Gajahmada Avara Boutique Hotel

The staff at reception handled our room upgrade quickly, and the Deluxe room was ready in the morning, so we didn’t have to wait until noon. The doormen were friendly and helpful too. One room boy on our first day came across as rude: he seemed to make fun of us for not knowing how to use something, then walked in without asking and went to the side of the bed without removing his shoes. It was our first stay, so of course we didn’t know where the light switches were. We also saw him laughing at guests asking questions at the front desk. That staff member kept us from giving service a full five stars. We enjoyed our stay and would consider returning to Pontianak. The location is a big reason to choose this hotel, especially if you want to try local food. RM 999 Nasi Telor Pontianak, Nasi Ayam Afu, Bakmie Kepiting Oukie Sibu, Kwe Kia Theng Merapi 899, Kopi Asiang, Bakmie Apollo, Bakmi Polo and Chai Kue Panas Siam Ahin are all within easy walking distance, with plenty of other places to eat. I wouldn’t count KFC as local Pontianak food. You’re unlikely to go hungry here. Ligo Mart is about five minutes away for daily essentials, and there are bakeries nearby, including one across the street. We paid IDR 453,000 per night for a Standard room with breakfast, then paid another IDR 224,000 per night to upgrade to a Deluxe, also with breakfast. For this kind of hotel it wasn’t exactly cheap, though the location may justify the cost. Breakfast was nice, varied and delicious. The Standard room was clean and had a spacious bathroom, but it felt dark, with no natural light. There was a window, but it couldn’t be opened and there was nothing to see through it. We spent one night in that room, then switched to a Deluxe for the rest of our stay. For a comfortable vacation, I’d choose at least the Deluxe. The Standard might be fine for a one-night transit when you only need somewhere to sleep. Our room on the sixth floor was very noisy at night because of music from downstairs, which we think came from the fourth or fifth floor, though we’re not sure. We hardly slept. Maybe next time we’ll ask for a room on the seventh or eighth floor.