RedDoorz @ Lawang

The location is a drawback, about a 50-minute drive from Malang, though there are a few restaurants around the corner for lunch or dinner. Most of the staff are friendly and helpful, but seem a little inexperienced. Breakfast is good. The building itself is an amazing colonial treasure, packed with Art Deco details. In my 45 years of traveling in Indonesia, I haven't seen richer decoration. The wall and floor tiles have so many different patterns, and the windows have stained, decorated glass. Rooms are large with high ceilings, and the bathroom is okay. It's a great place for anyone interested in architecture and heritage, but don't expect luxury at this price. Stories that the hotel is haunted go around, but I've heard no clear account or proof. It doesn't get many guests because of them, which is a pity since that makes it harder to invest in upgrades.

The hotel is right on the main road, so there's traffic noise, and crossing to the other side can be tricky. It's close to a market and shops, with eateries and convenience stores a short walk away. We felt safe there. The staff were kind, polite, and caring. While we waited for a motorbike to be delivered, they brought us hot drinks. Even after we checked out, they offered us a bedroom to wait in. We declined and enjoyed sitting in the ballroom, looking at the decor. When the bidet had a problem, staff fixed it attentively in 10-15 minutes. We didn't see any ghosts, though it would've been fun to meet some! The breakfast was delicious and authentic, simple but substantial: hot sweet tea and nasi goreng Jawa (Javanese style fried rice) with crackers. It's a lovely hotel whose preserved details show its former glory, blending Dutch colonial architecture with Chinese touches. Walking in felt like stepping back in time, with high ceilings and a tiled staircase winding through all the floors. We'd recommend it to people who enjoy historic architecture or are passing through Lawang. Thank you for having us!

For a stop in Lawang, the main-road location is handy, though our room faced the garden and was very quiet. It was a good value, so we had no complaints about the price. The room was huge and comfortable, with a nice balcony and a big shower. Staff were very helpful, and breakfast tasted good. The building is impressive, but it's old, and both the room and shower could use some refurbishment. We'd heard people in town call it haunted, but our stay was peaceful and ghost-free :)

Hot water is available for showers, though it takes a while to come through. The sink in the toilet leaked and needs proper maintenance, and the car park isn't very spacious. The lift between floors wasn't working; there are ancient stairs instead, plus photos of historic places in Malang and elsewhere. This old-style hotel is on the main road from Malang to Surabaya. The receptionist said it was built in 1910. The roof is high, with strong horizontal beams, and the doors and windows are similarly imposing.