Bandung's BEST Kept Secret? Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia Review!
Bandung's BEST Kept Secret? Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia Review!
Bandung's BEST Kept Secret? Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia Review: Straight Up Real Talk (And Maybe Some Ramble)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans – and maybe a little bit of coffee – on Bandung’s Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia. They call it a secret, and honestly, I'm tempted to keep it that way. But, you know, sharing is caring, and you, dear reader, deserve to know about this…place. This is not one of those perfectly polished, PR-approved reviews. This is the real deal. Grab a cup of joe (you know, cause we're gonna be here a while) because it gets a little messy, a little opinionated, and a whole lotta real.
First Impressions (And Immediate Accessibility Questions):
Finding the place was a little adventure. Let's be honest, Bandung traffic is a beast. But, hey, the hotel is mercifully accessible from the main roads, thankfully. I'm not gonna lie, the exterior isn't exactly jaw-dropping, but don't judge a book by its cover, right? The entrance is relatively flat, which is a huge plus for anyone with mobility issues. Accessibility is KEY for me, so this was a solid win.
Accessibility Score: Pretty good! Ramp access, elevator, and generally easy to navigate the common areas. (Pro Tip: Call ahead and double-check about room accessibility – always a good idea!)
The Room: My Cozy Little Fortress (Finally, Some Peace!)
Okay, let's talk rooms. I opted for a standard one, and honestly? Pretty darn comfortable. (Available in all rooms, let me run through these amenities, again?!) Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi (YES! Read on!). A proper bed (so much better than those rock-hard mattresses you get in some places). Plus, the blackout curtains were EVERYTHING. Seriously, I'm a light sleeper, and these things delivered a world of darkness, which is exactly what I needed.
Quick rundown of room amenities: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (though I didn't care!), In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (didn't use, but nice), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (who uses those?!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, Additional toilet.
The Wi-Fi Saga: Because We All Need Internet Now, Right?
Okay, so the promise of "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" – a godsend in this day and age – was met with some… interesting results. Let's be real, Wi-Fi is crucial, and I’d immediately knock points off for spotty internet! It was free, thankfully, but the connection was sometimes a little… temperamental. It worked perfectly fine for basic browsing and streaming, but I wouldn’t bank on it for serious video conferencing or heavy downloads. The Internet [LAN] option was available, too, but I’m a wireless kinda gal and stuck with my trusty phone. This could do with some improving, truth be told. (but hey, free is free, lol)
Score: A solid B for effort, but the Wi-Fi needs a little more love.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, Mostly, It Was Fine…)
The hotel offered a bunch of dining options, which is always a plus when you're hungry and don't want to brave the Bandung traffic again.
- Restaurants: Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia has a couple of restaurants. We're talking Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant.
- Breakfast: Got the Breakfast [buffet] and the Asian breakfast was pretty decent, and Western breakfast wasn't bad either! The Breakfast takeaway service came in handy during the late morning rush.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: A must for me!
- Desserts in restaurant: Got em, they're yummy!
- Poolside Bar You can chill out and get a drink!
- Room service: 24 hours, yes! I just never used it.
- Snack bar: Perfect to get a small snack!
- Safe dining setup: They seem to have got it down pat!
Okay, so, the food. Let's get HONEST: The breakfast buffet was decent, the coffee was passable. I had a tasty meal in the restaurant, though, to be fair, but nothing that blew my socks off. The price was right, though (thank God!) and the staff were lovely. (I'm not a huge buffet person, but for the price it's pretty good!) There were Individually-wrapped food options which makes me happy. They also had Hand sanitizer and good Daily disinfection in common areas and really seemed to be taking Hygiene certification seriously. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were what I was looking for. Their Staff trained in safety protocol also gave me peace of mind. Food-wise, I'd rate it a solid meh. (But hey, I'm a hard marker!)
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, And… The Pool With a View
Now, THIS is where things got interesting. The hotel boasts a Spa/sauna. I was craving some serious chill, so I booked a Body scrub and a Massage at their spa. And, um, wow. Seriously, the best massage I’ve had in ages. The therapist was incredibly skilled, and I emerged feeling like a new (and very relaxed) person. The Pool with view was gorgeous too, and I spent a good chunk of my afternoon just floating around. Sauna and Steamroom were also available! The whole relaxation experience was a solid A+.
My Emotional Reaction: Seriously, the spa almost made me cry. (In a good way!)
Things To Do (Outside the Hotel, Cause, Bandung!):
The hotel isn’t exactly in the center of all the action. But, they're offering Airport transfer to help you get around.
This is an urban hotel, so you'll be headed out there!
Cleanliness and Safety: Because We Still Live in This World
Let's get real about cleanliness, especially post-pandemic. Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia takes it seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas. I also noticed they had Hand sanitizer at the entrance and throughout the hotel. The staff clearly know how to handle the current state of play, and they have Staff trained in safety protocol. There was also a Doctor/nurse on call and a First aid kit that could come in handy. And because of that, I felt completely safe!
The Value Proposition: Is it Worth the Hype?
So, is Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia worth it? Absolutely. For the price point, it's excellent value. You get a comfortable room, decent food, a fantastic spa experience, and generally a chill vibe.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Let's Be Honest…):
- The Wi-Fi, as mentioned before, is the one area that could really benefit from an upgrade.
- The external appearance could use some love. It's not ugly, but it's not exactly Instagram-worthy either.
- While the staff is friendly, they could sometimes be a little slow to respond to requests.
Final Verdict (And The Big Reveal):
Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but it's comfortable, affordable, and the spa alone is worth the price of admission. If you're looking for a comfortable, relaxing stay in Bandung (With a genuinely relaxing spa!), this is a great option. It's not the flashiest place in town, but it's definitely a hidden gem.
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Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Chalet Awaits on the Lot River!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for my stay at the Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia Cijagra Bandung by RedDoorz is about to get REAL. Forget those pristine, perfectly-planned itineraries you see online. This is a messy, emotional rollercoaster of a trip, and you're coming along for the ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Bandung Bliss (and a Slight Panic)
14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & Check-In – The Adventure Begins (Maybe?)
- Okay, so the flight was delayed. Classic. I swear I have a sixth sense for picking the slowest baggage carousel. Anyway, finally made it to Bandung. The ride from the airport was… well, let's just say navigating Indonesian traffic is a contact sport.
- First Impressions: The hotel lobby? Not exactly the Four Seasons, but clean-ish. Receptionist was friendly, bless her heart, even after I fumbled with my Indonesian SIM card for five minutes. Honestly, I felt like I was doing her a favor by attempting the language… I was clearly not. The room itself… alright, let's be honest, it's a RedDoorz. Expectations managed, you know? Clean sheets, okay aircon, that's all I needed.
- Anxiety level: Medium. Already dreading the language barrier.
15:00 - 16:00: The Room Reconnaissance & The Coffee Crisis
- Unpacked, tossed my suitcase on the bed (judging by how long it will stay there, the bed and the suitcase will probably be the best of friends). Crucial step: Locate the coffee situation.
- The Bad News: Instant coffee sachets. The horror! I NEED REAL COFFEE. Ugh. Heading out to find a decent brew.
- Anxiety level: Increased. Caffeine withdrawal is a serious thing.
16:00 - 18:00: Exploring the Neighborhood & The Street Food Revelation
- Walkabout time! I wandered around the neighborhood, which was a vibrant mix of shops, food stalls, and the general organized chaos that is Indonesia. The best part? The smells. OMG, the smells.
- The Street Food Saga: Found a little warung (small local eatery). I pointed at things, mumbled "enak" (delicious), and prayed for the best.
- The Revelation: The nasi goreng (fried rice) with a fried egg on top. OH. MY. GOD. Forget fancy restaurants, THIS is the food of the gods. I polished off a plate in record time, dripping with chili sauce, and feeling pure, unadulterated joy.
- Emotional Reaction: My soul has found its culinary home.
- Anxiety Level: Practically nonexistent. Food conquers all.
18:00 - 20:00: Relaxing at the Hotel & The Shower Debacle
- Back to the hotel to recharge. Attempted to get the TV working. Failed. Watched the ceiling fan spin in a hypnotic trance instead.
- The Shower Moment: Okay, confession. The water pressure was… weak. Think more "gentle mist" than "power wash." But hey, at least it was warm.
- Emotional Reaction: Bit of a "meh" feeling. But hey, I'm alive and fed, what more could you want?
20:00 - 22:00: Dinner (More Street Food!) & Early Night
- Okay, guess where I’m going for dinner? You guessed it! BACK TO THE WARUNG. I become a local.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure happiness. The taste of that nasi goreng is burned into my memory in the best way possible.
- Activity Level: low to the extreme and the early night and sleep
Day 2: Tangkuban Perahu, Kawah Putih, and a Lesson in Letting Go (and Laundry)
08:00-09:00: Overwhelmed Breakfast & Mental Prep
- The free breakfast at the hotel… well, let’s just say it was “included.” Standard fare. I did attempt to use my minimal Bahasa, but my brain failed me.
- Mental Prep: Today's the day I tackle Tangkuban Perahu (volcano) and Kawah Putih (white crater lake). Gonna require some energy.
- Anxiety level: Building. Day trips are… adventurous.
09:00-10:00: The Local Driver Negotiation and a Taxi Ride
- Hired a local driver (price negotiated down… hopefully). The ride itself was a masterclass in lane-weaving and sheer, joyful recklessness. I grabbed on to the seat every now and then.
- Emotional Reaction: Mix of terror and exhilaration.
- Anxiety Level: Definitely high.
10:00 - 12:00: Tangkuban Perahu - Breath-taking but stinky and touristy.
- Okay, the views? Stunning. The sulfur smell? Whoa. The crowds? Immense. Pushy vendors, selfie sticks everywhere… It took all my willpower not to give up and flee.
- Quirk: I swear, I saw a monkey try to steal a banana out of someone's backpack. Classic.
- Emotional Reaction: Gorgeous, but exhausting.
12:00 - 14:00: Kawah Putih – The Most Beautiful Lake and a Sad Moment
- The lake is one of the most breathtaking things I’ve ever seen. The colours were insane. I got a few beautiful photos with no other people in them.
- Sad Moment: I saw a lot of trash. It was hard seeing such beauty being marred by trash.
- Activity: Getting myself out of the hotel and making a journey into the world. Feeling of accomplishment.
- Emotional Reaction: Tears of joy and sadness.
14:00-16:00: Lunch and some down Time
- Got a nice lunch at a restaurant with a pretty view.
- Took some time to be alone, and reflect on beauty and trash.
- Emotional reaction: Content but a bit overwhelmed.
- Anxiety Level: Medium.
16:00 - 18:00: Laundry - A Simple Yet Complex Endeavor
- After all the adventures, my clothes definitely needed a wash.
- The Laundry Conundrum: Found a laundry service nearby. Communicating the details was like a comedy sketch. I hope I get my socks back.
- Emotional Reaction: Hopeful and a touch worried. Laundry is a leap of faith.
- Anxiety Level: Mildly concerning. Lost socks are a tragedy.
**18:00 - 20:00: Relax at hotel and rest
- The aircon is failing again.
- Emotional reaction: annoyed.
18:00 - 22:00: Dinner & The Bedtime Story
- Back to the warung (shocker!), and then early to bed.
- Emotional Reaction: Sleep is the only thing I want.
Day 3: Departure - And a Promise to Return
08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast & The Last Nasi Goreng Farewell
- One last go at the breakfast. Then, a tearful goodbye to the warung (kidding… kind of).
- Emotional reaction: Nostalgia already setting in.
09:00 - 10:00: The Local Market & Last-Minute Souvenirs
- Went to a local market to get some souvenirs.
- Emotional reactions: Happy
10:00 - 11:00: Last-minute checkout; the ride to the airport.
- The ride to the airport.
- Emotional Reaction: Sad to say goodbye but glad to return.
Departure:
- Back to the US.
- Emotional reaction: Content, but definitely wanting to come back here.
Okay, so that’s the rough draft. This trip was messy, exhausting. But it was an experience I won't ever forget. I'd come back in a heartbeat.
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Urbanview Hotel Pondok Kurnia: Bandung's "Best Kept Secret"? Let's Get Real.
Okay, spill the tea. Is Urbanview Pondok Kurnia actually good? Or is it just hype?
Alright, alright, let's be candid. When I first heard "Bandung's Best Kept Secret," I rolled my eyes. Seriously? Another "hidden gem" that's probably gonna be... well, not *that* gem-like. But hey, curiosity (and a seriously tight budget) pulled me in. And truth be told... it's a mixed bag. Picture this: you're in Bandung, the air is crisp (most of the time, thanks smog!) and you're yearning for a decent place to crash after a day of exploring. Pondok Kurnia fills that need. It's not the Ritz. Not even close. But it's... respectable. Think of it as that reliable friend who always shows up, even if they bring a slightly questionable side dish to the potluck. So, good? Yeah, *good enough* for the price. Is it a game-changer? Nah. But it's a decent, no-frills option.
The rooms. What's the deal with the rooms?
Rooms are… functional. Don't expect luxury, people. I stayed in a "Deluxe" room (air quotes intentional). It was clean, which is always a win. And the bed? Surprisingly comfy. Like, more comfy than my own bed at home sometimes (don't tell my mattress I said that!). The bathroom was… basic. Let's just say the shower pressure was more of a gentle drizzle than a waterfall. And the hot water? Worked *sometimes*. One morning, it was glorious. Warm, welcoming. The next, it was a chilly reminder that I wasn't showering in a five-star resort. Minor inconvenience, sure, But you wouldn't want this to happen to all the room that you booked. My main complaint? The noise. Bandung is a lively city, and the walls… aren't exactly soundproof. You'll hear the street vendors, the motorbikes, and potentially, your neighbor's questionable karaoke choices. Pack earplugs. Seriously. You've been warned.
Breakfast. Is the breakfast worth waking up for? (Or, ya know, worth *attempting* to wake up for?)
Breakfast. Ah, the defining moment of any hotel stay, isn't it? Okay, here's the truth: The breakfast at Pondok Kurnia is... adequate. It's included, which is a major plus (yay, free food!). Expect the usual suspects: nasi goreng (fried rice, always a good choice), some toast, maybe some fruit (if you're lucky), and questionable coffee. The coffee, let's be honest, barely qualifies. I'm a coffee snob, I know. And I'd advise to bring your own instant coffee. But hey, it's free. And sometimes, after a night of exploring the city and a few Bintang, that "questionable" coffee somehow tastes amazing. It's a gamble. The breakfast is a gamble, but it has never failed to make the day a pleasant one.
The Location! It has to be, right?
Location, location, location! It's pretty decent, actually. It's not smack-bang in the absolute centre of the crazy action, which is a good thing for a chill stay. It's a short Grab ride away from a lot of the popular spots. I found getting around to be quite easy. Bandung traffic is legendary, but being able to quickly get in a Grab got me to my destinations relatively painlessly. It's not *perfectly* central, but it's close enough to the action without being in the heart of the chaos. Easy access to street food, cafes, and the usual touristy things. That's a win in my book.
Let's talk service. Are the staff friendly? Helpful? Or do they just want you gone?
The staff at Pondok Kurnia are generally friendly and helpful. They're not overly fussy, which I personally appreciate. They're there when you need them, but they don't hover. I found them to be quite accommodating. Like, I had a problem with my key card (classic!) and they sorted it out quickly and with a smile. They're not necessarily fluent in English, but they genuinely try to communicate and assist. It’s a warm, unpretentious kind of hospitality. They also have security outside. They are always ready to assist and make sure the stay is a safe one. I'd award them the "Most Likely to Make You Feel Welcome" award. Or at least, the runner-up.
Any serious downsides? Like, dealbreakers?
Noise, as I mentioned before. That's probably the biggest one. Also, the WiFi wasn't always the strongest. If you're relying on a solid internet connection, this might not be the best choice. And the hot water situation can be a bit hit-and-miss. But honestly, for the price, I can forgive a lot. If you're a super-demanding traveler who needs a palace or pristine luxury, this isn't your place. If you need a clean, cheap, and reasonably well-located place to crash, it's worth considering. Oh, and the air conditioning in my room was a bit... temperamental. It'd blast you with arctic air one minute, then cough out warm air the next. I spent a lot of time adjusting the dial and muttering under my breath. But hey, that's travel, right?
Would you *actually* recommend it?
Look, it's not perfect. Far from it. But for the price point, I'd say yes. If you're on a budget and looking for a decent place to base yourself, it's worth considering. Just go in *expecting* a slightly imperfect experience. Manage your expectations, pack earplugs, and maybe bring your own coffee. And you'll be fine. It's not glamorous. It's not luxurious. But it's... real. And sometimes, that's all you need. I'd return. But I'd probably request a room on a higher floor, hopefully away from the karaoke. And I'd definitely bring better instant coffee. Yes, I would recommend it for budget travelers.
Okay, but tell me about *that* experience... the one you'll never forget.
Alright, buckle up, because this is the part where things get… interesting. There was this one morning. I woke up. The sun was streaming in, the air was crisp (a rarity in Bandung, let's be honest). I went to take a shower. No hot water. Fine, I thought. Happens. I'll wait. And waited. And waitedHotel Price Compare
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