Before I left for Batam, I did some researching….this hotel is famous for its polite and obliging staff but also famous (or infamous) for their inability to understand the guests. Well, they try, I guess.
Upon arriving by BatamFast Ferry, we were picked up by a hotel minibus. Not bad…the ride took 1 minute….the hotel being walking distance past some turns.
Upon arrival, there was a long line at the check-in. Staff was pleasant but they double booked me! I got 2 family rooms (and only 1 family…unless they were thinking I had an ‘alternate’ family, complete with mistress and all). Anyways, after a few back and forth, I manage to clarify things and only got 1 room. But breakfast wasn’t included. Bummer!
I must say, this hotel reminds me more of a upclass condo than a resort. Still, the room was clean (but they could have turned on the air con before I got there) and the amenities were nicely landscaped (though not exactly Bali, it has a nice ambience).
Although breakfast wasn’t provided in my S$200+ room rate, we did order room service for the 3 nights, afternoon and mornings we were there. Service was, sadly, slow. You got to call an hour or 30 mins ahead (depending on the availability and sense of urgency of staff).
Food was delicious! But any guest will have to try their sambal balachan. That is a chili shrimp paste that is made in heaven! It was so good that we bought (yes, we bought) 2 big plastic tubs of it back. Luckily home was just a short boat ride back.
This hotel does have 1 other thing that is worth mentioning….there is a Polo apparel shop at the lobby and they were having sales up to 50% off! No kidding. How cool is that.
On the second day, we took a hotel minibus to Nagoya Hill. Yes, it does cost a few bucks but it’s an experience on its own! Nagoya Hill Plaza seem to be the place where most tourist to Batam goes. Got myself a Mont Blanc wallet and had a fun time rumbling around the mall.
While swimming, I nearly got cut by a jutting pool tile…it’s made by Guocera…no wonder.
My ratings (10 being world class):
Location: 6.5 (Waterfront City is more like a outpost, City being used liberally here. There are 3 landmarks – Holiday Inn, Harris hotel and the jetty.)
Ambience: 7.5 (Don’t expect sandy beaches or idyllic padi fields, just enjoy the pool and 4 mini restaurants.)
Room: 8 (Reminds me more of a condo than a hotel/resort)
Value for money: 8 (I paid over S$200+ per room and they won’t even throw in breakfast)
Service: 7.5 (Acceptable, I guess, they try but it could be better.)
Value added services/amenities: Gym, pool, jacuzzi pool, kids pool and playground, pseudo Bali spa, own vegetable garden.
Return to stay: Hmm….tough call.
