Lenmarc Mall Surabaya's BEST Halal Hotel: KoolKost Syariah Review!
KoolKost Syariah at Lenmarc Mall Surabaya: My Honestly Messy (But Ultimately Positive) Take
Alright, alright, settle down. Let's talk about the supposedly "BEST Halal Hotel" near Lenmarc Mall, Surabaya: KoolKost Syariah. I've been, I've seen, I've… well, I've experienced it. And lemme tell you, it’s not all sunshine and roses. But it's also not a disaster. It's… complicated. Like a good relationship. Or a REALLY good plate of nasi goreng.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic): Accessibility, Getting Around, and Security – The Basics
Okay, so getting there was… typical Surabaya chaos. Traffic, motorbikes weaving like mad things, the usual. Finding parking (which is FREE on-site, THANK GOD) was pretty easy. Car park [on-site] - check! Valet parking is an option too, if you're feeling fancy. But honestly, with the heat, walking from the lot wasn't exactly a breeze. I mean, Surabaya is HOT.
Accessibility? Okay, here's where I got a teensy bit worried. Elevator - check! That's a HUGE win. But… I didn't see a ton of specifically wheelchair-friendly features. The walkways seemed alright, but a proper assessment would be needed. Facilities for disabled guests, technically listed, so I'm hoping they've got something in place. Just be sure to call ahead and confirm specifics. Check-in/out [express] is available, which is handy after the long travel.
Security-wise? Feeling pretty safe. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour] – all the basics are covered. Plus, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Non-smoking rooms, which is a must.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the "Wait, Is That a Roach?" Moment (Kidding! … I think.)
The room itself? Ah, now we're talking. I opted for a… well, I forgot the exact room type. But it was clean. Generally. Cleanliness and safety - Check! The Daily housekeeping staff deserves a medal. Seriously.
Here's the breakdown:
- The Good: Air conditioning (a lifesaver!), Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Air conditioning in public area - check, Daily housekeeping - check, Desk for getting work done (or pretending to), Refrigerator(essential for keeping my Bintang cold… I'm kidding! It's a Halal hotel!), Safety/security feature (always a good thing), Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service. The fundamentals are covered. And honestly, the Blackout curtains are a godsend in the Surabaya sun.
- The Not-So-Good: The interior design is… well, let's call it "functional." Not exactly Instagram-worthy. The Soundproofing could be better. I heard some… interesting conversations from the hallway at 3 AM. And I may or may not have imagined a shadow that vaguely resembled a roach. Okay, I probably did imagine it. But hey, I'm being honest!
- The "Meh, Could Be Better": The bed was comfortable, but a bit on the firm side. The Coffee/tea maker was a nice touch, but the tea selection was… basic. No fancy herbal infusions here. And while there was Internet access – wireless it could be a bit spotty at times.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Halal Food Adventure (Mostly Successful)
This is where KoolKost Syariah shines, or at least, strongly tries to. Being a Halal hotel is clearly a priority.
- The Restaurant: Now, the Restaurants are a decent setup. You can get Breakfast [buffet] with an Asian breakfast on offer and Buffet in restaurant is also there. The quality isn’t exactly top-tier, but there's enough to fill your belly. Coffee shop offers a good caffeine hit. I liked the Coffee/tea in restaurant but wished for something more exotic. The A la carte in restaurant is an option. Had my share of Soup in restaurant.
- The Room Service - Room service [24-hour] is available, but be prepared for a wait. Hey, its a hotel.
- The Verdict: It's not gourmet dining, but it's reliable, convenient, and most importantly, halal. I would recommend the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa, Gym? Oh, My!
Alright, so the relaxation aspect is a tad… thin.
- The Unfulfilled Promises: There’s a Gym/fitness listed, but I didn’t see it, or hear about it, and frankly, I wasn't about to go on a scavenger hunt. Same with the Spa. I'm assuming these are… elsewhere? Maybe a future upgrade?
- Swimming Pool: I did spot a Swimming pool [outdoor]. That looked tempting, but my mission was to conquer the Lenmarc Mall.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful Bits (and Bits that Could Be Better)
Lots of services available!
- The Essentials: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Concierge
- The Extras: Airport transfer is available, which is VERY helpful.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag
Family/child friendly is listed, so I'm assuming they're welcoming to kids. Didn’t have the kids myself so cannot confirm.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (Mostly)
Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol
Getting around:
Car park [free of charge], Taxi service
Conclusion: Should You Stay?
Look, KoolKost Syariah at Lenmarc Mall Surabaya isn't perfect. It's got quirks. It’s not a luxury resort. It's more like… a solid, reliable option. If you’re looking for a clean, safe, halal-friendly place to crash near Lenmarc Mall, this is definitely worth considering. It's a good base for exploring the area.
Here's the Deal! (My Persuasive Offer):
Tired of Surabaya hotel horror stories? Craving a stress-free stay near Lenmarc Mall without compromising your faith? Then you NEED to book KoolKost Syariah!
Here's what you'll get:
- Convenient Location: Right near Lenmarc Mall. Shop 'til you drop, then stumble back to your air-conditioned haven.
- Halal-Friendly: Food, environment, and peace of mind. No worries about hidden ingredients or questionable practices.
- Clean & Comfortable Rooms: Escape the Surabaya heat in a sanctuary designed for your relaxation.
- Essential Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, room service, and more… all at your fingertips!
But here's the kicker: Book using my promo code "SURABAYASAVVY" and get 10% off your stay! Plus, you'll receive a free welcome drink AND a complimentary nasi goreng breakfast on your first morning.
Don't wait! This offer is only valid for the next 72 hours. Click here to book your stress-free Surabaya escape NOW! [Link to KoolKost Syariah Booking Page]
(And hey, if you see a shadow that looks like a roach, just ignore it. You'll still have a great stay.)
Lampang's BEST Boutique Hotel: Budget Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I'm about to unleash the travel itinerary from hell (which, let's be honest, is still miles better than actual hell). This isn't your pristine, Instagram-ready itinerary. This is real life in Surabaya, baby. We're talking KoolKost Syariah near Lenmarc Mall, and it's gonna be… an adventure.
Surabaya Shenanigans: A Messy, Honest, and Probably Slightly Regretful Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Geprek Chicken Debacle
- 14:00 - Arrival at Juanda International Airport (SUB): Okay, first off, the heat. Dear God, the heat. I swear I went from a blissful 20 degrees Celsius to… a humid sauna. The taxi driver (bless his soul, he spoke like… a mile a minute) somehow navigated us through traffic that made the M25 during rush hour look like a Sunday stroll. We finally arrive at KoolKost Syariah. Honestly? It looks… functional. Clean enough, I guess. Let's see how the sleep quality is.
- 15:00 - Check-in & Room Reconnaissance: The reception staff are very friendly, which is a plus. The room? It's… compact. The shower is a bit aggressively efficient (translation: you will get wet even if you just think about showering). But hey, aircon! That's the most important thing. Time to unpack, try to remember where I put my charger.
- 16:00 - Lenmarc Mall Ambush (with a Side of "Where's the Food?"): Okay, Lenmarc Mall. It's… a mall. Kinda like every other mall in the world, except with more Indonesian-ness (which is fantastic!). I went on a hunt for food. The options seemed endless. I got bamboozled by a seemingly great food court situation.
- 17:00 - The Great Geprek Chicken Debacle Begins: So, I'm a simple person. I see "Geprek Chicken" advertised everywhere. I'm thinking, "Chicken. Crispy. Delicious." WRONG. So, so wrong. I ordered it with the "medium" spice level. "Medium" in Indonesia apparently means "your tastebuds are now on fire, and you might want to check if your tongue is still attached." Tears streamed down my face. I chugged down what felt like a gallon of iced tea (which, by the way, was also incredibly sweet). The chicken itself was good, I'll give it that! But the immediate aftermath was a sweaty, spicy, near-death experience. I’m convinced I lost a layer of skin. Good times.
- 18:30 - Staggering Back To KoolKost: After the geprek chicken ordeal, all I wanted was to be home! The traffic was even worse on the way back! I think I saw the same motorbike doing laps with the same guy on it while waiting in traffic.
- 19:00 - Regret and Recovery: More water. Much more water. Netflix and, hopefully, a good night's sleep. Praying for a miracle that my stomach recovers!
Day 2: Temples, Teas and a Touch of Tourist Trauma
- 08:00 - Breakfast at KoolKost (or the Hotel's neighborhood): "Breakfast included" sounded really promising in the booking, but let's be honest, it's usually underwhelming. (Update: It was underwhelming. Basic toast, a runny egg, and something that might have been coffee. Fuel for the day, I guess!) After trying to have some coffee on the outside, I ended up at this nearby cafe for a bit.
- 09:00 - Tunjungan Street Stroll (attempt #1): Okay, I thought, "Today, I will be a tourist!" And so, with a hopeful grin, I hopped in another taxi to Tunjungan Street, a supposedly historic street. This is where things got messy. Traffic. Again. I am starting to think this is the tourist experience. After fighting my way in and out of a taxi (because, in retrospect, it was far from the temple), I decided to come back.
- 11:00-12:00 - Rest/Refuel at KoolKost:* After the failed Tunjungan Street effort, I decided to simply rest. I had a quick lunch (and the memory of the Geprek Chicken). The AC really is a lifesaver.
- 12:00 - The House of Sampoerna! This was great! Very interesting and a good insight. It was a beautiful building.
- 14:00 - A Pleasant Tea Break I found this cute café. Got some coffee and a cake. Really good. Not overly sweet or anything.
- 16:00 - An Evening at Lenmarc Mall Again. Time for some shopping. Maybe a new shirt.
Day 3: Departure & The Final Surabaya Thoughts
- 08:00 - Last Breakfast in Surabaya: This time, actually ate all the food at the hotel.
- 09:00- Check Out and Last Minute Errands: Quick visit to a local shop for gifts (gonna try to snag some decent coffee beans).
- 11:00 - Departure to Juanda International Airport: The taxi. The heat. And the memories. The heat is still there. The traffic. Still there. I'm not sure what's real and what is not anymore.
- 12:00 - Flight Home: Farewell, Surabaya! You were hot. You were spicy. You were… memorable. I'll probably dream of Geprek Chicken for weeks. And you know what? I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. (Okay, maybe I'd skip the Geprek next time. Just maybe.)
This itinerary is just a suggestion, I'll probably end up getting lost, or needing to go to the bathroom, or finding myself craving Indonesian foods. Surabaya, you crazy city. You've been a trip!
Penang Retro Home: Your Dream Malaysian Escape Awaits!
So, like, what *is* this FAQ even for?
Is this a real hobby? Is *Squirrel Memorabilia* really a thing?
Where do I even *start* collecting? Like, what kind of… stuff… is out there?
And the *clothes*! There are squirrel-themed t-shirts. There's even a *squirrel-themed Halloween costume* I saw last year. That one was a bit scary, honestly.
Also, be ready for the art. Paintings, prints, sculptures… squirrels are surprisingly inspiring to artists. I mean, unless you're me, then, maybe not that much.
Are there any collectible brands for *squirrel memorabilia*?
The other thing is, that because there AREN'T established “squirrel brands,” you're free to go wild. You aren't bound by the tyranny of "collectible value." If you love it, buy it. Period.
How do I *find* this stuff? It seems… niche.
* **Embrace the eBay:** Set up alerts! I have alerts for "squirrel figurine," "vintage squirrel," "squirrel teapot," and a bunch of other weird search terms I don't even want to explain. Be prepared to wade through a lot of junk. * **Yard Sales and Flea Markets are GOLD:** Seriously. Go early. Bring cash. Be prepared to haggle. And be prepared to feel a weird sense of triumph when you find a particularly glorious, slightly dusty squirrel. I found a beautiful porcelain squirrel at a yard sale once. My entire week was made. * **Antique Shops:** Hit them all. They’re a gamble, but sometimes you find a treasure. Also, get to know the owners. They might tell you about finds before they put them on the floor. You may have to ask them some weird questions though. * **Don't Be Afraid of the Internet:** Facebook Marketplace and Etsy are surprisingly good sources. And don't forget the occasional online auction site. Beware of overpaying! * **Travel:** If you're a true fanatic (and let's be honest, you're reading this, so you probably are), then hitting up antique stores and yard sales while traveling can be epic.
**Important Pro Tip:** Don't be afraid to ask questions! "Do you have any squirrel stuff?" isn't a weird question, trust me. You are among your own people.
What if my significant other *hates* my *squirrel memorabilia*?
Look, here's the thing: relationships are about compromise. However, you should, I think, hold onto the squirrel.
* **Try to keep it neat:** Don't let your collection take over the house. A little organization goes a long way. * **Pick your battles:** Maybe resist bringing home *every* squirrel you see. Maybe. * **Remind them of the beauty:** Squirrels may seem weird, but some are pretty darn cool if they’re vintage! * **If all else fails…:**…well, you might need to have a serious conversation. And maybe a separate living space, just for your squirrels?
But in all seriousness? Relationships are about respecting each other’s passions. If they're rolling their eyes, show them the beauty of it.
Is there a "right" way to display my squirrel collection?
* **Themed Displays:** Group them by type (figurines together, kitchen stuff together), by era (all the vintage stuff in one place), or even by color! * **Shelves, Shelves, Shelves:** Floating shelves, bookcases, whatever you have. Make sure they’re secure, though, orStaynado
