Rayhan Square Hotel

For a stay in Benteng Selayar without spending time or money at a resort, I think this is the best option. Breakfast is just so-so. Prices across the island feel too high for what’s served, though I can understand that supplies and options are limited in Selayar.

The breakfast was cold, poor and not tasty, and the room had no toilet paper or hot water in the shower. Even the deluxe room barely had a window. There was a fountain beside the door making an annoying peeing sound all day and night, while loud music from reception carried into the rooms until late evening. Staff also shouted and laughed in the corridor at 7 a.m. I wouldn’t recommend this place. We left laundry that we knew weighed no more than 2-3 kg, but it came back with a receipt saying 5 kg. Staff insisted on that figure and wouldn’t weigh it again. Later they simply said it was 3 kg, without checking the scales.

The lounge has a nice, quiet atmosphere, and the room and bathroom were clean. The AC and TV worked, as did the refillable soap and shampoo dispensers, a good green touch. There’s no hot water, though, and getting Wi-Fi or cellphone reception can be difficult. Breakfast could use some improvement.

They serve breakfast by 6 a.m., with fried rice, tempe, an omelette, coffee and tea. We asked to take some prawn crackers with us and they gave us a whole bag. The place was clean and the AC worked well. Nice!