**Surabaya's Hidden Gem: Cozy Taman Melati Studio You NEED to Book!**
Surabaya's Hidden Gem: Cozy Taman Melati Studio - Honestly, You NEED to Book This Place! (And Here's Why, Rambling a Bit)
Okay, friends, listen up! I just got back from Surabaya, and I’m still buzzing from this place: Cozy Taman Melati Studio. Forget the usual sterile hotel experience. This isn't just a stay; it's an experience, and let me tell you, it's got a charm that’ll worm its way into your heart (and maybe your Instagram feed).
First Impressions (and a Few Yawns - Travel is Exhausting!)
Right, so I rolled up, knackered from the flight, and… whoa. The entrance isn't exactly Times Square, but that's its charm. It’s tucked away, feeling more like a secret garden than a hotel lobby. Check-in? Smooth as butter. Contactless check-in/out – a huge plus in this day and age! They have a concierge, but honestly, I didn't use it much. I kinda dig the chill vibe. Plus, the air conditioning in the public area was a lifesaver. Surabaya is HOT. Like, seriously.
Safety First (Because, Duh!)
This is a big one for me. I'm not trying to catch anything other than good vibes on vacation. CCTV in common areas and outside the property, a 24-hour front desk and security, and fire extinguishers everywhere definitely made me breathe easier. The rooms are equipped with smoke alarms, and there's even a doctor/nurse on call. Kudos to them for taking safety seriously. They're also big on hygiene certification, with daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays. They offer professional-grade sanitizing services, and they use anti-viral cleaning products. Honestly, it felt… clean. Like, properly clean.
Room Sweet Room (My Sanctuary!)
Alright, let's talk about the studio itself. My jaws dropped when I opened it up. Forget poky hotel rooms! This place has space! The air conditioning and blackout curtains are an absolute godsend after a long day of exploring the city heat, and the soundproofing is a lifesaver for light sleepers!
- Comfort Counts! The extra-long bed was a dream. Actual heaven. And shoutout to the fluffy bathrobes and slippers. The closet space was ample (a crucial point for this over-packer!), and there was a cool desk, which I actually used a bit to answer work emails.
- The Little Things: Having a coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, and complimentary tea in the room? Pure bliss. I always felt like I could wake up to those little things, which are all important to me. They have a mini bar and refrigerator which came in handy for some late-night snacks.
- Tech & Comfort in one! The Wi-Fi [free] was lightning fast (essential for sharing those Insta-worthy moments) and a big Internet access – wireless. The satellite/cable channels were there for the times I just wanted to chill out.
Food, Glorious Food (My Waistline's Enemy, But My Soul's Best Friend)
Okay, let’s talk about the food. Surabaya is a food paradise, and Cozy Taman Melati Studio gets it right.
- Breakfast Bliss: I'm a sucker for a good breakfast, and their Asian breakfast was outstanding. Seriously, I'm still dreaming of the nasi goreng. They also offer a Western breakfast, if that's more your jam. You can even grab breakfast takeaway service and devour it in your room, which I did a couple of times.
- On-Site Options: They have restaurants! I liked their Asian cuisine in restaurant. There's a coffee shop, too, perfect for that afternoon caffeine fix.
- The Little Extras: They also made breakfast in room and had options like desserts in restaurant, which I had to try. They certainly had options for those with dietary preferences like the vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Finding Your Zen)
Okay, listen: Surabaya is busy. But this studio gives you a space to recharge.
- Swimming Pool: They have a swimming pool [outdoor]. I would absolutely love to just float around in a pool with a view, which they had.
- For the weary: They do have a spa/sauna and massage. I didn't give it a try, but I'll certainly make that a priority next time (trust me, I will be back). I'm not sure if they had a foot bath but it would be a bonus!
Getting Around (Navigating the City)
- Convenience is Key: They offer airport transfer which I found very helpful. There's car park [on-site], so you don't have to worry about parking. Plus, taxi service is readily available.
Accessibility (Because Everyone Deserves a Great Stay)
Now, I didn't personally need these facilities, but it's great to see that they are available. They have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator for easy access. I'm pleased!
For the Kids (Family Fun!)
They are family/child friendly, which is a big plus. Though I didn't experience this, I felt the place was perfect for families!
The Negatives (Because I'm Honest!)
Alright, no place is perfect, right?
- While the location is great for exploring the city, it’s not directly on a main road. But that’s a small price to pay for the peace and quiet.
My Verdict: DO IT! (Seriously)
Look, I’m not one for hyperbole, but Cozy Taman Melati Studio is a winner. It's clean, well-located, comfortable, and has a charm that’s hard to resist. The staff are lovely, the food is good (and plentiful!), and the atmosphere is just… right. It feels like you're staying in a stylish friend’s apartment, not a cookie-cutter hotel. It's a hidden gem, and trust me, you NEED to book it.
Here's Why YOU Need to Book Right Now! (The Persuasive Bit)
Are you ready to ditch the boring hotel grind and discover a slice of Surabaya paradise? Do you crave a place that's clean, safe, and bursting with personality? Do you appreciate a comfy bed, delicious food, and a tranquil oasis to relax in after a day of exploring?
Cozy Taman Melati Studio is calling your name!
SPECIAL OFFER!
Book your stay at Cozy Taman Melati Studio through [YOUR REFERRAL LINK - if you have one, otherwise delete this line] and receive a complimentary welcome drink at the poolside bar and a late checkout (subject to availability!). PLUS, get a 10% discount on spa treatments!
Don't delay! Rooms at this hidden gem book up fast. Click that link, grab your dates, and prepare to fall in love with Surabaya! You won't regret it! Trust me. I’m already planning my return.
Unbelievable Hakone Luxury: Rakuten STAY VILLA Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy reality of my Surabaya adventure, with a central basecamp at the Cozy Stay Studio Taman Melati Surabaya By Travelio. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real, sleep-deprived, food-coma-inducing truth.
Surabaya Scramble: A Chaotic Chronicle of Comfort and Culinary Chaos
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, I've Forgotten Everything" Syndrome
- Morning (6:00 AM): Wake up, fuelled by the adrenaline of almost missing my flight. (Note to self: Stop hitting snooze. This habit is going to be the death of me.) Frantically pack the last-minute things. Check the bag. Check the wallet. Check the passport (thank God). Stumble to the airport, muttering curses under my breath.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Arrive at Juanda International Airport (SUB). The heat hits you like a humid, delicious wall. Immediately start sweating. Grab a Grab (ride-hailing service) to Taman Melati. The driver, bless his heart, barely speaks English, but we manage a symphony of hand gestures and giggles. He also seems to have a penchant for Indonesian pop music. Which, by the end of the ride, I strangely liked.
- Late Afternoon (3:30 PM): Check into the Cozy Stay Studio. Okay, it’s… cozy. Really cozy. Like, you-could-trip-over-your-own-feet-and-land-in-the-kitchen cozy. But hey, it's clean, the aircon is blasting (bliss!), and the Travelio staff were super helpful. First impressions: Good vibes! There is also a vending machine. I might need an emergency snack later.
- Evening (6:00 PM): The eternal question: Where to eat? Scouring Google Maps, which promptly fails me. Decide to be adventurous and wander outside. End up at a warung (small, local eatery) down the street. The menu is a blur of Indonesian words, so I point at a picture of a dish that looks vaguely appealing. It turns out to be Nasi Goreng – fried rice. It’s… incredible. Seriously, the best fried rice I've EVER tasted, and it cost me the equivalent of like, a dollar. I’m officially in love with Indonesian food.
- Night (8:00 PM): Face the fact that language barriers are real. Trying to order another drink, I end up with a drink that looks like it was made from dragon fruit and motor oil. It was… interesting? Decide to call it an early night. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
Day 2: History, Humidity, and a Near-Disaster with a Motorbike
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up, feeling surprisingly human. Eat some instant noodles that I bought from the vending machine (told you I would!), and start planning.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Decide to visit the House of Sampoerna, a beautiful colonial-era building that once housed a clove cigarette factory. The architecture is stunning. I was fascinated by the history, especially the part about the women rolling cigarettes. They were so fast!
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a cute little cafe near the House of Sampoerna. Again, the food is AMAZING. Feeling like a food critic who's not an expert.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): "Rent" a motorbike. I say "rent," but I'm pretty sure I just looked at the owner with puppy-dog eyes, and he felt sorry for me. Big mistake. Surabaya traffic is, shall we say, intense. I'm pretty sure I almost caused several traffic accidents. At one point, I nearly ran over a rooster. I am not meant to be in the traffic on a motorbike.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Survived the motorbike escapade. Return the motorbike (with a sigh of relief from the owner, I suspect). Vow to stick to Grab for the rest of the trip.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Stumbling my way back to the Cozy Stay Studio. Had a slight meltdown looking at how I tried to find my way to some place, but now I was back in the apartment.
- Night (8:00 PM): Ordered takeout from a restaurant around the block. Fell asleep with the TV on, dreaming of delicious, slightly spicy fried rice. (Seriously, I could eat that stuff every day.)
Day 3: Market Mayhem and a Quest for the Perfect Coffee
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up feeling… vaguely hungover from the dragon fruit and motor oil. Who knew?
- Late Morning (9:00 AM): Brave the Pasar Bunga (flower market). The colors! The smells! The sheer chaos! It was incredible. Seriously, the most vibrant, alive thing I’ve ever seen. Almost buy a giant bunch of sunflowers, but realize I have nowhere to put them. Settle for some Instagram shots instead.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): The hunt for the perfect Indonesian coffee begins. Trying to find a good place to drink coffee. The first place, the coffee was okay, not great.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): I stumble upon a coffee shop that is amazing. The coffee is incredible and the owner is charming. I order another one. And another. It's safe to say I found my place.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Time to visit Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam). The inside is cramped and smelly, but it’s bizarrely fascinating.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Try to order food in Bahasa, but fail miserably. The waiter laughs, I laugh, and eventually, I point at something that looks edible. It comes out, and it’s some kind of spicy noodle soup. It was surprisingly good. A major win.
- Night (9:00 PM): Pack my bags. Get ready to get an early start and head back home. The trip was amazing.
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Feeling of Goodbye
- Morning (5:00 AM): Wake up, a little sad to leave. The Cozy Stay Studio, despite its coziness, has become my little Surabaya haven.
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Check out and grab a Grab to the airport. Traffic is light, thankfully.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): The plane is boarding. I'm tired, sunburnt, and already dreaming of the next Indonesian adventure and the next time I get to eat Nasi Goreng.
- Night (10:00 PM): I'm home.
Final Thoughts:
Surabaya, you chaotic, beautiful whirlwind. You stole my heart with fried rice, vibrant markets, and friendly faces. This trip was far from perfect, but it was real. It was messy. It was delicious. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Escape to Paradise: Woodlodge Country Sapanca Awaits!
Surabaya's Cozy Taman Melati Studio: Ask Me Anything (Seriously, Ask!)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this "Taman Melati Studio" *really* a hidden gem or just another hyped-up AirBnB?
**Anecdote alert:** I booked it initially because the photos were ridiculously cute. I'm a sucker for a good aesthetic, and I needed a break from the relentless Surabaya traffic. I was having a truly *terrible* day. My flight was delayed, my taxi driver took me on a scenic tour of the city (which involved getting lost in a market), and I was generally teetering on the edge of a complete meltdown. Then I arrived, and… poof! The stress just melted away. The little details, the sunlight streaming through the window, the smell of… something vaguely floral (melati, maybe?)… it was instant therapy. Okay, maybe not *therapy*, but definitely a major mood boost.
What's the *actual* address? Because I'm terrible with directions and Google Maps… let's call it “inconsistent.”
**The Messy Truth:** I *did* get lost the first time. Let's be honest. I always get lost. It's kind of a talent, actually. But the host picked me up from a nearby landmark, and it was all fine. Just… communicate! And maybe download offline maps. Trust me.
What's the place *actually* like? Is it cramped? Does it have that weird "lived-in" smell?
**My Emotional Rating:** I'd rate the entire vibe a solid 9/10. It’s a super chill place. You’ll feel relaxed the second you walk through the door. That's my guarantee.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because Instagram waits for no one. Also, I need to *work*.
**The Unvarnished Truth (with a side of confession):** The strong Wi-Fi also led me down some… rabbit holes online. Let's just say I spent a *little* too much time watching cat videos. But hey! No judgment here! You gotta take your breaks somewhere, right? Especially when you are in that cozy place.
Is it good for a solo traveler? A couple? A small family? Because family holidays are generally a chaotic nightmare.
**My Chaotic Family Anecdote:** My family is a disaster. Visiting any accommodation with them is like attempting to herd cats while juggling flaming torches. So, I would say no to visiting with your family. If you are a family and like chaos, book somewhere else.
What are the best things to do nearby? Besides, you know, collapsing on the bed and binge-watching TV.
**The Food Scene:** Oh, the food! Surabaya is a food paradise. As I mention before, the host knows all the best warungs and street food stalls. You'll find everything from traditional Indonesian dishes to fantastic coffee shops.
**The Location:** It would be a shame to visit Surabaya and not explore the city. The studio is a great base to visit all the famous landmarks.
What are the downsides? Because nothing is perfect. Spill!
**The Minor Annoyance:** The traffic in Surabaya can be… intense. It's not the studio's fault, obviously, but it's something to be aware of. Plan your travel times accordingly! I mean, bring a book, maybe!
**My Inner Critic:** I wish I had stayed longer! I still have regrets.
Would you *actually* recommend it? Be honest!
**The Ultimate Recommendation:** I'm already planning my return trip. I need another dose of that peace and quiet. And that bakso. Don't tell anyone it's a hidden gem. Let's keep it our little secret.
