Hotel O Chinatown Near Ampel Formerly Hotel Novera

I booked through Agoda because I wanted to stay in Kotalama and thought I’d try this place. The first thing I noticed was a dusty, very quiet lobby with what seemed like no other guests. It looks like an old hotel, possibly the former Grand Mandalika Hotel. There were no amenities in the room, not even towels, and I got scared, checked out right away, and moved to another inn 🤣. I didn’t have the nerve to try staying there. There’s no dedicated parking for the inn if you bring a vehicle, though you can park for free at the Alfamidi downstairs. If anything gets damaged or lost, you’re responsible for it yourself 🙏🤐. Quite an experience. I hope management improves things, especially the dirty entrance, where leftover demolition materials have been left around and make it look messy.

The staff were friendly, and it was easy to get around the area by motorbike. There’s a prayer room inside, and the Wi-Fi was excellent. My room smelled nice, too. Food places are easy to find nearby, and Sunan Ampel’s tomb is very close, within walking distance.

The shower had no working water, so I couldn’t bathe. I called reception, and someone came to check it, but said it couldn’t be fixed until noon. I had to leave early, and they offered no solution. I asked for a bucket and dipper instead, but the water came out like a baby peeing, just a tiny trickle. I’m very disappointed. Seriously, I don’t recommend staying at this hotel!

It’s handy that the hotel is close to food and drink shops and an Alfamidi. But the shower couldn’t be used, and the amenities were just two thin towels and a bar of soap. The wall paint was chipped, and some of the HPL furniture was coming loose.