Bandung's BEST Studio near BIP? Tamansari La Grande Gem! (Travelio)
Bandung's BEST Studio near BIP? Tamansari La Grande Gem! (Travelio)
Tamansari La Grande Gem (Travelio) - Bandung: My Hot Mess Review - Studio Near BIP!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just survived (and thrived!) a stay at Tamansari La Grande Gem in Bandung, that Travelio place that's supposed to be all sleek and modern. And trust me, it was… and it wasn’t. Consider this less a formal review and more a chaotic brain dump fueled by copious amounts of Bandung coffee.
SEO & Metadata Bombardment (Just Kidding… Mostly):
- Keywords: Bandung Hotel Review, Tamansari La Grande Gem, Travelio, BIP Bandung, Studio Apartment Bandung, Hotel Near BIP, Accessible Bandung, Pool with View Bandung, Spa Bandung, Bandung Accommodation, Family Friendly Bandung, Free Wi-Fi Bandung, Bandung Restaurants, Indonesian Travel
- Metadata: Title: Tamansari La Grande Gem (Travelio) Bandung Review: A Hot Mess of Delight! Description: Honest and unfiltered review of Tamansari La Grande Gem (Travelio) in Bandung, Indonesia, including accessibility, amenities, dining, and overall experience. Keywords: Bandung Hotel, Tamansari La Grande Gem, Travelio, BIP, Studio Apartment, Accessibility, Pool, Spa, Dining, Review.
Right, now that that's out of the way… let’s dive in because writing this is already making me want to go back!
Getting There & Settling In: Accessibility – The Good, The Bad, The Slightly Confusing.
First things first: Accessibility. This is super important, because I'm not getting any younger and a good elevator is a game-changer. Getting to Tamansari La Grande Gem was relatively smooth. Finding it from the airport was easy enough with ride-hailing apps (grab a local SIM card, trust me, it'll be cheaper). The entrance? Flat enough, mostly. The actual building is generally accessible, with elevators that (thankfully) work. HOWEVER… the signage could be better. I spent a solid 15 minutes wandering around the lobby looking for the check-in desk, convinced I'd somehow stumbled into a furniture store. Eventually, I found it. So, while it technically ticks the "Facilities for disabled guests" and elevator boxes, some more clearly marked signage wouldn’t hurt, ya know? It gets a solid "B+" for accessibility, leaning towards the positive.
The Studio - My Cozy Little Fortress (and the Lack of a Coffee Machine)
I booked a studio, and honestly, for the price, it was pretty darn good. Air conditioning? Check. Seriously, the Bandung heat can be brutal, but the AC was a lifesaver. Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely, and it worked like a charm. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms? Lies. It's more like adequate wifi, sometimes. There's also room to work with, and even a proper desk that's a good addition, and yes, internet is available. There was a coffee/tea maker, but the lack of an actual coffee machine. I was devastated. A proper cup of coffee? The despair was real. You'd think a place like this would understand the importance of a morning caffeine fix! (I ended up making a run for the coffee shop downstairs).
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe… For the Most Part
The room itself was spotless. Seriously, I always check the corners and the weird places. Tamansari La Grande Gem passed the cleanliness test with flying colors. "Rooms sanitized between stays" and "Anti-viral cleaning products"? I'll take it. I'm a germaphobe at heart, and I felt pretty comfortable, even though I might have wiped down the light switches myself anyway. There's also other safety features like "CCTV in common areas" and "Front desk [24-hour]" and "Security [24-hour].
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Culinary Hiccup)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Dining at Tamansari La Grande Gem is a mixed bag. They've got restaurants, including an A la carte, which can be a decent choice if you aren't looking for much. The Asian breakfast was… okay. I’d say the breakfast buffet was better, with those traditional Indonesian flavors, though they did get a bit monotonous after a few days. The coffee shop in the lobby became my best friend. But overall, dining is not the main reason to book here.
Pool with a View – Almost Worth the Price of Admission Alone
The swimming pool, which technically qualifies as a pool with a view, is the real star of the show. It’s on the rooftop, and the vista of Bandung is incredible, especially at sunset. Seriously, I spent an entire afternoon just floating and staring. The pool itself is clean. The whole experience, however, is completely worth it. I'd almost come back just for the pool.
Spa, Sauna, and… I'm Not Sure What Else
They do have a spa, but I skipped it. I'm more of a "pool and chill" kind of person. They've also got a fitness center – a gym/fitness area. I did peek through the door, and it looked… functional. Don’t expect a high-end, state-of-the-art gym, but I think it had the essentials.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things
They offer a decent array of services. Daily housekeeping was efficient. Luggage storage was handy. Contactless check-in/out? A welcome relief in these times. They also have a gift/souvenir shop. They do offer things like ironing services and laundry services.
Things to do – Beyond the Hotel Walls
The location is great. It's near BIP (Bandung Indah Plaza), which, while being a shopping mall, is a good hub for getting around and finding things. There's a convenience store nearby, and the concierge can arrange taxis.
The Hotel Itself – My Personal Quirks
I did like the overall ambiance of the hotel. It was modern and stylish, though sometimes it felt a bit… bland. I felt a little out of place as a solo traveler. It's definitely more geared toward couples and families. Still, the staff were friendly and helpful. Staff trained in safety protocol? Good to see.
The Imperfect Bits… The Small Annoyances
My Room's Quirks: The mirror in the bathroom fogged up instantly after a shower, turning it into a foggy funhouse. Also, the lack of a coffee machine, as previously stated.
The Noise: It’s in the city, so you hear a bit of street noise. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
The Room Decorations: They weren't bad, but the rooms felt a tad impersonal.
Overall Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. Despite the minor flaws, I had a great time. Tamansari La Grande Gem is a solid choice for a Bandung stay. The pool is incredible, the location is convenient, and the price is right. Plus, it's a good base for exploring Bandung's charm. Just remember to bring your own coffee maker… or be prepared to make friends with the coffee shop!
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: Green Tree Inn Near Metro & Art!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just visiting Bandung, Indonesia. We're going to experience it. And by “experience,” I mean probably get lost, sweat profusely, and question every life decision that led me here. But hey, isn’t that what travel's all about? This is my attempt at a travel itinerary for a stay at Studio at Tamansari La Grande near BIP By Travelio – Bandung. Let's see how this hot mess unfolds, shall we?
Bandung Bonanza: A Totally Unofficial and Slightly Chaotic Itinerary (Emphasis on Chaotic)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bandung Orientation (or, “Where Did My Luggage Go?!”)
- Morning (and by morning, I mean, like, 2 PM after a flight delay and a questionable airport coffee): Arrived at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO). Okay, first impression: hot. And humid. My glasses immediately fogged up. Found my Grab driver (phew!). But oh boy, the traffic… it’s a thing. And by “a thing,” I mean a swirling, honking, scooter-filled vortex of chaos that is oddly beautiful in its own right.
- Getting to La Grande (and the apartment drama): Found myself at the Studio at Tamansari La Grande near BIP By Travelio Bandung. The Travelio check-in was smooth, which was a good start. The studio itself? Cute! Small but functional. The view from the balcony wasn't the Eiffel Tower but whatever. A quick check of the fridge reveals… nothing but air. Guess I have to run to the supermarket later.
- Afternoon: A Stroll Through the City (and Immediate Regret): Fueled by sheer determination (and a desperate need for a snack), I attempt to walk… to the closest supermarket. Armed with Google Maps and a prayer, I venture out. The heat is real. The air is thick. I sweat through my shirt in approximately 30 seconds. The sidewalk is… well, let’s just say the concept of a smooth, even sidewalk doesn’t exist here. Dodging scooters, stray cats, and potholes is the new cardio.
- Evening: The Culinary Quest (or, "I Ate Something Questionable"): Okay, hunger wins. Found a warung (small local eatery) near the apartment. I pointed, I smiled, and I hoped for the best. The nasi goreng (fried rice) was… interesting. Not bad, but definitely spicy. My tongue might be on fire. Maybe I should have asked. The local crowd were very nice, they probably laughed at my face.
- Midnight: The Apartment Night (and the first crisis): The apartment AC did not work well. I sweat terribly. I thought I am going to get a cold in this country. My first night in Bandung, and I am a sweaty catastrophe.
Day 2: Bandung's Wonders (and My Own Woe)
- Morning: The Cihampelas Walk (and the lost of my favorite glasses): This place is like a giant open-air retail therapy session. Clothes, souvenirs, food… I wanted it all. But it's crowded. So crowded. The sellers were very pushy. Then in a moment of clumsiness, I drop my eyeglasses. I am now blind.
- Lunch: Finding the Best Nasi Timbel (and the heat): Okay, I found a place with Nasi Timbel. So good. The combination of steamed rice, fried chicken, tofu, tempeh, and vegetables was an explosion of flavor. The only problem? It was served on a banana leaf, and the heat was making me hallucinate.
- Afternoon: The Floating Market Lembang (and the lack of water): A taxi to go to the floating market was a total rip. I am going to make a review of this driver. The place itself? Adorable. The food? Expensive! And I forgot to bring water. I am starting to think I am the most incompetent travel companion to myself.
- Evening: Gedung Sate (and the deliciousness): Gedung Sate is beautiful, especially at sunset. Then I went around the street looking for a place to eat. I found a place. I was too exhausted to remember what I ate. But it was good, I think?
- Night: The long walk (and the exhaustion): The walk back to the apartment. It was too long. My legs hurt. I should call the local Grab. But I am too stubborn.
Day 3: Shopping and Chasing the Sunset (and the final meltdown)
- Morning: A shopping spree Okay, I'm not the type to spend my time in malls. But I knew there are many things to do in the city, so I spent all the morning and the afternoon in a mall. I bought some stuff, from clothes to shoes.
- Afternoon: Tangkuban Perahu Volcano (and the perfect photograph): Okay, it was magnificent, maybe the best experience. The smell of sulfur was intense, but the view from the top? Breathtaking. I even managed to take a decent photograph!
- Evening: The Sunset (and the bittersweet goodbye): Finding the sunset spot was a mission. But the colors over the city were amazing. I was sad that I am leaving.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable traffic):
- Morning: Check out and the Grab (and the traffic): Checked out of the Studio at Tamansari La Grande near BIP By Travelio. Another Grab to the airport. Traffic. The endless, soul-crushing traffic.
- Afternoon: The flight (and the tears): The flight back home. I was sad. Bandung was an adventure.
Final Thoughts (because I need to process this whole thing):
Bandung. You're a beautiful, chaotic, spicy, and wonderfully frustrating place. I’ll never forget the heat, the traffic, the food that set my mouth on fire, and the constant feeling of being slightly out of my depth. I think I survived. I'll definitely be back in. Maybe with a better grasp of the Indonesian language. And certainly better packing.
Escape to Romance: 2BR Bad Ischl Apartment with Balcony!
Alright, spill the tea! Is this "BEST Studio" near BIP *really* "BEST"? Like, seriously?
"BEST"? Oh honey, that's a loaded question. Let's just say the name *raises expectations*, doesn't it? My first thought? "Please, God, let the internet not lie." Turns out, the truth is a bit… complicated. It's like that ex you *almost* loved. The location? Absolutely GOLD. Practically *stumbles* distance from BIP, which meant I could roll out of bed, grab a *kopi susu* at the awesome cafe nearby (that’s a MUST, by the way), and still make my event on time. HUGE win. HUGE. The BEST part (see what I did there?) was during a sudden downpour. I was stuck in the lobby for like an hour waiting for the rain to stop, with nothing to do. They ended up letting me into my room early! Pure bliss.
Okay, so location's good. What about the room itself? Is it… livable? Because let's be honest, some "studios" are basically glorified closets.
Livable? Okay, let's go there. My first thought walking in? "Okay, not *awful*." But... and there's ALWAYS a "but," isn't there? The lighting was… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly Instagram-ready. More like, "let's conserve energy and pretend we don't see the dust bunnies." And the decor? Let's call it "functional." It wasn't offensive, per se, but it wasn't exactly inspiring me to write the next Indonesian literary masterpiece, either. Needed a bit more... *oomph*. A cozy blanket maybe? That said, the bed? Surprisingly comfy. I slept like a log after a full day of shopping, and that's a win in my book. And the AC? Thank heavens for that. Bandung can get HOT.
Let’s talk specifics: Kitchenette/Amenities, were they functional?
Kitchenette? Ah, yes. This is where things get… interesting. Okay, so, in my "BEST" studio, the kitchenette was mostly there in spirit. There was a microwave (yay!), a fridge (double yay!), and a few basic utensils. Perfect for reheating leftovers and making instant noodles at 3 AM (which, let's be real, *happens* when you're travelling). I think I spotted a kettle, but it needed some serious TLC. The real kicker? The water pressure. I swear, sometimes it was like trying to shower under a very polite drizzle. And the drain? A bit… shall we say, slow? I spent a good ten minutes trying to clear it with a hairpin. Glamorous? No. Memorable? Absolutely.
The internet situation. Because, let's face it, Instagram is a necessity. What's the Wi-Fi situation?
The Wi-Fi? Oh, the Wi-Fi. It was a roller coaster, my friends. One minute, blazing fast, perfect for streaming cat videos. The next? Dial-up vibes. Seriously, trying to upload a simple picture could feel like an eternity. I ended up tethering to my phone a LOT. Bring a portable charger, you'll need it. There was one fateful afternoon, I remember, when I was trying to video chat with my mom. It was disastrous. We kept cutting out. It was embarrassing. And my mom thought I wasn't showing her the "good" parts. Ugh.
Travelio - any issues? Customer service stories?
Travelio, the overlords, the booking platform. Honestly, most of the time, it was smooth sailing. Checking in was a breeze, and the app was pretty straightforward. But there was one tiny *hiccup*, a minor detail I’d like to forget. During my stay, I had a problem with the TV. It was just… blank. I tried everything, rebooting it, pressing every button on the remote. Nothing. So I contacted Travelio. The response? Prompt…ish. Someone eventually came up to "fix" it. But it was a bit of a hassle, and it took up part of my day. Kinda annoying. The overall experience with Travelio? Decent. Not terrible. Not amazing. Just... there.
Let’s talk the pool/gym (if there is one!). Did you even *look*?
Alright, the pool situation? Okay, so, yes, there *was* a pool. Did *I* go swimming? Well, I'll be honest. I packed my swimsuit. I *intended* to go. But... and here's where the real-life reality sets in... I got distracted. By shopping. By coffee. By the general chaos of Bandung. So, no, I didn't actually *use* the pool. But from what I could see from afar, it looked... refreshing. Perhaps a bit crowded, but hey, that's Bandung for ya! The gym? Didn't lay eyes on it. Priorities, people!
Anything else that was a total dealbreaker (or a hidden gem)?
Hidden gem? Okay, here's the *gold nugget* (again, with the puns!). The security staff. Seriously, those guys were the unsung heroes. Always friendly, always helpful. They even helped me find a taxi at 2 AM after I'd wandered around aimlessly after a late-night snack. Huge props. Dealbreaker? Hmm… maybe the lack of proper coffee-making facilities in the room. I'm a coffee snob, and instant coffee just doesn't cut it. Bring your own French press, people. Thank me later.
So, the big question: Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Would I stay at Bandung's BEST Studio near BIP? Tamansari La Grande Gem! (Travelio) again? Ugh, that's a tough one. It's like that relationship you're on the fence about. The location is *amazing*. That's the biggest draw. It’s close to everything. And the security guys are the best. The rest? Well, it's a mixed bag. If they do some renovations and upgraded the interior, sure. If I *really, really* wanted to be as close to BIP as possible, absolutely. But it's not a luxury experience. It's more like a… comfortable, slightly flawed, but ultimately convenient adventure. I can live with that. For now. But don't expect a love letter.Unbelievable STAY & ABLE Bucheon: Your Korean Dream Getaway Awaits!
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