Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Zodiak at Paskal Hotel, Bandung!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Zodiak at Paskal Hotel, Bandung!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "Unbelievable Luxury" of Zodiak at Paskal Hotel, Bandung! I'm talking honest, heart-on-my-sleeve, maybe-a-little-too-much-information review. Forget the fluffy brochure lies. This is the real deal, warts and all. Let's go!
First Impressions: Bandung Bliss or Budget Bust?
Right, so, getting there, accessibility. It's Bandung – traffic can be a beast. But getting to the hotel? Pretty straightforward. Airport transfer? Yep, they've got it. (Score!) Easier than wrestling a suitcase onto public transport after a red-eye. Car park? FREE! (Double score!). Always a good start in my book. Wheelchair accessibility? Okay, this is where we get into the nitty-gritty. They say they have facilities for disabled guests. That’s great, but I'm not sure how extensive those actually are. I always recommend double-checking directly with the hotel if accessibility is a key factor for you.
Once you are in the door, the whole place has a modern, sleek vibe. A touch clinical, maybe? But clean. VERY important. First impression: Decent.
Rooms: Sanctuary or Standard?
Let's talk bedrooms, the holy grail of any hotel stay. They offer non-smoking rooms, Hallelujah! And guess what? Free Wi-Fi! (I can feel the happy sighs of the world-wide-web addicted.) I believe Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! that is what I'm told, and that's a good start. They got the basics covered: Air conditioning, hair dryer, mini bar. We're talkin' Air conditioning in public area also! The blackout curtains are KEY. I mean, seriously key. Sleep is precious! And the extra long bed? Nice touch. A bed is a bed, but a good bed is a blessing, isn't it? Now, the small imperfections, could use more towels and more of them. That's a bummer.
For the Kids?
They're listed as Family/child friendly, and they do offer a Babysitting service. I'm not a parent, so I can't speak to its quality, but hey, it's there! That's a plus for families.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are They Serious About Sanitizing?
Okay, this is the important stuff, especially post-pandemic. Do they seem to care? Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol – all the buzzwords are present, right? They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. Good, good. I'll be honest, I'm still a germaphobe at heart, so this stuff matters to me. Let's hope those claims are legit, I really do. I did notice hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and that's always reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Buffet Bonanza (or Blandness)?
Breakfast. Ah, the make-or-break meal. They offer Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and a Breakfast [buffet]. That's good, options are important. The buffet itself? It was…okay. Not the most gourmet buffet I've ever seen, but hey, it was enough to fuel a day of exploring. I'm a huge fan of Coffee/tea! Coffee/tea in restaurant is a must for me. Room service [24-hour]? A lifesaver, especially after a long day of sightseeing or when you're just too lazy to leave the room. They also got a Bar, Poolside bar, and other Restaurants!
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams or Disappointment?
This is where Zodiak could shine. They boast a Spa/sauna, a Swimming pool, and a Fitness center. Unfortunately, in my case, they weren't quite on their A-game. I love a Massage, and the spa services were adequate, but nothing to write home about. The Pool with view wasn't quite as spectacular as the photos suggested. and the Sauna and Steamroom? Meh. They were there, but didn't quite have the "ahhh" factor you hope for.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Bandung itself is the real star. The hotel isn't the most central, you can easily get to the sights easily. Bicycle parking is a nice touch if you're into cycling.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
Concierge? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. Laundry service? Perfect. These things are crucial, really. It's the little conveniences that make a hotel stay truly enjoyable. Cash withdrawal available too!
The Anecdote That Sums it Up (and it's Messy)
Okay, confession time. I tried to be super organized here. I tried to go systematically through the list of features. BUT…I started off with this amazing desire to have a swim, I went to the pool. Got my swimsuit on—was ready to slip in, and right before I got in the security man came up to me. Said that I wasn't in the correct swimsuit. I had a moment. I mean, seriously? I could not believe it. There aren't pool rules listed anywhere, and I saw other people who weren't being told the same thing I hated that feeling. I’m not a drama queen, but I like to be comfy, and I'm not the kind of person who gets told what to do. Then, getting out of the pool I had to use the provided slippers was a great bonus because I'm not bringing my own slippers, and that was a win!
The Verdict (Finally!)
Zodiak at Paskal Hotel is a solid, decent hotel. It's not unbelievable luxury, but it covers the essentials. It's a clean, comfortable base, and there are definite positives.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The Offer: Unbelievable Value (Maybe More) - Book Now!
Listen up! Here's the deal. Book your stay at Zodiak at Paskal Hotel within the next two weeks and get… (drumroll, please!)… A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability)! PLUS, a 15% discount on all spa treatments. But wait, there's more! Use the code BANDUNGBLISS at checkout and get a free welcome drink at the bar. You gotta use the code though! This is, frankly, a great way to get the stay that you want. Don't miss out, guys! Book now and experience Bandung's charm from a pretty great hotel.
Bangkok's ZZZ Hostel: Sleep Like Royalty (Without the Price Tag!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your sterilized, corporate-bro travel itinerary. This is my Bandung adventure, and it's going to be a glorious mess. And it all starts in the (hopefully, air-conditioned) embrace of Zodiak at Paskal Hotel. Let's get to it!
The Bandung Bonanza: A Schedule Steeped in Chaos (and Satay)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkwardness, and a Search for the Perfect Cup of Java
1:00 PM - Arrival at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO): Okay, confession: I'm already sweating. It's the Bandung humidity, I swear! Immigration? Smooth sailing! (Mostly because I had the foresight to fill out the forms. Go me!). The taxi situation? A chaotic free-for-all. Think frantic gesturing and a lot of smiles. Managed to negotiate a price that hopefully didn't fleece me. Already questioning my haggling skills.
2:00 PM - Check-in at Zodiak at Paskal Hotel: Found it! The lobby is surprisingly chic. The staff is absurdly polite. Now, the Room. Oh, the room. It's… compact. Okay, it's tiny. But clean! And has AC, so I'm sold. Unpacked, which mainly involved fumbling with my backpack and discovering a chocolate bar that melted into a gooey mess. That’s one thing to note, It's hot, so bring a bunch of sunscreen.
2:30 PM - The Great Coffee Quest: I NEED coffee. Immediate mission. Stumbled upon the "Stall" a small cafe which is surprisingly delicious. I was expecting the usual hotel coffee that tastes like dishwater but surprisingly good.
4:00 PM - Roaming, Discovering and Getting Lost: It turns out, I have zero sense of direction. Despite the fact, I'd been wandering around. I was aimlessly walking around the neighbourhood. It's always fun to stumble upon something unexpectedly in new places.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Warung: This is where it gets delicious. A warung is a local eatery, and this one’s a treasure. I swear I don't know what I'm eating, but it’s delicious, spicy, and cheap. I ordered the "Nasi Goreng Seafood" and almost choked on the chilli. Worth it. Definitely worth it!
7:30 PM - Getting Lost (again, and slightly terrified): I attempted a short stroll after dinner. Bandung at night is… lively. Or overwhelming. Let's go with overwhelming. Found myself completely lost again. Luckily, Google Maps works, but let's just say I now appreciate the beauty of well-lit streets.
8:30 PM - Bedtime: Collapse into bed, exhausted, slightly sunburned, and happily caffeinated. Promise myself I'll learn some basic Indonesian phrases tomorrow.
Day 2: Tangkuban Perahu, Tea Plantations, and the Agony of a Selfie Stick
8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: Decent enough. Eggs, toast, and suspiciously sweet fruit juice. Fueling up for the day!
9:00 AM - Trip to Tangkuban Perahu Volcano: The driver kept offering me "mountains view" and It took me a whole day to realise what he was saying. The drive… well, it's a long, winding, hair-raising road. Seriously, I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes at one point. The volcano itself? Spectacular! The sulfur smell? Also, "spectacular." Took approximately a million photos. (Sorry, not sorry).
- Anecdote: The best part? Accidentally stumbling into a group of Indonesian school kids. They were practicing their English, and I was their unwilling, but delighted, audience. Their giggling and enthusiastic questions were the highlight of my morning.
12:00 PM - Tea Plantation Bliss (and a Blunder with a Selfie Stick): Off to a tea plantation. The scenery is breathtaking. I'm talking rolling green hills, fresh air, postcard-perfect views. I had the brilliant idea of using a selfie stick. Disaster. I spent a good ten minutes flailing around, nearly dropping my phone, and looking like a complete idiot. Still got some good shots, though!
2:00 PM - Lunch with a View (and a Mosquito Feast): Beautiful lunch. The food? Excellent, simple, fresh. The waiter? Forgot my water three times. The mosquitoes? Ate me alive. The things we endure for a good view. It was worth it.
4:00 PM - Back in Bandung: Now, it's time to navigate the bustling streets again. I'll probably get lost again. I will. I'm starting to see the beauty of the organised chaos.
6:00 PM - Dinner with a Friend: I have a friend coming, so time to meet and explore Bandung with my friend.
8:00 PM - Return to the Hotel: I am looking forward sleep again.
Day 3: Culinary Adventures, Shopping Sprees (Maybe), and the Farewell Blues
9:00 AM - Breakfast: The routine now is more stable than it seems.
10:00 AM - Culinary Tour Debacle (and a Delicious Recovery): Ah, the food tour. I am already in love with Indonesian cuisine. Each one is a unique experience.
- Anecdote: I got so excited that I ordered everything. I was sure that I wouldn't be able to finish everything that I ordered.
1:00 PM - Shopping (maybe): I promised myself I would do a little bit of shopping. I walked around the market. The heat was unbearable. The prices are so cheap.
- Opinionated rant: I don't think I'll do a lot of shopping for things like clothes, but I think I'll buy a lot of food.
3:00 PM - Relaxing at Hotel: So I am at the hotel. I am tired. It's hot, so I'll finish my book.
5:00 PM - Packing: I have to. It's hard to believe that I will have to leave soon. It makes me sad.
7:00 PM - Final Dinner: I want to enjoy the Indonesian food one last time.
9:00 PM - Sleep. I am exhausted.
Day 4: Departure and a Heart Full of Memories (and Maybe a Few Regrets)
7:00 AM - Last Breakfast: I will miss the food.
8:00 AM - Check Out: Goodbye, Zodiak at Paskal! It was a home away from home.
9:00 AM - Airport Bound: Taxi again. Fingers crossed for a less stressful ride this time.
- Quirky observation: I'm pretty sure the driver is using his horn as a language.
10:00 AM - Departure: Safe travels!
This is not a perfect itinerary, it's a human one. I didn't see everything, probably got lost multiple times, and probably ate way too much. Also, it was the most amazing experience. I hope Bandung captures your heart as it did mine. Now, back to reality (and the mountain of laundry).
Indonesian Paradise Found: OYO 91415 De Wijaya Hotel Surabaya Awaits!
Okay, spill it – is Zodiak at Paskal Hotel *actually* luxurious, or is it just… Bandung fancy?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Luxury" is a slippery word, right? I went in with, like, *expectations*. You know, the Instagram kind – perfectly pristine everything, endless champagne, and a butler who anticipates your every craving. Zodiak at Paskal? Well, it's *Bandung* luxury, which, let me tell you, is a different beast. It's charming, it's well-intentioned, and sometimes…slightly bewildered.
The rooms? They are definitely nice. Clean, spacious, and the bed…oh, the bed. Seriously, I could have lived in that bed. It was like being swallowed by a cloud, the softest darn thing. But, and there’s always a but, the grout in the bathroom tile? Not quite up to the "luxury" standard of, say, a Four Seasons. A tiny, tiny little stain, mind you, but you *see* these things when you're actively looking for a fault.
My first impression: It’s not the Burj Al Arab. That said, it *feels* upscale. The vibe is elegant. I definitely didn't feel like I was staying in a budget motel. I'd say it's like a really, really nice boutique hotel that happens to be in Bandung. And that, in itself, is pretty awesome. Think 'effortless cool', but with a slightly more… Bandungi twist.
What are the rooms *really* like? Spill the beans. And are the zodiac themes actually incorporated?
Okay, let's talk room specifics. I stayed in… I think it was a Capricorn-themed room? (Don't judge; I'm terrible with zodiac signs). Yes, the zodiac theme is there, but it's not, like, *in-your-face* astrology overload. It's subtle. Think carefully chosen artwork, maybe a decorative pillow, and a few strategically placed celestial-themed touches. It’s classy; not cheesy.
The room itself was great! Good size, comfortable seating. The mini-fridge, thankfully, had actual drinks and not just overpriced peanuts. The bathroom? As mentioned before, it was good; though I did note a slightly loose toilet seat (the horror!), but hey, I could still use the toilet. It's not the end of the world!
A small gripe. The lighting was a little dim. I always need bright light when I get ready, so I was fumbling around. But, seriously, that’s me just being fussy. Every room is different but I think it is worth it getting the booking from the hotel directly or contacting them for assistance.
Also, the air conditioning. Bandung is a bit of a weather chameleon.. One minute it's tropical bliss, the next it's a downpour. The AC handled it all like a PRO. I was comfortable 24/7.
The real gem? The view, if you're lucky enough to get one. My room faced the city which wasn't all that interesting, and that was slightly disappointing, I have to confess. But, hey, I’m not complaining; the view isn’t everything. And let's be honest, I was there to experience Bandung not just the view. I later learned the rooftop is where it's at.
Okay, the food. Is the breakfast buffe... edible? Or is it a culinary disaster? (Be honest.)
Breakfast! The make-or-break moment for any hotel stay, right? I'm going to be totally straight with you; it was better than expected; with some slight flaws. They did serve Nasi Goreng; and it was delicious! A real life-saver for a hungover traveller. I had it every morning along with a few pastries and the fresh fruit. The fruit was *fantastic*, by the way. So refreshing.
They also had an egg station, so you could get your eggs cooked to order. Nice touch! The coffee, however... it wasn’t the best. I had to drown it in milk and sugar to make it palatable. A minor detail. Perhaps my expectations for coffee were too high after a long day.
The buffet itself was pretty well-stocked. A decent selection of Indonesian classics (which is what you WANT), and also some Western options for those who aren't quite ready to embrace the local cuisine first thing in the morning. And, of course, a whole section dedicated to toast and jam. The toast was toast. The jam? Not bad. The whole experience overall was pretty good, not Michelin-star good, but definitely enough to satisfy your hunger.
What about the location? Is it easy to get around? And how is the Paskal area in general?
The location is pretty darn good! Zodiak at Paskal is right smack in the heart of the Paskal area, which is a HUGE plus. Paskal is *the* place to be in Bandung. Tons of restaurants offering any kind of food you could imagine - from local Indonesian eateries (which you absolutely *must* try) to international flavours.
It's also a very walkable place! You can stroll around and find many shops, cafes, and bars. Very convenient if you want to explore without spending all day in a taxi.
Getting around is easy. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps like Grab are super convenient and budget-friendly. I used Grab a lot. I honestly thought it was the easiest way to discover the city, and it was incredibly cheap! Traffic can be a beast in Bandung, especially at peak hours, but that’s the price you pay for being in a thriving city. I actually enjoyed it. It gives you time to observe the city.
The one minor downside? It can get a bit noisy at night. Bandung is a lively city, and the hotel is in the middle of the action. Light sleepers might want to pack some earplugs. I didn't mind it personally; the sounds of the city give the place a real sense of life.
You mentioned the rooftop. What's the deal? Vibe check!
Okay, THE ROOFTOP. This is where Zodiak really shines. It's seriously cool. There's a bar, a restaurant, and a swimming pool (which, let's be real, is a *must* in Bandung's heat). The views are spectacular, especially at sunset. You get this panoramic vista of the city, and it's magical. Like, properly jaw-dropping.
I spent one evening up there, sipping on cocktails (again, didn't go for fancy, just a simple Mojito, which, I'll admit, was pretty good. And the prices? Not as outrageous as you might expect from a rooftop bar. It was a very enjoyable experience, despite the lack of jazz music or anything of the sort. Just a simple night.
There's a definite "trendy" vibe but not pretentious. People are there to have a good time, not to pose. It's perfect for a romantic evening, a fun night out with friends, or a solo drink while you watch the city lightsTrip Stay Finder
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