
Luxury Surabaya Escape: Modern 2BR Trillium Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling, dazzling, sometimes-slightly-dodgy world of Luxury Surabaya Escape: Modern 2BR Trillium Gem! This ain't your sterilized, perfectly-packaged hotel review. This is real. And trust me, after living in the real world for a while, a little luxe can do a body good.
So, let's get messy with it, shall we?
First Impressions (and the All-Important Accessibility)
Okay, first things first: I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a place that actually thinks about accessibility, not just slaps a ramp on and calls it a day. Did they get it right? Well, they say they do. The property advertises facilities for disabled guests. That's a start. Specifics on how those are implemented are a gamble until you get there. So, for now, I'm cautiously optimistic. I need details, people! Details!
Now, about the Internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I'm a travel writer; I live on the internet (don't judge my procrastination habits). They also offer Internet access – LAN, which is a nice touch for those who still trust a cable more than the ether. Let's just hope the speeds don't make my laptop spontaneously combust. They better have good Internet services, because, ugh, buffering during "Bridgerton"? Unforgivable. They have Wi-Fi in public areas, probably good for taking pictures of the lobby, I guess.
The Rooms: Can We Actually Live Here?
Alright, the core of the experience: the 2BR. The description promises "modern". Let's hope that doesn't translate into "sterile IKEA-fied prison cell". The air conditioning better work. I sweat just thinking about Surabaya humidity. Air conditioning in public area is also great, but let's be real, I’m only leaving my perfect room if I absolutely have too.
I need to see the rooms that the place boasts Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (fancy!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (THANK YOU, sleep is precious!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (vital!), Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (bliss!), Desk, Extra long bed (yes, please!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (good for families), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (because, you know, vacation eating), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens. This reads like a good start.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Big Win (Hopefully)
Look, after everything that's been going on – let's be brutally honest: it's the elephant in the room. Anti-viral cleaning products? Good. Breakfast in room? Sweet relief. Breakfast takeaway service? Genius. Cashless payment service? Convenient. Daily disinfection in common areas? Necessary. Doctor/nurse on call? Peace of mind. First aid kit? Essential. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere, please! Hot water linen and laundry washing? Excellent! Hygiene certification? That's a good sign. Individually-wrapped food options? Appreciated. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Doable. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Smart. Room sanitization opt-out available? Good for the eco-conscious. Rooms sanitized between stays? Definitely required. Safe dining setup? Crucial. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Obvious. Shared stationery removed? Smart. Staff trained in safety protocol? Wonderful. Sterilizing equipment? Excellent. They have Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Soundproof rooms, what a relief! This all sounds pretty darn diligent. Here’s hoping the rubber meets the road.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Kryptonite
This is where things get really interesting. I live to eat, I'm not gonna lie. The A la carte in restaurant option is good. Alternative meal arrangement, for those picky eaters, that's useful. Asian breakfast? Sign me up! Asian cuisine in restaurant? Bring it on! Bar? Absolutely! Bottle of water? Hydration is key! Breakfast [buffet]? My weakness. Breakfast service? Nice. Buffet in restaurant? Dangerous. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Vital. Coffee shop? Perfect for writing, if the Wi-Fi Gods are feeling generous. Desserts in restaurant? I'm in trouble. Happy hour? Count me in, even if it's just for the people-watching. International cuisine in restaurant? Always good to mix things up. Poolside bar? YES. Restaurants? Plural? Okay, I'm intrigued. Room service [24-hour]? This is living! Salad in restaurant? Trying to be healthy… mostly. Snack bar? Oops… Soup in restaurant? Comfort food. Vegetarian restaurant? Good for my friend. Western breakfast? Always reliable. Western cuisine in restaurant? Okay, maybe I can survive.
The Amenities – Because We Deserve It!
Now for the fun stuff! The Body scrub? Yes, please! The Body wrap? Sign me up. Fitness center? Maybe, someday. Foot bath? Interesting. Gym/fitness? See above. Massage? Essential. Pool with a view? Ooh, fancy! Sauna? Relaxing. Spa? Treat yo' self! Spa/sauna? Double the pleasure. Steamroom? Love it. Swimming pool? Yay! Swimming pool [outdoor]? Even better.
I'm picturing myself lounging by the pool, sipping something fruity, and pretending I haven't just devoured the buffet. This could be my lifestyle! My life motto! My… ah, I digress.
Services and Conveniences – Because We All Need a Little Help
I'm a sucker for good service. Air conditioning in public area? Crucial. Audio-visual equipment for special events? For the Instagrammers! Business facilities, I’m assuming what I need. Cash withdrawal? Handy. Concierge? Helpful for figuring out which amazing restaurant I want to hit up tonight. Contactless check-in/out? Wonderful. Convenience store? Emergency snacks! Currency exchange? Helpful. Daily housekeeping? Heaven! Doorman? Fancy. Dry cleaning? Always helpful if you spill during “happy hour.” Elevator? Excellent. Essential condiments? Okay, I want to know what specific condiments! Facilities for disabled guests? I’m going to look carefully at how they implement those. Food delivery? Tempting. Gift/souvenir shop? Always grab a little something as a gift. Indoor venue for special events? For those rainy days. Invoice provided? For the business travelers. Ironing service? Always appreciated. Laundry service? Fantastic! Luggage storage? Essential. Meeting/banquet facilities? Perhaps a business trip? Meetings? More business trips, I guess. Meeting stationery? For the business trips, again. On-site event hosting? Could be fun. Outdoor venue for special events? Gorgeous option! Projector/LED display? Necessary. Safety deposit boxes? Secure those valuables! Seminars? Professional development. Shrine? A moment of reflection is always nice. Smoking area? Respecting others. Terrace? A nice place to get some natural light. Wi-Fi for special events? Absolutely. Xerox/fax in business center? For those old school.
For the Kids – A Bonus (or a Dealbreaker)
As a single, childless woman, this doesn't affect me personally… but, Babysitting service? Good for the parents. Family/child friendly? Useful information. Kids facilities? Interesting. **Kids meal
Beijing's Hidden Gem: Starway Hotel Near Lama Temple & Subway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average, perfectly-curated travel itinerary. This is me trying to survive Surabaya and the glorious (or potentially chaotic) haven of that "Scenic Modern 2BR Apartment at Trillium Residence By Travelio." Let's see if I make it out alive, shall we?
Surabaya Scramble: A Messy Itinerary (For a Messy Human)
Day 1: Arrival & Apartment Olympics (aka, Unpacking Hell)
- 8:00 AM (GMT+7): Flight arrives at Juanda International Airport (SUB). Pray to the travel gods the luggage gods are feeling generous today. I swear, lost luggage has become a personal vendetta.
- 9:00 AM: Pre-arranged transfer from the airport (hopefully). Note to self: Triple-check the transfer confirmation. Last time I just stood there, alone, looking like a lost tourist pigeon.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Trillium Residence. Okay, time to face my new temporary home. "Scenic Modern" better not be code for "requires a PhD in interior design to operate the AC."
- 10:15 AM: Apartment Inspection. Is it as advertised? Scarier question: Is the internet functional? My sanity depends on it. *Panic sets in if the Wi-Fi is sketchy - Instagram calls for all travel bloggers *
- 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM: The Grand Unpacking Debacle. Ugh, the endless unpacking. It's like a never-ending game of Tetris with my life. Hopefully, I won't spend the next three hours regretting every item I decided to pack. Why did I think I needed 4 pairs of shoes?
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Recon: Time to explore the surrounding area for a cheap, delicious Indonesian feed. Warung hunt, commence! I'm hoping for something that doesn't require me to use Google Translate for every single menu item. My stomach rumbles louder than my internal monologue.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Apartment Acclimatization: Get the lay of the land, figure out the TV situation (essential), and maybe, just maybe, collapse into a sun-drenched nap. Let's be honest, I'm already exhausted.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Grocery Run: Stock up on essentials. Snacks are non-negotiable. Coffee is practically a religion. Praying I don't accidentally buy a durian. I'm not ready for that olfactory adventure yet.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Maybe hit up that recommended "street food" place I read about? Should I eat the mystery meat? YOLO, right? (Famous last words, probably.)
- 8:00 PM: Early night, catch up on work, and maybe a movie. Tomorrow, adventure awaits… or complete chaos. Either way, bring it.
Day 2: Temples, Tastebuds, and Total Tourist Traps
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, coffee consumed, and mentally prepare myself for the local culture. Hopefully, I can navigate the traffic without losing my cool.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit Tugu Pahlawan (Hero's Monument) and the Surabaya Museum. Soak up some history. Pretend to be cultured. Pretend to know what I'm talking about. Trying not to be "that" tourist who only cares about Instagram photos.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch: A classic Surabaya dish. I'm talking Rawon, maybe? Or Soto Ayam? I'm gonna need a spicy experience, after all that history. Warning: May require a large glass of water, and a change of clothes.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the House of Sampoerna. Cigarette factory? Yup. I know, right? Controversial, but the architecture is supposed to be stunning. Plus, it comes with a mini-museum. Hoping it's not too smoky. Also hoping I can find a good coffee shop nearby.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Retail Therapy. Time for some shopping. Maybe buy a batik shirt? Or a ridiculously overpriced souvenir? I am a sucker for a good souvenir. Send help.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. More local cuisine. More spicy food. More water. I'm starting to think my stomach might revolt.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening stroll. Find a rooftop bar with a view. Maybe. Or, you know, crash in front of the TV. Depends on my energy levels.
Day 3: The Bromo Blues (or, the Volcano Vomit)
- 4:00 AM: Wake up. Seriously? FOUR AM? This is a truly brutal time to rise and shine
- 4:30 AM: Ride to Mount Bromo. This part is pre-arranged, because, come on, I wouldn't organize anything myself this early. Hopefully the driver doesn't drive like a maniac.
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Sunrise at Bromo. OMG. The pictures. The IG views. It's going to be epic, right?
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Hike. This could either be breathtaking, or… you know, leg-breaking.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Back to the apartment. Time to wash all the dust off my clothes.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. I can't wait!
- 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Visit Surabaya Zoo or the local malls.
Day 4: Relax and go home
- 8:00 AM: Late wake up.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Breakfast and coffee while working.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Walk to the nearest shopping mall and buy any last-minute souvenirs.
- 2:00 PM: Airport.
- 3:00 PM: Flight.
Important Notes (aka, Things I'll Probably Forget):
- Money: Withdraw cash. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Learn some basic bargaining skills. (I'm terrible at this.)
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia is important!
- Sunscreen: Essential. I burn like a vampire.
- Adaptor: Make sure my phone doesn't die.
- Patience: Be prepared for delays, unexpected events, and general levels of mayhem.
- Embrace the Chaos: Because let's be honest, that's half the fun.
- Document Everything: Take photos. Write down the stories. I need to make this a memoir, eventually.
- Food Allergies: Let's hope I don't find out anything new.
Final Thought: This itinerary is a suggestion, a guideline, a suggestion for the best plan. It's not a rigid rulebook. Things will change. I will get lost. I will probably embarrass myself at least 3 times a day. And that's okay. Because if I learn something, experience anything, and still have a sense of humor at the end, then it'll be a success. Wish me luck… I'm going to need it.
Unbelievable Ocean Views! Netflix & Beer at Hanseom Beach, Donghae!
Okay, spill the tea: Is this Trillium Gem ACTUALLY luxurious? Like, for REAL? My expectations are HIGH.
Alright, alright, let's cut the fluff. "Luxury"? That word gets thrown around like confetti these days. But this Trillium place… yeah, it's pretty darn close to legit luxurious. Think less "gold-plated tap" and more "tasteful, uncluttered modernism meets, like, a really good massage." (Which I, uh, *may* or may not have indulged in at the local spa, but that's a story for later.)
The photos? They don't lie. The design is genuinely stylish, with clean lines and a surprising amount of natural light. You know, the kind that makes you feel like you *might* actually start that novel you've been putting off for five years. (I didn't, mind you. Still stuck on level 3 of Candy Crush. Don't judge.)
So, yeah, it's luxurious. In a "I could live here forever… if I didn't have to pay rent" kind of way. And the little touches? The good coffee, the fluffy towels, the *smell* of the place… bliss.
Two bedrooms? Perfect for a family getaway? Or… something else? (Whispers: Romantic?)
Okay, let's break this down. Two bedrooms? That's flexibility, people! Think of it this way:
- Family: Absolutely! Kids get their own space to unleash their inner chaos. Bonus points: you get a haven to escape *their* inner chaos.
- Friends: Road trip? Absolutely. Pretend you're glamorous jetsetters. Share some (okay, *most*) of the expenses and split the cost. (Just be sure everyone agrees on the thermostat setting. Trust me.)
- Romantic: *Ahem.* Well, it depends, doesn't it? One bedroom for, y'know, *stuff*. The other for your luggage and those late-night Netflix binges when you're faking a sleep. Or for a truly committed cuddling session...
- Solo Escape: One massive, luxurious suite for yourself! Spoil yourself. Read a book. Binge-watch an entire season of something. It's glorious. I might've done that. Maybe. Don't tell anyone.
Basically, it’s versatile. Make the most of it.
Alright, the location. Surabaya – what's the vibe? Is it easy to get around? Should I learn Bahasa Indonesia before I go?
Surabaya? Think bustling, vibrant, a little overwhelming... in the BEST way. It's a real city, not some manufactured tourist trap. The energy is palpable. The food… oh, the food. (More on that later. I might have *slightly* over-indulged.)
Getting around? Grab a ride-sharing app (like Gojek or Grab). It's your best friend. Traffic can be... spirited, let's say. But you'll get everywhere eventually. (Patience, grasshopper.)
Bahasa Indonesia? Nah, you don't NEED to be fluent before you go, although knowing a few basics is always polite. (Saying "terima kasih" - thank you - will get you far). But, many people in the tourism industry speak English. Google Translate is your backup. And a smile? Works wonders. Smiles are universal, even when ordering the weird and wonderful street food (which you absolutely SHOULD do.).
And this Trillium place? It's in a good location. Safe, accessible, and close to, you guessed it, delicious food. You'll be in the thick of it, but still away from the absolute pandemonium.
Let's talk food. What's the food scene like? Are we talking Michelin stars or more street food adventures? What's the one dish I ABSOLUTELY *cannot* miss?
Oh, goodness. The food. Surabaya is basically a foodie paradise disguised as... well, Surabaya. You've got everything from fancy restaurants (yes, there are a few) to the most mind-blowing street food you'll ever encounter.
Michelin stars? Not really the Surabaya vibe. Think more "authenticity with a side of deliciousness."
My ONE MUST-TRY dish? Okay, brace yourself... I can't pick JUST one. No, seriously, I can't. My brain is still processing all the flavors. But if forced, I'd say you MUST:
- Rawon: This black beef soup. Dark, rich, complex. You'll be dreaming about it for days.
- Lontong Balap: A spicy noodle soup with bean sprouts and vegetables.
- Sate Klopo: Delicious coconut crusted satay.
Basically, eat everything. Be adventurous. Embrace the spice. And don't be shy about asking the locals for recommendations. They know best.
So, what if something goes wrong? Is there reliable support? What happens if the air con turns out to be a fancy paperweight?
Look, stuff happens. Especially when you're in a different country. The air con could, in theory, decide to stage a rebellion. Or the wifi might go on strike. (It's a possibility!)
But thankfully, the Trillium folks are on the ball. The support I got was prompt, helpful and didn't make me feel like a complete idiot. Which, let's be honest, is always a bonus when you're grappling with a foreign country and a slightly wonky appliance. I had a minor issue with the shower, and they had it fixed *that day*... even though it was probably my fault for not knowing how to work the fancy European tapware. Embarrassing, yes. Inconvenient, no.
So, yes, you can relax. If something goes pear-shaped, there's a good chance it'll be sorted quickly. Now go enjoy your vacation! And eat some more food. Seriously.
Anything I should specifically pack or prepare for this trip (besides my appetite)? Hidden gems or tips?
Okay, packing tips, you ask? Listen up:
- Light, breathable clothing: It's hot. Very hot. Think linen, cotton, the lightest fabrics you can find. Trust me. You DO NOT want to be sweating through your favorite silk top. (Been there. Done that. Not pretty.)
- Sunscreen! And reapply, reapply, reapply. The sun is strong. I'm still a little lobster-red, days later...
- Mosquito repellent: Because mosquitos. Enough said.
- A portable charger: You'll be using your phone A LOT for maps, ride-sharing, and, you know, taking a million photos of your food!
- Adapters: Indonesia uses European plugs, so make sure you have the right adapters to chargeTrending Hotels NowScenic Modern 2BR Apartment at Trillium Residence By Travelio Surabaya Indonesia
Scenic Modern 2BR Apartment at Trillium Residence By Travelio Surabaya Indonesia