Bandung's BEST Kept Secret: OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposedly "best kept secret" that is OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah in Bandung. Honestly? I'm already a bit skeptical. "Best kept secret" usually means either it's actually amazing and people are selfishly hoarding it, or… well, you know. Let's find out.
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Right, first things first: Accessibility. (Deep breath, here we go…) The listing says they have facilities for disabled guests. Okay, good start. But, and this is a BIG but, until I'm actually there, pushing a wheelchair around, I can't fully verify. I'll need to see if the elevators are wide enough, if the bathrooms are truly accessible, the whole shebang. So, for now, it's a tentative "maybe." I will say, the presence of an elevator is a good sign.
Getting There & Around: Okay, Airport Transfer is listed, which is a HUGE plus. Nobody wants to wrestle with Bandung traffic after a flight. Car park [free of charge] and [on-site]? Score! Another HUGE win. No scrambling for parking is always a good mood booster. Taxi service is also available. Solid.
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID-19 Tango: This is where things get interesting. They're touting all the right things: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. (Phew!) Okay, that’s a whole lotta words. But let’s be real: words are cheap. Experience is king. Are they actually doing all this? I mean, are the staff wearing masks properly? Are they wiping down the elevator buttons every five seconds? Or is it just a checklist they're hoping to tick off? I need to see it to believe it, folks. The hand sanitizer availability is a bare minimum expectation these days.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Food Fight! Okay, this is where my stomach starts to rumble. They have a restaurant, which is a good start. An Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine? Intriguing! I love a good nasi goreng to kickstart the day. They also have Western breakfast and Western cuisine. Seems like they’re trying to please everyone, which can be a recipe for mediocrity, but hey, I'm open-minded. The Breakfast [buffet] could be a winner, or a disaster depending on the execution. Room service [24-hour] is a godsend, especially when jet lag hits hard. A coffee shop is always welcome. I'm imagining a strong, Indonesian coffee… drool. The poolside bar sounds tempting, but I'm picturing plastic cups and lukewarm beer. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. They also have a Snack bar. This could be heaven, or the source of my next existential crisis.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - The Spa Saga (or Lack Thereof): Okay, here's the bummer zone, folks. This claims to be a "spa" hotel. Uh oh. The listing mentions a Spa/sauna, but not a whole lot of specific spa treatments. No Body scrub, no Body wrap, no real promise of pampering. Sigh. The Gym/fitness is also listed. I'm not a gym person, I'm more of a "walk-around-and-eat-everything" person. A Swimming pool [outdoor] is a plus. Maybe a refreshing dip after a day of exploring? The Pool with view – now that's a selling point.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms: Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double check! Non-smoking rooms? Essential. Daily housekeeping? Thank the heavens. Blackout curtains? A MUST for beating jet lag. They have Hair dryers, Mini bars, Refrigerators, and Slippers?! That’s like, fancy! It’s a good start, but let’s be realistic, the true test is the bed. Is it comfy? Are the pillows fluffy? Is there enough charging ports for all my devices? These are the real questions.
Services and Conveniences - The Extras: Concierge? Always helpful. Cash withdrawal? Smart. Daily housekeeping? YES! Laundry service? YES AGAIN! Luggage storage? Essential. Meeting/banquet facilities? Okay, this is a Syariah hotel, so maybe not the best place for a wild office party. Gift/souvenir shop? Always fun for grabbing something for the folks back home.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids): Family/child friendly is a big plus for families. Babysitting service? Maybe a lifesaver, depending on the price.
My Experience: The Bed and the Breakfast
Okay, let's get specific. I was exhausted after a long day of exploring Bandung. I just wanted to sleep. The room was clean, thankfully. The bed, oh the bed! It was like sinking into a cloud. So, for me, the most important part of the experience, the bed, delivered.
The next morning, I went to the breakfast. The buffet was… decent. The nasi goreng was good, but nothing to write home about. The coffee, though? Amazing. It was strong, rich, and exactly what I needed.
The Verdict (So Far):
OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah is… alright. It's not a palace, but it's clean, the staff is friendly. The bed and coffee were definitely highlights. It's a functional hotel, a solid choice for a quick trip. But "best kept secret?" I'm not entirely convinced.
The "Deal" - My Persuasive Pitch:
Tired of the same old boring hotel experiences? Craving a taste of authentic Bandung without breaking the bank? Then ditch the predictable and discover the (possibly) hidden gem that is OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah!
Here's the deal:
- Unwind in a comfortable room with free Wi-Fi and all the essentials. (Seriously, the bed is dreamy!)
- Start your day with a delicious Asian breakfast and strong Indonesian coffee. (Fuel for your adventures!)
- Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking and easy access to Bandung's attractions. (No more parking stress!)
- Plus, experience the peace of mind of a hotel committed to cleanliness and safety. (They say they're doing the right things!)
- And don't forget the possibility of a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. (If you're into that sort of thing!)
Book your stay at OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah today!
Don't miss out on the (maybe) best kept secret of Bandung!
(Disclaimer: I'm still not 100% sure if this is actually a "best kept secret," but hey, for the price and the bed, it's worth checking out!)
Bangkok's Hidden Gem: Nakornping Hotel - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn’t your grandma’s meticulously planned travelogue. This is the chaotic, delicious, and slightly off-kilter chronicle of my Bandung adventure, specifically, my stay at the oh-so-hospitable (and slightly confusingly named) OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah. Let's dive in, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bandung Confusion (and a lot of Nasi Goreng)
Morning (ish): Arrive at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO). Already sweating buckets. Jakarta was humid, but Bandung? Bandung is a vibe. A sweaty, slightly-overwhelming vibe. Finding a Blue Bird taxi was a minor victory. The driver, bless his heart, spoke about three words of English, and I spoke about the same amount of Indonesian. We communicated mostly through hand gestures and existential sighs.
- Anecdote: The taxi ride? A masterclass in Indonesian driving. Lane markings? More like suggestions. Horns? A constant symphony of "hey, I'm here!" and "move it, buddy!" I swear, I saw a scooter carrying a family of five, a goat, and a bag of groceries. It was beautiful chaos.
Afternoon: Arrive at OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah. Okay, so… the "Syariah" part is definitely present. Everything is very… modest. Walls are a bit thin, I can hear the gentle murmuring of prayers from the mosque down the street. The air conditioning? Let's just say it's more of a gentle suggestion of coolness. The staff is incredibly kind, though, even if my Indonesian vocabulary consists of "terima kasih" (thank you) and "nasi goreng" (fried rice). The room itself is… well, it's a room. Clean-ish. Bed is a bit lumpy, but hey, I’m here for the experience, right? RIGHT?!
Late Afternoon/Evening: The quest for Nasi Goreng begins. This is a serious undertaking. I wander the streets, a confused Westerner in search of sustenance. Finally, after a series of wrong turns and questionable street food vendors, I stumble upon a tiny warung (small eatery) that smells heavenly. The Nasi Goreng is pure, unadulterated bliss. I devour it. Twice. The spicy sambal? Divine. My taste buds are singing. This is what it’s all about.
Evening: Wander back to the guest house, slightly delirious from the heat and the deliciousness. Attempt to watch some Indonesian TV. Fail miserably due to the language barrier. Fall asleep to the sound of cicadas and the faint scent of incense.
Day 2: Tangkuban Perahu and the Volcano of Regret (with a side of Coffee)
- Morning: Wake up feeling slightly stiff, but also strangely energized. Today, the mighty Tangkuban Perahu volcano beckons! Arrange for a driver – thankfully, this time, the communication is slightly improved. (I think I managed to convey my destination without too many frantic hand gestures.)
- Mid-Morning: The drive to Tangkuban Perahu is stunning. Lush green hills, winding roads, and the occasional cheeky monkey. The air is crisp and clean. I begin to feel like I might actually understand why people rave about Bandung.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Arrive at Tangkuban Perahu. The volcano is… impressive. Steam billows from the crater, and the air smells of sulfur. It’s… kind of intimidating, actually. I’m a little bit scared of heights, and the edge of the crater is a bit too close for comfort.
- Quirky Observation: The souvenir stalls are a riot. Seriously, you can get anything. From cheesy volcano-themed hats to bizarre, taxidermied… things. I’m not sure what some of them even were, but the vendors were persistent. I got a hat. It's probably a bit ridiculous, but hey, when in Rome… (or, you know, Bandung.)
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, full confession: I almost chickened out. I was genuinely a bit freaked out by the scale of the volcano. The sheer power of nature… it’s humbling, but also a bit terrifying. I took a deep breath and went for it.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so, before going to the volcano, I stopped at a coffee shop that was recommended by a local. The coffee was absolutely terrible. Bitter, weak, and just generally unpleasant. I tried to be polite, but I think the barista could tell I wasn't enjoying it. That coffee almost ruined the entire experience. I should have trusted my gut and stuck with the local street food.
- Doubling Down on the Experience: The volcano itself was a powerful experience. I stood there, and I could feel the heat radiating from the earth. The steam was so thick, you could barely see the bottom of the crater. It was a sensory overload - the smell of sulfur, the sound of the wind, the sight of the swirling clouds. It was overwhelming in the best way possible. I felt a sense of awe and respect for the forces of nature.
- Afternoon: Head back to the city, feeling slightly exhausted but also exhilarated. Stop at a coffee shop. This time, the coffee is much better. The barista seems genuinely pleased that I enjoyed it.
- Evening: Back at the guest house. Relax (as much as one can relax in a room with a slightly-dodgy air conditioner). Another helping of Nasi Goreng. Feeling good, but also slightly homesick.
Day 3: Shopping, Street Food, and the Bandung Bustle (and a potential existential crisis)
- Morning: Decide to brave the shopping scene. Bandung is known for its factory outlets and shopping malls. I venture out, prepared for a battle.
- Mid-Morning: Get lost in a massive factory outlet. The selection is overwhelming, the crowds are intense. I buy a t-shirt that’s probably three sizes too big.
- Opinionated Language: This shopping experience was intense. It was a sensory overload. The sheer number of people, the blaring music, the constant barrage of sales pitches… it was a bit much. I'm not sure I'm cut out for this level of retail therapy.
- Afternoon: Retreat from the shopping madness and seek refuge in the street food. Explore a local market. Try some unknown (and slightly questionable) delicacies. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is buzzing, and I start to feel like I'm finally getting the hang of this Bandung thing.
- Late Afternoon: Wander around, people-watching, and taking in the sights and sounds. Start to reflect on life, the universe, and everything. The heat, the food, the constant movement… it all starts to feel a bit… surreal.
- Emotional Reaction: I had a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. I was sitting on a tiny stool, slurping down a bowl of noodles, surrounded by the chaos of the market. And I thought, "This is it. This is living." It was a simple moment, but it felt profound.
- Evening: Back at the guest house. Packing. Reflecting. Contemplating whether I can extend my stay. Considering a move to Bandung permanently. (Probably not, but the thought is there.)
Day 4: Departure and the lingering scent of Nasi Goreng
- Morning: Wake up. Say goodbye to the slightly lumpy bed and the less-than-stellar air conditioning. Pack my bags.
- Mid-Morning: Take a final, wistful stroll through the streets of Bandung. Buy one last Nasi Goreng (of course).
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. Say goodbye to the friendly staff at OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm sad to leave. Bandung, with all its quirks and imperfections, has grown on me. It's a city that challenges you, surprises you, and occasionally makes you question your sanity. But it's also a city that offers incredible food, friendly people, and a sense of adventure that's hard to find anywhere else.
- Departure: Plane takes off. I look out the window, and I see the lush green hills of Bandung disappearing in the distance. I smile. I’ll be back.
OYO 93847 Blio Guest House Syariah: The Good, The Bad, and the Surprisingly Meh (Let's Be Honest!)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this place REALLY a "best kept secret" or just…a secret?
Alright, alright, don't get your hopes up *too* high. "Best kept secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. More like…Bandung's slightly dusty, budget-friendly, *mostly* decent secret. Look, I've stayed in some dives, and I've stayed in places that cost more than my car. Blio Guest House Syariah? It's somewhere in the middle. It's got its quirks, definitely. Think of it as that friend who's always a little…late, but still fun to hang out with.
"Syariah"? Does that mean I have to wear a burqa and only eat dates?
Whoa, hold your horses! No burqas required, unless that's your jam, in which case, you do you! The "Syariah" part mostly means it's alcohol-free (bummer, but hey, Bandung has plenty of cafes). They also cater to Muslim guests, so things like prayer rooms and modest dress are considered. Honestly, it's pretty relaxed. I saw a couple of guys sharing a pizza in the common area, so, you know, not *too* strict. Just be respectful, and you'll be fine.
The rooms… are they actually… clean? I'm a germaphobe, sue me!
Okay, here's the truth bomb: "clean" is a relative term. It's not a five-star hotel spotless, okay? Let's just say it's *generally* clean. My first stay... (deep breath) ...let's just say I brought my own Lysol wipes. You might find a stray hair here or there. The sheets? They're usually clean, but they aren't *crisp*. Think… well-loved. But the price point? You can't complain *too* much.
**Pro-tip:** Always, ALWAYS check under the bed. You never know what adventures might be lurking there. (I found a rogue sock once. Don't ask.)
What about the location? Is it actually *in* Bandung, or do I need a Sherpa to get there?
Good question! It's *in* Bandung, thankfully. It's…okay. Not smack-dab in the city center, but you can easily grab a Grab (Indonesian Uber/Lyft) or a taxi to get around. It's close enough to some local food gems, and that's a major win. I once stumbled upon a little *warung* (local eatery) serving the most amazing *nasi goreng* (fried rice) just a few blocks away. Seriously, I still dream about it. That alone almost makes the slightly-less-than-pristine room worth it.
The Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the internet is kinda important.
Ah, the Wi-Fi. Prepare yourself. It's… variable. Sometimes it's lightning-fast, and you can binge-watch Netflix like nobody's business. Other times… well, let's just say it's a good opportunity to practice your patience. Or maybe to actually, you know, *talk* to your travel companions. Crazy concept, I know. Bring a backup plan (a hotspot on your phone is always a good idea).
Breakfast? Is there breakfast? Because I am a breakfast person. A *very* breakfast person.
Okay, here's where things get interesting. "Breakfast" is included. But don't expect a gourmet buffet. It’s usually something simple. Think: toast with jam, maybe some instant noodles (yes, really), and a questionable cup of coffee. It’s… edible. It'll fill you up enough to get you started, but don't expect to write home about it. I always bring my own instant coffee and a pack of biscuits. Just in case.
**My breakfast anecdote:** One time, I swear, the "toast" was practically concrete. I think they'd left it out overnight. I almost chipped a tooth! I ended up just eating the jam and sulking. But hey, at least the jam was sweet.
What are the staff like? Friendly? Helpful? Or… ghosts?
The staff are generally… nice. They're not exactly overflowing with enthusiasm, but they're polite and helpful enough. They speak enough English to get by. They mostly keep to themselves, which is fine by me. I'm not looking for a chatty concierge. I'm looking for someone to point me in the right direction, and they usually do that.
**My experience:** They once helped me track down my lost charger, which was a lifesaver! So, points for that.
Any hidden gems or things I should know *before* I book?
Okay, listen up!
* **Bring earplugs:** Seriously. Bandung can be a noisy city. And sometimes, the mosque nearby gets *very* enthusiastic with its call to prayer.
* **Pack insect repellent:** Mosquitos are your enemy.
* **Check the AC:** Make sure it actually works before you unpack. Some rooms are surprisingly tropical.
* **Embrace the chaos:** Things might not always go according to plan. That's part of the fun! Just roll with it.
* **Manage your expectations:** This isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It's a budget-friendly guest house. Adjust accordingly.
* **Consider the price:** It's cheap. Really cheap. That's the biggest draw.
**My BIGGEST piece of advice:** Don't go in expecting perfection. Go in with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and a healthy dose of humor. You might just have a surprisingly good time. I know I did. And, you know what? I'd probably go back. Eventually.
So, overall, would you recommend it? Be honest!
Okay, here's the brutally honest truth: It depends. If you're on a tight budget and just need a place to crash, then yeah, absolutely. It's a decent option. If you're a luxury traveler who needs crisp sheets and flawless service? Run far, far awayPopular Hotel Find
