Santika Hotel Batam

This was my first visit, and I plan to come back more often. At breakfast, I was having trouble finding a table for four for my family, but Staff Cahaya quickly found us a comfortable place. She was so helpful and people oriented. A heartfelt thank you to her. Staff Roni also helped me get some serviettes. Salute to them for the excellent service. Cheers!

The hotel is a little out of the way. You need Grab to get to Baloi or Nagoya, though Megamall is only 400 meters away. From Batam Centre Ferry Terminal, dragging your bag across roads and a roundabout is a hassle, but Grab feels too close to bother with. I arrived at 1:00 pm but was told I couldn't check in until 2:00 pm. Then I saw a group check in at 1:30 pm. When I asked why I'd been made to wait, they said, "Oh! Your room is ready now." That was a pretty meh moment. The good parts: the hotel is well maintained and clean throughout. The lift selects floors automatically based on your key card. The pool is a nice luxury for a hotel in this class, and the pool area and changing rooms were very clean and looked after. My room was a good size, clean, and well maintained, with plenty of bathroom amenities and a strong, refreshing shower. Breakfast on the rooftop came with a spectacular view of Batam Centre and the seaside. It was relaxing, and there was plenty of tasty food. I enjoyed my morning coffee while taking in the view. I stayed during Ramadan, and the hotel kindly left a snack plate in the room. I'm not sure whether it was meant for breaking the fast or for the morning before the fast. You get more than you pay for!

We stayed for three days expecting somewhere to unwind, but it became a frustrating experience. I'd avoid this hotel, especially if you care about your belongings and basic service. The food was disappointing. Breakfast choices kept repeating and relied heavily on starch. Walking ten minutes to the nearby malls would be a better way to find proper food. We never asked for laundry, but our clothes were taken and washed without our consent, and then we were asked to pay. Some items were damaged, and there was no proper accountability or compensation. We asked for support and got no meaningful response. Nothing has been resolved so far. Management offered a free stay, which makes little sense after the damage. Under these circumstances, nobody would come back.

Breakfast had plenty of choices, and I liked the unusual Gurindam concept. The staff were so welcoming, especially Artha, who gave great service. Hotel Santika is also really well placed, close to the ferry terminal and Mega Mall. I had a lovely stay and hope to bring my family next time.