Banjarmasin Getaway: Book Your Halal Stay Near Jalan Ahmad Yani! (RedDoorz Syariah)
Banjarmasin Getaway: Book Your Halal Stay Near Jalan Ahmad Yani! (RedDoorz Syariah) - A Rambling Review (and a Few Honest Gripes)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly polished hotel review. This is real, warts-and-all, Banjarmasin, RedDoorz Syariah style. I booked this place, like a lot of things lately, on a whim. Location near Jalan Ahmad Yani? Sold! Halal stay? Bonus points! But did it live up to the hype? Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility & the "Almost" Factor
First off, the good news: they try. There’s an elevator, which is a lifesaver (especially after that epic, spice-induced food coma). The lobby seemed relatively accessible, with wide enough doorways. But… and there’s always a but, isn't there? I didn't see any specifically marked accessible rooms, and the devil, as always, is in the details. A ramp here, a slightly wider doorway there – it's a good beginning, but real accessibility is more than just a thought bubble. It needs to be baked in. So, for those with significant mobility issues, please call ahead and double-check. Don't just trust my ramblings!
The Internet – My Digital Lifeblood
Okay, internet. Crucial. In these digital times, it's literally life or death (well, maybe not death, but significant inconvenience). They boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Yaaas, queen! And "Internet Access - Wireless!" Double yaaas! But… and this is where the stream-of-consciousness starts to bubble… the speed. Oh, the speed. Let's just say it was… inconsistent. There were times I could actually stream a video (a small victory, for sure), and other times, I felt like I was dialling back into the 90s. Forget the "Internet Access - LAN" – I didn't even see a port. Ultimately, it's workable, but don't rely on it for super-intense online gaming or a video call with your boss. (Trust me, I learned that the hard way!)
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID Conundrum
Alright, pandemic times. We're all slightly obsessed with cleanliness now, right? RedDoorz Syariah definitely pushes the "clean and safe" narrative. They harp on "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Rooms sanitized between stays" and "Hand sanitizer" everywhere (yay!). Truthfully, the room looked clean. Smelled clean. The presentation was on point, you know? They're clearly trying. But… my inner germaphobe (which is pretty much everyone’s inner germaphobe these days) was still a bit twitchy. Maybe I’m just overly paranoid. But honestly, the hand sanitizer stations were a godsend.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – The Edible Adventures (and the Cravings)
Here’s where things get interesting. They advertised a "Restaurant" with "Asian Cuisine in Restaurant" so I was pumped. And a "Breakfast [buffet]," which is my comfort zone. In reality, the restaurant was okay. The Asian breakfast was, well, let’s just say it wasn't Michelin-star quality but for the price, it filled the tummy. The coffee was… strong. Very strong. Borderline industrial-strength. But sometimes you need a jolt, right? A bit of a warning (and maybe a small rant): I was a little bummed about the lack of 24-hour room service. After a long day exploring the markets, sometimes all you want is a late-night snack. That wasn't available but a few snacks were nearby (like convenience stores) and that helped.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
Okay, let's get real here. "Concierge"? I didn't see one. "Dry cleaning"? Nope. "Babysitting service"? Double nope (and trust me, I wasn’t looking either). "Car park [free of charge]"? Absolutely spot on. "Daily housekeeping"? Yes, and they did a decent job of keeping things tidy. "Cash withdrawal" – yes, a small ATM. Generally very helpful staff. It’s a mixed bag, some things are great, some are missing but overall they try to provide a fairly comfortable experience.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Dreams (and Reality Checks)
They have a "Fitness center" (didn't see it, frankly). “Spa” and "Sauna" are advertised, but I didn’t find them on the property. I will give it more credit for things like the pool. Actually, let me rewind here. The Pool with a view was genuinely amazing. The best part about this hotel. The infinity pool was clean, the water was cool, and the view over the city was stunning especially at sunset! I spent like, half a day just lounging there, people watching, and generally feeling like a proper tourist. It was glorious. Definitely the highlight.
Things that made me go “Hmmm…” (aka Annoying Tidbits)
- "Non-smoking rooms," but I still smelled a faint fragrance of cigarette smoke in the hallways.
- The TV channels were a bit… limited. My bing was a little un-impressed by the choices.
- That internet speed, again.
The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Okay, the big question. Would I recommend the Banjarmasin Getaway: Book Your Halal Stay Near Jalan Ahmad Yani! (RedDoorz Syariah)? It's complicated. For the price, it's a decent option. It's clean, the location is good, and the pool is fantastic. But it’s not perfect. It’s not the Ritz. It's a solid, budget-friendly option for a quick trip to Banjarmasin. If you're looking for a luxurious spa experience, maybe look elsewhere. If you need super-reliable internet to do your business, maybe consider it but have a backup plan. But overall, it does what it says on the tin. I would probably stay again, but with realistic expectations, a good book, and a big, fat bottle of data just in case.
SEO & Metadata:
- Title: Banjarmasin Getaway Review: RedDoorz Syariah - Honest & Rambling!
- Keywords: Banjarmasin, RedDoorz, Syariah, Halal Hotel, Jalan Ahmad Yani, Review, Indonesia, Hotel, Accommodations, Swimming Pool, Cleanliness, Accessibility, Travel, Budget Hotel
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and rambling review of the Banjarmasin Getaway (RedDoorz Syariah). Find out about the good (pool!), the bad (internet hiccups!), and the everything-in-between! Perfect for budget travelers looking for halal options near Jalan Ahmad Yani.
- H Tags: (Use H tags to structure the headings in this review)
- H1: Banjarmasin Getaway Review: RedDoorz Syariah - Honest & Rambling!
- H2: Accessibility & the "Almost" Factor
- H2: The Internet – My Digital Lifeblood
- H2: Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID Conundrum
- H2: Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – The Edible Adventures (and the Cravings)
- H2: Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
- H2: Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Dreams (and Reality Checks)
- H2: Things that made me go “Hmmm…” (aka Annoying Tidbits)
- H2: The Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is going to be a messy, Indonesian adventure, narrated by your slightly-caffeinated, and perpetually-hungry travel companion. We're talking heartaches, triumphs, questionable street food, and the real, unfiltered experience of RedDoorz Syariah near Jalan Ahmad Yani in Banjarmasin. Here we go…
Day 1: Banjarmasin Baptism by Fire (and Mosquitoes)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrival & RedDoorz Reveal
- Landing at the airport. Okay, first impression? HOT. Humid. And a whole lot of smiles! Navigating the airport was surprisingly smooth. Grabbed a Blue Bird taxi - the only taxi I trusted after a quick internet search, after a near-disaster taxi experience in Jakarta a few years ago.
- Checking into RedDoorz. Now, this is where things get real. I had booked this "Syariah" place, anticipating something… modest. Okay, perhaps a little too modest. The room? Clean enough, but the aircon? We’re talking a sputtering, wheezing, almost-giving-up-the-ghost kind of AC. I swear, it was giving me more anxiety than actual cool air. The upside? The bed looked inviting. A fluffy white oasis of rest.
- Quirky Observation: The Prayer Rug. Literally the first thing I noticed was the prayer rug rolled up neatly near the bed. It's a stark reminder that I'm in a Muslim-majority area. I am not Muslim, but I respected that. Its not a big deal at all.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Exploring the Locals and Street Food Frenzy
- Okay, time to face the heat and hit the streets. I figured: "Embrace the chaos!" I stepped outside and almost immediately got lost. My sense of direction is notoriously terrible, so I wandered for a bit.
- Anecdote: I stumbled upon a local market. The colours! The smells! Everything was alive. I encountered a woman selling what looked like fried banana fritters (Pisang Goreng). The smell was so tempting, I forgot I was on a low-carb diet and bought one. Holy mother of deliciousness! It was crispy, sweet, and utterly perfect. The best (and worst!) decision of the day.
- Emotion: The sheer energy of the place was intoxicating. It was a sensory overload in the best possible way. I kept my purse close, but everyone seemed friendly.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Seeking Boat Adventures
- My initial plan was to go to the floating market but I was told the best time would be early in the morning.
- I got talked into an hour around the city. It was good for a change.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Battling The Afternoon Slump, and Mosquitoes!
- Back at the RedDoorz. I had a plan to hit the museum, but I needed a nap. The relentless sun was exhausting me. I battled mosquitoes. I am pretty sure they were laughing at my pathetic attempts to swat them.
- Imperfection: I woke up at 5:00 pm. FAIL.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner and the Dreaded AC
- I forced myself to leave the comfort of my slightly-too-warm room. I needed to get dinner.
- I tried a local restaurant, ordered something spicy, and then my stomach became a warzone.
- Back at the hotel, I knew I had to face it. The AC. I decided to just face it, and then the sputtering and wheezing began again. I sighed, cranked up the TV, and gave in. Maybe I'd have to sleep with the fan on. I would survive. I hoped.
- Emotion: Exhaustion mixed with anticipation. Tomorrow promised even more adventure, and I was surprisingly excited.
Day 2: Floating Markets & Culinary Chaos (Hopefully Less Stomach Issues)
- Early Sunrise (5:00 AM - 7:30 AM): The Floating Market Fantasy
- ALARM! This was the hard part, I was not a morning person. But I needed to see the floating market. I hired a boat, and we went.
- Doubling Down on the Experience: The boat ride was magical. The sun peeked over the water. I was transported into a movie scene. The experience was worth struggling through my sleepiness.
- Emotion: Overwhelmed by beauty. The simplicity of the market, people navigating small boats filled with goods, it was something special.
- Mid-Morning (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM): Souvenir Hunting & Local Delights (Take Two)
- Back in the city. Looked for souvenirs.
- Tried to find something from a street vendor.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, some of the "local delights" from the market were questionable.
- Afternoon (9:30 AM - 12:00 PM): Museum, More Street Food (Cautiously)
- Decided to stick with known brands. My stomach was still a little grumpy.
- I visited the museum. Again, it was super hot. I decided to focus on the exhibit.
- Anecdote: Found a local dessert that looked tempting. It was called something I didn't understand. After a quick taste, it was fantastic.
- Late Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Rest and Reconsideration
- Back at the RedDoorz. I needed a break. Plus, the AC seemed to be winning its battle.
- I also re-evaluated my dinner plan. No more spicy food.
- Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Sunset, Strolling, and Surprises
- I decided to go for a walk and watch the sunset.
- The most unexpected thing happened near the hotel, a group of people playing music.
- Emotion: I actually felt happy. I might have been falling in love with Banjarmasin.
Day 3: Departure & Reflections
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Last Breakfast & Farewell Banjarmasin
- A final meal. I decided to go back to the market.
- Then it was time to pack and head to the airport.
- Departure: The flight was uneventful.
- Reflections: Did I love Banjarmasin? Yes. Did the RedDoorz have issues? Absolutely. But it was a fantastic, chaotic, and memorable experience. I left with a slightly sunburned nose, a stomach that was still trying to process all the food, and a heart full of warmth. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. And next time, I will pack more mosquito repellent… and maybe a better AC unit.
Banjarmasin Getaway: Your (Potentially) Halal Adventure Near Jalan Ahmad Yani! (RedDoorz Syariah) - The Unofficial FAQs
Okay, so… RedDoorz Syariah in Banjarmasin? Sounds legit? What's the vibe?
Look, "legit" is a spectrum, right? It *is* a RedDoorz Syariah, so yes, from what I could tell, they're trying to adhere to halal principles. Expect prayer mats in the rooms (a big win!), a dedicated Kiblat direction marked, and no pork or alcohol readily available. The "vibe"... well, it's definitely more low-key than, say, a fancy Bali resort. Think functional comfort over opulent luxury. Think… a clean, well-lit motel with a strong emphasis on modesty. My first thought? "Alright, this'll do." My second thought? "I hope they have good coffee nearby." (The coffee situation is… a story for later.)
Is it actually *near* Jalan Ahmad Yani? Because Google Maps has lied to me before...
Okay, this is important. "Near" is relative. It's *within a reasonable distance*. I’d say you are probably going to need to use a Gojek or Grab (local ride-sharing apps, essential!) to get to the main drag of Jalan Ahmad Yani. Walking? Maybe, if you're a marathon runner with a serious lack of luggage and a profound love of sweating. Honestly? Don't walk. Traffic in Banjarmasin is… an *experience*. And the heat? Forget about it. Remember that coffee quest? It was a grab away.
What kind of amenities can I expect? Is there Wi-Fi? Coffee? (I’m serious about the coffee…)
Let's break this down. Wi-Fi? Yes, thankfully. It was... generally functional. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds for streaming your favorite dramas, but it worked. Air conditioning? Essential. Banjarmasin is HOT. TV? Yep. Basic channels. Coffee? Ah, the coffee. This is where things get, shall we say, *interesting*. In my room, there was instant coffee, the kind that tastes like… beige disappointment, unless you consider it a wake-up call to find better coffee. On the bright side, there's usually a 24-hour minimarket nearby for decent instant coffee. Be prepared to venture out for a proper caffeine fix. The struggle is real, people.
Is the food halal-certified? Or is it just 'assumed' to be?
Okay, this is a good question. It *is* a RedDoorz Syariah so the hotel itself likely serves halal food. The breakfasts consisted of Indonesian staples and I witnessed zero pork products served. However, remember the location? It's in a place where halal food is the *default*. And not all the staff spoke English. I ate in the local restaurants and I think it was 99.9% halal. At the end of the day, though, go with your gut. Look for obvious signs (halal certs on the wall, no pork on the menu, etc.). Ultimately, you're responsible for what goes in your mouth.
The rooms… are they clean? That’s a deal-breaker for me.
Generally, yes. My room was clean and tidy. The bathroom was functional, if a little, let's say, *basic*. Don't expect marble floors and spa showers, but everything worked, and it was clean. I'd give it a solid 7/10 on the cleanliness scale. That said, always do a quick once-over when you arrive. Just… you know… for peace of mind. Check for any rogue hairs (been there, done that, not fun). And don't be afraid to ask for a room change if something isn’t up to your standards.
What's the staff like? Are they helpful?
The staff were universally friendly. They might not all speak fluent English, but they tried their best to be helpful. They were polite and accommodating, especially if you attempt a few basic Indonesian phrases (“Terima kasih” – thank you, is a good start!). I had a minor luggage issue (my fault, not theirs) and they were really quick to assist. It gave me the feeling of a warm welcome.
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep!
Noise levels can vary. The road outside can be busy. Ask for a room away from the street, if noise bothers you. I had a room facing the inner courtyard. It was relatively quiet, except for the occasional motorbike (that’s Indonesia for you) and the inevitable morning call to prayer from the local mosque, which I personally found quite beautiful, even from inside my room. I mean, it's part of the experience, right?
Okay, let’s talk about location, location, location! What's *actually* nearby, aside from Jalan Ahmad Yani?
Okay, so this is all about the vibe and it *really* depends on what you're into. I'm a foodie at heart. There are a few *warungs* (local eateries) nearby, serving up delicious and extremely affordable Indonesian food. Local markets are within reach (again, Gojek is your friend). If you want to see some history and culture, Banjarmasin has some mosques, and the floating market is supposed to be amazing (I never made it, darn it!), which is a must-see. Just be prepared for the heat! And the traffic! It's definitely an adventure!
So, the coffee AGAIN? Seriously! What's the *best* coffee strategy?
Alright, buckle up. The coffee situation is not a highlight. You're getting the instant stuff in your room. My advice? Embrace the adventure! The quickest route when I stayed was to find the nearest minimarket (Indomaret or Alfamart) to stock up on your instant coffee and milk. But if you are serious about your coffee (and I am!), the quest becomes a *game*. Ask the reception where to find good coffee that's walkable, and expect to walk a bit! Find those local coffee shops! It's a taste of the local culture, an adventure. You'll find coffee in Banjarmasin, it seems! Embrace it, or accept the instant coffee doom.
