Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Hotel New Saphir - Unforgettable Stay!
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Hotel New Saphir - My Unforgettable, Slightly Messy, But Totally Worth It Stay!
Alright, listen up, fellow travelers! Let's ditch the perfectly curated Instagram feeds for a second and talk REAL. I’m back from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and I’m still buzzing from my stay at the Hotel New Saphir. This place isn't just good, it's a freaking experience. And yeah, it has a few little quirks (more on that later), but the good SO completely outweighs the "huh?" moments.
Accessibility & Getting There:
Okay, I'll be honest, I didn't personally test out every accessibility feature, but I noticed a strong focus on it – a huge plus! They boast Facilities for disabled guests, and it's clear they are trying to make it easier. The Elevator is a lifesaver, especially after a long day exploring Borobudur. Airport transfers? Yep, they got you covered with Airport transfer, making the journey smooth. Car park [free of charge] – score! No hidden parking fees, thank the travel gods!
Safety First (and Cleanliness Too!):
Let's be real, in today’s world, safety is PARAMOUNT. And New Saphir seriously delivers. They’ve got the whole shebang: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Smoke detectors. And the cleanliness?! I'm talking OCD-level clean (in a good way). Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Rooms sanitized between stays, and talk about impressive: Staff trained in safety protocol. Plus, the rooms themselves? Room sanitization opt-out available, in case you're, you know, extra germ-phobic (no judgement!).
Rooms: My Oasis (Mostly!)
Alright, let’s talk about the rooms themselves. Mine had Air conditioning, which was a lifesaver in the Yogyakarta heat. Free Wi-Fi [free] – a HUGE plus, especially for someone like me who needs to be connected (curse you, social media addiction!). And the bed? Chef’s kiss. Seriously comfy. Blackout curtains? Yes! Perfect for sleeping off that nasi goreng coma. The Bathroom was clean and well-appointed. Shower pressure? Solid. BUT (yes, there's a but), the Hair dryer was a bit… weak. And the Toiletries didn't quite match my fancy-pants expectations. But honestly? These are minor gripes. The Additional toilet I got was a saving grace. I mean, I was never bored!
Internet Access (Because We Need It!):
Wi-Fi? Covered! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and Wi-Fi in public areas. Internet access – LAN is available if you're the old-school type.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular!
This is where New Saphir really shined. Forget just chilling; embrace full-on pampering. I succumbed to the allure of the Spa. Listen, going to the Sauna and the Steamroom was a glorious experience. I am not built for the heat and humidity of Indonesia , but I managed to survive it! I did! I was so happy to relax and enjoy the Massage that I would come back just for it. I should start saving up now. I wish I could have enjoyed the Pool with view more, but I was too busy exploring, but even if I could only sit and stare I'd still call it a hit. If you are feeling adventurous, I was amazed to see a Fitness center.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Foodie Heaven!
Okay, foodies, buckle up! The Restaurants at New Saphir do not disappoint. First up, the Breakfast [buffet]. Think mountains of food, both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. They had something for everyone! The restaurant also had Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant for me to enjoy. They also arranged an Alternative meal arrangement for my dietary needs. The Poolside bar served up some epic cocktails (the happy hour was a godsend after a long day of temple-hopping!). If you are feeling lazy, order some Room service [24-hour], or pop in for a quick Snack bar. Delicious!
Eating Tip: The staff are also super helpful, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Try the local Indonesian dishes, even if some are a little bit unusual, you would not regret it.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Sailing
New Saphir really nails the service aspect. They had a Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, and Laundry service. Cash withdrawal is available. Invoice provided and Luggage storage, if needed. They also had a Convenience store, which was fantastic for those late-night snack attacks. Doorman to make sure you are well taken care of. They even had Car power charging stations if you needed it.
For the Kids:
I didn’t have any kids with me, but they seem pretty kid-friendly. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal – all the essentials.
Getting Around:
Taxi service, Bicycle parking, and Valet parking are all available. The Car park [on-site] is also available.
My Biggest "Huh?" Moment (and Why It Doesn't Matter):
Okay, let's talk about the minor imperfection. There was once or twice I was not able to get enough hot water to get a proper shower from the mixer. HOWEVER, it was only once or twice and the hotel did offer immediate help and service.
The Deal:
So, you're still reading? Good! Because I'm about to give you a reason to book RIGHT NOW.
Exclusive Offer for My Fellow Adventurers!
- Book directly through the New Saphir website using promo code "UNFORGETTABLE" and get:
- 15% off your stay!
- Complimentary welcome drink and a special local snack upon arrival.
- Free late check-out (subject to availability) to squeeze in one last massage!
Why You Should Book NOW:
- Unbeatable Value: Seriously, the price for what you get is insane.
- Location, Location, Location: Close enough to the action but still a peaceful escape.
- The Staff: The staff are AMAZING! Always friendly, helpful, and ready to go the extra mile.
- The Experience: Let’s be honest, a hotel that makes you feel this good? That's a win.
Final Verdict:
Hotel New Saphir is a Yogyakarta hidden gem. It's not perfect, but it's real. It’s comfortable, clean, safe, and seriously fun. The little quirks just add to its charm. Book it. You won't regret it. And tell them the slightly messy travel blogger sent you!
Irkutsk's Hidden Gem: Sayen International Hotel Unveiled!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is the messy, wonderful, and frankly, probably slightly chaotic saga of my Yogyakarta adventure at Hotel New Saphir. Prepare for feels, questionable decisions, and a serious craving for nasi goreng.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Laundry Debacle (aka, "When My Whites Turned Pink")
- Morning (Jakarta to Jogja – or, How I Learned to Appreciate Budget Airlines): Arrive at Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) after a flight that felt suspiciously long. Okay, let's be real, it was a budget airline. But hey, I made it! The airport's a bit… lively. Think more "organized chaos" than "smooth sailing."
- Hotel Check-In (New Saphir - Feeling a Bit Fancy!): Finally! After a nail-biting taxi ride (traffic in Yogyakarta is… something else), I arrive at the New Saphir. The lobby is grand, but the air conditioning is fighting a losing battle against the Javanese humidity. Check-in goes smoothly, which is a welcome relief. My room? Pretty decent. Views of the city, which is both exciting and a little overwhelming.
- Afternoon: Laundry (and the Disaster That Was About to Unfold): Oh, the laundry. I thought I was being efficient. I had a mountain of travel clothes and I needed to get the laundry sorted. I dropped off a bag of clothes at the hotel laundry service, feeling oh-so-organized. The next day, expecting pristine whites, I was greeted with a vibrant, sickly pink shirt. The laundry attendant looked mortified like she had personally painted the shirt. Let's just say there were some… heated discussions. Moral of the story? ALWAYS check if the hotel's laundry uses colour-safe detergent. FAIL. The rest of the afternoon was spent in a minor state of panic, trying to salvage what I could of my clothes and generally feeling like a travel amateur.
- Evening: Finding Nasi Goreng Paradise (and Trying to Forget About the Pink Shirt): Dinner at a local warung (small, family-run eatery) near the hotel. Blessedly delicious Nasi Goreng. The smoky flavour, the fried egg on top… Pure, unadulterated joy. It almost, almost, made me forget about my pink shirt. Almost. I also discovered the joy of "teh tarik" (pulled tea) - it's like liquid happiness in a glass. Wandered back to the hotel, slightly tipsy on tea and carbs, and managed to get a decent night's sleep.
Day 2: Borobudur Temple and the Quest for Serenity (and Avoiding the Touts)
- Sunrise at Borobudur (Worth the 4 AM Wake-Up Call, Mostly): The alarm screamed at 4 AM. I considered staying in bed. I really, really did. But Borobudur. The legendary Buddhist temple. So, I dragged myself out of bed, downed a coffee the size of my head, and joined the throngs of bleary-eyed tourists. The sunrise over Borobudur was, undeniably, magical. The sheer scale of the temple, the intricate carvings, the feeling of being lost in time… It was truly, deeply moving. The touts at the entrance, however, were less magical. ("Mister, buy, buy! Scarf! Hat!") A firm "Tidak, terima kasih" (No, thank you) is your best friend here.
- Exploring Borobudur (and Wondering About My Life Choices): Wandering around the temple, I almost missed the most important part. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty! The heat was already making my brain feel like scrambled eggs. I found a shady spot and just sat, letting the silence and the history wash over me. I may or may not have had a small existential crisis.
- Lunch and Souvenir Shopping (and the Great Batik Bargain): Found a cute little restaurant near Borobudur. Delicious Indonesian food and a cold drink. Bliss. Then, the souvenir shopping. Getting a good price on batik is an art form. Don't be afraid to haggle! Ended up with a beautiful scarf and a smile on my face.
- Afternoon (Back to Jogja and the "Art" of Public Transport): Back to the hotel. Back in a sweaty, crowded bus. The journey was an experience, with everything from chickens to toddlers on the same bus. I emerged feeling like I'd run a marathon.
- Evening: A Relaxed Dinner and "Finding" Myself (and Another Nasi Goreng): I was exhausted. I needed simple. Another nearby warung. Yep, you guessed it, nasi goreng. This one came with a side of crispy chicken. The food tasted like heaven, and finally, I could feel a little bit more at peace.
Day 3: Kraton Yogyakarta, Street Art, and the Search for the Perfect Coffee (aka, "I Almost Got Lost… Again")
- Morning: Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) and the Weight of History: Visited the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton) in the morning. Palaces are impressive! I strolled through the various buildings, and the royal instruments played. The atmosphere was incredibly serene. The gold and grandeur brought home the power of the history of this palace.
- Afternoon: Street Art Adventure (and Almost Missing My Bus): Jogja is a street art mecca! I had a map and a burning desire for colorful murals. The problem? I have zero sense of direction and I also have a tendency to zone out when looking at art. Almost missed my bus! It was the perfect slice of street art heaven.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner and the Bitter Sweet Feeling: As I packed my bags, a wave of sadness washed over me. I got to know the street vendors, the food vendors, and the lovely people working at the hotel. I got to experience their culture.
- Hotel New Saphir: The Verdict: Okay, let's be real, this hotel wasn't perfect. But! It was a solid base. The staff are genuinely friendly (even after the laundry incident). Plus, the location is pretty darn good. I'd give it a solid B+.
Departure Day: The Pink Shirt Still Haunts Me (But I'm Okay With It)
- Breakfast and the Last, Lingering Look: One last nasi goreng for breakfast? Of course. A final, slightly sad but happy, look at the city from my hotel window.
- Heading to the Airport (and the Promise of Home): The taxi ride back to the airport. I can still taste the nasi goreng, hear the gamelan music, see the colourful street art.
So, yeah. Yogyakarta. It was messy, it was wonderful, and it was everything I needed. Would I go back? Absolutely. Will I triple-check the hotel laundry next time? You bet your sweet pink shirt I will.
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Hotel New Saphir: Your Yogyakarta Adventure Starts Here (Maybe?) - FAQ, Because We've All Been There!
Okay, so, Hotel New Saphir... Is it *actually* a hidden gem or just another Indonesian hotel that calls itself that? Be honest!
The rooms… what are they *really* like? The photos ALWAYS lie!
Breakfast - a make-or-break deal. Spill the beans! Is it any good?
Location, location, location! Is it actually *convenient* for exploring Yogyakarta?
The pool! Is it… swimmable? Or just a glorified pond?
Is there Wi-Fi, and does it actually *work*? (God, the internet…)
Service – good or… Indonesian-style? (You know…)
Would you *actually* recommend Hotel New Saphir? And would *you* stay there again?
