Makassar's Chicest Studio: Cozy Living (No Kitchen!) - Bandaraya By Travelio
Okay, Buckle Up Buttercups, 'Cause We're Diving Headfirst into Makassar's Chicest Studio (No Kitchen!) - Bandaraya By Travelio!
Right, so you want the real lowdown on this place? Forget the fluffy brochures. Let’s get down to it. I've spent some time at Makassar's Chicest Studio: Cozy Living (No Kitchen!) - Bandaraya By Travelio, and I’m here to unleash the truth (and probably a few rambling tangents).
First Impressions: The Grind & the Glam
The elevator gets you up, and the lack of kitchen… well, we'll get to that. Bandaraya is a slick, modern building, no question. Clean lines, shiny surfaces, the whole shebang. The lobby does give off that slight "corporate hotel" vibe, but hey, they had a doorman! Points for that, especially after a long flight when my brain is basically mashed potatoes.
Accessibility: Can You Roll With It?
Okay, deep breath. Accessibility is crucial, and I'm happy to report they seem to be trying. Elevator? Check. (Phew, because those stairs looked…intimidating). They list Facilities for disabled guests, which is promising, but I'd always recommend reaching out directly to the hotel before you book if you have specific needs. Better safe than sorry, right?
The Quirks & the Quirks: Things I Loved, Things I… Endured
Alright so let's jump straight into the Things to do, ways to relax. Look, I'm a sucker for a spa. The Pool with a view was amazing. Seriously, picture this: sun setting, casting this gorgeous glow over the city. The Fitness center isn't huge, but it'll do the trick. Then you've got your classic options: Massage (yes please), a Sauna (my happy place), and a Spa (again, yes). Let's just say, I practically floated out of there. They also have a Steamroom, which is a bonus for my skin health regime!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The No-Kitchen Conundrum
Okay, so no kitchen. HUGE caveat. This is where things get interesting (and potentially challenging, depending on your style).
The Good: Room service [24-hour] is a Godsend. I'm not gonna lie, I ordered a pizza at 2 am and it was PERFECT. The Restaurants on-site are decent. I did a deep dive into the Asian cuisine, as always. Their Asian breakfast was…well, passable. (I'm a harsh critic of hotel breakfasts, I'm sorry). There's also a coffee shop, which is crucial for a caffeine addict like myself! And they had Breakfast [buffet].
The… Less Good: Without a kitchen, you're heavily reliant on the hotel's offerings and outside food delivery. The Snack bar is useful, but sometimes you want to whip up your own midnight snack. I spent a lot of time exploring the city for local food and dining.
Rooms: Cozy Living, Indeed
Available in all rooms: Are we missing some categories? Let's see!
- Air conditioning: Check, crucial in Makassar!
- Alarm clock: Yeah, but I use my phone.
- Bathrobes: Always a win.
- Bathroom phone: Really? Huh.
- Bathtub: Nice for a soak after a long day.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for a good night's sleep.
- Closet: Plenty of space.
- Coffee/tea maker: Thank goodness! Although I'm the kind of person who just uses instant coffee to make it quicker.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Desk: Handy for catching up on emails (ugh).
- Extra long bed: Awesome!
- Free bottled water: Gotta stay hydrated!
- Hair dryer: Necessary.
- High floor: Depending on room. The views from some rooms? Wowza.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Internet access – wireless: Essential.
- Ironing facilities: Because wrinkles are the enemy.
- Laptop workspace: If you need to "work from home," whatever that means.
- Linens: Clean and comfortable.
- Mini bar: Always a temptation.
- Mirror: Obviously!
- Non-smoking: Yes!
- On-demand movies: Great for chilling.
- Private bathroom: Always preferable.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night reading.
- Refrigerator: Handy for storing your drinks.
- Satellite/cable channels: For your guilty pleasure.
- Scale: Yes.
- Seating area: Nice for relaxing.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Fancy!
- Shower: Works well!
- Slippers: Yay!
- Smoke detector: Safe!
- Socket near the bed: Crucial for charging phones.
- Sofa: A nice touch.
- Soundproofing: Surprisingly effective.
- Telephone: For emergencies I guess.
- Toiletries: Adequate.
- Towels: Fluffy.
- Umbrella: Makassar rain can get serious!
- Wake-up service: Useful if you don't trust yourself.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Essential for bloggers!
- Window that opens: Ah, fresh air.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Pivot
They're REALLY taking COVID seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Individually-wrapped food options, and Daily disinfection in common areas were all happening. Everyone wore masks and there was a good amount of Hand sanitizer around. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol. Felt pretty safe overall.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
- Cash withdrawal: Super convenient.
- Concierge: Helpful for booking tours.
- Contactless check-in/out: Thank you, modern technology!
- Elevator: Thank goodness! (See: my earlier comment).
- Facilities for disabled guests: Promising, but confirm beforehand.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless.
- Ironing service and Laundry service: Got it!
- Luggage storage: Useful for exploring before or after check-in.
- Safety deposit boxes: Secure your stuff.
- Smoking area: If you're into that!
For the Kids: Babysitting service is a plus, good if you have some kids.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge]: Score! Saves you from the parking struggles. Airport transfer is available. They also have Taxi service.
My Overall Verdict:
Makassar's Chicest Studio (No Kitchen!) - Bandaraya By Travelio is a great option if you're prepared for the no-kitchen situation. It's stylish, clean, and has some great amenities. I'd recommend it for solo travelers, couples, or people who plan on eating out (or ordering in). The spa alone is worth the visit!
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The Honest Offer: Embrace the Chic (and Order Takeout!)
Okay, so you're still here? Good! Here's the deal:
Book your stay at Makassar's Chicest Studio (No Kitchen!) - Bandaraya By Travelio now and receive a complimentary spa treatment of your choice! (Choose a massage! Trust me!)
Bonus:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout your stay (because duh!).
- A late checkout (subject to availability) because you deserve to sleep in!
Here's Why You Should Snap This Up:
- Ultimate Relaxation: Let go of the stress of cooking and fully immerse yourself in relaxation.
- Modern Style: Experience the best of Makassar architecture.
- Prime Location: Explore Makassar easily.
- Unforgettable Experience: Enjoy your trip!
Don't miss out! Book your stay today and treat yourself to a truly memorable experience. Click here to book now and let your Makassar adventure begin!
(I'm not gonna lie, I have a feeling you'll be ordering a lot of takeout. But hey, that's part of the fun, right?)
Luxury Awaits: Uncover Dongguan's Hidden Gem, Richwood Garden Hotel!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Makassar adventure… from the cozy, no-kitchen confines of Cozy Living NoKitchen Studio Bandaraya By Travelio. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-photographed Instagram itinerary, no. This is the real deal. Prepare for a messy, glorious, and probably hungry journey.
Makassar Meanderings: A Messy Itinerary (aka, Pray for Us Edition)
Day 1: Arrival & Absolute Chaos
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG). Okay, so technically we were supposed to land at 7:00 AM, but you know how it goes. Lost luggage? Check. Frantic search for a working SIM card? Double check. The airport felt like a chaotic, beautiful symphony of bartering and beeping taxis. Finally snagged a Bluebird (fingers crossed for the meter being honest!). The drive to the studio? Let's just say Makassar traffic is a character in its own right. We were thoroughly entertained by the motorbikes carrying entire families… and sometimes, a goat.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check-in at Cozy Living. The studio is charming… in a "well, it's definitely a studio" kind of way. Small, but clean (thank the travel gods!). No kitchen. Sigh. Guess we're eating out every single meal. First impressions? The AC is a lifesaver. The internet? Well, let's just say I'm writing this on a prayer and a hope.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Exploring the immediate area. A mission to find something to eat that ISN'T instant noodles (no kitchen, remember?). Found a tiny warung (local food stall) down the street. Ordered Coto Makassar (Makassar beef stew), and wow. The flavor explosion was intense! A little too much chili for my delicate Western palate, but… I kept eating anyway. The people-watching was the real treat. Everyone was so friendly, smiling and chatting. Even the stray dogs seemed to have a certain relaxed charm.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sunset at Losari Beach. The real reason for the trip (so, Instagram, apparently) . The moment the sun dipped below the horizon, creating a palette of oranges and pinks that was breathtaking. The bustling of street vendors selling everything from grilled seafood to brightly colored toys. The air was thick with the smells of the ocean, grilled fish, and something that might have been durian (maybe I should have been more adventurous) and I couldn’t help but feel the magic, I wouldn't have it any other way.
- Evening (9:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner at Coto Nusantara. Back into the deep water with the Coto. Trying to order was a hilarious exercise in broken Bahasa Indonesia and frantic pointing. The result? A mountain of delicious, rich, and spicy goodness. I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a stomach of steel by the end of this trip.
- Evening (10:00 PM onward): Collapse in the studio. Jet lag + delicious food comas = immediate snoring.
Day 2: Fort Rotterdam & Culinary Adventures!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Fort Rotterdam exploration. A must-do! This historical fort is impressive, and for me it was like stepping back in time. The architecture is amazing. The history is fascinating, even if I was struggling a bit to keep up with all the names and dates. The heat was definitely starting to get to me. The shady courtyards were a godsend.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at The Place I'll Never Forget. I’m dedicating a whole section to this… because, oh my gravy, the food. I stumbled upon the most incredible local warung serving Konro Bakar (grilled ribs). It wasn’t just the food though. The elderly owner was a legend. He poured us strong black coffee and then proceeded to tell me the entire history of his family while his wife was busy preparing our meal. The ribs themselves? Fall-off-the-bone tender, swimming in a rich, savory sauce that I am still dreaming about. I ate until I thought I might explode. I honestly considered getting a second serve. Best meal of the trip, hands down. My taste buds were ecstatic !
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): A bit of culture with a visit to a traditional Bugis house. Witnessing the craftsmanship was a truly humbling experience. The architecture , and the attention to detail was extraordinary, but I was a bit distracted. Mostly the heat and the sudden urge to lie down.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Trying to find a local market. But got lost. Very, very lost. Ended up wandering the streets of a local neighborhood. People were so friendly. A lady offered me a bowl of fruits… I haven't a clue what they are, but I ate them anyway. They were kind of crunchy and sweet. I smiled and nodded, feeling ridiculously grateful for the kindness of strangers.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a seafood restaurant near Losari Beach. Pretty standard. The seafood was fresh, but the ambiance was a bit touristy. Discovered I have an allergy to… something. The waitress didn’t speak English, and my attempts at miming were met with concerned smiles. Ended up eating mostly rice and a lot of antihistamines.
Day 3: A Day of "We'll Figure It Out as We Go"
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): This morning, the rain decided to make an appearance. The studio, with its lack of a proper kitchen, made a simple breakfast of store-bought pastries and instant coffee (the coffee situation is dire!).
- Morning (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Finally braved the local public transport (the “pete-pete” – colorful mini buses). The drivers seemed to treat the roads like a racing track. We just clung to the seat, hoping for the best.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch was… well, let's just say we found a random roadside stall serving something that looked vaguely like deep-fried tofu. It tasted slightly of oil, but hey, we were hungry.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Trying to recover from the afternoon and the food.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Okay, I'm officially missing a proper kitchen. Went in search of Italian Food, and was delighted. It was delicious and a welcome escape.
- Evening (9:00 PM onwards): More packing, and a final attempt to secure a slightly working internet signal to upload photos.
Day 4: Departure & the Smell of Coto
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Final breakfast: more pastries. A sad farewell to the studio. The lack of a kitchen, while initially daunting, kind of forced us to embrace the adventure. Got a taxi to the airport..
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Airport. The airport, again. The smell of Coto Makassar still lingers in the air. (I wonder if the smell of Coto will come with me, forever).
- … And Beyond: Back home, and already missing the chaos, the kindness, and the food. Makassar, you were a messy, wonderful ride. And that Konro Bakar? I'll be dreaming of it.
Alright, spill the tea! Is "Cozy Living (No Kitchen!)" *really* that cozy?
Okay, let's start with the elephant in the… well, non-existent kitchen. "Cozy" is a subjective beast, right? For me? YES! It's *mostly* cozy. The bed? Gloriously comfortable. Like, seriously, I could have easily spent an entire day binge-watching dramas and nibbling on instant noodles (which, you know, *is* a big part of the "no kitchen" charm – more on that later). The air conditioning? Blissfully frigid, especially after sweltering around Makassar. The décor? Clean, modern, not offensively ugly. However… and there's always a "however," isn't there? … it *is* tight. Like, "bumping into the wall while trying to put on your socks" tight. Think minimalist chic, with a dash of "could I *actually* live here long-term?" I'd give it a solid 7/10 on the Cozy Scale. The rest? Well, that depends on how you feel about instant ramen.
No Kitchen?! Seriously? What's the deal with *that*?
Dude. No kitchen. It's the defining feature! You get a mini-fridge, a water dispenser, and... that's it. No stove, no microwave, nada. It's a gamble, honestly. On one hand, it forces you to explore Makassar's AMAZING food scene (more on that below because OMG the food!). On the other hand, late-night cravings can be a real problem. I once found myself staring longingly at a pre-packaged nasi goreng, wishing I could warm it up, and cursing my lack of foresight. It's a commitment to eating out, or, at the very least, mastering the art of the instant noodle.
Okay, food. Let's talk food. How did you survive without a kitchen in Makassar?
Oh. My. Goodness. The food! Makassar's food is a *treasure trove* of deliciousness. Luckily, Cozy Living is near a ton of amazing restaurants. I basically became a food tour guide. First, the *Coto Makassar*. The heart of Makassar on a plate. Don't even think about leaving without trying it. It's a rich, flavorful beef stew, and I went back for it *daily*. Then, there's the *Pallubasa*. (I may or may not still dream about it.) Similar to Coto, but with a different broth profile, and even MORE delicious. Trust me, I was basically rolling out of Cozy Living, but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. Breakfast? Street food heaven. Lunch? Every flavor of Indonesian cuisine you can imagine. Dinner? Well, that dependent on how my stomach was feeling, but there are no bad choices! Seriously, the lack of a kitchen became a culinary adventure. And the best part? So much of it is ridiculously affordable. My bank account loved the lack of a kitchen. My waistline? Not so much.
What about the location? Is it easy to get around?
Bandaraya is pretty central, which is a major win. Grab (Indonesian Uber/Lyft) is your best friend. Honestly, using Grab was SO easy and affordable. I basically zipped around Makassar without a care in the world. It's not exactly walkable to *everything*, but key areas are easily accessible. Plus, the Grab drivers were super friendly, always ready with a smile and a recommendation for a hidden gem restaurant. Another advantage, especially near the studio: Plenty of "warungs" (small local eateries) within walking distance. Bonus points for convenience!
Tell me about the *actual* studio. What's it like?
Okay, picture this: a relatively small space, efficiently designed. Think a comfy bed (seriously, I've already mentioned this but it's that good), a small desk, a TV, and a bathroom. The bathroom was clean, functional, and the shower pressure was surprisingly good. (A small thing, but crucial after a day of exploring!) The air conditioning, as mentioned earlier, was a lifesaver. There's a mini-fridge, which is essential for keeping your Bintang beer (or whatever your drink of choice is) ice-cold. The overall vibe is modern and uncluttered. It's not flashy, it's not overly luxurious, but it's comfortable and clean -- which is exactly what you want, isn't it, when you're just looking for a place to crash and explore. It's a space to *live* the food scene like a true traveler, I'd say.
Any downsides? Any *real* complaints?
Alright, let's be real. Nobody's perfect, and neither is Cozy Living. The lack of a kitchen *can* be limiting, especially if you're a foodie like me (and, honestly, if you're not, what are you doing in Makassar??). I missed having the option to whip up a simple breakfast or make a cup of coffee at my leisure. The walls aren’t soundproof. I could sometimes hear traffic or the neighbors, again, nothing too disruptive, but it’s a factor to consider, especially if you're a light sleeper. My main concern? Lugging my suitcase up the five flights of stairs. No elevator. I learned my lesson on the way up.
Would you recommend it? Who is it *really* for?
YES! With a few caveats. If you're a solo traveler or a couple who plan on spending most of your time exploring Makassar's amazing food scene and attractions, then Cozy Living (Bandaraya By Travelio) is a great choice. You're not here to cook a gourmet meal, you're here to *live* Makassar. If you’re the sort who hates eating out, or needs to be able to cook more than instant noodles, then maybe not. If you're looking for a luxurious, spacious retreat, this isn't it. But if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, and well-located base to explore one of Indonesia's coolest cities and you love food, then absolutely, 100% yes. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Just… maybe with a smaller suitcase next time. Still craving that Pallubasa, by the way…
Are there any local experiences that are close by?
Oh yes! Makassar is bursting with experiences. The *Losari Beach* is a must-see, especially at sunset. Check out the *Fort Rotterdam* - the history there is amazing. Don't miss the *Paotere Harbour*, a lively and bustling maritime hub. The local markets are also a blast! Get yourself lost in the chaos and get some local snacks.
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