me question my life choices (in a good way). But then... the *light switch*. It was the most complicated light switch *known to humankind*. And the TV? Good luck figuring out the channels. Eventually, I just gave up and stared at the ceiling, mildly annoyed that the "luxury" didn't include a direct line to a concierge dedicated solely to navigating poorly designed electronics. But in the end? Yes. It’s luxurious. Even *with* the switch-shaped headache. You’ll feel spoiled, but you might also want to bring a tech-savvy friend.
Let's talk food. The reviews are all over the place. What were *your* experiences with the dining?
Oh, the food. Ah, yes. Okay, strap in. The breakfast buffet was a feast… and a battlefield. Beautifully presented, filled with every Indonesian delight imaginable. The pastries though? Hit or miss. Some were flaky, buttery perfection. Others… well, let’s just say they’d seen better days. I had a truly *spectacular* bowl of nasi goreng one morning, followed by coffee that tasted alarmingly like dish soap. I nearly choked on it! And don't even *start* me on the service. One day, my order was forgotten entirely. I sat there, stewing, while everyone else around me chowed down. My inner gremlin took over! But! When it *was* good, it was *divine*. It was like winning a culinary lottery. The dinner restaurant, on the other hand, was consistently excellent, with a killer view. So, my advice? Explore, but also lower your expectations. That way you can prepare for the epic highs, and the occasional lows.
Tell me about the staff. Are they helpful? Friendly? Or just… there?
The staff... ah, this is where things get *interesting*. Mostly, they were lovely. Super polite. Always smiling. The front desk folks were efficient. The room service guys… bless their hearts. They were particularly patient with my frantic ordering at 3 AM. But there were hiccups. I found myself chasing down waiters, and feeling lost in a sea of staff sometimes, but it wasn’t a problem with attitude, it was the occasional lack of communication and the odd misunderstanding. There was a real sense of genuine effort. My personal favorite? The bellhop who helped me with my luggage. Because, look, unpacking and repacking are my greatest weaknesses. He made me feel like royalty, even though I was dressed in sweatpants and had bedhead. That extra touch truly saved me.
Hidden gem alert! Are there any secret spots or things you discovered that weren't in the glossy brochures?
Okay, deep breath. Here's the secret: The massage therapists. *Seriously*. They were incredible. I booked one, initially, because I was stressed. And, you know what? I booked another one, and another, and another by the time it was all said and done! I usually hate spa experiences but the massage was out-of-this-world. The tension just *melted* away. I think I almost fell asleep during one of them. It's the most "hidden gem" part of this whole place, trust me. The secret? Just ask them! The other hidden gem? The sunset views from the rooftop bar. They're absolutely *stunning*, even if you're not a sunset person (like me). Take a deep breath and allow yourself to be moved!
Okay, the big question. Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
Would I go back? Honestly, yes. Even with the questionable light switches, the food lottery, and the minor communication issues. But maybe I'd bring my own multi-tool. I'd probably *demand* a room with a view, and I’d schedule multiple massages. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. But with a huge disclaimer. It’s not perfect. It’s messy, and inconsistent in places. And remember, everything is judged by individual experience. But overall? It's a memorable experience. It’s a taste of luxury. It’s a chance to escape. Just… mentally prepare for a rollercoaster. And seriously, book those massages.
Anything else you think people should know? Weird quirks? Tiny gripes?
Oh, yes! Okay, rapid-fire round! The Wi-Fi was a bit patchy. Bring a portable charger. The elevators *are* slow sometimes. The gym felt a little… overlooked. But! They have a fantastic pool! And the little free bottles of water in the room? *Clutch*. And, oh god, the mini-bar prices! Seriously, bring snacks. And finally, go. Just go. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the luxury. Embrace the light switches. You might just love it. Or, you might have a tiny internal breakdown. Either way… you'll have a story to tell!
