Unbelievable Luxury in Banjarbaru: Ratu Elok Syariah Hotel - Book Now!
Banjarbaru Bliss: Ratu Elok Syariah Hotel - Does it REALLY Live Up to the Hype? (Spoiler Alert: Kinda!)
Alright, let's be real. Searching for a hotel in Banjarbaru? You're probably thinking, "Luxury? Syariah? Sounds…interesting." Well, I've just returned from the Ratu Elok Syariah Hotel, and I'm here to spill the tea (or maybe, the kopi tubruk, since we're in Kalimantan). Buckle up, because this review is going to be less "perfectly polished travel brochure" and more "honest, chaotic, slightly-obsessed human experience."
First things first, Accessibility. Now, I’m thankfully pretty mobile, but I always check for things like ramps and elevators. Ratu Elok seems to be trying! There's an elevator, and I think I saw a ramp at the entrance. (Though, let's be real, navigating Indonesian pavements is an Olympic sport in itself, accessibility or not!). This isn't the main focus, though for this hotel, and it's always worth calling ahead to confirm for specific needs. They do advertise Facilities for disabled guests, so hopefully, they're actively working on it!
Cleanliness and Safety – The Pandemic-Proofed Paradise? Okay, the world is a bit… tense right now. How does Ratu Elok handle it? Well, they try. The Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services are reassuring. There's definitely a lot of hand sanitizer everywhere. You've got your Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed pretty keen on taking precautions. My room… well, it looked pretty clean! Room sanitization opt-out – love that! Gives you a feeling of control. They even have Individually-wrapped food options. This is a big win, especially at breakfast.
Internet – Wi-Fi Wonderland? Okay, so Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's the headline. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are both listed. In practice? The Wi-Fi was… variable. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes… slower than a snail in molasses. It’s Indonesia, after all. Don't expect Netflix streaming perfection all the time. But hey, it’s there, and for basic browsing, it did the trick.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day, Anyone? Oh boy. This is where the "luxury" part really gets tested. They have the works, on paper: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Swimming pool, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, the whole shebang! I'll be honest, I really expected a super over-the-top spa experience. I envisioned myself swathed in expensive towels, sipping herbal tea, and emerging zen-like.
But… the reality was slightly (and I mean slightly) less glamorous. The pool (outdoor) was nice, with that "view" they promise. Clean, refreshing, and definitely a welcome escape from the Kalimantan heat. The sauna and steamroom? Functional, but not exactly the latest in spa technology. The massage… well, it was relaxing… and maybe a bit too relaxing, if you know what I mean. Don't be expecting a luxury spa of Bali's caliber. It's solid and appreciated. Consider it a good way to recharge.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious Food? Here's where Ratu Elok really shines! Restaurants, a Coffee shop and Poolside bar, along with Room service [24-hour] (essential!). The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a standout. They offer a pretty good Breakfast [buffet]. The Asian breakfast was a solid choice, with those little Indonesian snacks. The A la carte in restaurant option is good for lunch and dinner. I'm a sucker for a good Coffee/tea in restaurant, which they have on offer, sometimes. The Happy hour was also a treat! I even succumbed to a post-swim dessert once or twice.
Services and Conveniences – Is it Convenient? They offer the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, a Concierge, and a Gift/souvenir shop (gotta grab a little something for the folks back home). Car Park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are super useful. The Cash withdrawal facility is a lifesaver. Business facilities are also available, with Meetings and Meeting/banquet facilities. I'm not going to bore you with the details, but they're there. The Front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Seriously, that's always a good thing.
For the Kids – Family Fun? The hotel is Family/child friendly, with Babysitting service offered. They also have Kids facilities, so I imagine it's a good choice for families.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty Gritty So what are the rooms actually like? Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double-check. Free bottled water? Hallelujah! The bed was comfy enough, with a desk, safe box, and a coffee/tea maker in the room. The mini-bar was well-stocked, if a bit pricey. I appreciated the reading light because I am an avid reader. The shower felt good, and the towels were fluffy! Everything you need is there, really.
The Quirks – What Makes it Unique? This is where the "Syariah" part comes in. No alcohol is served in the hotel. No, the hotel isn’t all about the sharia laws, but it's worth being aware of if you plan to have a beer with your friends at dinner or relax in the pool with a bikini. There's a Shrine on sight, and the hotel seemed to lean towards respecting the local culture. Frankly, I appreciated it. It added a different dimension to the experience.
Overall Impression and The Book Now Pitch
Okay, so is the Ratu Elok Syariah Hotel unbelievable luxury? Well, no. It's not the Four Seasons. But is it a solid, comfortable, and convenient option in Banjarbaru? Absolutely.
It's clean, the staff is friendly, the food is good, and the pool is a lifesaver in the Kalimantan heat. And hey, the experience is different, with a unique cultural feel.
My Honest Verdict: If you are going to Banjarbaru, the Ratu Elok Syariah Hotel is a good option.
So, here's my pitch:
Tired of the Same Old Hotel Routine? Crave a little bit of the exotic? Book the Ratu Elok Syariah Hotel NOW!
Why?
- Because you deserve a tropical escape, even if it's just a staycation.
- Because the pool is calling, and the buffet is ready.
- Because you're curious, and you might just discover something new.
- Because you won't find stuffy formality, you will find a uniquely Indonesian experience!
Click that "Book Now" button and get ready for a Banjarbaru Adventure!
Escape to Paradise: Your 4-Bedroom Friday Island Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is my Banjarbaru survival guide, courtesy of the Urbanview Hotel Ratu Elok Syariah by RedDoorz. Consider yourself warned. And please, if you see me wandering around looking lost and slightly panicked, just point me towards the nearest iced coffee.
Banjarbaru Bonanza: A Messy, Hilarious, Possibly Existential Journey
(Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Quest for Wi-Fi)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: ARRIVAL. Holy cow, Indonesia! I'm actually here. After a flight that felt like it lasted longer than my last relationship, I've landed. Finding the hotel was a minor triumph – my map app, bless its digital heart, kept leading me in circles. Finally stumbled upon the Ratu Elok, a low-key oasis in the bustling chaos. The lobby is…well, let's just say it's spotless. And the lobby staff are impeccably polite. I’m already feeling a bit underdressed, which is my standard state of being.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: CHECK-IN. This is where the "Syariah" part hit me. No handshakes. Which, honestly, is a mixed blessing, because I already have sweaty hands and the thought of making small talk with a stranger is horrifying. Anyway, paperwork done! Room key in hand! Now, for the REALLY important stuff: finding that sweet, sweet Wi-Fi. My social media addiction needs sustenance, people.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: ROOM EXPLORATION + INTERNET BATTLE. The room itself? Basic but clean. A bed, a desk, a TV I probably won't understand. The shower makes a noise like a dying whale. The Wi-Fi, however, is a different beast. It's intermittent. Like, really intermittent. I'm pretty sure my cat's better at maintaining a stable connection. This is going to be a long trip. Spent an embarrassing amount of time hovering near the router trying to coax a signal out of the ether. Eventually, gave up and sulked.
- 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Local food adventure. Forced myself out. I'm hungry. Found a warung (small, local eatery) after about 20 minutes of wandering with the GPS. The staff and everyone there look at me, of course. I'm the only white dude there. Ordered something that was definitely not what I expected (satay). I'm sure it was delicious? I really don't know? But it was all good. The whole experience was fantastic. I feel like I really need to try the local food more now!
(Day 2: Culture Shock, Mosques, and a Near-Death Experience with a Kopi Tubruk)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: BREAKFAST. Included! It was… Indonesian. A buffet of things I couldn't identify. I think I had something that might have been rice porridge with a side of questionable meat. I supplemented with a banana and a desperate prayer for digestion. Coffee. Oh, the coffee.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM: MOSQUE VISIT. I decided to be cultured. I put on my most respectful outfit (which, admittedly, isn't saying much). Visiting the Great Mosque Nurul Iman. It was stunning. The architecture was breathtaking, the atmosphere was peaceful, and I felt a strange sense of calm. I totally didn't get the whole process, though.
- 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: LUNCH. Found a place serving Nasi Goreng. This I knew! And it hit the spot. I swear, the simple things…
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: THE COFFEE TRAGEDY. I'm a coffee addict. NEEDED caffeine. Found a tiny coffee shop. Ordered a kopi tubruk, the unfiltered, grounds-at-the-bottom Indonesian coffee. Fool, you idiot. This stuff is STRONG. Like, heart-pounding, vision-blurring strong. I took one sip…then another…then I may have blacked out. I swear I saw the walls melting. Took a long, very long, slow walk past the pool. Now I'm back in my room, hyperventilating, and wondering if I need medical attention. I also wonder if the local culture can handle caffeine as strong as that.
- 3:00 PM - ONWARD: PANIC. I need to chill. I'm going to order some room service and watch bad TV to calm down. Maybe I'll try to find the Wi-Fi again, but honestly… I'm not sure I want to be connected to the world right now.
(Day 3: More "Adventures" (and a Possible Escape Plan)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast. (See Day 2, same result)
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM: EXPLORATION, Maybe. The thought of getting out there is a little terrifying, but I feel like I should.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Finding all these local eateries are a lot like a quest. Food is delicious though
- 1:00 PM ONWARD: The struggle is REAL. Find something to do. See where wifi works best. Just…survive the rest of the day.
(Day 4: Departure. And the lingering scent of adventure (and questionable coffee)
- Morning: Checkout, final desperate attempts at Wi-Fi connectivity, and a tearful goodbye to my room's AC unit.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport, reflecting on a journey that was equal parts beautiful, baffling, and borderline insane. I’ll probably look back on this trip years from now, and laugh. Or maybe cringe. Probably both.
Final Thoughts:
The Urbanview Hotel Ratu Elok Syariah? Okay. It's clean, functional, and the staff are lovely. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with a caveat: bring your own Wi-Fi router and a strong stomach for local eats. And whatever you do, approach the kopi tubruk with extreme caution. You've been warned. Banjarbaru, you weird and wonderful place. I will be back. Maybe. Someday. After a long nap.
Escape to Paradise: Your Phan Thiet Pandanus Resort Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Ratu Elok Syariah Hotel *really* all that? Like, the "Unbelievable Luxury" level?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the answer is... it depends. See, "unbelievable" is a *strong* word. I went in EXPECTING the Taj Mahal of Banjarbaru. And, well, it wasn't. Let's just say my expectations slightly outpaced reality. But, BUT! For Banjarbaru? For a hotel in *that* location? Yeah, it's pretty damn good. It's definitely a step up from the 'motel-with-a-broken-TV' places I've unfortunately frequented. They've got this grand lobby – marble, chandeliers, the whole shebang. Feels a bit like walking into a… well, a fancy hotel lobby. Nothing *too* shocking, but definitely makes you feel like you’re, you know, *somewhere*.
There was this one time, right? I was checking in and this little kid, maybe six years old, just bursts out, "WOW! Mom, this is like a *castle*!" Bless his heart. That about sums it up. Compared to the rest, this hotel is a castle. Compared to a real castle? Nah. Still, I’d take a Ratu Elok Syariah over a castle any day, if only for the air conditioning.
What’s the deal with the "Syariah" part? Does it kill the fun?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly? Not really, unless your definition of "fun" involves… things that are *ahem* frowned upon. No alcohol, and the pool has designated times for women and men. It’s respectful, I’ll give them that. And you might think, "Oh no, no martinis by the pool, the horror!" Trust me, you mostly won't miss them. The vibe is *very* family-friendly, which is lovely, except when you're hungover and just wanna collapse in peace. But even then...it's doable. Just maybe grab a good book and embrace the quiet. There wasn't one single party at the pool, so a win-win for everyone tbh.
My personal take? I'd rather have a decent, well-run, alcohol-free hotel than a dive bar that's technically in my room. Perspective, people! Plus, you can always *sneak* in some… non-alcoholic beverages. Just saying.
Let's talk rooms. Are they actually *luxurious*? What’s the layout like? Does the shower even work?
Okay, the rooms are a definite highlight. Spacious, clean, and actually pretty stylish. Not *super* luxurious, like, no solid gold faucets or anything, but definitely comfortable. The beds are seriously good – I slept like a log (probably because I was exhausted, but still!).
The layout? Well, it depends on the room type, obviously. I’d recommend splurging a little for a suite if you can swing it. More space, a separate living area… worth it, in my opinion. And the showers? YES! They work! Hot water, good water pressure, all that jazz. Though, I did notice a *tiny* hiccup with the drain on my first stay and it was fixed immediately. They really do try to please you. The cleanliness is a big plus though, even the one with drain issue. The bathroom itself was gorgeous. I felt like an Egyptian God taking a shower. Okay, maybe not, but it was nice. I am a fan of gorgeous and fresh tiles.
Food, glorious food! What's the restaurant situation like? Is the breakfast any good?
Alright, the food. This is where things get… varied. The breakfast buffet is decent. A good selection of Indonesian classics, some Western options, and plenty of fruit. I’m a sucker for a good nasi goreng, and theirs was… acceptable. Look, you’re not going to be blown away, but you definitely won’t starve.
The on-site restaurant is a bit of a mixed bag. Some dishes are fantastic, others… not so much. I had this one chicken dish that was dry, so very dry. However, their rendang was pretty good, and the presentation was lovely. The service is a little inconsistent, too. Sometimes they're all over you, sometimes you're frantically waving your arms for twenty minutes trying to get someone's attention. A little patience is required! But hey, you’re on vacation, right? Embrace the chaos! Maybe bring a snack.
The pool: Worth a dip? Are there enough sun loungers?
The pool is… alright. It's clean, it's refreshing, and it's a welcome escape from the Banjarbaru heat. But it's not the most glamorous pool in the world. It has some chairs. I think there are enough loungers, although, I wouldn't be surprised if they got a little cramped during peak hours. It's not huge, so if you're expecting an Olympic-sized swimming experience, you'll be disappointed.
The kid-friendly aspect is quite strong in it, and that's not always a bad thing. It helps bring a certain vibe! It's a good place to relax, take a dip, and pretend you're not sweating profusely. I'd say it's a solid "yes" to dipping, even if it's not the most stunning thing to be seen.
What about the location? Is it convenient? Is there anything interesting nearby?
The location… well, it depends. It's not exactly in the heart of the action, but then again, Banjarbaru isn't the most bustling metropolis. It's relatively close to the airport, which is a huge plus (especially if you're like me and value sleep over everything). And it's a short taxi ride to some decent restaurants and a few shopping malls. Honestly, I’m not the best judge of cool places, I’m more of a "find a comfy chair and stay there" kinda person. But I’m sure there’s something in the area if you’re looking for a bit of exploring. Just remember to ask the staff for their opinions. They’re usually very helpful.
It's convenient enough if you have a car or are willing to use taxis/ride-sharing apps. But if you're expecting to wander out the door and stumble upon a vibrant nightlife scene, you're in for a disappointment. Keep those expectations in check!
The staff: Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they speak English?
The staff are generally very lovely. Most of them speak at least some English, and they're always trying to be helpful. Things are always smooth too, from check-in to check-out. There were a few minor hiccups, like one time when the cable TV went out, but they got it fixed quickly. They are very willing to make you comfortable.
They have a lot of smiles and a genuine sincerity that really makes a difference. You know, that little extra touch can make all the difference. One of the cleaning staff found my glasses when I accidentally left them in the restaurant. They were going to place mySearch Hotel Guide
