The Golden Bay Batam

I paid less than SGD 20 and only needed the room for a few hours in transit, so the price worked for me. The staff were very friendly, and the service and location were good. The room was a little run down and smelled of cigarette smoke.

The music nearby goes on until 1am, and from about 7-8am you can hear housekeeping talking clearly, so light sleepers should avoid this place. Some areas were dirty, the aircon barely cooled even set to 16, and it leaked, so don't put anything underneath it. You get what you pay for, I guess. They provide a toothbrush, but if you wear braces, bring your own, ifykyk. The app listed luggage storage, but the hotel didn't have it. I called before arriving: first time they answered, said something, then hung up, and the second time they picked up and hung up again. At the hotel they suggested leaving my bag unattended in an open area, which I couldn't risk, so I checked in early and paid an extra 100k. If staying more than one night, don't leave valuables in the room, as housekeeping comes in while you're out.

I rested well here and would still consider it for the location and value, though some usual services I expect were missing. Check-in and checkout were quick. The Bengkong area has lots of coffee shops, eateries, dessert places, and entertainment nearby. My room was spacious, the bed comfortable, cleanliness acceptable, and there was no cigarette or sewage smell inside. Water pressure was good, and the shower was semi-partitioned. The TV signal was fine, with around six local and six Singapore free-to-air channels. The decor and some furniture were worn, and you could hear DJ or club music well past midnight. It didn't bother me, but sound-sensitive sleepers should take note. WiFi was unstable. Surfaces were dusty, and toilet paper hadn't been replenished at check-in. The washbasin tap was loose but usable, the shower drain was clogged and slow, water seeped under the basin and left the toilet area wet, and the aircon dripped a little. Smoking seems allowed in the lobby, where the cigarette smell can get very strong. Only an oral kit was provided, so bring your own shower gel and shampoo. My main gripe is that the hotel won't hold luggage temporarily at reception, a small courtesy I've had at other Batam hotels.

The reception staff were rude, the rooms are old, and they demanded a cash deposit even though I'd prepaid. Stay away.