Zuzu Simpang Lima

Great location, good food, good mood.

The staff were friendly and quick, though security wasn't very friendly. The hotel is in the city center, so finding food around Simpang Lima or elsewhere is easy. I was given a first-floor room when I booked. It was small with a low ceiling, and the bed and table weren't very clean. It's suitable if you're on a budget and just need a quick night's sleep in central Semarang.

Breakfast had more variety than I expected for a hotel in this class, and Simpang Lima is less than a five-minute walk away. Parking was the biggest drawback: indoor space fits only five cars, and maneuvering is tricky. Most guests with cars will probably need the free valet. The staff handled it helpfully and did a good job, though leaving the car outside can be unsettling. I first stayed in the Standard room for 350k per room per night. It was very cramped, half a floor below ground, with no window or view, which is why there isn't a twin-bed option. It might do if you're only sleeping there before heading out in the morning, but I didn't enjoy it much. For the second night, a Deluxe room opened up, and I paid just 50k more per room. That was a big improvement, with a sofa chair, a view, and more space and cleanliness. It was on level 3, one floor above reception. The staff were very helpful: while we were out, they moved our belongings and arranged connected rooms side by side. A decent budget stay, though I'd recommend the Deluxe if it's available.

The rooms were neat, though the sheets left us a little itchy in the morning. The bathroom was clean and had a hairdryer to use, and breakfast was decent. But we couldn't trust the valet service. We made sure not to leave valuables in the car, yet a bag and its contents disappeared during our stay. We tried to reach management, but they weren't very cooperative. It's a shame.