Surabaya's Hidden Gem: Oma's Halal Haven (OYO 90482) — Book Now!
Surabaya's Secret Delight? Oma's Halal Haven (OYO 90482) - A Whirlwind Review! (Book NOW… Maybe?)
Alright, let's dive headfirst into this… experience. Oma's Halal Haven. OYO 90482. Sounds like a code name for a secret agent's hideout, doesn't it? Well, it’s almost as exciting as a James Bond flick… almost. I'm here, fresh from the Surabaya heat, to give you the REAL scoop. Consider this less a polished travel brochure and more a brutally honest, slightly caffeine-fueled breakdown.
First off, the Essentials (and some immediate gripes):
- Accessibility: Look, I’m not going to lie, I didn't personally check the wheelchair situation. The website's vague. It mentions facilities for disabled guests, but specific details? MIA. HUGE Red flag, folks! If you require specific accommodations, call. Seriously. Don't rely on my disorganized ramblings.
- Internet Woes: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they scream. Yeah… "free." Like, free-as-in-straining-to-load-"cat-videos" free. The promised "Internet access – wireless" was more like "Internet access – whenever-it-feels-like-blinking-into-life." I tried the wired "Internet access – LAN" as a last resort, and good luck with that! It's like that one friend's ancient computer: trying is one thing, accomplishing is a whole other universe.
- Cleanliness & Safety – The COVID Dance: Okay, they tried. They really, really tried. They had all the buzzwords: "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection," "Hand sanitizer" EVERYWHERE. Felt like walking into a bio-hazard zone… but at the same time safe enough. They say "Staff trained in safety protocol" but… well, let’s just say it’s a very relaxed interpretation of "protocol" sometime. The "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" became more like "Physical distancing maybe if you're lucky and the person next to you isn't coughing." But yeah, they have the tools. Good on ya, Oma's.
The Things to Do… or Maybe NOT To Do:
- Relaxation Station: The Spa! (insert eye roll). Don't get your hopes up. The "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Massage," "Sauna," "Spa," and "Steamroom" – all those fancy words? They exist, technically. But it felt like a "spa" in name only. Like the kind where the masseuse apologizes for the quality of aromatherapy oils.
- Pool with a View: Okay, the pool was lovely. The view? Well… let’s just say it wasn't the Burj Khalifa. It was more along the lines of “rooftop pool overlooking some buildings." It was a welcome oasis from the Surabaya humidity, though, I'll give them that.
- Fitness Center: Yes, there's one. It's small. Probably contains one treadmill, a dusty elliptical, and a weight machine that looks like it's older than your grandma. Consider it a challenge.
Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food:
- Halal HEAVEN (or something close to it): Oma's is a Halal haven, no arguments there. That was a huge plus in a city where finding truly Halal options can be tricky.
- Dining Options Galore (Sort of): "A la carte," "Buffet," "Asian cuisine," "International cuisine" – they boast a lot. The reality? It’s a bit of a buffet roulette, and the a la carte menu was extremely limited at different times of the day. Breakfast was okay, with that classic Indonesian-hotel-breakfast selection of nasi goreng and a very peculiar coffee which, frankly, tasted more like motor oil.
- Room Service 24/7!: Now, this was a godsend. When the jet lag hit, and I couldn't face getting dressed, the 24-hour room service became my best friend. The selection? Limited. The quality? Variable, but after midnight, you're grateful for anything. Don't expect Michelin star quality at 3 AM.
- Something to note: Restaurants and Poolside bar: Both has a good selection and the "happy hour" was worth the time.
Services, Conveniences, and Oddities:
- They've Got the Basics: "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service," "Concierge," "Cash withdrawal," "Currency exchange" – all the usual suspects. It's all good.
- The Quirky Stuff: "Gift/souvenir shop"? It had like 3 items. "Shrine"? I think there was one tucked away in a corner, looking a bit forlorn. "Meeting/banquet facilities"? Probably. I didn't attend any meetings.
- The Elevator: There's an elevator, but… again, questionable in working condition. Stairways were the better choice.
For the Kids… or Not?
- Family/Child Friendly: They claimed it, but I didn’t see any kids facilities.
- Babysitting service I still didn't see any babysitters.
My Room: Where the Magic (and Mild Annoyances) Happened
- The Good Stuff: Okay, my room had the basics. "Air conditioning," "Desk," "Coffee/tea maker," "Free bottled water (thank goodness!)." The "Blackout curtains" were much appreciated when the sun decided to wage war on my eyelids at 5 AM.
- The "Interesting" Bits: The "Soundproofing" was… optimistic. I could still hear the traffic outside, the staff chatting in the halls, and the occasional existential crisis of the hotel plumbing.
- The Bathroom: The "Separate shower/bathtub" was nice, although the water pressure could have been better. The "Towels" were clean, and that's what matters most.
- Room Decor: The "Room decorations" were a bit… bland. Like "beige" was the theme of an entire hotel. But who cares when you're tired enough to sleep anywhere?
Getting Around (and Getting Over It):
- "Airport transfer" (thank goodness!). Seriously, the Surabaya traffic is a nightmare.
- "Car park [free of charge]" - a win!
- "Taxi service" - available, but negotiate the price before you get in. Always.
- "Car power charging station" - what?
Overall Verdict: The Messy Truth:
Would I recommend Oma's Halal Haven? Hmm… It's complicated. It’s not the Ritz-Carlton. It's not the worst place ever. It's a budget-friendly option that is what it is, and it's fine if you set your expectations accordingly.
Here’s the deal:
- Go if: You're on a budget, require Halal food options, and aren’t expecting luxury.
- Don’t go if: You need top-tier service, require specific accessibility features, or are a stickler for perfect Wi-Fi.
- Book now? Maybe. But seriously, call first if you have any specific needs. And pack your own coffee, just in case.
My Final Thoughts: A little bit of a let-down but mostly adequate. Oma's – you should try just a little bit more. You could be a hidden gem… you could! You're just… not quite there yet. But hey, the staff were friendly, the Halal food was good, and I survived. And honestly I had a strange charm to the whole experience.
Salisbury Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Country Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my potentially disastrous, gloriously chaotic, and hopefully-not-completely-humiliating Surabaya escapade. We’re talking OYO 90482 Rumah Oma Syariah, remember the name, because it's going to probably be the only thing I remember after this trip.
Pre-Departure Anxiety & The Great Luggage Mystery (or: Where Did My Socks Go?)
Okay, so before we even get to Surabaya, there's the pre-trip stress. I’m talking the frantic searching for my passport (found it! Underneath a pile of overdue library books, naturally), the packing (a glorious mess, currently resembling a small clothing explosion), and the crippling fear that I've forgotten something essential. Like, you know, socks. Where are my socks?! I swear, they have a secret sock society and plot against me.
DAY 1: Surabaya’s Embrace (and My Immediate Need for Air Conditioning)
Arrival: Landed. Survived the sweaty, slightly terrifying, yet oddly exhilarating taxi ride from Juanda International Airport to Rumah Oma Syariah. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to think the speed limit was a suggestion. He was a charming guy, though, kept offering me these weird cracker snacks and speaking in Indonesian the entire time. I just smiled and nodded because, hey, I’m adventurous! (More specifically, I don't speak Indonesian.)
The Hotel (Rumah Oma Syariah): Okay, first impressions? Cute. Really, really cute. Like, picture a quaint, whitewashed building with a courtyard and a general vibe of, "Welcome, weary traveler!" The staff were super friendly, all smiles and gentle gestures. But sweet Jesus, the humidity! The second I stepped out of that taxi I could feel my hair frizzing and my makeup melting. Air conditioning, where are you?!
- Room Reconnaissance: The room itself? Simple. Cleanish. A bit cramped, but hey, I’m a minimalist (when forced to be). The mosquito netting gave the whole thing a romantic, slightly medieval feel. And, thank the heavens, the AC worked. Sweet, icy bliss.
- The First Meal Disaster: I was hungry and, let's just say, I'm not the best at choosing food. I ended up ordering something called “Nasi Goreng Spesial” from a nearby street vendor. Looked amazing. Tasted… fine. Let's just say my stomach didn't agree, and I spent the rest of the afternoon battling a mild, but unpleasant case of the Surabaya tummy rumbles. Lesson learned: Stick to the familiar. Next time, instant noodles.
Evening Exploring (Briefly): Okay, attempted to be a culture vulture. Wandered down a bustling street near the hotel. Tried to navigate the chaotic flow of motorbikes. Successfully choked down some street food that, bless my heart, I had no clue what it was but it was delicious. And then… the feeling came back. The rumbling. The need for air conditioning. Back to the hotel it was.
Quirky Observation: The sheer number of shops selling bright, patterned fabrics! It's like the entire city is preparing for a giant pajama party. Or maybe I'm delirious from the heat. Either way, dazzling!
DAY 2: Temples, Tea, and Terrible Directions (or: Lost in Translation, Literally)
- Morning Mishap: The Guesthouse Breakfast: Rumah Oma's breakfast was included. A tiny portion of fried rice served with a sweet tea. I felt like a giant. I needed more. I was also starting to understand why the locals always smiled. They knew.
- Triumph and Travail: The Sunan Ampel Mosque & Exploring Surabaya: Ah, the first real sightseeing! I thought I was prepared, but I was woefully underdressed and had to rent a headscarf. The mosque itself was stunning – a riot of colors and intricate detail. The atmosphere was peaceful, full of activity, the call to prayer echoed through the air. Pure magic. I even managed to avoid accidentally offending anyone (a small victory, in my book). Then I was off exploring Surabaya.
- The Artful Chaos of Transportation: I tried the public transport. I think. Or maybe I walked. It's all a blur. All I know is I found myself on a jam-packed minibus, surrounded by a cacophony of Indonesian voices, and smelling things I couldn't identify. It was exhilarating, terrifying, and probably the cheapest way to get around.
- The Tea Room Debacle: I found a tea shop. Luxury. A fancy teacup, a soothing cup of tea. It was like a vision of heaven after the minibus. I even started writing some notes about how "authentic" everything was. Just as I was enjoying my cup, I knocked it, spilling tea everywhere I was. I said sorry a thousand times. They had to bring so much cleaner. I think they thought I did it to the on purpose. They were fine.
- The Evening's Struggle: I gave up on the cultural exploration for the day. I ordered the same dinner. I went to bed and prayed for rain.
DAY 3: The Surabaya Zoo (More Like: The Zoo That Almost Broke Me)
- The Zoo. Oh dear god, the zoo. I'm an animal lover. Truly. I'm all about conservation, animal welfare, the whole shebang. But. The Surabaya Zoo… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. The conditions were… let's say “rustic”. The animals, bless their hearts, looked a bit… defeated. I saw a depressed orangutan. I saw a sad elephant. Their enclosures did not look like the zoo. They were small and they looked tired. I was heartbroken. It was very hard to be around and I felt ill from the heat and the emotion of seeing the animals caged.
- Ice cream: I had to leave and get ice cream. Lots of it. I walked back to the hotel.
- Contemplations and the End of Day: My mood went up from the sugar. I journaled in the room. I did a face mask. I ordered the noodles.
DAY 4: Departure & Reflections (or: Did I Actually Enjoy Myself?)
- Farewell, Rumah Oma: Said goodbye to the friendly staff. The thought of leaving was sad. I felt like I was leaving a small group of family. I am never going to forget them.
- Airport Antics: The taxi ride back to the airport was thankfully uneventful. Except that I might have left my favorite scarf in the backseat. (See? I told you I'd forget things!)
- Final Thoughts: Surabaya? It was… intense. Hot. Humid. Challenging. At times, utterly overwhelming. But it was also, undeniably, unforgettable. The people were kind, the food (mostly) delicious, and the experience? Well, it definitely made me a stronger, more resilient, and slightly better-prepared traveler. I have so many memories, and I cannot wait to go back. I wouldn't change it for a second. Except maybe the sock situation. Still haven't found those socks.
- Final words: Rumah Oma Syariah - If you want a real experience, and you aren't expecting the Ritz, I recommend staying. I recommend you go to the zoo. And I beg you to drink water.
Oma's Halal Haven (OYO 90482): The Good, The Maybe, and The "Did I Actually Stay There?"
Okay, spill the tea! Is Oma's Halal Haven REALLY a hidden gem?
Alright, listen up! "Hidden gem" is a dangerous phrase. It's like, you expect this sparkling diamond, and you get... a slightly tarnished pebble that still has potential. Oma's? It's more of a... *potential* gem. The location? Pretty darn good. Close to everything, but still… *kinda* hidden. I mean, finding the place felt like following a cryptic clue on an Indiana Jones treasure hunt. My Grab driver, bless his heart, looked more bewildered than I did at the end. Let's just say, the 'hidden' part is definitely accurate. So, hidden *gem*? Jury's still out. But the **potential**? Oh, the potential is there.
What's the vibe like? Is it actually comfortable?
"Comfortable?" Hmmm… Let me put it this way: It's got that Indonesian home-stay charm, BUT… (and there's always a "but", isn't there?). The air conditioning? My best friend. The Wi-Fi? My worst enemy. It's like, it exists, *kinda*, but then disappears when you most need it. The bed? Ah, the bed. It was… a bed. Not the cloud-like bliss of a five-star hotel, but perfectly decent for crashing after a long day of exploring Surabaya. Think: Grandma's spare room, with a slightly more updated TV. Which, by the way, was a lifesaver for catching up on Indonesian dramas (don't judge me!). So, comfortable? Potentially. Bring your own charm.
Tell me about the rooms and amenities! What can I expect?
Okay, let’s get real about this. Amenities are… basic. Think functional, not fancy. My room had a sink, a shower (with lukewarm water at the best of times), and a bed. The TV. The air-con. The wifi, when it decided to grace the room with its presence. They *say* there's parking, but finding a spot might involve a little bit of a Tetris session with the other guests. The bathroom situation? Well, they're clean. Not immaculate, but *clean*. The towels? Thin. Remember to pack your own shampoo and conditioner. Okay? Good. Don't expect a spa day, expect a place to rest your weary head after you've had an amazing day. That's it.
The halal aspect! How serious is it? And… breakfast?
The "Halal Haven" part is important to them, and frankly, it's great for peace of mind. I didn't have to worry about accidentally stumbling into some questionable cuisine. Everything I saw and heard was completely halal. The staff, while not fluent in English (more on that later), were very respectful of the halal rules. Breakfast? Breakfast was… an experience. Okay, it was a *simple* breakfast. Sometimes it was nasi goreng (fried rice), sometimes it was just toast and jam. One morning, I swear, I got a single, lonely banana. Breakfast is not a gourmet extravaganza, my friends. It’s more of a “something to get you going” situation. Prepare to maybe eat elsewhere, maybe? My own fault for getting there late.
What's the staff like? Are they helpful/friendly?
Here's where things get a little tricky. The staff… are… *present*. They're generally friendly, but don't expect concierge-level service. Their English skills are, shall we say, developing. I spent a solid five minutes waving my arms and making airplane noises trying to explain I needed a taxi. Eventually, I just gave up and used Grab. Another time, I needed extra towels, and it felt like I was trying to win a staring contest. Patience is a virtue here folks. Embrace the cultural difference. They’re trying their best, and that's what counts, right? They are definitely friendly!
Location, location, location! How close is it to everything?
The location is actually pretty darn amazing. Seriously, this is a massive plus. Most of the main sights are easily accessible by Grab or Gojek (the local ride-hailing apps). You’re not stuck out in the boonies, and that’s a BIG win. Within walking distance from warungs with great food.
Okay, the price. Is it worth the money?
For the price? Absolutely! It's a budget-friendly option, no doubt. You're getting a decent room in a great location, which is a HUGE plus. Don’t be expecting luxury, remember? But it's clean, safe, and gets the job done, without breaking the bank. Think of it as a stepping stone to your Surabaya adventures. It allows for the real adventures when you get outside your room.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Okay, here's the truth. If I were on a super tight budget, and needed a clean place to sleep and a good location, yes, I totally see myself going back. It’s got a certain charm, in a “not-trying-too-hard” kind of way. But, if I were looking for something luxurious, with a five-star breakfast buffet, and a personal butler? Absolutely not. It's a solid, no-frills choice. It's a good base camp. Just manage your expectations. Honestly? I'd probably book again. Just for that slightly-off-kilter charm!
What’s the weirdest thing that happened?
Oh man, the weirdest thing? Okay, so one night the power went out. Totally understandable, it happens, right? But the outage was pretty widespread. No problem. Then, I started hearing… noises. Little, tiny, almost imperceptible rustling sounds. I lay there, petrified. I was convinced there were tiny gremlins eating my luggage. Turns out, it was just the wind. But the moment? The moment I lay there in the dark imagining tiny gremlins feasting on my socks? Priceless. I will never forget it. Absolutely never.
