Jakarta's HOTTEST 2BR Mediterranean Marina Escape! (Travelio)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the "Jakarta's HOTTEST 2BR Mediterranean Marina Escape! (Travelio)." And trust me, I'm not afraid to get messy with this one. I've seen enough pristine hotel reviews to last a lifetime – let's get REAL.
First Impressions (and the Parking…oh, the Parking)
Okay, full disclosure: getting to this Mediterranean mirage in Jakarta is…an adventure. Traffic in this city is legendary, and frankly, I’m surprised I didn’t spontaneously combust from the heat before I even saw the place. So, accessibility? Well, if you’re driving, pray to the traffic gods. The car park [on-site] is…there. Let's just say it's not exactly a breeze. There's car park [free of charge] too, but you'll be contending for valuable parking spaces. Valet parking is also an option, thank heavens! As for airport transfer, yes, they offer it, and I HIGHLY recommend taking them up on it. Save yourself the stress. And, for the eco-conscious, there's a Car power charging station! So if you are coming with electric car, you're set.
The View? The Real Deal (and a Few Minor Gripes).
Once you're in the place, though… whoa. The view. Seriously, the Pool with view is… well, the reason this place is called an "escape." I spent a full hour just staring out at the marina, watching the boats gently bobbing. It's legitimately gorgeous. And the swimming pool [outdoor] itself? Clean, inviting, and perfectly placed for maximum sun-soaking.
The terrace is pretty spectacular too, imagine yourself sitting there in the morning during breakfast and enjoy the day. I’m a sucker for those.
But let's be honest, nothing's perfect. The exterior corridor design felt a little… utilitarian. Not exactly the "Mediterranean" vibe I was expecting, but, hey, I wasn’t spending all my time in the hallways.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (and the Endless Coffee)
Now, the 2BR itself. Spacious. Modern. Absolutely dripping with air conditioning (a must in Jakarta!). They really do give you Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I spent a lot of time lazing around and browsing the internet on my laptop workspace. The Internet access – wireless was indeed consistent – which is a win. The air conditioning in public area was nice too.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet: Always a plus!
- Air conditioning: Essential in Jakarta!
- Alarm clock: Still works, surprisingly.
- Bathrobes: Check. Always a classy touch.
- Bathroom phone: Who even uses these anymore?
- Bathtub: Excellent for relaxing.
- Blackout curtains: Sleep like a baby, even with the city lights.
- Carpeting: Plush and comfortable.
- Closet: Plenty of storage space.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial for a caffeine addict like me.
- Complimentary tea: Nice touch!
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were always immaculate.
- Desk: Useful for getting some work done (or pretending to)
- Extra long bed: Finally, a bed I can actually stretch out on!
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Basic necessity.
- High floor: Excellent views.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Great for families.
- Internet access – LAN: For the old-school techies.
- Internet access – wireless: Wi-Fi that just works.
- Ironing facilities: For looking presentable, even on vacation.
- Laptop workspace: Perfect for writing those stellar reviews (wink).
- Linens: Soft and clean.
- Mini bar: Refreshments at hand!
- Mirror: Checking those selfies.
- Non-smoking: A blessing for us smokers.
- On-demand movies: Excellent for some chill evening.
- Private bathroom: Privacy!
- Reading light: Useful for late-night reading.
- Refrigerator: Chilled drinks are a MUST.
- Safety/security feature: Always appreciate the extra security.
- Satellite/cable channels: Countless hours of entertainment.
- Scale: Stay informed what your weight is.
- Seating area: Perfect for relaxing
- Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury at its finest.
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Slippers: Comfy!
- Smoke detector: Safety first.
- Socket near the bed: Essential for charging phones.
- Sofa: Cozy and inviting.
- Soundproofing: Peaceful.
- Telephone: Good old-fashioned phone calls.
- Toiletries: Well-stocked bathroom.
- Towels: Fresh towels, always a win.
- Umbrella: For when the inevitable Jakarta rain hits.
- Visual alarm: Useful for those who need it.
- Wake-up service: Reliable wake-up call.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Free internet is always good.
- Window that opens: Nice for fresh air, although views might be a bit of a letdown.
Cleanliness and Safety: More Than Just Lip Service
Let's talk about the obvious – cleanliness and safety. In the age of… well, you know… this place gets top marks. They're serious about it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization opt-out available, and rooms sanitized between stays? Check, check, and check. I felt genuinely safe, which made a massive difference to my ability to just relax. Staff wearing masks, hand sanitizer everywhere. The entire place genuinely FELT clean. They take safety and security seriously with CCTVs in the common areas and outside the property, 24-hour front desk and security, fire extinguisher, smoke alarms and soundproof rooms.
Dining, Drinking, and the Glorious Breakfast (or "Why I Gained Five Pounds")
Okay, this is where it gets REALLY good. The Asian breakfast was delicious. The coffee in the coffee shop? Strong, authentic, and plentiful. I’m not ashamed to admit I had at least three cups every morning. The breakfast [buffet] was massive. They also offer breakfast in room.
I have to mention the Poolside bar, absolutely perfect for sunset cocktails. Their Happy hour is a must. Restaurants on-site offer a variety of cuisines from Asian cuisine and a dedicated Vegetarian restaurant and offering international and western cuisine. The a la carte in restaurant is great and the buffet in restaurant has lots of tasty options, with Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Food Delivery: They offer food delivery for extra convenience.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They actually do make things easy. Daily housekeeping, luggage storage, laundry service, dry cleaning, a concierge, cash withdrawal, a convenience store, and elevator, all these basic things are so important when it comes to a great experience. The fact they offer Contactless check-in/out is a bonus!
For the Kids: (This Section is for the Young at Heart)
I don't have kids, but I noticed they're definitely family-friendly. Family/child friendly, and offer Babysitting service, and Kids meal.
Things to Do (or, How I Became a Spa Addict)
Okay, so the "escape" part? nailed it. The Spa is actually pretty incredible. I’m talking full-on pampering. Massage? Yes, please. Body scrub? Absolutely. Body wrap? Sign me up! The Sauna was a great way to finish off the day.
There's a pretty decent Fitness center too, for those who feel guilty about all the delicious food.
Accessibility. A Few Thoughts
Okay, this is where I have to be honest. I didn't specifically test the wheelchair accessible aspect of the hotel. I did see the ramp at the entrance and the Elevator so let's assume they're at least trying. However, my observation isn't the most accurate, but the facilities for disabled guests should be worth noting.
The Quirks, the Flaws, and the Honest Verdict
No hotel is perfect. But this one comes pretty darn close. The location can be rough in terms of traffic, but the payoff – the view, the space, the sheer escapism – is absolutely worth it. Do yourself a favor. Book that Mediterranean Marina Escape.
Unbelievable Penang Paradise: Discover the MACALISTER 288 Secret!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going from "Homey 2BR Mediterania Marina Residence By Travelio Jakarta Indonesia" to… well, who knows where we'll end up. It's Jakarta, baby! Prepare for some delicious (and maybe slightly questionable street food), chaotic traffic, and the sheer glorious messiness of life.
The Jakarta Jumble: A Messy Itinerary (For Someone Who Likes to Wing It)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Homey" Debacle
- Morning (or whenever I crawl out of bed after that red-eye): Land at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). Okay, first hurdle, getting through customs. Wish me luck, I look like a walking sleep-deprived disaster.
- Mid-Morning: Grabbing a Blue Bird taxi (hopefully, not a dodgy one!). Praying to the traffic gods that we don't get stuck in a jam for three hours. That's the Jakarta experience in it's totality right there.
- Late-Morning/Early Afternoon: Arrive at Mediterania Marina Residence. "Homey?" Sigh. Let's hope Travelio didn't oversell the "luxury" thing. Check-in. Pray the AC actually WORKS. My definition of "homey" includes a working air conditioner.
- Afternoon: Unpack (or chuck my stuff on a chair, let's be real). Immediate assessment of the apartment: Is the WiFi decent? Is the bed actually comfortable? Major priorities.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Okay, food. Must. Eat. First impressions are key. Find some local warung (small, local eatery) nearby. Try Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). If I'm feeling brave, maybe some sate (grilled skewers).
- Anedocte: Last time I tried street food in a new place, lets just say it resulted in a full day spent hugging the porcelain throne… but the flavors were worth it! Hopefully this'll be better, or I'm going to be a very cranky tourist.
- Evening: Stroll around the neighborhood. Soak it in. Get lost (probably). Observe the local life. Jakarta is a sensory overload, so I will be enjoying the ride, hopefully.
Day 2: Culture Clash and Culinary Adventures
- Morning: Embrace the chaos and take on the public transport! Let's consider the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) - it is a clean and a functioning railway. Or risk bajajs (three-wheeled tuk-tuks) for maximum Jakarta experience? This is a major decision time.
- Mid-Morning: Visit the National Museum. Feed my brain. Pretend to be cultured. Wonder how much I'll actually remember. The history? The art? Probably mostly the air conditioning.
- Lunch: Explore Glodok Chinatown. Dive headfirst into the incredible, chaotic (but delicious) world of Chinese-Indonesian cuisine. I'm thinking bakmi (noodles) and maybe siomay (fish dumplings).
- Quirky Observation: I'm convinced the best food is always found in the most crowded, slightly-dodgy-looking places. It's a law of the universe, I tell ya.
- Afternoon: Pasar Baru Market. Bargain for souvenirs. Get completely ripped off (probably). But hey, it's all part of the experience, right?
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, bargaining is stressful. I'm terrible at it. I will inevitably overpay. But I'll tell myself I'm supporting the local economy and try and fail to keep a straight face.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Back to the hotel/apartment. Maybe a quick chill at the pool if there is one. If not, maybe I will just take a nap..
- Evening: Dinner and maybe some live music. I have no idea where to find live music in Jakarta, so this will be an adventure..
Day 3: A Day Trip and Total Overload
- Morning: Day trip! Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu). Or maybe Bogor. (Considering the traffic, I'm leaning toward "closest possible option.")
- Rambling Thought: I'm already tired just thinking about the traffic, but if I'm not seeing any new place, whats the point? Decision, decisions…
- Mid-Morning/Afternoon: Thousand Islands time. Sun, sand, sea. Or, if Bogor, then maybe a botanical garden and some delicious local food.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Ahhhh, the sun! The water! The escape from the city! This is going to be the most amazing experience of the trip!
- Afternoon/Evening: Drive back. Traffic. Traffic. Traffic. Be prepared to wait a couple of hours more for the ride back.
- Evening: Dinner at a new place and reflect on the day. Or, depending on how exhausted I am, order room service and watch TV until I pass out. Let's face it, any place is better than traffic so I will be enjoying the relaxation of it…
Day 4: The Big City and Goodbye for Now
- Morning: Explore Monas (National Monument). Get my picture taken. Feel slightly overwhelmed by the crowds.
- Mid-Morning: Shopping! Grand Indonesia Mall! Shopping malls are my favorite thing about Jakarta. Look for souvenirs.
- Lunch: A last delicious meal. More Nasi Goreng? Or maybe I'll be brave and try Balinese cuisine.
- Afternoon: Final wander through the city. Say goodbye to the sights, sounds, and smells of Jakarta.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Back to the airport. Hopefully, I won't be late.
- Evening: Fly out. Reflecting on the good, the bad, and the hilariously chaotic of my Jakarta adventure.
Important Notes:
- Traffic: Yeah, I know, I've mentioned it a lot. It's a thing. Plan accordingly.
- Food Safety: Street food is amazing, but be cautious. Drink bottled water. Maybe pack some Imodium. Just saying.
- Heat and humidity: You're gonna sweat. A lot. Dress accordingly.
- Flexibility: This itinerary is a suggestion. Jakarta is unpredictable. Go with the flow. Get lost. Embrace the chaos.
- Language: Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. It makes a huge difference. (And smiling helps too!)
- Overall expectation: Be prepared to get lost and do things you never thought you would. Be prepared to come home with a thousand and one stories. And always, always embrace the mess!
Jakarta's HOTTEST 2BR Mediterranean Marina Escape! (Travelio) – The REAL Dirt
Okay, so, is it *actually* hot? Like, beyond the marketing hype?
Alright, let's get this straight. The "hottest" part? Probably the *price*, if you ask me (more on that later!). But seriously, it *is* visually stunning. Think: stunning. From the pictures, anyway. You've got that whole Mediterranean vibe – white walls, blue accents, all very Instagrammable. The marina view? Yeah, that's a winner. I'm a sucker for water, and the boats bobbing around are seriously relaxing. It's the kind of place you *think* you'll swan around in a kaftan. (I, on the other hand, ended up in a questionable "comfy pants" situation, but hey, we're not judging.) So, yes, it *looks* hot. Whether it *feels* hot - well, that depends... on a ton of things, as you'll see.
Two bedrooms... who is this place even *for*? A glamorous family? A bachelorette party?
Good question! And honestly, that's something I was wrestling with the whole time. It *could* work for a small family, sure. Two bedrooms give you that "separation of church and state" vibe, which is crucial with kids. Or a couple wanting a guest room (fancy!). Bachelorette party? Potentially. If you're cool with sharing a bathroom and not accidentally setting the place on fire whilst "making cocktails," which is a real fear of mine in unfamiliar kitchens. Honestly, I think it's best for a pair of couples, or even a really close group of friends. But, you have to be cool with sharing space, because the living area is a bit... compact. Maybe it’s a couples trip with one couple being the budget friendly one and the other couple is the one that pays for everything and you go in the same car, not really making it ideal.
The Marina! Is it as idyllic as the photos suggest? Did you actually *do* anything on a boat?
The marina... bless its plastic-fantastic heart. Listen, the view is genuinely gorgeous. Sunsets over the water? Breathtaking. You know the drill. Photos are taken and everyone is happy, so good good good. But let's be real, unless you're loaded and own a yacht (which, I am emphatically *not*), you're probably just looking at the boats. I didn't *actually* get to sail off into the sunset. No, instead, my "marina experience" mostly involved standing on the balcony, sipping lukewarm instant coffee, and occasionally dodging the persistent, yet adorable cats that clearly know where the tourists hang out. The boats *are* there, and they're pretty, but I didn't get the feeling of getting a full, immersive escape, like a true, luxurious, boat-based vacation. Just a heads up.
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. What was the *actual* apartment like?
Alright, here's where the real world crashes into the curated Instagram feed. The apartment LOOKS great in the pictures. And, mostly, it *is*. Clean, stylish, all the basics covered. Good air conditioning (crucial in Jakarta!). The kitchen is… functional. Which, for me, means it has a fridge, a microwave, and hopefully, a coffee maker. However, the devil is in the details, right? I noticed a slight issue with the power sockets, and the Wi-Fi was either lightning fast or nonexistent. Which is an issue when you're trying to work (or, you know, just *exist* in the modern world). The furniture, honestly, felt a *little* flimsy, like it wouldn’t survive a overly-enthusiastic game of charades. And bathroom? Great water pressure! But one of those showers that floods the whole place if you're not ridiculously careful. Minor things, but little things that could add up to a slightly less-than-perfect stay.
Travelio - are they good to deal with? Any horror stories?
Look, Travelio… it's a mixed bag, isn't it? The booking process was straightforward enough, which is a huge plus compared to the convoluted nightmare of some other platforms. Communication? Okay, it's fine. You get your standard pre-arrival emails, the check-in instructions (which, by the way, are usually pretty detailed and helpful). But any real issues? That's where the waters get a little murky. Their response time isn't always stellar. I had a small problem with the AC on my first night (because, hello, Jakarta heat!), and it took a while to get it sorted. Not *terrible*, but not exactly "concierge-level service." They did eventually take care of it, but it involved a good deal of back-and-forth via the messaging app. If you're expecting immediate solutions, you might get frustrated. My advice? Be patient, and keep a cool head. And definitely check everything *immediately* upon arrival.
The Location! Is it convenient to *stuff*? Transportation?
Okay, this is key. Location, location, location! The good news: it's generally a decent location. You're in a relatively modern area, which comes with the usual pros (mall nearby! restaurants! Starbucks!). The down side? Jakarta traffic is... a *beast*. So, factor in travel time, *seriously*. Getting anywhere during rush hour is an exercise in masochism. Ride-sharing apps (Grab, Gojek) are your friend, and they're relatively cheap. But again, traffic. So, be prepared to potentially spend a *lot* of time in cars/motorbikes, or be prepared to be at the apartment, enjoying the view, and ordering in.
Anything else I should know?! Hidden costs? Gotchas?
Pay really close attention to the checkout procedure. Make sure you have your ID on hand, and check everything before you leave. Also, the cleaning fee might seem high. And honestly, while the place was generally clean, it wasn’t spotless. I found myself tidying up a bit when I arrived. And I don’t like to judge, but the last guest might notWorld Of Lodging
