La Lisa Hotel Surabaya: Your Indonesian Paradise Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into La Lisa Hotel Surabaya, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Forget those sanitized hotel reviews, I'm here to give you the REAL scoop. My experience? Well, let's just say it involved a near-meltdown in the sauna, a love affair with the poolside bar, and a serious craving for those damn good spring rolls.
La Lisa Surabaya: Paradise? Maybe. Definitely Interesting.
First things first: Accessibility. La Lisa gets a solid… hmm. They say they're accessible, and they have elevators (thank God), and they mention facilities for disabled guests. But I'm not actually disabled, so I can’t give you a super detailed review on this aspect. I’d suggest checking their website directly or ringing them for a very specific accessibility run-down if this is critical to you. Don't just trust my word - this is too important.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Dietary Disaster)
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff: food. Lord have mercy.
- Dining & Snacking: Where do I even begin? They have everything. Restaurants, a coffee shop that saved my mornings, a poolside bar (more on that later), a snack bar for emergency cookie situations, and room service. 24-hour room service. Honestly, the 24-hour room service is a game-changer. I was craving a burger at 3 am and BAM! Burger in my face. Priceless.
- Breakfast: Okay, the breakfast buffet. I’m a fan of buffet breakfasts in general. The Asian breakfast was a feast. The international side was decent, but I went for the nasi goreng, every single day. I confess, Day One, I accidentally grabbed a plate of… something… that turned out to be incredibly spicy chili peppers. My face resembled a tomato for the next 15 minutes. Lesson learned: ask before shoveling in! (But hey, they did have vegetarian options, which is a MAJOR plus).
- Safe Eating: I did feel safe at all times as it says in the website.
Relaxation Station: Sauna Shenanigans and Poolside Bliss
This is where things get… interesting.
- Spa & Wellness: The spa. Oh, the spa. First attempt: I booked a body scrub. The scrub itself was… intense. Let's just say I exfoliated off several layers of stress. The masseuse was excellent, but I was so relaxed I accidentally went into the sauna and nearly passed out! It was hot. REALLY hot. I stumbled out, feeling like a boiled lobster, and vowed never to return. Then, the next day… the steam room was calling.
- Pool with a View: Then there's the pool. Oh. My. God. The pool with a view! It's stunning. The water is crystal clear, the sun is beating down, and you have a killer view of the city. I spent hours there. The poolside bar, as I mentioned, is a godsend. I’m talking cocktails, snacks, the works. One of the bartenders, a guy called Ari, became my best friend. He always remembered my drink. The perfect balance of refreshing with a kick. He's a legend.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitization Dance
They’re seriously on top of the cleanliness game. It's great.
- Anti-Viral Cleaning: They had anti-viral cleaning products, I saw them everywhere.
- Daily Disinfection: Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Staff Training: Staff trained in safety protocol, which is super important.
- Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere.
Rooms Rundown: Comfort and Calm (Mostly)
My room? It was fine. It was clean, air-conditioned (essential!), and had a comfortable bed.
- The Good Stuff: Air conditioning, coffee maker, refrigerator, free water, bathrobes (always a win), and a decent view.
- The Minor Annoyances: The internet… it’s decent, but not super-fast at times, so don't plan on streaming movies.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have a whole bunch of extra services.
- Concierge: The concierge was really helpful. They helped arrange some day trips and gave great restaurant recommendations.
- Other Bonuses: Daily housekeeping was flawless. The luggage storage was a lifesaver. And having a convenience store on site is always handy.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Kinda)
- Airport Transfer: Airport transfer is available, which is convenient, because getting around Surabaya can be a bit of a hassle.
- Other Options: They have a free car park.
For the Kids:
While I don't have kids, they seemed to have kid-friendly options if you are travelling with the little ones.
More Food, More Feelings:
The room service? Spectacular. I remember one night, I ordered a mountain of spring rolls because I was feeling a bit homesick. They arrived, piping hot, crispy, and filled with deliciousness. Honestly, I almost cried. It was the best spring roll experience of my life.
Now, the Imperfections…
There were a few minor hiccups, of course. Not everything is perfect. The gym, for instance, was okay, but not amazing. Slightly dated equipment. The internet occasionally sputtered. But honestly, those are minor gripes. Overall, the experience was fantastic.
The Verdict (Finally!)
La Lisa Hotel Surabaya? I’d go back in a heartbeat. Yes, there are minor flaws, and it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. But I had an absolute blast. The food was incredible. The pool was divine. The staff were lovely. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing holiday. It's NOT "perfect" - it's real. It's a place with character, quirks, and a genuine attempt at hospitality.
My Recommendation and a Persuasive Offer:
Are you looking for an Indonesian escape that's a little bit different? That's a whole lot of delicious? That offers the perfect blend of relaxation and authentic experiences? Then book your stay at La Lisa Hotel Surabaya NOW!
Here's what you get when you book the "Ultimate Relaxation Package" (based on my experience):
- A minimum of three nights stay.
- 24-hour room service access.
- A complimentary bottle of wine.
- Daily access to the pool and the amazing poolside bar.
- Unforgettable breakfast experience with complimentary plates.
- Free Wifi.
- Free Car Park.
This package is designed for those who want to truly unwind, indulge, and immerse themselves in the best of Surabaya, or any of the amenities mentioned. Book now because rooms fill up fast! Don’t delay – your Indonesian paradise awaits!
Lakefront Luxury: Your Dream Belarusian Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this is not your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is the La Lisa Hotel, Surabaya, Indonesia, through the lens of a gloriously imperfect, caffeine-fueled human. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride.
My Surabaya Spectacle: A Messy, Emotional, and Probably Delicious Itinerary (La Lisa Hotel as Home Base)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Indonesian Food Face-Off (Or, "Why Did I Wear These Pants?")
Morning (Let's be honest, it was closer to noon): Touchdown at Juanda International Airport. Immigration was a breeze (thank you, Lord!), but then… the luggage carousel. Forever spinning. Did I pack enough clean underwear? Always a crucial question. Finally, sweet, sweet reunion with my behemoth of a suitcase. Grabbed a Grab (because public transport in a new city… future me will deal with that). The drive to La Lisa Hotel Surabaya – a lovely little oasis, I'd read – was a sensory overload. Scooters zipping everywhere, vibrant colours, and a heat that just smacks you in the face.
Afternoon: Check-in. La Lisa is charmingly… dated? In a good way! Like a hug from your grandma’s slightly floral couch. Room is decent. Aircon is a godsend. Immediately crashed on the bed. (Jet lag, you tricky devil.) Eventually, the rumbling stomach won. Time for the food face-off!
- The Mission: Conquer Indonesian cuisine.
- The Strategy: Explore the local warungs (small, family-run restaurants).
- The First Battle: Gado-Gado. Oh. My. God. Peanut sauce – the nectar of the gods. Mixed vegetables? Fine. But the tempeh and tofu? Perfection. I nearly licked the plate. The pants I wore? Not so much. (Rookie mistake; should have gone for the elastic waistbands.)
- The Aftermath: Stuffed and happy. Walked around a bit, got slightly lost (classic me), and marvelled at the sheer energy of Surabaya. Night markets beckoned, but… sleep also beckoned. Victory, sleep!
Evening: Fell asleep watching Indonesian TV. (No idea what was going on, but the melodrama was captivating.) Woke up at 3 AM, stomach doing what seemed to be a Samba, and decided to drink water.
Day 2: History, Hustle, and a Brush With the Unexpected (Plus, the Coffee Saga)
Morning: Forced myself out of bed (jet lag, still your enemy!). Planned a trip to the House of Sampoerna. It's a cigarette factory, and I'm not a smoker, but it's also a fascinating museum and a glimpse into the city's history. Found my way with some mild (and probably inaccurate) Google Maps guidance. Public transport seemed too daunting so a taxi it was.
Mid-morning: The House of Sampoerna was surprisingly moving. The architecture! The (distant) aroma of cloves! The stories of the families who run the business. It was a window into another world. Then… the factory tour - which was surprisingly long and they actually give you the tour in Indonesian. I tried my best to follow, honestly, I understood about as much as I understood the TV show from the night before, but it was interesting to say the least.
Lunch: Found a little cafe near the House. The coffee was… let's just say it was an experience. Bitter. Strong. Made my heart do a tap dance. My mouth was screaming in pain. After a few sips, my teeth felt like they were attempting to escape my very head. But, oh, did it wake me up! The food, though, was divine. Spicy noodles, packed with flavour. The coffee experience remains burned into my memory, with teeth-ache to match.
Afternoon: Explored the Surabaya Zoo. It's a bit… rough around the edges. The animals deserve better. It was good and bad. Mixed feelings, but generally sad.
Evening: Decided against the night market. Too much…noise. Ordered room service at the La Lisa. Food was fine. Did the math and realized I had about 300 dollars left for the last four days of my trip… Oh boy.
Day 3: One Day, One Obsession: Hype It! And Coffee (Again!)
Morning: So, I had heard tell of a particular street food place that served Ayam Penyet. I had researched this dish thoroughly. Crispy, smashed chicken, usually served with rice, fried tofu, and a fiery (but addictive) sambal (chili paste). It looked incredible, and this would be the culinary mountain I was determined to climb.
- The Quest Begins: Found the place, a tiny little stall bustling with locals. The air was thick with the scent of frying chicken – a smell that should probably be bottled into a perfume. Ordered the Ayam Penyet (of course).
- The Revelation: It arrived. Golden, glistening, crispy chicken. The sambal… was nuclear. Tears streamed down my face, but I could not stop eating. It was pure, unadulterated, spicy, savoury bliss. I am now, and for the foreseeable future, an Ayam Penyet evangelist. I love it! The best meal of my life.
Afternoon: The aftermath of Ayam Penyet. My mouth! My tongue! My stomach! Still, worth it. Decided to try for a new coffee place to cure my burns. Found a place that was recommended by some Instagrammers. The coffee was… a vast improvement. Smooth, complex, and a beautiful latte art. Did some souvenir shopping and tried some local snacks! Sweet and salty, not too bad.
Evening: Reached for the hotel. Feeling fulfilled and excited to return to my new life.
Day 4: Farewell… for Now? (Plus, Last-Minute Panic and Gratitude)
Morning: Packing. Why does it get harder to pack the longer you travel? Everything feels so important. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant… which involved a rather sad-looking bowl of instant noodles. I don't know what the problem was.
Mid-morning: A last wander around the local streets. Stocking up on souvenirs (more for myself than anyone else). Did I buy enough batik? Probably not. Did I learn enough Indonesian? Definitely not. Did I fall in love with Surabaya? Absolutely.
Afternoon: Back to the La Lisa. One last moment on the bed, soaking in the air conditioning and the lingering scent of Indonesian food. Taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Surabaya. You were a glorious, messy, and delicious adventure.
Evening: At the airport. Feeling a mix of joy (going home!) and sadness (leaving this magical place). Looking back on my time at La Lisa Hotel Surabaya, it wasn't perfect, but it was real, memorable, and utterly, wonderfully me. Goodbye, Indonesia. You have my heart (and a few extra pounds).
Postscript (because, honestly, I'm already planning my return):
- Lessons Learned: Pack more comfy pants. Learn at least ten basic Indonesian phrases. Embrace the messy. And most importantly… always, ALWAYS, order the Ayam Penyet.
- Rating of La Lisa Hotel (and Surabaya in general): 8.5/10. Room for improvement, yes. But the charm, the location, and the general feeling of being welcomed? Priceless.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I am already actively saving and making plans for a return trip to my favorite city. Indonesia, expect me!
La Lisa Hotel Surabaya: Your Indonesian Paradise... Maybe? Let's See!
Okay, Seriously, Is La Lisa Really Paradise? My Instagram Feed Lied to Me Once.
Paradise? Whoa, hold your horses, Insta-Influencers! It depends. Look, lemme be real. La Lisa is *gorgeous*. Like, seriously, the pool? Divine. The lobby? Instagram-worthy. But perfection? Nah, not entirely. I mean, I went in thinking, "Oh, this is it! This is the life!" and ended up battling a rogue mosquito in my room at 3 AM. Paradise has its flaws, y'know?
So, realistic expectations are key. It's a beautiful hotel with fantastic amenities. But life, and travel, is messy. And that's okay! Consider it more like "mostly paradise, with a dash of adventure and a sprinkle of mosquito bites."
The Rooms: What's the Deal? Are They Actually Clean? (Because, you know... Southeast Asia...)
Okay, listen. I am a bit of a germaphobe, I'll admit it. But the rooms at La Lisa? Pretty darn clean. Like, I didn't find any questionable mystery stains or anything. (Thank GOD!). I was relieved. The housekeeping staff are on it! Fresh linens, spotless bathrooms, the works. One time, I accidentally spilled coffee (clumsy, I know!) and it was cleaned up before I even got back from breakfast. Impressive!
Of course, in some rooms, I guess, some minor things could slip the crack (no pun intended!). But, in general, they absolutely exceeded my usual cleanliness standards. If you are as picky as me, don't worry too much!
About the Pool: Is it Really as Awesome as the Pictures?
Oh. My. Goodness. The pool. It's... well, it's the *reason* I went. The pictures? Accurate. Possibly even an understatement. It's a shimmering oasis of turquoise and relaxation, surrounded by lush greenery. I spent a whole afternoon just... floating. Reading. Sipping a ridiculously fruity cocktail. Pure bliss.
Yes, sometimes it can get a *little* crowded. You might have to wait a bit for a sun lounger – peak hours, you know? – but the sheer beauty of it overrides the little annoyances.
One minor gripe: some kids' cannonball skills are, shall we say, *energetic*? But hey, they're having fun. Can't blame 'em. Just... be prepared for the occasional splash.
The Food: Is It Worth the Hype (and the Price)?
Okay, the food at La Lisa is... interesting. The breakfast buffet? It's huge! So many options. The Indonesian dishes are *amazing*. Get the nasi goreng. Trust me. The international options? Hit and miss. The pancakes were kinda sad. The pastries were... okay. But the fresh fruit? Glorious.
Lunch and dinner? A mixed bag. The restaurant food can be a bit pricey, you know, hotel prices. I tried the burger once - it was decent. I highly recommend venturing outside the hotel for some local food! Authentic Indonesian cuisine is crazy affordable and DELICIOUS. Seriously guys, explore the local warungs. You won't regret it!
Location, Location, Location! Is it Convenient for Exploring Surabaya?
The location is... *fine*. It's not smack-bang in the city center, so you might want to factor in transportation. Grab (like Uber, but in Indonesia) is readily available and cheap. The hotel staff can also help you arrange taxis. It’s a bit isolated, which can be good or bad, depending on your priorities. If you're looking for a quiet escape, it's great. If you want to be right in the thick of the action? Maybe not the best choice.
The Staff: Are They Friendly and Helpful? (Or Just Faking It?)
Okay, the staff? Honestly? Wonderful. Genuinely friendly and helpful. They're not just going through the motions. They *care*. I had a situation where my suitcase arrived damaged, and they went above and beyond to help me. They called the airline, liaised with them, and even helped me find a tailor to fix it. Seriously, top marks. The staff at La Lisa are one of the best things about it.
Wi-Fi: Reliable or a Nightmare? Because, You Know, Gotta Stay Connected!
The Wi-Fi... is hit or miss. Sometimes it's lightning fast, no problems with streaming Netflix. Other times? Forget about it. It crawls along like a snail in molasses. It's the kind of thing that makes you want to chuck your phone across the room. During peak times, it's particularly bad. So, if you NEED to be constantly connected for work? Maybe consider buying a local SIM card if you can. It's Indonesia! Expect some wonky Wi-fi.
But hey, maybe it’s a good thing to disconnect, too, right? Deep breaths. Embrace the slower pace...
Anything I Should Pack That I Might Not Think Of?
Definitely pack mosquito repellent! Those little buggers are relentless. Also, a universal adapter. And maybe a small pair of earplugs if you're a light sleeper (traffic noise, occasional party-goers...). Oh, and bring your own reusable water bottle. The hotel provides bottled water, but it's always good to minimize plastic waste, you know?
Okay, Hit Me With the Biggest "Uh Oh!" Moment or Letdown You Experienced.
Ugh. The biggest letdown? Okay, so... I'm a total massage fiend. Booked a massage at the hotel spa. They're usually fabulous (or so I hear, I never got the chance to try them myself). The treatment room looked lovely... and then... silence. The masseuse never showed. I waited. And waited. Finally, I went to reception, and they were SO apologetic, offered me *another* appointment, and offered some discounts off the bill. I'm trying not to make a big deal out of it. But It was a real buzzkill, and I ended up wasting my time! But, hey, things happen. And the staff quickly fixed the issue!
