Indonesian Paradise Found: Horison Samarinda Hotel Awaits!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Horison Samarinda Hotel Awaits! (Seriously, It Does!) - A Rambling Review & Why You Should Probably Book It Right Now.
Okay, folks, buckle up. I've just survived (and thrived!) at the Horison Samarinda, and I'm here to spill the beans. Forget those glossy brochures, because THIS is the REAL scoop. This isn’t just a hotel review; it's a full-blown emotional rollercoaster fueled by Indonesian coffee and a healthy dose of jet lag.
First Impressions (And Maybe A Little Panic about the Airport Transfer):
Landing in Samarinda? The airport's… well, it's an experience. Let's just say the efficiency of the airport transfer offered by the hotel (Airport transfer) was a lifesaver. I'm all about a smooth arrival. And trust me, after the flight, a smiling driver and a comfortable ride are worth their weight in gold. (Car park [free of charge] they've got, but who wants to drive AFTER a flight? Not me!).
Accessibility: A Slight Hiccup, But Overall, Pretty Good!
Right off the bat, I should mention accessibility (Facilities for disabled guests). While I didn't personally need them, it's important to me. The hotel had an elevator (essential!), and the front desk [24-hour] staff were super helpful when I was checking it out for a friend, offering information on the accessible bathrooms and room options. They even pointed out how easy it was to get around generally. Wheelchair accessible is important. It seemed like most of the main areas were navigable, but I didn't have the chance to explore every nook and cranny. Best to give them a call directly if you have specific needs.
Cleanliness, COVID-Stuff & My Mildly Obsessive Hand Sanitizer Usage:
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or, you know, the virus). Cleanliness and safety: They take it seriously. I'm a germophobe at heart, and even I felt safe. Hand sanitizer in abundance! Everywhere! Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol… it felt above and beyond. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products! I'm talking serious sanitization (even though they had a Room sanitization opt-out available, which I thought was thoughtful). Seriously, my hands never felt so clean… or so dry. But hey, I'd rather have my hands a little cracked than a nasty bug. Cashless payment service was convenient! Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. And Individually-wrapped food options, they seem to manage the pandemic beautifully. Plus, Hygiene certification. And they are implementing all this stuff! Safe dining setup made me feel a little less paranoid. The Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was a relief.
Rooms: Cozy Comfort (And Blackout Curtains That Actually WORK!)
The rooms themselves were a haven. I crashed in, exhausted by the travel. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Praise the travel gods, YES! (I’m a light sleeper, and those babies saved my sanity.) Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Score! I could actually watch my shows. I spent a whole afternoon in the seating area staring out the window (that opens, thankfully!). Extra long bed (yes please!). My room had a mini bar! (Who doesn’t love a late-night snack after a day of exploring?). The safety/security feature (in-room safe box) was a great touch. Daily housekeeping – my room was always spotless, which is a small luxury that I'm going to revel in. The bathtub was delightful (separate shower/bathtub and with the slippers and bathrobes it was like a spa). The complimentary tea and free bottled water were a nice touch. The bathroom phone? A little weird, but hey, if you need to call for more towels, go for it!
Food, Glorious Food (And My Near-Disastrous Breakfast Attempt):
Okay, the food. This is where Horison Samarinda really shines. They've got a full-blown orchestra of options.
- Restaurants: Multiple! Including the main one, which had a buffet in restaurant!
- Asian breakfast (delicious)
- Western breakfast. Perfect if you're feeling homesick or hungover (ahem, not me). Eggs, bacon, the works.
- A la carte in restaurant – for when you're feeling fancy
- Breakfast [buffet] - and it's a good one.
- Breakfast service. They’ll bring it to your room if you ask (I didn’t, but they offered!).
- Coffee shop - This is my kind of paradise.
- Poolside bar - Who the hell wants to swim and drink, while I'll take it!
- Snack bar - for those midnight cravings.
- Desserts in restaurant - always a good choice.
- Soup in restaurant, they had a soup that I would love to eat all the time.
The Dining Disaster (a.k.a. My Attempt at a "Healthy" Breakfast):
So, I went for the Asian breakfast, wanting to be all adventurous. I piled my plate high with this weird-looking, but delicious, thing. Mistake #1: I didn't ask what it was. Mistake #2: Ate the whole thing. Let's just say it involved a LOT of spice. Lesson learned: Stick to the familiar!
Things To Do & Ways To Relax (And My Near-Drowning Experience… sort of):
This hotel is all about R&R. I’m not going to lie, I spent a lot of time by the swimming pool [outdoor]; it’s gorgeous, Pool with view, and a perfect place to chill. They have a Fitness center (I, uh, didn't use it, but it looked well-equipped). There’s a Spa/sauna. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap. And for the people who are into this, they have Massage (I hear it's amazing, but by the time I thought I would have one the trip was over…). Sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath! I didn’t, however, try to swim.
Internet & Tech Details (Because We Need to Work, Occasionally):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woo-hoo! And it actually worked, which is a miracle of modern travel. Internet access – wireless was strong throughout the hotel, so even if you're not in your room, you can actually function. Internet access – LAN in the rooms, with the speed of the internet. Laptop workspace… yep. I had a whole workspace! Business facilities and Meetings/banquet facilities.
But Wait, There's More! (Or, The Things I Didn't Get Around To):
They have a gift/souvenir shop. A convenience store. A luggage storage area. A dry cleaning service (thank goodness!).
The "Why You NEED to Book Horison Samarinda RIGHT NOW" Offer (Because I'm Pretty Much Sold):
Listen, if you're going to Samarinda, stop looking. Just book the Horison. Here's your pitch, straight from the heart (and a slightly overloaded stomach):
- Location, Location, Location: Close to everything, with easy access to the city.
- Cleanliness Guaranteed: Seriously, this place is spotless. And they’re taking COVID precautions seriously.
- Unparalleled Poolside Bliss: The pool is where it's at.
- Culinary Adventures (And, Okay, Maybe Some Spiced Disasters): From Asian breakfasts to Western classics, you won’t go hungry.
- Comfort & Convenience: The rooms are a sanctuary. The staff? Absolutely lovely.
- Get your body massaged and scrubbed: they have a spa!
My Final Verdict (And Why I'm Already Planning My Return):
The Horison Samarinda isn't perfect. There's always room for a little improvement, but it's close. It's comfortable, it's clean, and the staff is phenomenal. It’s a welcoming oasis in a city that can be a little overwhelming. Plus, they had some of these crazy dishes. And the blackout curtains? Worth the price of the room alone. So, what are you waiting for? Book it. You won't regret it. Just maybe ask what you're eating at breakfast. You've been warned. (And if you see me there, buy me a coffee… or, you know, a drink from the poolside bar).
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Belvilla Awaits in Italy!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going raw, we're going real, and we're going to try not to completely implode in the humid embrace of Samarinda. Horison Samarinda Hotel, here we come. God, I hope the air conditioning works.
Day 1: Arrival & The Quest for… Decent Coffee
- 14:00: Land in Samarinda. Airport transfer to Hotel Horison. My expectations? Low. My mood? Jet-lagged and mildly terrified of Indonesian traffic. Pray for me. Seriously. Pray. (I've seen the photos on Google Maps… it's a chaotic tapestry of scooters and…well, everything.)
- 15:00: Arrive at the Horison. Check-in. Okay, first impressions: Lobby seems…grand. Maybe a little too grand for a city that feels like it's carved out of the jungle. The staff? Smiling like maybe they're used to dealing with people who've just faced down a herd of rogue water buffalo. I appreciate their patience.
- 15:30: The Room Revelation. Decent, actually. Not the Ritz. But the AC works. This is a win. A solid, sweaty, glorious win. Quickly unpack a bit, change into some slightly less offensive attire.
- 16:00: The Coffee Quest. This is serious business, people. Travel, especially in Southeast Asia, hinges on caffeine. I'm desperate for a decent cup. I venture out to find coffee. The reviews on Google are… mixed. One mentioned something about “instant coffee with a side of regret.” Deep breath. Okay. Let's see what Samarinda has to offer.
- 16:45: Found a local warung (small, family-run shop). Ordered an es kopi susu (iced coffee with milk). This is where the realness hits. It was… well, let's just say it's an experience. The coffee itself was strong, bordering on bitter, the milk a questionable hue… but, you know what? It worked. It jolted me awake. It's a Samarinda coffee, a little rough around the edges, just like…everything else? I think I'm starting to like this place.
- 17:30: Back to the hotel. Debrief. Made a quick call to my friend Susan. Heard the news on the news, she's really worried.
- 18:00: Dinner. Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Trying not to be too judgmental. Ordered the nasi goreng (fried rice). It was… edible. Not the best nasi goreng I've had, but hey, it filled the hole. And the presentation was… zealous. Like, the chef really wanted me to enjoy it.
- 20:00: Collapse. Unadulterated, blessed, beautiful collapse. The bed feels like pure heaven. Staring at the ceiling contemplating about life.
Day 2: Water, Culture… and Possibly a Near-Death Experience (in Traffic)
- 07:00: Wake up. Surprisingly well-rested. The AC worked! Victory!
- 07:30: Breakfast at the hotel. Attempting to navigate the buffet. The array of options is… extensive. The pastries? Questionable. The fruit? Promising. The coffee? Stick with the instant stuff they have in the room. Trust me.
- 08:30: Taxi to the Mahakam River. This is the big one. Apparently, the river is the lifeblood of Samarinda. I'm hoping to get a boat tour. Praying the boat isn't… too rickety.
- 09:30: River cruise! Holy moly, this river is… brown. Like, really, really brown. But also, incredibly interesting. I saw houses built on stilts, bustling markets on the water's edge, and the smell of… well, I'm not sure what the smell was, but it was definitely an olfactory experience. The boat also made a suspicious "thunk" sound as we passed what appeared to be a giant log. Crossing my fingers.
- 11:00: Back to the hotel, and the existential crisis begins. The river… it’s a lot to take in.
- 12:00: Lunch at a local restaurant close to the hotel. Tasted more of the local spices
- 13:00: Back to hotel..
- 14:00: Explore local shopping center.
- 18:00: Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
- 20:00: Early to bed.
Day 3: Departure… and Final Thoughts (Probably Messy Ones)
- 07:00: Final breakfast. The buffet has become… predictable. I've accepted that the pastries are a no-go.
- 08:00: Brief farewell walk around the hotel.
- 10:00: Check-out.
- 11:00: Airport transfer. The drive… is even more terrifying than I remember. I swear, I saw a chicken riding a motorcycle. Actually it was probably a chicken coop in the back of a motorcycle, but still… close enough.
- 12:00: Depart from Samarinda.
- Final Thoughts: Samarinda, you wild, wonderful, slightly overwhelming place. You're not perfect, but you're undeniably real. You smelled a little funky, the traffic nearly gave me a heart attack, and the coffee was a gamble, but you surprised me. You charmed me. You made me laugh. And I'll never forget the experience. So, thanks, Samarinda. You were… unforgettable. Now, I need a vacation from my vacation.
Indonesian Paradise Found? Let's Talk Horison Samarinda... Honestly.
Okay, spill the tea: Is Horison Samarinda actually *good*? Like, really good?
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they clean? Comfy? Should I be prepared for anything... *unpleasant*?
The Food! Oh, the Food! What's the breakfast buffet like? Any Indonesian delights I need to know about?
Location, location, location! How’s the hotel’s proximity to... well, *everything*? Is it easy to get around?
And the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, #worklife and #socialmedia. Is it reliable?!
What's the vibe? Is this a party hotel? Family-friendly? More of a… business trip kind of place?
If you're hoping to mingle with locals and experience a bit more of the local culture, book some local tours. The hotel is not the main selling point about Samarinda, which is fair and also makes it awesome.
Let's get real: Any seriously annoying things I should be prepared for? Any *major* downsides?
