Grand TW Batam Center Hotel & Convention

The rooms and service were standard. The location is good, right in the city center, so it’s easy to find food markets and shopping areas.

It’s easy to get around and explore from this spot in the middle of the tourist area. The room was very clean, smelled nice, and felt fresh and comfortable. Breakfast was tasty and had plenty of choices, with a good city view too. They also have a family-style room, which is a big plus when you’re traveling with kids.

I want to praise the staff at reception and the check-in counter. The breakfast team also kept replenishing the food so all the guests could be served. But our first night was the most disgusting and terrible hotel experience we’ve ever had. Around 4 a.m., I woke to a noise from the rubbish bin in front of our bed. I’m a light sleeper, especially since becoming a parent. It sounded like something rummaging through trash and leftover food. My husband and child were both still asleep, so I tried to settle back down. A few seconds later it happened again. I shone my phone’s flashlight into the bin, and something jumped out. It was a rat, and it ran toward our bed. I screamed and woke them both. We called housekeeping right away. They came to inspect but couldn’t find it. I suspect there may be a hole or some other way into the room. They eventually moved us to a room on another floor, but I stayed anxious and uncomfortable, worried it could happen again. I didn’t feel safe for the rest of our stay, and after this traumatic experience I would never book here again.

The location made it easy to reach lots of shopping centers, and the service was commendable. Dining was satisfactory, though cleanliness could be kept to a higher standard. Even so, I enjoyed my stay overall.