Escape to Yogyakarta: Your Perfect Halal Stay Awaits at RedDoorz Syariah!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Yogyakarta experience at RedDoorz Syariah! Forget the overly-polished hotel reviews you usually see. This is the real deal, warts and all, from a travel-junkie who's been there, done that, and probably left a trail of instant noodle wrappers in their wake. Get ready for some honest-to-goodness opinions!
First Impressions & The "Holy Halal" Factor
Okay, this RedDoorz – the one with the Syariah tag, mind you – had me a little intrigued. "Halal Stay"? I’m always on the lookout for places that “get” the whole dietary thing since I’m not exactly a fan of pork. The promise of a religiously-compliant stay with a decent price tag in Yogyakarta? Sounds like a win-win, right?
Accessibility & The Not-So-Smooth Ride
Let's get this out of the way upfront: Accessibility is a mixed bag. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests… but the specifics? Thin. I'd highly recommend calling ahead and verifying if you have any mobility issues. That elevator listed? Pray it's working.
Internet: The Lifeline (Mostly)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hooray! Now, I'm a digital nomad in essence, a slave to their laptop, so good internet access is non-negotiable. The Wi-Fi was generally okay. Not blistering speeds, don’t get me wrong, but enough to keep you connected.. Definitely better than some places where you're fighting for bandwidth like it's the last slice of baklava.
Cleanliness, Safety & The COVID Chronicles
They actually talk about safety! Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer… it felt like they were taking it seriously. And the Room sanitization between stays? That’s comforting in the chaos of 2024, let me tell you. I even saw that they had the Staff trained in safety protocol. Makes you feel a little less like you're starring in a biohazard thriller.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Asian Breakfast and The Coffee Conundrum
Okay, let's talk food. Because what's a trip without a good nosh, eh? The Asian breakfast was… well, it was an experience. You get the usual suspects: noodles, rice, maybe some questionable-looking sausages. The good news? Breakfast takeaway service!! That's a lifesaver if you're an early bird like me and want to wander off before the kitchen fully comes to life.
The Coffee/tea in restaurant was… disappointing. The coffee tasted like it had been brewed in a swamp. Instant coffee is the best, but I was too embarrassed to ask for one.
They actually have a Vegetarian restaurant though!
Things to Do (Besides Eating)
Yogyakarta is a treasure trove of culture, temples and culinary adventures. No need to stay on the premises all day. In fact, you shouldn't!
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, & The Elevator.
Free Car Park!!!! Bless!
Laundry service? Excellent. Because who wants to do laundry on vacation?
Room Sanitization Opt-Out – I liked this option, if you are the only one in your room.
For the Kids – Family/Child Friendly… Maybe?
Babysitting service?? Well that's a plus for family vacations!
Available in all rooms Air conditioning? YES! Air conditioning in public area?? YES!
The Room: My Home Away From (Slightly Stained) Home
My room? Okay. It was clean (thank the gods for the daily housekeeping!), and, well, let's just say it had character. Non-smoking rooms a must! The desk was a lifesaver for all my writing. Extra long bed. The Blackout curtains are my best friends. I really enjoyed my reading light.
Accessibility There was enough space to move.
The Massage Debacle!
So, I thought, "Ah, a spa! A chance to be pampered!" I booked a massage. BIG mistake. I walked in, ready to get those knots worked out. Then, the masseuse started speaking, and my heart sank. The massage itself? Completely underwhelming. I could've done a better job with a tennis ball and a wall!
The Verdict?
Would I stay here again? Probably. It's a decent option for the price, especially if you're looking for a Halal-friendly place and are in Yogyakarta on a budget. Just temper your expectations, pack your own decent coffee, and maybe avoid the spa.
Here's the deal!
Escape to Yogyakarta: Your Perfect Halal Stay Awaits at RedDoorz Syariah!
We're offering you an exclusive package that takes your Yogyakarta experience to the next level:
- Guaranteed Halal Dining: You’ll receive a voucher for a delicious, authentic meal at our dedicated Halal restaurant.
- Super-Fast Wi-Fi: Plus, we'll provide you with a complimentary upgrade to our premium Wi-Fi package for faster and more reliable internet access.
- Free Local Guide: Immerse yourself in the local culture with a free guide to all the great sites of Yogyakarta.
Don't miss out, book your stay today!
Escape to Paradise: Sawasdee Pai River Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Yogyakarta, baby, and staying at the RedDoorz Syariah @ Jalan Godean. Let's see if this trip can survive my chaotic, caffeine-fueled brain.
PRE-GAME (AKA, Days Leading Up to the Madness)
- Day -5: Panic sets in. Did I book the right dates? Did I pack enough socks? Am I, like, secretly allergic to Indonesian street food? I overthink everything. Then I remember I haven’t even thought about packing. Ugh.
- Day -3: Finally, the packing begins, and it's a disaster. I always underestimate how much space my "essentials" (read: six pairs of shoes I'll probably never wear) take up. My suitcase looks like it exploded.
- Day -1: Last-minute frantic Google searches: "Yogyakarta scams to avoid," "Best coffee near RedDoorz Godean," "How to say 'I need the restroom' in Bahasa Indonesia." My anxiety is peaking.
THE ACTUAL ADVENTURE (OR, The Days We're Supposed to Be Having Fun)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
- Morning: Arrive in Yogyakarta. The airport is… hot and muggy. My carefully crafted airport outfit (stylish, yet comfortable) is already a sweaty mess. Negotiate a (hopefully) reasonable price for a Grab to RedDoorz. The driver gives me the side-eye when I ask if he knows the fastest route - "Honey, I live here." Touché.
- Afternoon: Check into RedDoorz. It’s… clean enough. Let’s be honest; I've stayed in worse. The AC is a lifesaver. Explore the surrounding area. First impressions? Chaotic, yet strangely charming.
- Evening: Explore local eateries. First stop: a warung (small restaurant). Food: great. Water: questionable. My stomach rumbles with a mixture of excitement and dread. I'm already regretting that fourth sambal spoonful. Dinner: Nasi Goreng (fried rice). Oh my GOD, it's amazing! I mean, ridiculously good. I order a second plate. And then a third because, you know, carbs are life. Wander back to the hotel, stomach full, and start to plan my first day, but that soon disappears into the ether as I get lost in my Instagram feed.
Day 2: Temples, Tigers, and (Possibly) Terror
- Morning: Wake up. Feel a vague sense of jetlag and mild food poisoning (probably the sambal). Decide to push through! Head to Borobudur Temple, a HUGE Buddhist temple. Holy moly, it's impressive. The sheer scale, the intricate carvings… it's stunning. The crowds, however… well, less stunning. I get jostled around by a tour group taking selfies. I find myself muttering under my breath. I love history, I just hate people at historical places.
- Afternoon: Head to a local cafe to get some rest and something caffeinated. Order an iced kopi. It's so strong it could raise the dead. I love it. Head to the Ullen Sentalu museum. It is about Javanese culture. The museum is great. The tour guide is informative, but I'm battling a serious urge to take a nap.
- Evening: Okay, tonight is supposed to be the highlight: a cooking class to learn how to make delicious Indonesian dishes. I’m ridiculously excited. So excited, that I go early and proceed to have 4 cups of coffee so I feel prepared. The class is amazing! The food smells incredibly good. I manage to learn a few basic cooking skills and impress my instructor. I'm actually not a complete disaster in the kitchen! That is, until I try to recreate the dishes in my room. (Spoiler alert: disaster.) I'm thinking I should just come back to class.
Day 3: River Runs Through It & a Misunderstood Massage
- Morning: Time for a river adventure! The idea of a rafting trip on a local river. The ride there is bumpy and terrifying. The rafting itself? Pure joy! Adrenaline pumping, feeling free, getting soaked… everything I need in life. I laughed until my stomach ached.
- Afternoon: Oops. Turns out getting a massage in a language I barely speak is a terrible idea. I thought I was asking for a relaxing massage, I ended up in a full-body contortion session involving hot stones and questionable pressure points. I spend the entire time clenching my fists and trying not to scream. I feel like I ran a marathon.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. This place is recommended by locals… and it’s heavenly. The grilled fish is out of this world. I devour everything in sight. And, since I am on vacation, I order a second helping of everything.
Day 4: The Sultan's Palace & the Search for Souvenirs (and Sanity)
- Morning: Visit the Kraton (Sultan's Palace). It's beautiful, but the crowds are even worse than Borobudur! The architecture is stunning, but the thought of my backpack being stolen is ever present. I find myself being pushed and jostled along with the masses. I give up and sit on a bench and try to find some peace.
- Afternoon: Time to brave the souvenir markets. My bargaining skills are terrible. I pay way too much for a batik scarf and a hideous ceramic frog. I also get massively sidetracked and end up buying ingredients for a traditional Indonesian fruit salad that I'll probably never make. My bag feels like it weighs a ton.
- Evening: I'm exhausted. I order room service (nasi goreng, of course) and collapse on the bed. I feel like I’ve walked a million miles, and my feet are screaming. I binge-watch random shows on my phone. Tomorrow… I'm leaving.
Day 5: Goodbye, Yogyakarta (and Hello, Laundry!)
- Morning: One last, desperate attempt to find that perfect cup of coffee. I wander aimlessly, but everything is closed or too busy. I settle for the hotel coffee, which is… well, it's coffee.
- Afternoon: Head back to the airport. The goodbyes are bittersweet. Yogyakarta, you've been a whirlwind. I feel like I have a million stories to tell and a suitcase full of memories (and questionable souvenirs).
- Evening: Travel back home. I’m exhausted, sunburnt, and my bank account is crying. I'm already planning my next trip back, and can’t wait to embrace all the chaos again.
- Night: Unpack. Do laundry. Complain about how much laundry I have to do. Realize I forgot to buy a specific souvenir I wanted. Sigh. Start planning my next adventure.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
- The food: Amazing. Seriously, I'm dreaming of nasi goreng and the spicy sambal.
- The people: Friendly, even when I’m being a clueless tourist.
- The chaos: Embrace it. It’s part of the charm.
- The RedDoorz: Fine. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly adequate for a budget traveler like me. Just don't expect luxury.
- Would I go back? Absolutely. Yogyakarta, you were a wild ride. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Next time, though, I'm investing in a decent phrasebook and learning how to bargain. Maybe.
Okay, so "Halal." What *exactly* does that mean at RedDoorz Syariah? Is it, like, a *real* commitment?
Alright, let's get this out of the way. For me, the "Halal" thing was a *major* selling point. I'm not super strict, but I like knowing I'm not accidentally munching on something… questionable. RedDoorz Syariah is pretty good about it. They've got the Halal certification, which, let's be honest, is a good start. It means no pork, no alcohol in the rooms (thank goodness!), and everything's prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. They even *mention* prayer times! Bless their hearts. BUT… here’s a tiny, totally insignificant, maybe-it-doesn’t-matter-but-I-think-it-does little detail: I *swear* at the breakfast buffet, the scrambled eggs looked kinda… greasy. Okay, maybe it's just me, but I had a moment of doubt. Still, everything else was amazing and, like, totally legit. So, yeah, a definite thumbs up on the halal score. Just, maybe, keep an eye on those eggs…
What's the *actual* room situation like? Are we talking cramped and sad, or… semi-decent?
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get… interesting. I booked a "superior" room, which, in my mind, meant *superior*. Ha! Dream on, right? It wasn't gigantic, but it wasn't a coffin either. I had room to, you know, *exist*. The bed was comfy enough, which is a huge win in my book. The AC *worked*, which, again, a huge win in Yogyakarta's sticky heat. The bathroom… well, it possessed a toilet and a shower, a shower head that kind of sprayed water everywhere except where you wanted it. But hey, I've seen worse. Let's just say, it was clean, but not *gleaming*. Think "lived-in, but loved." (Maybe by a cleaning crew that really really tried). The one thing that *really* bothered me? The noise. The walls were… thin. REALLY thin. I could hear the guy next door snoring, and I *think* I heard someone practicing their Bahasa Indonesia vocabulary at 3 AM. Sigh. Bring earplugs. Trust me on this one.
Is the location any good? Should I be prepared to walk, bus, or call a taxi?
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! This is a big one, right? RedDoorz Syariah is… well, it's not *right* in the thick of things. It's a bit off the beaten track, which, honestly, I kind of liked. You're not getting blasted with traffic noise 24/7. That said, you'll definitely need some form of transport to get around. Walking is… possible, but not ideal, especially in the heat. Taxis are readily available, and Grab/Gojek (Indonesian ride-hailing apps, get on 'em!) are your best friends. The cost? Super cheap! But be prepared to factor in travel time. It takes a bit of planning. One day, I wanted to get to Malioboro Street (the tourist hub) and it took, like, ages. I actually almost missed my dinner reservation. Almost. I *hate* missing dinner... so you know! Remember the apps and your life will be a lot easier.
What's the breakfast like? Because let's be real, that's the most important meal of the day. Is it a sad buffet or something more exciting?
Breakfast! Oh, breakfast! Okay, so as I *kinda* mentioned earlier, the eggs… well, they were a tiny bit suspicious, but other than that, the breakfast was decent. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly edible and plentiful. They had a selection of Indonesian dishes (nasi goreng, mie goreng, all the good stuff), some Western options (toast, the aforementioned suspect eggs), and fresh fruit. The coffee… was weak. Like, seriously, weak. I had to drown my sorrows in sugar just to make it palatable. (And yes, I’m a coffee snob, I admit this freely!) And the ambiance? Well, it was a little cafeteria-esque. Not exactly the most romantic setting, but it did the job. You won't starve, but you probably won't be writing poetry about it either. But hey, free breakfast! Can't complain *too* much. Oh and the *people*! The staff were so kind. They even tried to understand my terrible attempt at Indonesian. Sweet peeps!
Is the Wi-Fi any good? Because, you know, gotta stay connected to the world (and Instagram).
Ah, the holy grail of modern travel: Wi-Fi. Look, it's passable. It wasn't blazing fast by any means, and definitely not the best I've encountered, but I was able to check emails, upload some photos (eventually), and scroll through social media. There were a few moments of buffering hell, especially during peak hours, when every tourist and their grandma was probably trying to FaceTime home. Don’t expect to stream Netflix in 4K. But it gets the job done. Also, I always had a problem remembering the password. I swear, I asked the staff at least three times. I'm old, okay? My brain isn't what it used to be. Oh, they probably hated me by the end of my stay.
Anything I should *really* know before booking? Like, any hidden gotchas?
Hidden gotchas, you say? Well, besides the noisy walls and the slightly *questionable* eggs, the biggest thing is probably the lack of amenities. It's a budget-friendly place, so don't expect a swimming pool, a spa, or a rooftop bar. Also, the staff, while lovely, might not speak fluent English. (No problem for me, as I made zero effort to converse with anyone, so, you know. But keep that in mind when you expect something complex. Also, it's near a mosque so, *definitely* be prepared for the call to prayer. It starts early. *Really* early. I'm talking "wake up and question all your life choices" early. But hey, it's part of the authentic experience! Also, one more thing: I forgot my phone charger. The staff were super helpful and helpful in finding one for me, but remember to bring the essentials! Don't be like me.
Would you stay there again? Be brutally honest!
Okay, brutally honest time? Yes. I probably *would* stay there again. It's clean, it's Halal (mostly), and it's cheap. It's not luxury, it's not perfect, but it's a perfectly solid base for exploring Yogyakarta. Just remember the earplugs, maybe pack your own coffee (or be prepared for some serious sugar intake), and don't forget your phone charger. And don't eat all the eggs. Just a few.
