Tangerang Dream Home: 2BR Near Mall! (Travelio)
Tangerang Dream Home: 2BR Near Mall! (Travelio) - A Rollercoaster of Expectations (and Air Conditioning)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I've emerged from the shimmering haze of Tangerang Dream Home (Travelio), a 2-bedroom apartment "near the mall!", and I'm here to spill the tea. Or, you know, the lukewarm coffee they almost had in the room. My expectations? Sky-high. My reality? Well, let's just say it was a…journey.
Accessibility & Getting There (Let's Start with the Basics, Shall We?)
Finding the place wasn't a nightmare, thankfully. Car park [on-site]? Check. Car park [free of charge]? Uh, yes, thank goodness. The nightmare would have been finding parking in that area. Airport transfer? Didn't use it, opted for a Grab. Taxi service? Plenty around, so that's sorted.
Now, accessibility. This is where things get a bit…murky. Facilities for disabled guests? That's a big question mark. Didn't see anything obviously tailored for wheelchair users, and the elevators felt a little cramped. Maybe it's accessible, but I wouldn't bet my rent on it. Elevator? Yes! Thank God, because lugging suitcases up multiple flights of stairs is my personal hell.
Check-in? Contactless check-in/out? They promised, and they delivered. So, kudos to them for that. Felt kinda cool and efficient, but definitely lacking that human touch. I could've used some friendly advice!
The Room: A Tale of Two Sides (and Too Much Carpeting)
Let's get into the meat of it, the 2-bedroom itself. Initially, the pictures online looked… amazing. Non-smoking rooms? YES! Crucial. Air conditioning? DOUBLE YES! Thank the heavens, it was sticky outside. Now, the reality…
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Praise be! Worked like a charm.
- Alarm clock: Yeah, somewhere. I used my phone anyway.
- Bathrobes: Nope.
- Bathroom phone: Seriously? In this day and age?
- Bathtub: Yes! Big one! I love a good soak.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Essential for surviving Jakarta's sunrise at 6 am.
- Carpeting: Ugh. So much carpeting. It felt a little…dated. And I kept imagining all the things that had been spilled on it.
- Closet: Plenty of hanging space. Good for the "I packed too much" syndrome I seem to have.
- Coffee/tea maker: Almost perfect! But the coffee packets were a little…blah.
- Complimentary tea: Yup. Standard.
- Daily housekeeping: Tick.
- Desk: Functional. I never actually used it, but, hey, it was there.
- Extra long bed: Check.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated. Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Present and accounted for.
- High floor: Yes! The view was alright. Tangerang is not exactly the Eiffel Tower, though.
- In-room safe box: Safe and sound.
- Internet access – LAN: Didn't use it.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes! Wi-Fi [free]? You betcha. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? YOU KNOW IT! It worked. Mostly.
- Ironing facilities: Thank goodness.
- Laptop workspace: See 'Desk'.
- Linens: Clean.
- Mini bar: Nope. Not even a hint of a mini bar.
- Mirror: Check. Many, many mirrors.
- On-demand movies: Nope, not that I could find.
- Private bathroom: Yup, and it was decent.
- Reading light: Present.
- Refrigerator: Yeah, did the job.
- Safety/security feature: Smoke detectors.
- Satellite/cable channels: I watched Netflix.
- Scale: Okay, that was a little judgmental.
- Seating area: Comfy enough.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yes! Bliss.
- Shower: Adequate.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Smoke detector: Yes.
- Socket near the bed: Crucial for us phone addicts.
- Sofa: Yes, a sectional. Very comfy.
- Soundproofing: Honestly? Could have been better. I swear I heard my neighbors' karaoke at 3 am. (Rambling? My bad.)
- Telephone: Yes, it was there.
- Toiletries: Basic. Bring your own fancy stuff.
- Towels: Plenty.
- Umbrella: Didn't see one.
- Visual alarm: Nope.
- Wake-up service: I think I used the alarm on my phone.
- Window that opens: Yay! Fresh air.
The Cleanliness & Safety Conundrum (Were They Really Cleaning?)
This is where things got a little… unsettling. Yes, there were signs about Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services, but… I couldn't see it. I'm super paranoid about germs, so I brought my own wipes, and let's just say they got a workout.
Room sanitization opt-out available? Nope. Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly. Daily disinfection in common areas? Maybe? There were signs of Hand sanitizer at the elevator, at least. Staff trained in safety protocol? They seemed polite, but I'm not sure how trained.
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food
Breakfast in room? Nope. But…
Breakfast takeaway service? Nope.
Are there any restaurants??!! YES! There are multiple restaurants, listed in the menu for the property.
There was a coffee shop nearby, but I didn't try it.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- Bottle of water: Free with the room.
- Restaurants: Multiple. You'll need to leave the apartment.
Things to Do (Beyond Just "Near the Mall")
Okay, "near the mall" is a big selling point. It's true. The mall is very close. Shops shops shops.. But beyond that? Things to do, ways to relax? Okay, so there were a few options, mentioned in the advertisement.
- Pool with view; Swimming pool [outdoor]; Looked nice. Didn't use it.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness; I swear there was a fitness centre somewhere, but it was almost impossible to find, and not the most welcoming.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the Indifferent)
Services:
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, that's great.
- Doorman: Nope.
- Dry cleaning: Didn't use it.
- Concierge: Unavailable.
- Cash withdrawal: Maybe… Didn't need it.
- Laundry service: I don't think I saw one.
The Final Verdict (and Why I'm Giving it a Solid… Maybe?)
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Look, Tangerang Dream Home has its flaws. It's not perfect. The carpets could use some TLC, the "spa" is a bit of a phantom, and the overall experience left me craving a little more.
But… the air conditioning was a godsend. The apartment was spacious enough. The location was convenient. And hey, the Wi-Fi actually worked.
Would I stay again? Maybe. If I really needed to be near that mall. But I'd definitely bring my own slippers, hand sanitizer, and a healthy dose of skepticism. And maybe, just maybe, I'd try that karaoke next time. You know, for research purposes. 😉
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because planning this trip to Tangerang near the Great Western 2BR by Travelio… well, it’s been a JOURNEY. More of a chaotic, slightly-on-fire-but-mostly-fun journey, if I’m honest. This isn’t going to be some Instagram-perfect travel diary, folks. This is the raw, unfiltered truth of a slightly-overwhelmed-but-hopefully-still-exhilarated traveler.
The Grand (and Slightly Flustered) Tangerang Itinerary - A Messy Adventure:
Day 1: The Arrival & the Panic of the Mall (and Possibly a Migraine)
- 8:00 AM (Jakarta Airport - Soekarno-Hatta): Touchdown! I thought I packed light. Nope. My suitcase is basically a black hole of "stuff I might need." First hurdle: navigating this airport. It's HUGE. And the air conditioning is… well, it's either on full blast or barely exists. I'm sweating, I'm slightly delirious from the flight, and I'm pretty sure I saw a lost toddler wearing a tiny fedora.
- 9:30 AM (Airport to Great Western 2BR): Okay, Grab car secured (thank God for Grab). The drive? Pure sensory overload. The traffic is a beast, scooters are weaving through traffic with alarming grace (HOW DO THEY DO THAT?!), and everything is a vibrant, chaotic symphony of sounds and smells. Honestly, it’s kinda exhilarating… and makes my head throb.
- 11:00 AM (Check-in & Apartment Exploration): Finally! Great Western 2BR! The apartment? Pretty decent. Clean enough, and the view? Not bad at all. Except, wait… where's the iron? (Dramatic sigh). Essential travel item missing. Gotta find out where the store is.
- 12:00 PM (The Shopping Mall Experience, Part 1: The Hunger Games): The plan: conquer the shopping mall beside my apartment for lunch and grocery items. The reality? I'm lost. I swear, malls in Indonesia are mazes. I stumble into a food court, overwhelmed by the choices. (My stomach is rumbling like a concrete mixer). I cave, I buy way too much Indonesian food. The satay is AMAZING.
- 2:00 PM (Nap Time - Crucial!): After the mall, the exhaustion sets in. Jet lag is REAL. I am in dire need of at least a two-hour nap.
- 4:00 PM (Mall Round Two: Iron Quest & Sundry Supplies): Back to the mall (feeling a bit more human after the nap). Iron acquired (thank you, Mr. Friendly Shop Assistant!). And, while at it, I'm buying some snacks, water, and maybe a new t-shirt if I get the chance.
- 6:00 PM (Dinner: Noodle Disaster (but hilarious)): Decided to be adventurous and try the street food vendor near the apartment. (Big mistake). I ordered some noodles and they're spicy-hot. I am not used to that kind of heat. I drank water like my life depends on it. It was awful. And I loved it.
- 8:00 PM (Netflix & Chill – Actually!): Collapse on the couch, watch some Netflix, and attempt to decipher the local TV channels. This is my kind of night. It's time to plan Day 2, and it's going to be as messy as today.
Day 2: Culture Shock & the Search for the Perfect Coffee (And Possibly a Massage!)
- 9:00 AM (Wake Up, Regret Noodles): Wake up. Still digesting the volcanic noodles from last night. Okay, let’s try to have a better breakfast.
- 10:00 AM (Local Market Adventure): Okay, I'm feeling brave. (And slightly less afraid of spicy food). I'm going to the local market. Wish me luck. I step into a vibrant place of endless stalls brimming with fresh produce. The colors, the smells, the chattering… it's an assault on the senses! I buy some fruit and, for the love of all that is holy, a coffee.
- 12:00 PM (Cultural Immersion Attempt #1: The Temple Debacle): I attempt to visit a temple. (I found a temple on Google Maps. Wish me luck!). It's beautiful, truly, but I accidentally wear the wrong outfit. I'm pretty sure I was stared down by a disapproving deity. Head back to the apartment mortified and start contemplating how many Indonesian dishes I'll have to consume to make amends.
- 2:00 PM (Coffee Hunt & the Great Indonesian Coffee Crisis): The search for the holy grail of coffee continues. The cafe near my apartment is okay. I need EXPLOSIVE coffee. I'd heard Indonesian coffee is great, but the hunt is on. I'm walking for miles now.
- 4:00 PM (Massage of Bliss): Oh, sweet release. After the coffee hunt, I find a massage parlor that has a good rating. The best massage OF MY LIFE. Actually, it wasn’t the best. It was mediocre. The therapist was nice, though.
- 6:00 PM (Dinner: Let's try again): Tonight, I go for something safe, the restaurant recommendation of the receptionist. I try Nasi Goreng – the Indonesian fried rice dishes!
- 8:00 PM (Reflection and Planning): I sit here, contemplating the beauty of Tangerang, the lack of organization, and the sheer chaos of it all. I can't wait for Day 3.
Day 3: Day Trips, Departure Preparations, and Existential Dread (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- 9 AM: Check-out, travel to the airport.
- 12:00 PM (Departure): The end! I’m leaving Tangerang.
So, there you have it. My Tangerang adventure. It wasn’t perfect. It was a mess. And it was absolutely wonderful. I went, I saw, I almost collapsed from exhaustion (and spicy noodles). I loved it all.
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Tangerang Dream Home: 2BR Near Mall! (Travelio) - My Messy Guide
So, is this place ACTUALLY near the mall? Because "near" can mean a whole lot of things, right? Like, "near" the airport might mean a 45-minute taxi ride!
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Near" in this context? It's pretty damn close. I’m talking *walking* distance. I mean, I'm no marathon runner, but even *I* could trudge to the mall in, say, 10-15 minutes. Depends on how many street vendors I stop to sniff around at on the way. And the heat! Honestly, the proximity to the mall was one of the BIG selling points for me. You know, the "I need to get out of my pajamas and people-watch in a food court" kind of days? This place delivers. It really does. My friend, who's perpetually late, managed to *still* get to the mall earlier than me even though I was supposed to be leading the way. He just... knows shortcuts, I guess. I'm not bitter.
What's the actual apartment like? The pictures always look so… perfect. And we all know perfection is a scam, yeah?
Okay, the pictures… yeah. They’re… staged. But honestly? It’s not a complete *lie*. It's a modern, decent-sized 2BR. The living room is spacious enough to do a little impromptu dance party (or, more accurately, a shuffle while changing the channel). The kitchen? Ah, here's where things get interesting. It has basic appliances, but don't expect a Michelin-star chef's setup. I tried making pasta once. It ended up… not quite "pasta." Let's just say I should have stuck to instant noodles. There was a slight issue with the water pressure in the shower. Like, a trickle. But, as my adventurous side takes over, maybe it’s a good thing. I got to experience an adventure with the water pressure; it was not a dream. More of a reality. The TV is also… a TV. It works. Eventually. Sometimes you need to jiggle the cable. Like, a lot. Still, it's miles better than my old shoe-box apartment. And the AC? A GODSEND. Especially during Tangerang's... how do I put it... *balmy* weather.
Is it clean? I have… issues. Like, major issues, with cleanliness. (Don't judge!)
Alright, cleanliness. This is important. I’m with you. I walked in, and honestly, it wasn't sparkling hospital-grade clean. There was a *hint* of… lingering… from previous tenants. You know, a little dust bunny here, a stray hair there. Nothing truly horrifying, but it *did* require a bit of a deep clean on my part. I wish I had taken a picture of my first attempt to clean the shower. Let's just say the grout has seen better days. Bring your own cleaning supplies. Don't expect a pristine hotel experience. It's… lived-in. But with a little elbow grease (and maybe a hazmat suit, I’m kidding!) it can be made VERY livable. And I did. I survived.
The reviews mention noise. Is it really THAT noisy? I need my beauty sleep!
Okay, noise. This is a mixed bag. It really depends on what kind of noise you're sensitive to. The building itself is pretty standard, so you DO hear some sounds filtering in. Traffic, the distant call to prayer (absolutely beautiful, by the way – but can be early!), maybe a neighbor’s questionable taste in music. I’m a light sleeper, so I quickly learned to invest in some good earplugs. Honestly? They're a lifesaver. Also, the AC hums a bit. Which I personally found soothing. It’s definitely not the quietest place on earth, but it's far from unbearable. Unless the neighbors are having a karaoke night. Then, all bets are off. Pack your headphones. Or join the party. It's a toss-up.
What about parking? I drive a… large vehicle. Let's just say "spacious."
Parking! Crucial. Honestly, parking can be a nightmare in Tangerang, in general. The building had allocated parking, which was a huge relief. Finding a spot wasn’t *always* a breeze (especially during peak hours), but at least there was *a* spot. My vehicle is… not small. It’s, let’s say, “comfortably sized.” Fitting it in was a bit of a dance, but totally doable. Just be prepared to practice your parallel parking skills. And maybe bring a friend to guide you. Although I really wish I didn't have a few scratches from the side mirrors.
Anything I should REALLY know BEFORE booking? Like, hidden fees or weird rules? Dish the dirt!
Okay, fine. I'll dish. First, READ THE FINE PRINT. Seriously. There were some extra fees I wasn't expecting. Like, a cleaning fee (which I thought was covered in the booking, apparently not). Annoying, but not a deal-breaker. Make sure you have a credit card or digital payment available to pay the fees. I also got a stern talking-to for leaving the balcony door open overnight. Whoops! The rules are fairly standard, nothing too crazy. Just be respectful of the neighbors. Also, the wifi can be a little… temperamental. Sometimes it's blazing fast, other times you're staring at the loading icon while silently screaming. Prepare to tether to your phone if you need to get serious work done. Pack your patience! And your own coffee. The provided instant coffee? Well, let's just say it's a… *taste*.
So, overall, would you recommend it? Be brutally honest!
Okay, brutally honest? For the price and the location, it's a good deal. It's not perfect. Far from it. But it's comfortable, convenient, and, honestly, after I got used to the quirks, I actually enjoyed my time there. Especially the mall access, I may be addicted. If you're looking for a luxurious, five-star experience, this isn't it. But if you want a solid, well-located apartment with a bit of character… and you’re willing to roll with the punches… I'd absolutely recommend it. Just bring your own toilet paper. That's a pro-tip.
Any hidden gems or tips for navigating the area? Like, the best street food? Don't hold back!
Okay, hidden gems!Local Hotel Tips
