Villa Melvin Amarta Hills

My sons loved the heated children's pool, and the view was nice. The hotel itself was okay, but breakfast was plain and lukewarm, with only average variety. Getting in and out was difficult because it's among villas, and the roads were poorly maintained. There aren't any general stores within walking distance. It's not a bad place, maybe my expectations were just too high.

It's a nice spot for fresh air and mountain views, and the room was clean. The room service menu was standard tasting. For reference, my room didn't have a microwave, though I don't know if that's true of the other rooms.

The food, service, and spa were good, and the mountain and town views are great. This is a huge hotel complex, and finding the way up to the top terrace feels like navigating a maze. The parking system is interesting, a bit like a motel. In room 2208, the window frame wasn't fitted properly, leaving a wide visible gap on the left. It needs replacing.

The hilltop setting made the stay feel wonderfully quiet. There was hardly any traffic, and only hotel guests and locals seemed to pass by. I was there for one night on a business trip, and the sunrise view facing east was a real highlight. At night, the view over Malang was priceless. The pool was warm, the jacuzzi ran from 6am to 6pm, and there were meeting rooms plus an event chapel for weddings. I also liked that the restaurant had a separate family area for guests with small children, so others could have a more relaxed breakfast. You really should visit 15degree restaurants at the top of the building. Breakfast service was short staffed while I was there. Dirty dishes and rubbish sat for around 15 minutes, which brought flies, and the breakfast food could use more flavor. There was no pool manager, and guests were swimming without proper swimwear. The hotel should make clear that guests without suitable swim attire will be turned away. I was disappointed that my request for a room at the front, facing the chapel, wasn't approved. The drive up at night takes some nerve, with a dark, narrow uphill road, so make sure your vehicle is maintained. There wasn't much to do around the hotel; bikes or e-bikes would help guests explore. Some signs and areas need attention, especially by the chapel and the bathroom access from the pool. Still, it's a good choice if you're looking for quiet time or a hotel staycation.