Hotel Santika Mataram - Lombok

The food was a big reason we chose this hotel, and the breakfast had plenty to pick from, Asian and Western. The chicken porridge and salad bar were my favorites, and they even served lupis, a traditional Sasak dish made of glutinous rice flour that I rarely see at other hotels. We also wanted somewhere near the concert at the former Selaparang airport, for a quick birthday staycation with the family. We booked a Superior King for my husband and me, plus a Superior Twin with an extra bed for three adults and two kids. The rooms felt cozy and comfortable, though neither was especially spacious or soundproof. The King had a pool view and was near the lobby, while the Twin was at the back, so going between them was a bit awkward. The receptionist had warned us that the two room types were in different areas. One real problem came after we got back from the concert around 11 pm. Cigarette smoke was coming through the bathroom exhaust in our King room, then through the bathroom door, and it made breathing a little difficult. My husband and I tried to ignore it, but I ended up calling the staff, who came to fix it even at midnight. This only happened in our room; my family didn't have any issue in the Twin. I understand they accommodate smokers too, and I had chosen a non-smoking room, but I hope non-smoking guests won't be placed next to smoking guests in future. The staff were very friendly and answered all my questions, including whether I could light my daughter's birthday candle in the room. Housekeeping even brought matches. Another staff member returned my ID card after I left it at the reception desk, which I really appreciated. We arrived Saturday afternoon and were told in advance, with a written notice, that Sunday's Mataram city anniversary event at Taman Sangkareang, right across from the hotel, might be loud. It didn't bother us, and my family enjoyed the event before checking out. Apart from the smoke, we had a great stay and would probably come back for another short getaway.