Lively Hotel City Center Surabaya

The sound carried right into the room: people running down the stairs, shouting and coughing, doors slamming, and kids crying in other rooms. Really annoying. The wifi connection was very bad too. The room was small, though the bathroom was clean enough, and it was a no smoking room. I chose this based on Google reviews, but it was a very bad surprise. If you're on a budget and plan to spend the day out, it may be okay. For me, very disappointing.

The room was small but clean, which suited me as a solo traveler. Mine was on the first floor with no window. The TV had local channels, the AC felt cool, and the hot water worked. Breakfast was the surprise: at check-in I was told it was served in the lobby from 6 to 10 am. I wondered how they'd fit it in such a small room, but it turned out to be just toast with jam and tea or coffee. I arrived at Surabaya Gubeng around 4 am and only had to walk to this accommodation, which is close to Gubeng station. The shophouse looked gloomy from outside, and despite the sign I felt a little hesitant going in. Inside, a staff member was waiting and welcomed me warmly. Check-in was fairly quick, though he asked me to sign a blank piece of paper because the printer was broken, which felt a bit suspicious. Still, the staff member was very friendly. For a solo traveler on a low budget, it's comfortable and very affordable.

The room was decent enough, but the WiFi was poor. Breakfast was just soft bread and butter, and they wouldn't let me leave my luggage even an hour after checkout.

I liked being right in the city center, with tourist spots close enough to explore on foot. The room was small but suited me as a solo traveler, and the queen bed was comfortable. There’s no window, which made it feel like a cozy little cocoon. The clean bathroom had the essentials and a hot shower that helped after my flight. Streaming choices were plentiful, with Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV and more. The walls are thin enough that I could hear my neighbors, though. For breakfast, expect toast and coffee rather than a full meal. Still, I thought the place was worth the price.