Swaloh Resort & Spa

I don’t usually post negative reviews, but this was the worst hotel stay I’ve had so far. The room was dusty, full of annoying insects, and the TV wouldn’t turn on. It felt so uncomfortable that I checked out early on the last day. The cleanliness was really poor, and based on my experience I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

On my second visit a year later, Mr. Yudho was welcoming and accommodating, and even sent me off with some local coffee. I knew what to expect this time. The room was clean, the service was great, and breakfast was really good, especially the nasi goreng and soto ayam. Lunch was a letdown. The Tom Yum had the wrong ingredients and didn’t resemble the actual dish, so I’d stick to local food. There was a cyclists’ meeting that weekend, and the sound check ruined my plan for an early night. Loud music also disturbed Sunday morning. I asked for an experienced, strong massage therapist, but the girl who came had only been there two months and didn’t know what she was doing. It honestly wasn’t even a massage. She needs more training and experience. Those issues with the noise, lunch, and massage cost the place a star. For my first weekend away with my wife in three years, I wanted everything to be perfect. Swaloh was the only resort I found nearby that met my criteria. I was skeptical after reading the reviews, so I messaged them and was told the negative feedback had been addressed. The service, food, and accommodation quality really impressed me. Prices were affordable for the area and service. Check-in was easy, the room was spacious and clean, and the sheets and towels were fresh. The portions were generous and tasty. There were plenty of activities nearby, though most were closed because of covid restrictions or the weather. It rained all afternoon. The area is beautiful, especially if you enjoy being outdoors. Staff were well trained and well groomed. Jimmy was helpful, always available, and very efficient.

I didn’t stay there, but I’ve taken a tour of the area a few times. It’s spacious, with lots of rooms in different types, and parking for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. There’s an indoor tennis area, karaoke room, meeting room, multifunction hall, outbound area, and an open-air meeting space, with beautiful scenery overlooking ranu gumbolo lake. They used to have a spa, but it’s closed now.

We checked rooms in every price range and decided to go somewhere else. The price and service weren’t the problem, but none of the rooms we saw felt livable, with insects and poor beds and sheets. It was just gross.