Rumah Kertajaya

The location is quiet, near Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS University), and handy for academic facilities as well as Pakuwon Mall and Galaxy Mall. It’s in a gated community at the end of a no-exit road, so there’s less traffic noise and an added sense of security. I managed to finish a journal article draft in four hours, helped by the room’s spacious feel from its roughly 5-meter ceiling. The brick walls provide decent sound insulation, though you can still hear conversations from the alley and garden. Wi-Fi is fine for general use, but its firewall sometimes blocks legitimate academic journal sites. The room has an AC that works despite its loose cover, as well as a fridge and safe. There’s no hair dryer. They provide two 600 ml bottles of drinking water, but you’ll need to buy any other drinks or snacks elsewhere, since the tap water isn’t potable. The bathroom has a high-pressure bidet, washbasin, and shower with hot water. Soap, shampoo, towels, and a toilet mat are supplied, though you’ll need to bring your own dental items. I noticed an odor by the bathroom door and had to use personal fragrance to deal with it. Breakfast comes from a nearby cafe, with bread, margarine, omelette, and other choices, plus coffee and tea. Laundry is done by a local vendor. Express service costs 40,000 rupiahs per kg, with same-day return by 6 PM. The clothes come back in clear plastic bags, which might matter if you’re concerned about privacy. Getting around is easy with Gojek/Gocar, Grab, or Bluebird taxi. It’s a practical base for work or leisure in the area.

There are plenty of food stalls nearby in Gebang Lor, and the large garden and pool were lovely. The rooms are big and comfortable, so for what we paid, it felt like a real bargain. It’s a pleasant home for a stay, with just one thing missing for us: an iron. With one, it would’ve been perfect.

Galaxy Mall is very close, and an online taxi costs less than 20.000 rupiah to get there. Finding the place can be confusing the first time, but you can call and they’ll give you directions. This is a homestay rather than a hotel, and I thought the service was better than at other homestays I’ve tried. The room was big and clean, and towels were provided, but bring your own toothbrush. Breakfast choices are limited, though there’s enough, and there’s a pool as well as a children’s pool. Recommended!

It’s a spacious, clean, comfortable room in a luxurious home that’s been renovated into a hotel. The backyard is beautiful, with a swimming pool and decorative trees.