Indonesian Paradise: Surabaya's Hidden Gem - OYO 91508 Ruby Homestay Syariah!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the Indonesian heat with a review of OYO 91508 Ruby Homestay Syariah in Surabaya. Now, before you roll your eyes at the "OYO" label, hear me out. This place… well, it's got a personality. And honestly, in a sea of bland hotels, that's saying something.
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First Impressions (and My Immediate Emotional Reaction): Stepping into Ruby Homestay felt… different. Surabaya is a vibrant city, a chaotic symphony of traffic and smells, and this place… it was a little oasis. The lobby wasn't some sterile, gleaming expanse. It felt… real. A bit worn around the edges, maybe, but definitely lived in. And hey, the air conditioning in the common areas was glorious. Seriously, after battling the Surabaya humidity, I almost shed a tear.
Accessibility? (Because Everyone Deserves a Good Stay): Alright, here's the deal. The elevator is there, which is a major win. That's a huge plus. But I didn't personally assess wheelchair access. Still, the presence of an elevator is a promising sign. They also advertise "Facilities for disabled guests". Overall: Good start but needs a closer look to be absolutely sure.
On-Site Grub and Sippin' Spots (Fueling the Adventure): Okay, so, the food situation is interesting. There are restaurants right there. The Asian cuisine was decent. They advertised an a la carte service, and yes, there's a bunch of options, including some vegetarian and buffet options. But here's the real tea: the coffee/tea situation was on point! Seriously, after a long day, that coffee hit the spot. They even have a poolside bar! I didn't try it, but the thought of a cold beverage beside the pool in the Surabaya heat? Heaven. . Poolside Bliss and Beyond (Or, My Failed Attempt at Relaxation): The outdoor swimming pool looked inviting. It's got a pool with a view! I swear, I tried to relax. I tried to soak up the sun. But then the kids started cannonballing, and the serenity evaporated. But hey, that's life, right? The fitness center is there too, if you're feeling ambitious, but I'm more of a "nap first, workout later" kind of person. Unfortunately, the spa and sauna weren't available, so I couldn't fully relax as I would've liked. Overall: Pool is great, but bring earplugs if you want peace.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because Nobody Wants Trouble): Okay, I’m giving them serious points for this. The anti-viral cleaning products are a massive plus, especially these days. They're doing daily disinfection in common areas which is important, and the rooms are sanitized between stays. Plus, hand sanitizer is readily available. They advertised Staff trained in safety protocols and Rooms sanitized between stays. First aid kit is also advertised. Overall: They take safety seriously. Major props.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Machine): They have a bunch of options. The restaurant has Asian cuisine, western cuisine, the buffet, and a la carte, so you've got choices. Breakfast service includes both Western breakfast and Asian breakfast and you can get breakfast takeaway. They have a coffee shop too, and if you're feeling like a snack, there's a snack bar. They include essential condiments! Overall: Plenty of fuel for your Surabaya adventures.
Services and Conveniences (Making Life Easier): Air conditioning in public areas – thank the heavens! They have a concierge, which is always handy. There's currency exchange if you need it. Daily housekeeping kept things neat. Other than that, standard stuff: laundry service, luggage storage, etc. They advertise facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and essential condiments. Overall: Good, solid service.
For the Kids? (Bringing the Little Hooligans): They advertise Family/child friendly which is good to know. I didn't have any kids with me, but I did see some families. They include Kids facilities and Babysitting service. Overall: Seems like a good spot for families.
Getting Around (The Surabaya Shuffle): Airport transfer is available, which is a lifesaver after a long flight, there's taxi service, car park [free of charge], and bicycle parking. The city can be a bit of a maze. Overall: Pretty good for getting around.
Available in All Rooms (The Comforts of Home, Kinda): Okay, let's talk room specifics. I had a non-smoking room (phew!). There was air conditioning (essential!). A coffee/tea maker (because caffeine is life). A desk and laptop workspace if you need to get some work done (but let's be honest, you didn't come to Surabaya to work). The bed was extra long which is ideal for taller people, and I loved the blackout curtains. Other features were hairdryer, free bottled water, internet access - wireless, and satellite/cable channels. It had a separate shower/bathtub! They got it right with the included towels and toiletries. Overall: Comfortable and functional.
The Quirky Truths (The Real Deal): Look, OYO hotels aren't fancy. They're more… practical. My room wasn't spotless, but I've seen worse (and paid way more for it!). The Wi-Fi was a bit patchy at times. But you know what? It didn't matter. The staff were friendly. It was clean enough. It was a great escape from the chaos of Surabaya.
The Perfect Customer Profile for This Hotel: Anyone looking for budget-friendly hotels in Surabaya or Syariah hotels in Surabaya can get good value. It's a decent option for any traveler with a family/small kids or needing accessibility.
The Emotional Verdict:
- Would I stay there again? Absolutely. For the price, the convenience, and the overall…vibe, yes.
- Would I recommend it? Yes, with the caveats I mentioned. If you're a picky traveler who needs absolute luxury, this isn't it. But if you want a clean, comfortable, and well, real place to base your Surabaya adventures? Go for it. Don't expect perfection. Just expect a place with a soul.
My Honest-to-God Rating: 7.5/10 (Would be higher if the Wi-Fi was perfect!)
Now, the Big Sell – My Unforgettable Experience:
I swear, I'll never forget it. I'd been wandering around a Surabaya market all day, sweating buckets, and my shoes were caked in dust. I made my way back to the Ruby Homestay, utterly exhausted. I didn't even bother changing; I just collapsed on the bed and that feeling… pure, unadulterated RELIEF. In that moment, with the AC blasting, I realized that this wasn't just a hotel; it was a sanctuary. It provided that basic level of care I needed. It was a little slice of heaven.
The Offer – Book Now and Discover Your Surabaya Sanctuary!
Here's the deal: Book your stay at OYO 91508 Ruby Homestay Syariah now and get 10% off your first night's stay! Plus, enjoy free Wi-Fi and access to all the amenities.
Why book now? Because the Surabaya heat (and the adventure!) awaits. Don't spend another minute sweating in the sun. Book your escape today – and come find out what makes Ruby Homestay kind of special.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because my trip to Surabaya is gonna be a rollercoaster ride, not a perfectly polished brochure. This is going to be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly seasick on a rubber ducky in a typhoon." And I’m totally here for it. The Surabaya Symphony of Mess (And Maybe Some Delicious Food): A Love Letter to Imperfection
Accommodation: OYO 91508 Ruby Homestay Syariah Surabaya (Bless it, I hope it has air conditioning. Indonesia, you beautiful, sweaty beast, you.)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Encounters, and the Quest for Proper Coffee
Morning (Jakarta): Ugh, the flight! I swear, the person behind me was actively trying to invade my personal space with their elbows. I swear, I've never seen so much in-flight turbulence! I was a jittering mess and then, of course, the in-flight movie screen went out mid-sentence!
Afternoon (Surabaya - airport transfer): Landed! Humidity slapped me in the face like a wet towel. Immediately realized my carefully curated travel outfit (linen, breezy, cool-toned) was going to be a sweaty, clingy disaster. Grabbed a Blue Bird taxi - which felt like a victory, honestly, after hearing horror stories about airport scams. The driver was a chatty guy, regaling me with tales of Surabaya traffic. Honestly, at this point, I think I'm just glad to be moving.
Late Afternoon (Check-in and "settling-in"): Finding the homestay. Ah, OYO. Praying my room is actually a room, and not a converted broom closet. The staff, bless their hearts (I bet they've seen some things!), were super friendly. The room? …Let's just say it's "cozy." I’m not sure it even has all the amenities listed. Still, it's a roof and possibly, hopefully, air conditioning, and it's mine (until I inevitably lose my temper).
Evening (The caffeine crisis): Okay, so first mission: COFFEE. Real coffee. Not the instant sadness I suspect is lurking at the homestay. Wandered around the neighborhood, feeling utterly lost and like an idiot, because, honestly, I am. Finally spotted a cafe, hopefully serving actual coffee. (Oh, and found a street vendor selling, I think it was, grilled corn, and honestly, it smelled divine. Will need to get back to that.) Got the coffee, and it was amazing. It was also a bit expensive. Worth it. Worth every single Rupiah.
Evening (Late): Back at the homestay. I'm pretty sure I heard a rat. Or was it the air conditioner? (I'm starting to think it's both.) Ate some instant noodles. Regretted it immediately. Read a terrible novel on my phone until I fell asleep, cursing myself for not being able to fall asleep.
Day 2: A Street Food Odyssey (and a near-disaster involving a motor taxi and a bowl of soup)
- Morning (The Breakfast Blunder): Breakfast at the homestay. Let's just say, "delicious" wasn't the word for it. More like "survived".
- Morning: I had a sudden craving for the local street food market. So, hopped on a ojek (motorcycle taxi). I am SO not a motorcycle person, but I’m gonna live, I'm gonna live, I'm gonna live! The driver was wild! Weaved in and out of traffic like a caffeinated weaver bird! I gripped his shoulders so hard I might have broken a rib.
- Mid-Morning (Street food, glorious street food!): The market was a glorious assault on the senses! Steam, smells, noise – absolute chaos. But amazing chaos! I tried soto ayam (chicken soup), which nearly set my mouth on fire (delicious fire!), nasi rawon (black beef stew), and some mysterious, spicy green things that were probably bad for me but were SO good. (I could eat nasi rawon every day of my life. It makes me happy just thinking about it.)
- Lunch Disaster: On the way back in the ojek - and this is where the "disaster" comes in – the motorcycle suddenly lurched, and the hot soup from the soto ayam splashed all over my clothes! I was mortified, absolutely mortified. The driver was mortified, and kept apologizing. I was mortified! It was pretty mortifying!
- Afternoon (Rinsing and re-wearing): Back at the homestay, I had to (try to) wash my clothes in their sink. Everything still smelled faintly like the spice from the soup, but hey, at least it was presentable.
- Evening (Exploring and Trying Not to Sweat): Walked around the neighbourhood, marveling at all the street art, wishing I had a decent camera, and trying to avoid any further encounters with rogue soup. Got a cheap haircut. I think they may have cut off too much.
Day 3: Culture, Confusion, and the Quest for Ice Cream (and Sanity)
- Morning (Museums and Meltdowns): Visited a museum. Honestly, I think I was overwhelmed. So much art! So much history! So little air conditioning! Ended up feeling vaguely guilty for not being more culturally attuned. Spent a very long time just looking out the window thinking about ice cream.
- Afternoon (Shopping and Second-Guessing): Went "shopping" at a local market. Bought some trinkets. Spent most of the time wondering if I was being ripped off, and if I should have haggled more. It was hot, I was grumpy. Then I thought about ice cream again.
- Evening (Ice cream salvation): Found a place serving es krim (ice cream). BEST ice cream I have ever had. Chocolate. Vanilla. Coconut. Ate three scoops. Felt my sanity returning, one delicious spoonful at a time. I'm pretty sure I'd be just fine if the rest of my trip was just me and that ice cream.
- Late Night (Last night!): Attempted to pack. Proved difficult when I got distracted by the thought of what I was going to eat tomorrow (possibly more nasi rawon).
Final Thoughts (and a preemptive apology to my future self):
Surabaya, you beautiful, sweaty, chaotic mess. You've tested my patience, challenged my comfort zone, and tried to drown me in spicy soup. But you've also fed me the best food of my life, shown me some truly amazing sights, and given me a million stories to tell. (And probably some interesting stomach bugs.) I'm leaving slightly sunburned, a little poorer, and a whole lot more… me. I'll be back. Probably. And to my future self: I'm so sorry about the laundry situation.
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OYO 91508 Ruby Homestay Syariah: The Surabaya Surprise! (Let's Get Real)
Okay, so what *is* this Ruby Homestay Syariah place, and why should I care?
Alright, picture this: you're in Surabaya, Indonesia. You're probably thinking, "Big city, right? Busy? Overwhelming?" You're right. But nestled in amongst the hustle? This hotel. This *homestay*. Ruby Homestay Syariah. Now, the "Syariah" bit means it's religious-compliant, which is totally fine. For someone like me, it just adds a bit of…well, let's call it "cultural seasoning." The reason you should care? Honestly, because travel is about the unexpected. And this place... it's got *character*. It's not the Ritz, okay? It's more like... a comfy, slightly eccentric aunt's house. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Is it actually *clean*? Because seriously, budget hotels.... you never *know*.
Okay, deep breaths. Let's address the elephant in the room: cleanliness. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so take it from me – it's *acceptably* clean. The sheets? They don't smell like decades of other people's dreams (a huge win!). The bathroom? Well, you could tell *someone* had been in there before me (which is natural), but it wasn’t actively *disgusting*. I’d give it a solid 7/10 on the cleanliness scale. Is it spa-level? No. Is it gonna make you want to shower for a week straight? Also no. Think of it as…clean enough to relax.
The Location? Spill! Is it near anything actually *cool*?
Alright, here's the deal. The location is... *decent*. It's not smack-dab in the middle of the action, like, "Right on the main square!" kind of thing. You're going to need a Grab (ride-hailing app, bless it) or a taxi to get anywhere truly *interesting*. However, it's also kind of a blessing. You're away from the constant noise and chaos. The *peace*. You’re in a more residential area, which means you can actually feel a bit like a local, or that’s the vibe I got anyway. Plus, the Grab prices were pretty reasonable.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it all stuffy or…relaxed?
Okay, the vibe. Ah, the vibe. It's... casual. Really, really casual. Think "flip-flops and a smile" kind of casual. The staff? Super friendly, very helpful (even if their English isn't perfect, bless 'em). I swear, one time, I locked myself out of my room (don’t judge, jet lag is a beast), and the guy at the front desk just smiled and had it sorted in like, five minutes. They were all very welcoming. It definitely felt more like staying at a friend's place than a hotel. This isn't a place for a pretentious, hotel snob.
Food! What about the food? Breakfast, lunch, dinner?!
Breakfast is included! (Another win!) Don't expect a lavish buffet, though. It’s simple, local fare. Usually some nasi goreng (fried rice), maybe some toast, maybe some fruit. Honestly, it’s basic, but it's *good*. And it's free! Again, this is not designed for an upscale customer. Nearby, you’ll find loads of local warungs (small restaurants) with delicious and unbelievably cheap food. Prepare to eat like a king for pennies. I had some of the best soto ayam (chicken soup) of my life just a couple of blocks away.
The worst thing about this place? Hit me with it!
Okay, the *worst* thing? Let me think... Hmm. Well, the Wi-Fi was a bit spotty. Sometimes, it would disappear, like a shy ghost. You'd be in the middle of a crucial email, and *poof* gone. Also, the walls are…thin. You *will* hear your neighbors. The good news is, it's not like they're partying all night. It's more like…the gentle sounds of Indonesian life: a baby crying, people chatting, the occasional rooster crowing (classic!). Honestly? I kind of loved it, it gave a sense of the place.
Okay, so you said you loved it. But… is it REALLY good?
Look, let's be clear. This isn't a luxury hotel. It's *not*. BUT! It's got a certain charm. And, here's the thing, remember I talked about the location being "decent"? It was! When I was there, I was planning to stay only a couple of nights. I had everything booked, all my plans were set. But you know what? I changed them. I stayed longer. Longer than originally intended!
Would you go back?
Absolutely! I absolutely would. It's not flashy. It's not pretentious. It's just…real. And in a world of generic hotels, that's a breath of fresh, Indonesian air. Plus, the price? Insanely good. My wallet and heart approve. Surabaya, you've got a winner here. Now if you excuse me, I need to look up flights and start planning my return...
