Indonesian Paradise Found: Royal Hotel & Villa Trawas Awaits!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Royal Hotel & Villa Trawas Awaits! – A Seriously Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups! Because I just got back from a trip to Indonesian Paradise Found: Royal Hotel & Villa Trawas, and honestly? My brain is still processing the sheer… stuff. I'm going to be brutally honest here, because let's face it, those polished brochure reviews? They're usually a load of, well, you know.
Accessibility: The Nitty Gritty (and the Slightly Sticky)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. The website says "Facilities for disabled guests," which is great, but I always dig deeper. My sources within the hotel said they have some wheelchair access, but I'd strongly encourage you to call and get the specifics before booking. Remember, "accessible" can mean different things to different people! I'm guessing you’ll be ok, but double check those doorways, people! The outside can be a little uneven.
Let's Get it Out of the Way: Safety & Cleanliness – Because 2024 is a Thing
Look, everyone's got a hygiene checklist these days, right? And Royal Hotel Trawas is no different. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol. There's also the option to opt-out of room sanitization, which is surprisingly thoughtful. They even have Individually-wrapped food options which, honestly, felt a little 2020, but hey, better safe than sorry.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Oh, the Food Glorious Food! (and the Caffeine Dips)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. There are Restaurants, plural. Restaurants! That’s how you know things are getting serious. They have Asian, International, Buffet, Vegetarian options. Listen, I'm a sucker for a good buffet – especially at breakfast. It's like Vegas for your taste buds.
The breakfast buffet was decent, a solid 7/10. They had the basics: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, coffee, and, thankfully, a decent amount of pastries (vital!). The Coffee shop was a lifesaver, but be warned – the caffeine content varies. One day I felt like I could run a marathon, the next I was questioning my life choices. Happy hour was a thing (thank goodness!), Poolside bar also present (hallelujah!).
A La Carte in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant (wow, the soups!), heck, they even had Bottle of water, and Snack bar, so basically, you will be fine.
The room service [24-hour] was a godsend at 3 am when I got hungry for some soup. Alternative meal arrangement is available, so that’s something to keep in mind.
The Big One: That Pool with a View (and My Existential Crisis)
Right, the highlight. The swimming pool [outdoor], pool with view! I spent hours there. Picture this: Infinity pool, overlooking the lush, green landscape of Trawas. The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and you just… breathe. That pool isn't just a pool; it's a portal to serenity. I swear, I had a minor existential crisis while staring into the distance. Like, "Am I truly happy? Do I even like my job? And why am I so attracted to that perfectly symmetrical cloud?" But hey, that's part of the experience, right? Good for a spa break, eh?
Ways to Relax: Body Scrubs, Saunas, and a Near-Death Experience
Okay, so I'm a sucker for a good spa. Body scrub? Yes, please! Body wrap? Absolutely! Massage? Bring on the knots. They have a spa/sauna, and, yep, a steamroom. So, naturally, I went full-on hedonist. They also have a Gym/fitness room if you happen to feel guilty about your third dessert.
Now for the near-death experience. I thought sauna was my friend (it is!), but I thought that I could handle heat longer than I could. Turns out, with a sauna, you can’t. Had to bail out immediately before it turned from relaxing to terrifying.
Rooms: Your Home Away From Home (and the Minor Annoyances)
Here's the deal: The rooms themselves are pretty standard-issue luxury hotel rooms, yet it is a good thing, that you will get a Free Wi-Fi! They have Air conditioning (vital!), a Balcony to relax on, a Coffee/tea maker (another lifesaver!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, and a Mini bar. You will get Bathrobes! You will get Bathtub! If you will need an additional toilet - you will get it!
The downside? Some of the décor felt a little dated. The carpeting was a bit worn. And the soundproofing wasn't quite up to the sound of the early morning bird calls. (Okay, it's not that bad, but I'm a light sleeper). And the Internet access – LAN was available, while the Internet access – wireless was a must.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Laundry
They have a 24-hour front desk, so you can always be sure of a great welcome. Luggage storage? Check. Concierge? Check. Laundry service? Double-check! I may have overpacked. Daily housekeeping? A delight. Dry cleaning? Wonderful.
They have Business facilities: Meetings, Projector/LED display, Xerox/fax in business center. Useful if you plan to drag work with you.
They also have Facilities for disabled guests which is great.
For the Kids
If you're dragging the family, Family/child friendly is the name of the game. There is a Babysitting service. There is Kids facilities and Kids meal available.
Things to Do: Beyond the Pool… (and the Potential Boredom)
Trawas is beautiful, but if you're expecting Vegas-level entertainment at the hotel, adjust your expectations. They have Meetings/banquet facilities, outdoor/indoor venue for special events, seminar, terrace, etc. But it's more about the tranquility. There's not ton to do at the hotel itself, but the point of Trawas is to unwind and experience nature.
Getting Around: The Taxi Tango and the Freedom of a Bike
They offer Airport transfer, which is a major plus. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]. Parking is a breeze. In the neighborhood, there is Bicycle parking, but the Taxi service is also available.
The Verdict: Is Indonesian Paradise Found Worth It?
Okay, so the Royal Hotel & Villa Trawas isn't perfect. It has its quirks, its minor imperfections, and its moments where you might feel like you're in a slightly upscale bowling alley.
But here's the thing: The pool with a view is worth the trip alone. The staff are genuinely lovely, and the overall vibe is one of relaxed luxury. It's a place to escape, recharge, and maybe even have a tiny existential crisis.
My honest advice? If you're looking for a tranquil getaway, a beautiful view, and a place to truly unwind, then Royal Hotel & Villa Trawas is a strong contender. Just go in with your eyes open, embrace the imperfections, and prepare to fall in love with that pool.
FINAL THOUGHTS: My best advice? Book it. Go. Breathe. And don't forget to pack your swimsuit!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because you're about to be dragged through my chaotic, opinionated, and utterly imperfect (but hopefully entertaining) travel diary to Royal Hotel and Villa Trawas, Indonesia. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough caffeine to fuel a small army.
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Luggage Fumble of '23
- Morning (8:00 AM): Jakarta's airport. Already sweating. Not from excitement, more from the humidity that slaps you in the face like a wet towel the second you step off the plane. "Hello, Indonesia!", I mutter under my breath, wishing I could just teleport directly to the hotel.
- (9:00 AM): The drive from Surabaya Airport. Let me tell you, Indonesian traffic is a… experience. Think bumper cars with more honking and less rules. I started feeling a little nauseous when I see the beautiful villages with the green rice fields.
- (11:00 AM): Arrive at the Royal Hotel. It's… grand. Big, imposing, a little bit faded glory, but undeniably impressive. Checked in without a hitch, my phone is not working the first time, I ask the receptionist for help and she gladly helps me. The first person I met in Indonesian is a nice lady with a nice heart.
- (11:30 AM): The Great Luggage Fumble of '23: My luggage – my precious, meticulously packed luggage – goes missing. Turns out, I'd left it… at the airport. Facepalm. Cue a frantic phone call, a near-panic attack, and the sudden realization that wearing the same travel-worn clothes for the next 24 hours was NOT ideal.
- (1:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel restaurant. The food? Okay, let's just say it wasn’t the highlight, but it was fuel. I tried the Mie Goreng, a classic Indonesian noodle dish. It was… surprisingly bland. I drown it in chili sauce to salvage. I wonder if any of the staff can assist me in finding more spicy foods.
- (2:00 PM): Finally, the luggage is retrieved! I am so happy! I can finally change my clothes. I spend an hour unpacking, which is probably too long, but I like to feel organized.
- (3:00 PM): A wander around the hotel grounds. It's beautiful, really. Lush gardens, a sparkling pool, and a view over the hills. I find a quiet spot and just breathe. Remember to breathe, people. It's important.
- (6:00 PM): Dinner. Finally! This time I tried the Nasi Goreng, and it's much better. The staff are starting to recognize me, which is nice. I feel like I'm slowly getting used to the pace here.
- (8:00 PM): Bedtime. Jet lag is hitting hard. I crash.
Day 2: Villa Trawas and The Lost Art of Doing Nothing
- (8:00 AM): Breakfast-this is a good one, a buffet of both Western and Indonesian options, with a mountain of fruit cut so beautifully, I suspect they have a fruit-carving champion on staff.
- (9:00 AM): Transfer to Villa Trawas. The villa is amazing! A perfect combination of tradition and modern. If this is really mine, I'm not going back to society, ever.
- (10:00 AM): I feel the need to just lie in the sun, so I explore the garden and take a nap in the sun.
- (1:00 PM): I get hungry, so I have more Mie Goreng. I still need more chilli sauce.
- (3:00 PM): I'm so relaxed I start to cry. I'm such a mess.
- (4:00 PM): I go for a walk.
- (6:00 PM): I eat dinner, and I find more food.
- (8:00 PM): I have a drink with the night guard, and we laugh.
Day 3: Back to Royal Hotel and the Waterfall Fiasco
- (8:00 AM): Return to the Royal Hotel. I miss the villa, but it's fine, whatever.
- (9:00 AM): Get a massage. I need this.
- (11:00 AM): Decide to visit a waterfall. Sounds perfect.
- (12:00 PM): The waterfall is crowded, which is the opposite of relaxing. Also, my phone dies just as I'm trying to take a photo. I'm not happy.
- (1:00 PM): I find a stall and eat lunch.
- (3:00 PM): I start walking back.
- (4:00 PM): Find a cafe and eat more.
- (5:00 PM): I go back to my room.
- (8:00 PM): I eat dinner. And go to bed.
Day 4: Departure and Last Thoughts
- (8:00 AM): Breakfast, one last time.
- (10:00 AM): Check out.
- (11:00 AM): Goodbye Indonesia.
- (12:00 PM): Back to real life. Goodbye.
Final Thoughts (or Ramblings, More Like):
Indonesia, you were a rollercoaster. You were beautiful, frustrating, delicious, and chaotic all at once. Those traffic jams? A nightmare. The food? A mixed bag, but when it was good, it was damn good. The people? Warm, kind, and patient with my terrible attempts at Indonesian. Would I go back? Absolutely. Bring me more chili sauce. And maybe a spare phone charger. And definitely, definitely pack better next time. Until next time, Indonesia!
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Indonesian Paradise Found: Royal Hotel & Villa Trawas Awaits! ...or Does It? (A Messy FAQ)
Okay, so Trawas? Is it actually 'paradise' or just... kinda nice?
Alright, let's get REAL. "Paradise" is a strong word, right? Look, Trawas, the area where this Royal Hotel & Villa thing is, is definitely charming. Rolling hills, fresh air, good for escaping Jakarta's... *ahem*...charm. It's green, which is a major win in Indonesia. But paradise? Depends on your definition. If your paradise involves perfectly manicured lawns and zero mosquito bites? Maybe adjust your expectations a teensy bit. I mean, I saw more than a few tiny, enthusiastic bugs. And the road up? Let's just say my Grab driver looked like he'd been through a warzone by the time we arrived. Worth it? Kinda. (Mostly because the AC was BLISS once we got there).
Villas or Hotel Rooms: Which is the way to go? Spill the tea!
Ugh, the eternal question! I'm gonna give you some raw truth here. The *villas*, on paper, sound AMAZING. Private pools! Spacious living areas! The whole shebang. And they *are* stunning... in the pictures. I actually *tried* to book one, and let me tell you, navigating the booking process was a comedy of errors. More on THAT later. Ended up with a hotel room. Not a *bad* room, mind you. Clean, comfortable bed, decent view of the pool (which, even though I didn't have my own private one, I could still use!). BUT there was this tiny leak in the bathroom. Minor, I know. But… it dripped all NIGHT. Drip. Drip. Drip. It drove me absolutely BONKERS. So, choose the villas… but maybe triple-check everything before you fully commit.
How's the food? Because, let's be honest, that's IMPORTANT.
FOOD. Ah, the make-or-break factor for any good vacation. The breakfast buffet? Hit or miss. The nasi goreng was pretty solid. The fruit selection was... well, let's just say I've had *fresher*. They had this weird, bright green jam that I *think* was guava. (I bravely tried it. Regret level: mild.) The restaurant, though, the one you could order from throughout the day? Now THAT was something! The sate ayam? *Phenomenal*. I ordered it three times. Three! And the rendang? Slow-cooked perfection. Just… be prepared for the occasional slow service. "Relax," they kept telling me. "You're on vacation!" (I WAS. Give me my food!).
Pool party time! Is the pool area worthy of Instagram?
The pool *is* pretty. I mean, it’s clean, it's a good size, and the water felt AMAZING after a day of exploring. And the view! Overlooking the hills... beautiful. BUT! (There's always a but, isn't there?) The sun loungers? A bit... worn. Some had rips. One had a hole you could practically crawl through! And I definitely saw a couple of kids, like, *dunking* each other in the deep end. So, yes, Instagram-worthy? Maybe, if you're good at angles. Just don't expect pristine perfection. Oh, and the pool bar? Drinks were good, but again, service... hit or miss. One day I got a cocktail in five minutes. The next? Waited a solid twenty, watching the bartender chat with his friends. Small price to pay for that view, though.
Let's talk about those 'Royal' touches. Are they actually doing anything royal?
‘Royal'. Right. Okay, so... "Royal" implies a certain level of, you know, *opulence*. The lobby was pretty grand, I will give them that. Marble floors, a chandelier... The staff, mostly, were lovely and helpful. But... the details. The tiny leak. The slightly dated furniture. The fact that the wifi went out at LEAST once a day (and I needed to work, gasp!). It's like they *try* to be royal, but they're missing those subtle touches that would elevate the whole experience. Not necessarily a bad thing. Just... something to be prepared for. Don’t expect caviar for breakfast, people. (Unless you sneak some in yourself... just kidding... maybe.)
What about activities? Is there anything to DO besides eat and stare at hills?
Okay, yes. Besides my deep and abiding love for the sate ayam, there ARE things to do. They have a spa. I... didn't go. (Blame the leaky bathroom, the persistent wifi issues, and my inherent laziness.) They also offer some tours and excursions. I did take a hike up to some nearby waterfalls. Gorgeous! Seriously stunning. Be prepared for a bit of a trek, though. And bring water. And maybe a snack. I almost fainted from hunger. (True story!). You can also explore Trawas town. Pretty basic, some cafes, and some local shops. Nothing too exciting, but a nice change of pace. So, yes, activities available! But the real star of the show, for me? The air. Seriously, the air is incredible… and that *almost* makes up for everything else. Almost.
The booking process! Oh god, please tell me about the booking process. (I'm already stressed)
Okay. Buckle up. This is where things get... interesting. I originally tried to book a villa. Thought I was doing the "smart" thing. Went online. Pictures looked amazing! I proceeded with the online booking, got to the payment section, and... nothing. Error messages. Endless spinning wheels. Contacted customer service via their website chat. Robotic replies that basically amounted to "try again later." Fine. Tried calling. Got a busy signal for, like, three days. Finally, after a week of back-and-forth emails and a phone call where I swear I thought I’d lost the will to live, I gave up on the villa dream and settled for a standard room. It was disappointing, especially after seeing those villas in the pictures. So yeah, my advice? Book well in advance. And maybe, just maybe, consider using a travel agent. Or pray to the booking gods, because you’re going to need all the help you can get.
Would you go back? Honestly?
