Hotel Sae Inn Kendal

The room was comfortable, clean, spacious, and had a nice view. I paid 418k for one night. The location is convenient, although it’s on a one-way road. Breakfast had a range of choices, but most of it tasted a little bland to me. The fried rice was okay. The bathroom was less comfortable: there was no soap at the sink, only in the shower, and the floor was slippery. I’d give the stay 4 stars.

The rice field view from the dining area was lovely, and I liked the far end tables best. Spice Kitchen has a buffet with Indonesian and Western food, plus a separate traditional-style counter where Bubur Ayam and other rice dishes are made to order. The egg station made a decent, fluffy omelette. Kepo Kopi, by the main entrance, has a broad menu of espresso drinks, Indonesian and Western meals, pizza, and snacks. Its espresso was so-so, though the Es Teh was decent. Service there was quick, efficient, pleasant, and friendly. The lobby cafe, also called Kepo Kopi, was handy. Reception was courteous and helpful on every shift, but it was disappointing that they didn’t give out a Kendal Map. My Deluxe Room on the third floor had a comfortable queen bed and huge, plush pillows I felt like taking home. The luggage rack and hangers were just outside the bathroom. The bathroom was a good size, and the hot water was much appreciated after a hot day looking for my ancestral graves. The window beside the vanity looked out on the rice fields, and I used that table as a workspace after moving the coffee and tea tray over to the TV. Bring an adapter, since the outlets are Indonesian Type-C only. I’d ask for a room facing the fields for the view. Rooms facing the main road may be noisy because traffic gets congested during the day. The hotel felt relaxing, welcoming, and safe, and the facilities suited both leisure and business trips. The pool and kids’ play area are beside Spice Kitchen. I didn’t like that the pool was right next to the very open restaurant. I’d still highly recommend SAE Inn Kendal, though I wish they’d hand out Kendal Maps for tourists. The location worked very well for the places I wanted to visit during my three-night stay, from 3rd to 6th Jan 2024. Masjid Agung is about a 700m walk away, or you can take a Becak. Tirto Arum’s Olympic pool is around 200m up the road, but the one-way street means a long detour by car. For food, Aldila Resto serves meals in bamboo cottages around a small pond. I liked their Gurami (Talapia) Bakar, deep-fried Talapia in a sweetish, spicy sauce and grilled, though be ready to sit on the floor. 16 Sixteen Cafe was okay for espresso. The baristas don’t weigh every step of the process, and their espresso could be better, but it was still not bad. EVI, the money changer, is 270m from the hotel on the right. You can take a becak there and have the driver wait while you change money, then head to Masjid Agung or elsewhere. The lobby is airy, with high ceilings and muted colors. There are Javanese textiles and food items on display to the right, beside comfortable sofas. The entrance driveway is quite steep after you get out of your vehicle. That’s fine if you’re able-bodied, but anyone with knee problems may find it easier to go to the Basement and take the lift up.

For a night in Kendal, it was a nice, cozy hotel. The room was standard and the food was okay. Staff were fairly helpful and the service was fine, though some requests from our big family weren’t fulfilled. They did respond well, at least.

It’s a comfortable place to spend time, and the setting was good. My restaurant experience was disappointing, though. I ordered ramen and got instant noodles instead. For the high price, there was nothing special about it. They should improve the quality so it matches the cost.