Luxury 2BR Benson Apartment: Pakuwon Mall Surabaya's Hidden Gem!
Luxury 2BR Benson Apartment: Pakuwon Mall Surabaya's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we are diving HEADFIRST into the Luxury 2BR Benson Apartment: Pakuwon Mall Surabaya's Hidden Gem! – and let me tell you, this isn't your grandma's hotel review. It's more like… well, think of it as me spilling my guts (and maybe a little bit of that free coffee) about my recent stay. SEO be damned; we're going for pure, unadulterated truth.
First Impression:
Okay, so, landing in Surabaya, I was a frazzled mess. Long flight, dodgy airport coffee, the usual. But then… Benson. Oh, Benson. Pulling up to the (yes, luxury) building, I felt a tiny flicker of hope. The facade? Sleek. Modern. Not a single peeling paint chip in sight. This place felt… aspirational.
Accessibility (and My Butterfingers):
Right off the bat, I was looking for the "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Elevator". Both ticked! Crucial, because, let's be real, I’ve got the coordination of a newborn giraffe. The fact that it’s got an “Exterior corridor” kinda messed this up a bit – more exposed. Now, I'm not technically disabled, but if clumsy counted, I'd be a gold medalist. So, the elevator was a godsend. That and the "Car park [free of charge]"…I didn't want to walk a mile to find my rental car.
The Internet Abyss (and Salvation!):
Internet. Ah, the modern traveler's Achilles heel. Thankfully, the "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" was a huge win. No more frantically searching for a signal in the lobby like a digital scavenger. And, yeah, "Internet access – wireless" and "Internet access – LAN" in the rooms were there too. (I only use Wi-Fi, LAN is a foreign language to me). This is important when you're a work-from-anywhere kind of gal, or if, you know, you just need Netflix to survive a 12-hour flight delay (which, ahem, happened).
The Room Itself: OMG, the Room!
Okay, let’s talk about the digs. Two bedrooms, people! TWO! Absolute decadence. I immediately flopped onto that "Extra long bed," and let me tell you, it was a game changer. The "Blackout curtains" were a lifesaver for my notoriously bad sleep schedule. "Air conditioning", "Alarm clock", "Bathroom phone", "Bathtub" along "Separate shower/bathtub" all got a checkmark in my book, also. "Bathrobes" and "Slippers" in the closet were a fantastic addition. More luxurious than the "Satellite/cable channels" (but still nice). The "Refrigerator" was crucial, because, you know, snacks are life. And the "Mini bar"… well, let's just say it helped me forget about that flight delay.
The "Closet," "Desk" and the "Laptop workspace" were perfect. Perfect. I mean, really… I am not a travel photographer, but I was tempted to become one. I mean, all of it. The "Reading light", the "Mirror", the "Seating area" and the "Sofa"…
(A brief, slightly manic interlude on the "Coffee/tea maker"):
Listen, as a caffeine addict, this is make or break for me. And the Benson? Succeeded massively. The coffee was drinkable. Not the sludge you find in some places! (I'm looking at you, budget hotels with the instant coffee sachets.) This alone could have made this into an amazing stay!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (and My Inner Glutton):
Alright, alright, let's get to the important stuff. Food. They have "Restaurants," plural! But let me tell you, not all restaurants are created equal. The real star? The "Room service [24-hour]". Because, let's be honest, sometimes you just want a pizza at 3 AM, and the Benson delivers. I devoured a pizza at like 5am. It was glorious.
There was also "Breakfast [buffet]" which was…well, it was a buffet. It was fine. I did a full "Asian breakfast" on one day. "Western breakfast" on the other days. "Coffee/tea in restaurant" helped. I really didn't explore many of the other options. But the fact that they're there? Gives you options.
Things to Do (a.k.a. My Laziness Assessment):
Okay, so, the Benson Apartment is literally attached to Pakuwon Mall. This is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: shopping, entertainment, food galore! Curse: the sheer temptation to spend all your money. I tried to visit the "Fitness center" and the "Swimming pool [outdoor]" (they did have a "Pool with view"). But, I got distracted by a sale and a massage. Hey its the "Spa/sauna!" I did get a "Massage". And it was bliss! "Spa" was tempting too. "Steamroom"…maybe next time?
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, you know, Post-Pandemic):
Okay, this is where the Benson really shines. "Anti-viral cleaning products", "Daily disinfection in common areas", "Rooms sanitized between stays"… they take this seriously. I saw staff everywhere, sanitizing, cleaning, looking like they knew what they were doing. This gave me a huge peace of mind. "Staff trained in safety protocol", "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter". They actually followed the protocols.
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty Gritty):
"Daily housekeeping" was a godsend. Seriously. My room looked spotless every time I came back from my adventures. "Front desk [24-hour]" was also another good addition. The "Concierge" was helpful. They had "Cash withdrawal", "Dry cleaning", "Laundry service", "Ironing service". Everything. It was like being in a self-service spa!
Accessibility (Round 2 - Because I’ll Probably Forget Something):
"Couple's room". Okay, I wasn't there with a couple, but, you know, options. "Facilities for disabled guests" were a huge plus, though I couldn’t really "use" them. "Elevator" and flat access throughout the property, made me feel safe. And the "Fire extinguisher" added to it all. More than just a hotel; it was a home away from home.
Getting Around (and My Lack of Sense of Direction):
"Car park [free of charge]" again, a huge plus. I hate paying for parking! The fact that they had "Taxi service" and "Airport transfer" was also pretty cool (but, hey, I had my own car, so…).
For the Kids (If You're Into That Kind of Thing):
They had "Babysitting service" and "Kids meal". I don't have kids, but good to know.
The Honest Truth (The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Chaotic):
Okay, look, no place is perfect. The (buffet) "Breakfast service", was okay but not amazing. I felt rushed, but you know, I am always in a rush, haha! The Mall attached to it, could be a bit too loud.
And, yes, the location is a tiny bit outside of the main city center.
The Verdict:
Luxury 2BR Benson Apartment: Pakuwon Mall Surabaya's Hidden Gem? Absolutely. (But the secret is out now!) I wouldn't say this is just a great place for a business trip, a couple's getaway, or even for a family vacation, with all the facilities available.
My Unsolicited Hot Take (aka My Offer):
Look, I might not be a travel blogger, but I've stayed in enough hotels to know a good one when I see it. If you're looking for a luxurious stay in Surabaya that combines comfort, convenience, and a touch of wow, book the Luxury 2BR Benson Apartment. Seriously. Book it. Right now. You won't regret it. And tell them the slightly-neurotic reviewer sent you. Maybe they'll give you an extra slice of pizza.
Don't sit and wait! Get your booking now and enjoy the best stay of your life!
Uncover the Secrets of Hotel Corvus Aqua: Orosháza's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-polished itinerary. This is MY attempt at a stay in a NEW 2Br Benson Apartment in Pakuwon Mall Surabaya, Indonesia. Lord help me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Anxiety of the Unknown (and Dodgy Wi-Fi)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Juanda International Airport. Okay, first hurdle: navigating the chaos. I swear, the airport is a swirling vortex of families, luggage, and a general air of "WHERE DO I EVEN GO?" Found a grab driver that's seemingly legit – fingers crossed.
- 11:00 AM: Get to the Benson Apartment. Uhm, praying the building isn't too far from the mall. I imagined a shiny, modern paradise, but the lobby looked a bit… empty. The security guard definitely judged my luggage, which consisted mainly of "things I might need."
- 11:30 AM: Check-in - the staff was super friendly, but the Wi-Fi is already giving me grief. Can’t wait for a slow internet. 2024 and we still fighting this.
- 12:00 PM: First impressions of the apartment? Actually, it's pretty sweet! Modern furnishings, a decent view… I might actually be in heaven. Except for the lingering smell of air freshener. Always a sign of trying hide something? I have this problem with feeling like the "new" apartment is not actually new.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the MALL! Oh, the mall. Pakuwon Mall. It's a beast. So many choices I ended up getting overwhelmed and settled for a bland noodle dish. Okay fine, it was decent.
- 2:00 PM: Walk around the mall…so massive. Found a cool little bookstore. Buying books is my biggest weakness.
- 4:00 PM: Nap time. Jet lag is hitting HARD.
- 6:00 PM: Explore the surroundings of the apartment. Found a local warung for dinner. Ate some spicy street food (the spice level was beyond my capabilities, but I kept eating, just to prove I could). Regret is creeping in.
- 8:00 PM: Staring at the ceiling of the apartment bed. Thinking about tomorrow.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Culinary Adventures (and a near-disaster)
- 8:00 AM: Rise and shine! Attempt to make coffee. Failed. The coffee situation is a tragedy.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Same as yesterday.
- 10:00 AM: Seriously, I'm in Indonesia, which is an amazing place. Still though, I'm feeling lost. The culture is totally new to me, but in a good way? I think so?
- 11:00 AM: Head out to the Taman Bungkul park. It's supposed to be beautiful. Get lost…twice. Decide to take a taxi back to the apartment after realizing I might not be able to find my way back. Embarrassing, but hey, adventures!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the food court. Again, so many delicious options.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the apartment. Resting time and playing around the internet is the key.
- 4:00 PM: I'm actually starving. The noodle from lunch is not enough. I found a great Pad Thai.
- 6:00 PM: Try exploring the surroundings again.
- 7:00 PM: The main street is packed. Trying crossing the street without dying. I succeeded.
- 8:00 PM: I realized that I was not ready for this trip. Not ready for the people, food and the climate. Yet, I was having a great time.
Day 3: The Benson Apartment Life and the Unintentional Shopping Spree (and My Inner Couch Potato Emerges)
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! Thank god.
- 10:00 AM: Coffee? Yes, please. Still terrible.
- 11:00 AM: Spend the morning admiring the apartment. Taking photos. Writing a journal. Living the life.
- 1:00 PM: Okay, the couch is calling my name. Might stay here for the rest of the day.
- 2:00 PM: The couch is my friend.
- 4:00 PM: Went shopping, again. The shopping center is near the apartment. It was dangerous.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the apartment. Found a delivery spot.
- 8:00 PM: Netflix and chill, alone with myself.
Day 4: Departure
- 9:00 AM: Pack.
- 10:00 AM: Checkout. Say goodbye to this cozy apartment. Hopefully, the next place will be even better!
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. Back to the airport chaos again.
- 12:00 PM: Say bye Surabaya! It was great!
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't a perfect trip. Not even close. But it was mine. I saw some amazing things, ate some incredible (and sometimes questionable) food, and got profoundly lost. I discovered that I’m a terrible cook. But hey, maybe I can return one day and do this all over again.
Escape to Paradise: Dwarika Hotel, Dwarahat, India Awaits
Luxury 2BR Benson Apartment: Pakuwon Mall Surabaya's Hidden Gem? My Unvarnished Truth!
Okay, spill! Is this Benson apartment really *luxury*? I see the photos...
Alright, alright, settle down, you internet sleuths! Let's be real. "Luxury" is a word that gets thrown around like confetti at a wedding. Is the Benson luxury? Well, yeah. Kinda. Coming from places I've lived before... let's just say some hostels, you'll think it's paradise. Like, the lobby *is* swanky, and the pool looks Instagram-worthy (though finding a sun lounger is a contact sport, more on THAT later). The finishes *are* pretty high-end. You’ve got your marble-esque countertops, your shiny appliances… definitely a step up from my last place which had more holes than a Swiss cheese. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? ...sometimes the "luxury" feels a bit… engineered? Like, designed to *look* luxurious, but maybe not *feel* it. The aircon? Breathtaking. The silence? A little too quiet. It's not exactly bursting with character, you know? It's a sleek, modern, well-appointed box. But hey, a well-appointed box is still better than a cardboard one, right?
Is the location at Pakuwon Mall as convenient as it sounds? Tell me everything!
Convenient? Oh. My. Goodness. It's practically *inside* the mall. Imagine, a craving for a ridiculous oversized bubble tea at 3 AM? You can literally stumble across the road, or rather, a very short walk, to get it. Need a new pair of shoes? You're in the epicenter of retail therapy. Groceries? Got 'em. Movie night? You're already there! It’s both a blessing and a curse, let me tell you. The temptation to *always* be snacking is real. My bank account has taken a considerable nosedive since moving in, thanks to the endless supply of delicious temptations. But, and there's a BIG "but" here... the traffic. Oh, the legendary Surabaya traffic! Getting in and out during peak hours is like surviving a gladiator battle. Just prepare yourself for some serious road rage. And Uber/Grab drivers? Forget it. They're always '5 minutes away' until you get a message 10 minutes later 'I'm cancelled'.
What about the 2-bedroom layout? Spacious enough? Good for… uh… sharing?
Spacious-ish. Look, it's a 2-bedroom apartment in a high-rise building, so don't expect a sprawling mansion. The rooms are… adequate. The master bedroom is pretty darn nice, I'll give you that. Good views (if you're lucky and don't get the dreaded "concrete jungle" view). The second bedroom is… well, it’s a bedroom. Suitable for a guest, a friend or a tiny person. But sharing with a roommate? Be prepared for some serious compromises. Bathroom-hogging will be a major issue. So will the incessant 'borrowing' of your stuff. And if your roommate is messy… God help you. I'm living with a friend and it's...challenging. The shared living space? Comfortable, but you'll probably spend most of your time in your own room hoping the other person isn't blasting Indonesian pop music at full volume. Sound proofing? Average. If you value your sanity, invest in some good noise-canceling headphones.
The pool! I saw the pictures… is it as glamorous as it looks?
The pool is… a mixed bag. Visually stunning. Seriously. The Instagram potential is off the charts. But the reality? The pool is always packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder packed. Finding a free sunbed is akin to winning the lottery. I swear, people are out there staking claims at 6 AM with towels. Then, there's the noise. Kids. Screaming. Splashing. (I *am* being a bit of a grump, aren't I?). On weekends, it’s a water park. During the week, it is a bit more chill, but then you have to dodge the staff who are doing their maintenance (which, let's be honest, feels like they're always doing). The water itself is clean, I guess. Don't look too closely at the bottom. Think about the *potential* things swimming down there. Also, the smell of chlorine can be a *little* overpowering sometimes. Overall? Pretty, but crowded and not your private oasis.
What are the best things and worst things about living there? What’s the *real* tea?
Okay, the truth, the *raw, unfiltered* tea. The *best* things? Location, location, location! Convenience is king. Being able to run down to the mall for practically anything, anytime? Bliss! The gym is actually pretty decent (when it's not packed). Great views (sometimes – if you're not facing another building). Pretty decent security. It feels safe, which is a big plus. Now, the *worst* things… The constant noise from construction, especially when you're trying to sleep. The traffic (I've already said it, but it bears repeating). The price (it's not cheap, folks). The crowds (Mall, pool, elevator, everything). The occasional power outage (not often, but when it happens, it's a reminder you're still in Indonesia). The lack of green spaces. The lack of a proper sense of community. You know? It can feel kinda lonely sometimes, despite being surrounded by people.
Are there any hidden fees or unexpected costs?
Oh, yes, the hidden fees! Prepare yourself, my friend. The rent is the advertised price, sure. But then there's the mandatory service charge. You'll get hit with additional charges for your car parking. The utilities (electricity, water) can add up faster than you think, especially when you're constantly running the air conditioning. Expect to pay for internet separately. Then there’s the ‘sinking fund’… a mysterious sum that seems to appear every so often. And don't forget the potential for fines. Parking violations. Noise complaints (if you like to blast music whilst you're cleaning). Late rent payments (oops!) etc. Before you sign that lease, scrutinize it like a hawk. Read *everything*. Ask questions. Because the "luxury" feeling starts to wear off REAL fast when you're staring at a mountain of unexpected bills.
Would you recommend the Benson apartment? Honestly!
Honestly? It depends. If you value convenience above all else, and you don't mind the hustle and bustle of city living, and you have the budget, then yeah, it's a pretty good choice. It's modern, secure, and has all the amenities you could need. But if you're looking for a quiet escape, a place with a lot of character, or you're on a tight budget, then maybe not. It can be overwhelming. And,Budget Hotel Guru
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