Escape to Paradise: Bekasi's Stunning Studio Lagoon Near Town Square!
Escape to Paradise: Bekasi's Stunning Studio Lagoon…Or Is It? A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, folks. This isn't your average rose-tinted review. I just got back from "Escape to Paradise: Bekasi's Stunning Studio Lagoon Near Town Square!" and let me tell you, the reality is… well, it’s complicated. It's a bit like dating: The profile photo promises perfection, but the actual date…let’s just say there were moments I wanted to run screaming for the hills. But there were also moments where I melted into a puddle of blissful relaxation. Let's unpack this, shall we?
First Impression: Location, Location, Location (Sort Of)…
The name is a bit grandiose, wouldn't you agree? "Paradise"? Bekasi? Let's be honest, Bekasi is… Bekasi. It's hardly the Maldives. But the "Near Town Square" part held a tiny kernel of truth. It's nearbyish. Okay, it's accessible, there's the all-important Car Park [free of charge], which is a HUGE win, especially in this part of the world.. There are taxis, sure, but trying to hail a cab or navigate Grab/Gojek in the Bekasi traffic… well, that's a story for another day.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Frankly.
This is where things get… tricky. The hotel claims to have Facilities for disabled guests, but frankly, I didn't see enough to fully endorse it, but the Elevator is a must-have.
The Room: Studio Lagoon? More Like… Well, Let's Get Into It.
I booked a studio. "Lagoon" in the title, right? I envisioned turquoise waters lapping at my doorstep. Reality check: it was a nice enough room, but the "lagoon" view? It was more like… a glimpse of the pool from my balcony.
What Was Good (The Upsides):
- Wi-Fi [free] - Thank god for this. Seriously. In this day and age, it's practically a human right. And it worked! I mean, mostly. Internet Access – Wireless - always a bonus when you just want to disappear into the internet.
- Air conditioning - Essential. Absolutely, utterly essential in Bekasi.
- Air Conditioning in Public Areas - That's a lifesaver in itself.
- Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker - Hello, caffeine fix!
- Daily housekeeping - My room was always clean, which is a huge plus point.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant - Very important if you're a coffee-guzzler.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Yeah, they actually seemed to be taking the pandemic seriously. Good for them.
- Free Bottled Water - A necessity, really, in the humidity.
- Bathroom phone - The ultimate luxury, right?
- Desk: For when you need to actually get some work done.
- Non-Smoking Rooms: They seem serious about this.
- Blackout curtains - crucial for dealing with the sun.
- Safe Dining Setup - They are trying at least.
- Seating Area - A nice touch.
- Hair Dryer - Saves you having to bring your own.
- Additional Toilet: A luxury many don't recognize until they need it.
- Slippers. - Small, but important.
- Towels - I had some, which is always positive.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: Fair play for providing the option.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A nice touch during these times.
The Pool, Oh The Pool…And the "Spa"
The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a major draw. It's the defining feature, really. And it looked… inviting. Until I got in. Let's just say it wasn’t meticulously maintained. The Pool with view was a reality, but the view was of the hotel.
And the Spa/Sauna… "Spa" is perhaps a generous term. They had the facilities (Sauna, Steamroom, Spa) but honestly, they didn't exactly scream "luxury." I wandered around, a little bewildered, and decided to give the Massage a miss. Honestly, the whole vibe was a bit…off.
The Body Scrub and Body Wrap are available, I am certain, but I am not sure I would've risked it.
The Dining Dilemma… (And the Food That Followed):
The dining options were…varied. There's the A la carte in restaurant, the Buffet in restaurant (at breakfast), Coffee shop (yay!), Poolside bar (potential!), Restaurants, Snack bar, and even a Vegetarian restaurant.
- They offer Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Happy hour - Always a draw.
- Breakfast [buffet] - It was underwhelming, honestly. Scrambled eggs and questionable pastries. I went for the Breakfast takeaway service a couple of days just to get something different.
I ordered room service (Room service [24-hour]). The food arrived quickly, and it was edible.
The Dark Side (The Downsides):
- Cleanliness and safety felt questionable in some areas, despite their claims.
- Staff trained in safety protocol could be improved, I thought.
- Room decorations could be improved with a bit of modern flair.
- The Internet Access – LAN, Internet [LAN, Internet Services was unreliable.
- Babysitting service - I didn't need it, but just in case, I checked.
- Check-in/out [express, private] and Check-in/out [express] - I did both, and it was neither rapid nor private.
- Food delivery - Very welcome and it arrived quickly.
- Facilities for disabled guests - I doubt there are any.
- Cashless payment service - I was happy to pay this option.
Let's be brutally honest: this place isn't perfect. It has its issues. But, and this is a big but… for the price, and given its location, it’s… okay.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax – Sometimes):
They do offer a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, although I didn't dare venture in. Let's be honest, it's Bekasi. My expectations weren't sky-high. They also seemed to have some Audio-visual equipment for special events and Meeting/banquet facilities. They also have a Doorman! I am not expecting to be greeted like a king, but a smile will go a long way.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Maybe. If I had to be in Bekasi, and I needed a place to crash that had a pool, and I wasn't expecting the Four Seasons. The Non-smoking rooms are another win! The Non-smoking policy is strictly enforced.
It’s a mixed bag, this "Escape to Paradise." It's a bit rough around the edges. It's not a luxurious resort. But it's a reasonably priced spot in a city that isn't known for its abundance of amazing hotels (and this is the honest truth). So, if your expectations are tempered, and you're looking for a place to relax (sort of) and get a good night's sleep (Soundproof rooms), then maybe, just maybe, "Escape to Paradise" could be the place for you. Just don't expect actual paradise. And maybe pack your own snacks.
Tongli 1917: Suzhou's BEST Hidden Inn? (You HAVE to See This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEAD FIRST into the chaotic whirlpool that is my "vacation" at Studio Lagoon near Bekasi Town Square. Let's be real, "vacation" might be a strong word. More like… an attempt at a break, punctuated by questionable life choices and the ever-present threat of a rogue mosquito. Here goes nothing:
Studio Lagoon: The Bekasi Blitzkrieg (A Stream-of-Consciousness Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, Laundry Day…Again)
- 14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & Check-in: Okay, first things first. Find the place. This always starts with a valiant Google Maps expedition, inevitably leading to me wandering in circles, muttering about "smartphones" and "directions." Eventually, finally, got to Travelio Bekasi. The lobby smelled faintly of… something. Possibly regret? Anyway, check-in was smoother than expected. Maybe the universe was feeling generous. For now.
- 15:00 - 16:00: The Apartment Reveal & The Great Unpack: Oh. My. God. The apartment. It… existed. It was a studio. Small. Functional. The air conditioner hummed a mournful tune. I swear, I could practically hear the existential dread echoing off the walls. Unpacked. Sort of. Mostly just tossed stuff on the bed. The battle against the suitcase often ends in a stalemate.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Laundry - The Perpetual Chore: Ugh. The laundry. Seriously? Before I even properly lived here, I was already dealing with laundry. Apparently, the universe thinks getting clean clothes is a punishment. Found the washing machine (thank god), and spent the next hour battling with detergent and the mysteries of Indonesian electricity. The cycle was a complete mystery but it worked.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Grocery Run of Regret (aka, the Supermarket Tango): Decided to be a responsible adult and hit the supermarket. Big mistake. Seriously, the sheer variety of… everything… was overwhelming. Walked around in a daze, grabbing random things that looked vaguely edible. Ended up with some suspicious-looking instant noodles, a bag of chips I’ll probably regret, and a mango that would definitely turn into a sticky, mango-y mess.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Evening Meal & Netflix Hangover: Cooked (ish) the instant noodles. Glorious. Ate them while staring at the flickering television and binge-watching a terrible show – a glorious end of a miserable day.
- 20:00 - 21:00: The Great Mosquito Hunt: The tiny, blood-sucking menace. This is where the "luxury" part of the "apartment" experience disappears. I spent an hour swatting, cursing, and generally feeling violated. Victory: I think I got a few… but there’s always one. The enemy is relentless.
- 21:00 - Bedtime: Survived the Mosquito War. Headed to bed. Still have a mosquito flying around in my head – but I can't find it. Ready for day 2.
Day 2: Bekasi Adventures (Or, the Quest for Decent Coffee)
- 08:00 - 09:00: Wake Up & The Breakfast Struggle: Woke up to the sound of… nothing. Bliss. Until the hunger pangs hit. Ate the aforementioned mango (sticky mess, as predicted) and a sad attempt at toast. The coffee situation? Dire. My caffeine cravings started instantly.
- 09:00 - 11:00: The Bekasi Town Square Mission: The mission? Find coffee. Decent, not-instant coffee. Headed out to the Bekasi Town Square (thank god for Grab). The Square? Humongous. Overwhelming. Walked around, overwhelmed by the sheer number of shops and people. Ended up giving up and just walking by them all. The coffee quest continues.
- 11:00 - 12:00: Lunchtime Lament: Found a… food court. Yes. That. And the sheer number of choices was again, overwhelming. The constant choices have me stumped. I ended with chicken. It was adequate.
- 12:00 - 14:00: Poolside Peril? (or, the Quiet Moments): The apartment has a pool! Theoretically, idyllic. Practically? Other people. And too much sun. The heat was unbearable. Back to my safe space.
- 14:00 - 16:00: "Productive" Time: More Netflix. Read a book. Wondered what I was doing with my life. You know, the usual vacation routines.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Laundry - Take Two: Decided that laundry was so bad, that another chore was needed. More laundry!
- 17:00 - 19:00: Evening Meal and the Big Decision: More instant noodles? Or should I…venture out again? The struggle is real. Decided on ordering some food.
- 19:00 - 21:00: The Quiet
Day 3: Departure & The Sweet, Sweet Freedom (Hopefully No New Mosquitos)
- 09:00 - 10:00: The Final Breakfast & Packing Panic: One last, desperate attempt at making coffee. Packing. Always a mess. Managed to find more things I forgot I had.
- 10:00 - 11:00: Check-Out & Farewell: The check-out was quick and painless. Back to the world.
- 11:00 - onward: Freedom! Onwards to the next thing.
The Verdict (Or, "Would I Recommend This?"):
Honestly? It was… an experience. Not a perfect one, certainly not a luxury escape. But there were moments of peace, and even moments of enjoyment. The food court? Questionable. The mosquitos? Evil. The coffee situation? A national tragedy. But, I survived. And that, my friends, is what matters. Would I go back? Maybe. With a mosquito net. And a serious caffeine supply.
Unbelievable Kendari Getaway: Radja Homestay RedPartner Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Bekasi's Studio Lagoon - FAQs (and a Whole Lot More!)
Okay, so what *is* this "Escape to Paradise" place, anyway? Is it actually paradise? (Because... Bekasi.)
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? In Bekasi? Look, I’m not saying it's on par with the Maldives. But for Bekasi, and for the price, it's freaking close! It's a studio apartment, basically, tricked out with a *massive* lagoon-style pool. Think turquoise water, maybe some inflatable flamingos (I *really* hope there are inflatable flamingos!), and the promise of escaping the Bekasi madness for a *few* glorious hours. I’ve seen the photos. They’re heavily filtered, naturally. But even with Instagram's little tweaks, the lagoon *looks* good. The real test is... the Bekasi reality check. More on that later.
Where exactly is this supposed hideaway located? And can I walk there from Town Square? (Because my driving skills are... questionable.)
Right, location, location, location! It’s near Town Square, which sounds promising, right? "Near" in Bekasi can mean anything from a five-minute Uber ride to a half-hour battle through traffic that would make even the toughest Jakarta driver weep. I *think* you can... walk. Maybe. Probably not in the midday sun. Honestly, I’d recommend grabbing a Gojek. Unless you enjoy a sweaty, existential journey. And honestly, after spending 20 minutes in Bekasi heat you're probably already halfway there. Just don't get me started on the dodgy sidewalks... I still have a scar from the time I tripped over a rogue paving stone. Beautiful memories.
The pool. Tell me *everything* about the pool. Is it actually swimmable? Is it full of… *things*? (My anxieties are running wild.)
Okay, the *pool*. This is the make-or-break element. I've seen pictures! Pristine, shimmering water. People frolicking! The *dream*. But here's the reality check: Bekasi water has a certain… *character*. The photos *suggest* it’s swimmable. Logically, it *should* be swimmable. But my brain is constantly yelling "Is it clean?! Is it *really* clean? Are there tiny (or not-so-tiny) creatures lurking beneath the surface?" I need to know if it's chlorinated, or if they went with some "natural filtration" that will give me a mild case of the creeps. I need intel. Deep intel. From someone who’s actually *been* there and survived. Tell me the truth! No sugarcoating!
What about food and drinks? Can I bring snacks? Are there any food stalls nearby, or am I doomed to starve? (And if so, can I preorder pizza?)
Food! The eternal question! Listen, surviving a Bekasi "escape" requires strategic planning. Bringing snacks is a MUST. Think of it as your survival kit. Chips, crackers, maybe some dodgy-but-delicious street food you picked up on the way. I'd assume there'll be *something* nearby, but don't rely on it. Bekasi food can be a mixed bag of incredible flavors and, well, questionable hygiene practices. Pre-ordering pizza? Brilliant! Plan ahead, people! That's a pro escape artist move. Seriously, pack extra napkins. You can never have too many napkins in Bekasi (or anywhere, really). You'll need them.
The studio itself. What's the vibe? Is it cramped? Is there a TV? God, please tell me there's air conditioning!
Alright, the *studio*. Okay, expectations need to be managed. It's likely compact. Think "efficient living" rather than "luxurious penthouse." I'm hoping for clean! And Air Conditioning? That's non-negotiable, especially in Bekasi. Without it, you'll be sweating your way through your "escape to paradise" and feeling anything *but* relaxed. A TV is a bonus, but honestly, I'm there for the pool. But! If there's a TV, is it streaming services? Local channels? And, most importantly, is the Wi-Fi strong enough to stream? These are the vital questions! Also, are there enough power outlets? (I can't be the only one who spends half my life searching for a plug).
Okay, so what’s the *actual* deal? Should I book it? Or is this a giant, Bekasi-shaped letdown waiting to happen?
Look, here's the thing: I'm on the fence. On one hand, it *promises* a refreshing escape. A break from the chaos and the traffic jams and the general…Bekasiness of Bekasi. If the pool is clean, and if the AC works, and if I can get pizza delivered… it could be bliss. Pure, simple bliss. On the other hand… this IS Bekasi. There's always that nagging voice in the back of my head whispering, "Expect the unexpected." Expect dodgy internet. Expect something to break. Expect a mosquito or two. But... I'm tempted. Seriously tempted. Because sometimes, you just need to pretend you’re somewhere else, even if it’s just for a few hours. Might just book it. Wish me luck. And if I don't come back, send help (and a hazmat suit). I'll report back with a full review... after I've had a shower to remove the inevitable Bekasi grime!
Speaking of grime, what happens if I forget something? Like, say, my swimsuit? Is there a shop nearby, hopefully not selling fluorescent-pink Speedos? (Please, no Speedos.)
Swimsuit emergency! Disaster! Okay, a swimsuit *is* crucial for enjoying a pool. If you forget yours... well, first, PANIC. Then, assess the situation. Is there a minimart nearby? A clothing store? Hopefully, they'll have something more stylish than a highlighter-colored Speedo. (The thought alone gives me the shivers.) You might have to improvise. Maybe you can fashion something out of a towel and sheer desperation. Or, you know, embrace the local aesthetic and rock whatever you can find (just... check the seams first!). The key is to be prepared, but also, to be adaptable. Bekasi is a test of your resourcefulness, my friend.
What if I get bored? Is there *anything* else to do? Like, besides staring at the pool and mentally preparing for the drive back?
Boredom? A real concern. Staring at a pool, while initially appealing, can lose its luster after a while. So, what else? Well, if the studio has games, that could work. Books? Magazines? A fully charged phone for endless scrolling?Book For Rest
