Jakarta's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You! (Good Day Inn Review)
Jakarta's BEST Kept Secret? Good Day Inn Review - Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Okay, so I just got back from Jakarta, and let me tell you, I think I stumbled upon a freaking unicorn disguised as a hotel. We're talking about the Good Day Inn, and it's not just good, it's… well, let's just say it shocked me. And not in the way you'd expect. Forget those sterile, soul-sucking mega-hotels! The Good Day Inn is a breath of fresh, jasmine-scented air in a city that can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle.
First Impressions (and a little bit of a melt-down):
Landing in Jakarta is sensory overload. The traffic! The heat! The glorious street food aromas! So, when I finally arrived at the Good Day Inn, I was a frazzled, sweaty mess. The lobby wasn't the gleaming marble of a five-star resort, but it was charming. Think warm wood, local art, and a vibe that screams "Welcome, traveler, you're finally safe." (And trust me, that's a HUGE plus).
(Accessibility & Safety Check):
Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way. Accessibility? They've got an elevator! A massive win in my book. I'm not mobility-impaired, but knowing they cater to everyone just warms my cold, cynical heart. CCTV everywhere? Yep. Outside, in common areas. Makes you feel safe, not like you're constantly being watched by Big Brother. And, crucially, Safety/security features, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms… all present and accounted for. This is not a place that skimps on safety, which is a HUGE relief. Even if those fire extinguishers and smoke alarms aren't exactly the sexiest feature, I slept soundly knowing they were there.
(Rooms - My Sanctuary (and my Laundry mountain)):
My room! Sigh. It wasn't huge, but it was perfect. Think Air conditioning bliss, Blackout curtains (essential for beating the Jakarta sun!), and a really comfy bed. I'm a sucker for decent sheets, and these were heavenly. They actually offered complimentary tea and free bottled water, like, come on! That's just thoughtful. They had free Wi-Fi (which, let's be honest, is non-negotiable these days - Wi-Fi [free] everywhere!), and access to the Internet through Internet access – wireless (and even Internet access – LAN if you're old-school, like your truly). There was even a desk – perfect for catching up on emails while ignoring the glorious city outside.
But here's the REAL kicker. They had a mini-bar! I'm a sucker for a cold Bintang after a day of exploring. Added bonus? A refrigerator to keep those beers extra cold. And, for someone who travels as much as I do, the laundry service was a lifesaver. My suitcase was starting to resemble a small mountain of dirty clothes before I knew it, so much so that I had to opt for dry cleaning and Ironing service too.
(Cleanliness & Covid-19 Considerations - Because, you know, the world):
Okay, let's be real. I'm hyper-vigilant about cleanliness these days. I was thrilled to see the Good Day Inn takes this seriously. They're rocking Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. No corners were cut in terms of sanitation. Seeing all these safety measures made me feel like they are genuinely care about their guests. They have Staff trained in safety protocol to make you feel safe when exploring the city!
(The Breakfast Experience - A Foodie’s Delight (or at least, my delight!)):
Breakfast. My favorite meal. And the Good Day Inn delivered. The Asian breakfast was a must-try, alongside the classic buffet in the restaurant. Omelets, pancakes, fruit, and a dizzying array of local delicacies. I'm talking Asian cuisine and Western cuisine in the restaurant, so whether you're feeling adventurous or craving something familiar, they've got you covered. There was coffee and tea in the restaurant - and the coffee was actually GOOD. Not that weak, sad excuse for coffee you often get in hotels. I mean, come on now I had an amazing experience, and the staff even offered Breakfast in room that was amazing! The Breakfast takeaway service was perfect for my early morning adventures.
(Amenities & Relaxation - Spa Day Dreams and Poolside Bliss):
Now for the fun stuff! The swimming pool [outdoor] was a godsend after a day pounding the pavement. It's not Olympic-sized (this isn’t the four seasons!) but it's clean, refreshing, and the perfect place to unwind. The Pool with a view - well, it's Jakarta, so the "view" is mostly other buildings, but honestly, I didn't care. I was too busy floating around, blissed out.
And the Spa! Okay, so I didn't do the full works. But I did indulge in a massage. And it was AMAZING. The therapist was skilled, the room was tranquil, and I swear, I slept better that night than I have in months. Pure bliss. They have a Sauna for the sweat fans and it had to be perfect after a long day!
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food!)
The restaurant at the Good Day Inn is a hidden gem. They have an incredible a la carte menu, with something for everyone. The Happy hour was a great way to start the evening, and the poolside bar was perfect for those lazy afternoons. The staff even provided alternative meal arrangement. I’m a sucker for a good salad, and theirs was fresh and flavorful. They also had a snack bar and coffee shop. If you want to relax they got you with the bottle of water, like, come on! They've really thought of everything, and I didn’t encounter Desserts in the restaurant, I would have gotten fatter, so it was a good thing!
(Staff - The Real Stars of the Show):
Honestly, the staff at the Good Day Inn are the real heroes. They were friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care about making my stay as enjoyable as possible. From the friendly faces at reception to the smiling waitstaff in the restaurant, everyone went above and beyond. This really helps make your trip memorable.
(Things to Do (and Me Being a Total Tourist)):
Jakarta is a vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating city. The Good Day Inn's location is pretty great for getting around. They have Taxi service and if you have your own car, Car park [free of charge], and Valet parking too! I relied heavily on Grab (the local ride-sharing app) to get around, and it’s super cheap and efficient.
(Services & Conveniences - Because Life is Easier This Way):
Let's be real. Travel can be stressful. The Good Day Inn makes things a lot easier. They have Currency exchange (essential!), Luggage storage, and a Concierge who helped me organise everything perfectly. Plus, the Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The Laundry service saved my life.
(For the kids (and the kid in me)
I didn't have the kids with me, but if you do, you'll be happy to know the Good Day Inn is family/child friendly, with babysitting services. I was like a kid in a candy store in the Gift/souvenir shop.
(Room for Improvement (Because Nothing's Perfect)):
Okay, so I'm trying to be objective here. The Good Day Inn isn't perfect. The gym isn’t a full-blown fitness center. But honestly, I wasn't there to pump iron. I was there to explore, eat, and relax. And for that, the lack of a super-fancy gym was irrelevant.
(Overall Verdict - Go Book It IMMEDIATELY!)
Look, I could go on and on. But the bottom line is: the Good Day Inn is a fantastic hotel. It’s clean, comfortable, safe, and the staff is incredible. It's got a great location, and they've clearly put a lot of thought into making it a welcoming and enjoyable place to stay.
So, is it the BEST kept secret?
Yep. It is. And I'm spilling the beans because you, my friend, deserve to know. You deserve to experience the Good Day Inn.
Here's my offer to you, the intrepid traveler:
Book your stay at the Good Day Inn through this link (insert affiliate link here… wink, wink):
And get a special bonus!
- Free Upgrade, if available.
- A Welcome Drink on Arrival.
- Discounted Spa Treatment.
**Don't wait! Jakarta is waiting. The Good Day Inn is
Mecca's Hidden Gem: Askant Golden Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip, we're birthing an experience. And it's totally going to be messy, glorious, and probably involve me yelling at a stray cat at some point. Jakarta, here we come! Specifically, the Good Day Inn. Listen, it's not the Ritz, but hey, a bed’s a bed, especially when you've just wrestled your luggage through monsoon season.
Jakarta: A Week of Maybe-Joy and Almost-Certain Confusion (My Good Day Inn Adventure)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (or, "Why Did I Book This?")
- 8:00 AM (ish) - The Pre-Trip Panic: Let's be real, the weeks leading up to the trip were a blur of frantic packing (did I really need five pairs of socks? Probably not), Googling "Indonesian food poisoning" (regret), and trying to remember my high school Bahasa Indonesia (spoiler: I don't).
- 10:00 AM - The In-Flight Meltdown: Plane food? Let's just say it cemented my belief that airline caterers are secretly plotting humanity's demise. I spent most of the flight silently judging everyone's choice of footwear (crocs, WHY?). Also, the in-flight entertainment system crashed. Classic.
- 4:00 PM - Jakarta! (And the Taxi Driver From Hades): Landed in Jakarta. The heat hit me like a wet blanket made of angry sunbeams. The airport? Chaos, beautifully orchestrated chaos. Hopped in a taxi. My driver, bless his heart, seemed to be operating on a different dimension of reality. We dodged scooters, ignored traffic lights, and generally played a high-stakes game of "chicken" with anything moving. My mental state: bordering on full-blown panic.
- 5:30 PM - Good Day Inn Arrival (Cue the Relief…and the Slight Disappointment): Finally arrived! The Good Day Inn… well, it's functional. The lobby smells faintly of air freshener and…something else. The room is decent. The AC groans like a dying walrus. My first thought? "Thank god for air conditioning." My second? "Is that a stain on the ceiling?" We'll call it a "unique feature."
- 7:00 PM - Food Search and Food Regret: Okay, time for dinner. Found a street food stall nearby, lured in by the promise of "Authentic Indonesian Noodles!" Ordered something. Ate it. Questioned every choice I'd ever made. The spice level? Let's just say my taste buds are still recovering.
- 9:00 PM - Bed, Glorious Bed…and Mosquitoes?: Collapsed on the bed. Praying for a good night’s sleep. Heard a mosquito buzzing by my ear: "Oh, Wonderful"!
Day 2: Jakarta's Chaotic Embrace (and My Stomach's Rebellion)
- 8:00 AM - The Breakfast Buffet Battle: Breakfast! Okay, the Good Day Inn buffet is…an experience. The coffee tastes like it was brewed with regret. Scrambled eggs? Questionable consistency. The fruit was, however, a vibrant explosion of color and flavor, and I ate my weight in what appeared to be Dragon fruit.
- 9:00 AM - Exploring Kota Tua (Old Town): Decided to be a tourist, despite my inherent aversion to being a tourist. Kota Tua is beautiful! The architecture! The bustle! The vendors hawking…well, everything. Got swindled for a bottle of water (lesson learned), but the overall vibe was worth it. I wandered around, took some photos, and even managed to feign interest in a historical plaque that was undoubtedly important, even if I couldn't totally understand Bahasa Indonesian.
- 11:00 AM - The Shadow Puppet Show (and My Complete Inability to Focus): Went to see a Wayang Kulit performance. Beautiful, intricate puppets. The music was captivating. I have no idea what was going on in the story. My attention span? Let's just say I was more interested in the street food vendors outside, selling weird, vibrant snacks.
- 1:00 PM - Back to the Street Food Abyss (and the Aftermath): Decided to brave a new street food adventure. This time, it was Nasi Goreng. Big mistake. My stomach promptly decided to stage a full-scale revolt. Spent the afternoon huddled in my (air-conditioned!) room, questioning my life choices and the wisdom of eating anything from a street vendor.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion (and a Near-Death Experience with a Scooter)
- 9:00 AM - National Museum of Indonesia (and Pretending to Understand History): Dragged myself to the National Museum. Impressive artifacts, lots of history (most of which I promptly forgot). The sheer scale of the place was overwhelming. Honestly, I spent more time people-watching than actually looking at the exhibits.
- 11:00 AM - Batik Shopping (and the Art of Haggling): Visited a batik shop. The colors! The patterns! The prices! Learned the art of haggling, which is surprisingly enjoyable. Got a beautiful batik scarf, even if I'm not entirely sure how to wear it.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (and the Triumph of Pizza): Couldn't risk street food. Found a pizza place. Yes, Pizza. I was in desperate need of a taste of home. The pizza was terrible, but at least I could understand the words.
- 3:00 PM - Bike Ride Rented a bike to enjoy around Jakarta. The traffic was horrible and I almost got run over by a scooter. Decided it wasn't for me.
Day 4: The Wonders & Woes of a Volcano
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up and Go: Went on a trip to Mount Bromo, which was quite the trip.
- 10:00 AM - Arrival Arrived at hotel.
- 1:00 PM - Climbing We climbed Mount Bromo and the view was amazing.
- 5:00 PM - Back at hotel Back to Good Day Inn.
Day 5: The Day of Rest (and the Discovery of a Hidden Gem)
- 10:00 AM - Sleep, Glorious Sleep: Needed a day of rest! Went to bed and slept the whole night.
- 11:00 AM: The Coffee Experience: The Good Day Inn is right by Starbucks. I started to head there and the walk was really peaceful. There were lots of people smiling and it made me feel the love and bond of the city.
Day 6: Farewell (and a Promise to Return…Eventually)
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast (and a Fond Farewell to the Questionable Coffee): One last breakfast at the Good Day Inn. Said a reluctant farewell to the questionable coffee and the slightly stained ceiling of my room.
- **10:00 AM - Final wander of the market: **Decided to buy some souvenirs.
- 12:00 PM - Departure: Headed back to the airport. Goodbye, Jakarta. You were loud, chaotic, spicy, and occasionally terrifying. But also… unforgettable.
- 1:00 PM - The "Did I Pack Too Much?" Panic: Checked my bag. Prayed it wasn't overweight.
- 6:00 PM - The Flight (and the Beginning of Post-Trip Withdrawal): Boarded the plane. Reflected on my adventures. Started planning my next trip. This time, I'm bringing earplugs, a phrasebook, and a very strong stomach.
Notes:
- Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on mood, traffic, food-related emergencies, and my general inability to stick to a plan.
- Food Recommendations: Embrace the street food, but do so with extreme caution (and maybe some Pepto-Bismol). Seek recommendations from locals.
- Transportation: Be prepared for traffic that will make you question the laws of physics.
- Positive Attitude: Pack a sense of humor, a healthy dose of curiosity, and an open mind. You're going to need them.
- Good Luck! And may your travels be less chaotic than mine. (Probably not, but hey, we can dream!)
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