Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Casa Azmya's Urban Oasis (RedDoorz)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the (slightly chaotic but hopefully insightful) world of Casa Azmya's Urban Oasis in Yogyakarta. It's a RedDoorz property, which, okay, let's be honest, doesn't exactly scream "luxury resort." But! – and this is a big but – it does promise a hidden gem, and let's see if it delivers, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Entryway to Adventure (or Maybe Just a Nap)
Finding Casa Azmya wasn’t exactly child's play. Yogyakarta's streets have a certain… flavor. You know, the kind that involves motorbikes weaving like caffeinated bees and the occasional pothole that could swallow a small car. But finally, we arrived, the air thick with the promise of a break from the chaos.
Accessibility? Let's be real, this isn't a fully-fledged accessible resort. I didn't see any obvious ramps or dedicated features, though the information is vague. I'd advise phoning ahead to ask for more details. The entrance itself wasn't a problem, but I can't speak to the overall ease of navigating the property for those with mobility issues. My takeaway that day was: If you need extensive accessibility features, call and find out.
The Online Experience & The Internet Gods: Can You Actually Connect?
Okay, this is KEY. I'm a digital nomad, a writer, a… well, I live online. So, the internet situation is make-or-break. Casa Azmya boasts "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access," plus the elusive "Internet [LAN]." Good news: The Wi-Fi was surprisingly solid, both in the room and apparently in public areas (though I mostly hung out in my room). I even managed to stream a movie without buffering (bless up, Wi-Fi gods!). I don't personally remember using LAN, but the fact that it's there is a definite pro if you need a really secure connection. Bottom line: Connecting isn't an ordeal here.
The Comforts of Home (and Maybe a Few Surprises) - Room Level Breakdown
So, the rooms. Let's get down to what really matters:
Available in all rooms: They had a whole lot, including Air conditioning (a MUST in that climate), Alarm clock (thank the heavens), Bathrobes (Fancy!), Bathroom phone (huh!), Bathtub (nice!), Blackout curtains (sleep like a baby!), Carpeting, Closet (hooray for storage!), Coffee/tea maker (essential), Complimentary tea (nice touch), Daily housekeeping (always a win!), Desk (a writer's best friend), Extra long bed (sweet!), Free bottled water (hydration is key!), Hair dryer (again, bless!), High floor (I don't remember this one, but it's likely), In-room safe box (peace of mind), Interconnecting room(s) available (nice for families), Internet access – LAN (see above), Internet access – wireless (see above), Ironing facilities (smooth!), Laptop workspace (again, essential), Linens, Mini bar (tempting), Mirror, Non-smoking (thank goodness), On-demand movies (who watches these anymore?), Private bathroom, Reading light (crucial for me), Refrigerator (I usually use them for my beer stash!), Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels (some channels), Scale (scaredy-cat), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower (duh!), Slippers (comfy), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella (needed it), Visual alarm (I did not see this, but good to know that they have it), Wake-up service (never used it), Wi-Fi [free] (yes, great!), Window that opens (air, always welcome!).
Additional toilet: Nope, I didn't get.
Room decorations: Fairly bland, but decent.
Soundproof rooms: It worked, but I had quiet neighbors.
Okay, so the room itself was a decent, comfortable, functional space. It wasn't the Four Seasons, but it wasn't a dive either. It was a solid base for exploring Yogyakarta. The bed was comfy, the air conditioning worked, and honestly, that's often enough to make me happy.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (or Facing the Hunger Pangs)
Now, this is where things get a little… mixed. Casa Azmya has a restaurant, boasts "Asian cuisine in restaurant" and "International cuisine in restaurant". It has a restaurant, and a poolside bar But, here's a reality check: Don't expect Michelin-star dining. My experience was a little confusing. There's a bar, but it's not exactly bursting with life. The restaurant serves, I had Asian cuisine, and it was…fine. Edible. Fueling the body for the adventure. I am sure that it offers Western cuisine in its restaurant.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast I had was alright.
- Snack bar: Could have been better.
This part isn't amazing, but it's sufficient, and the poolside bar is a nice touch.
Wellness & Recreation: Spa Days & Poolside Bliss (or Maybe Just a Dip)
Things to do: This is where Casa Azmya starts to shine. There's a swimming pool [outdoor] - and it's a lovely one! Clean, refreshing, and perfect for a midday dip. There's also a fitness center I was not there and could not use it.
Spa/sauna / massage: It has spa services, but I did not try any of them.
Cleanliness & Safety: Germs Be Gone! (Or, at Least, an Attempt)
RedDoorz properties, in general, have upped their game in the cleanliness department (thanks, post-pandemic world!). Casa Azmya seems to be doing its best.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: That's good to know!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Nice.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Phew!
- Safe dining setup: They seemed to be following the rules.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Better safe than sorry!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Good.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Those That Don't)
- Facilities for disabled guests: Better check with the hotel first.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Concierge: I did not use it.
- Currency exchange: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they were efficient.
- Elevator: Yes, which is a life saver for me.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Convenience store: Yes.
- Airport transfer: Yes.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, which is a life saver for me.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes.
- Free Wi-Fi for special events: Yes.
For the Kids: Bringing the Little Ones (if you're brave)
- Family/child friendly: Seems like it.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location (and How to Get There)
- Airport transfer: They offer airport transfers.
Location-wise, Casa Azmya is… okay. It's not right in the thick of things, but it's close enough to the action to make it convenient. Accessing the area is easy, and there are multiple transportation options.
My Anecdote: The Pool and My Peace
Okay, here's where I gush. The pool. After a day of temples and tuk-tuks, that pool was a lifesaver. I'm talking full-on, eyes-closed, floating-on-my-back, pure-bliss relaxation. The view wasn't spectacular, but the water was clean, the temperature was perfect, and for a solid hour, I forgot about deadlines and emails and the general chaos of life. It was heavenly.
The Verdict & The Juicy Offer
Is Casa Azmya a "hidden gem?" Maybe not, in the traditional sense. It's not a five-star resort, but it's a solid, comfortable, and affordable option in Yogyakarta, with some surprising perks. It's clean, has good Wi-Fi, and the pool is fantastic. The food isn't the main attraction, but it gets the job done.
**Here's the deal: if you'
Beijing's Hidden Gem: Madianqiao Hanting Hotel - Unbelievable Luxury!
Alright, buckle up Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is the DISASTER DIARY of my Yogyakarta adventure, specifically the Urbanview Hotel Syariah Casa Azmya by RedDoorz. Prepare for a rollercoaster of highs, lows, lukewarm nasi goreng, and existential dread.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Bed Bug Scare (Maybe?)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Adisucipto International Airport (JOG): Landed! Sunshine, warm air, and the sweet, sweet promise of adventure. Grabbed a Bluebird taxi - shoutout to Bluebird, those guys are lifesavers. The ride to the hotel was a humid blur of scooters, street food stalls, and the ever-present scent of clove cigarettes.
- **15:00 - Check-in at Urbanview: ** Found the place. Looks… decent. The lobby smells faintly of incense and something vaguely floral. Check-in was a breeze, thankfully. Then, disaster almost struck. I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to plonk myself on the bed without checking anything. Suddenly, a small, dark shape caught my eye. Bed bug?! My heart hammered against my ribs. I'm basically allergic to everything, so imagine the hives. I called reception in a panic, half-expecting a shrug and a "Well, that's Indonesia, bro." But to their credit, they sent someone up immediately. After a thorough inspection (and me nearly passing out from anxiety), it turned out to be a common house spider. Disaster averted, for now. I took a deep breath of relief, but honestly, I'm still twitching a little.
- 16:00 - Room Tour & Immediate Regret: The room is… compact. Very compact. The AC blasts like a hurricane (or a very aggressive hairdryer), the lighting is fluorescent-grade depressing, and the TV is about the size of a postage stamp. The bathroom? Well, let's just say I'm not holding my breath for a spa experience. But hey, it's clean, which is a win. Now I am wondering how the hell I am supposed to spend 5 days here??
- 17:00 - Search for Food (and Hope): Wandered out into the immediate vicinity of the hotel, a hot, dusty, and somewhat overwhelming sensory overload. Found a tiny warung (small local eatery) and ordered some nasi goreng. It was… edible. Let’s just leave it at that. Needed something to calm myself after that bed bug scare.
- 19:00 - Staring at the Walls and Feeling…Lost: Back in the tiny room. The fluorescent lights buzz menacingly. I'm already considering upgrading to a hotel with a pool. Or, you know, moving in with a local family. Anything but this. My mood is soured.
- 21:00 - Trying to sleep through the symphony of scooters, dogs barking, and general Yogyakarta cacophony. Wish me luck. I am in a corner room, so I have a tiny window that lets in some light pollution and the constant sound of motorbikes. I put my earbuds and try to sleep but no luck.
Day 2: Borobudur, Temples, and Tourist Overload (and the return of Anxiety)
05:00 - Woke Up (or rather, was violently awoken) by the heat: The AC gave up at some point, not a surprise. It's already sweltering at dawn. I am already sweating buckets.
06:00 - Pre-dawn Pilgrimage to Borobudur: The main reason for taking a holiday. Booked a tour so I would arrive prior to the mass of tourist. What a mistake. I tried to do the whole "spiritual sunrise experience," but mostly I just felt like a sardine in a sea of selfie sticks. The sun rose, the temple was beautiful. But the sheer number of people! The selfie sticks like a forest of metal and plastic, blocking the very thing I came to see. Ugh. The atmosphere was more chaotic than contemplative. The experience left me feeling emotionally drained.
09:00 - Breakfast (and the Quest for Caffeine): The breakfast at the hotel was actually…okay. The coffee, however, was the brownest, weakest, most soul-crushing liquid I've ever encountered. Spent the entire time trying not to gag. This is when I started to consider the possibility of becoming a coffee addict.
10:00 - Exploring Prambanan Temple: A little better. Prambanan is stunning, the architecture is amazing. I wandered around the complex, mostly trying to ignore the hordes of tourists and the persistent vendors trying to sell me everything from batik scarves to miniature statues of Buddha. I had to run away from a pushy vendor.
13:00 - Lunch with a Side of Regret: Found a restaurant that looked promising. Ordered some fried rice. It was mediocre. The heat was oppressive. My mood was… well, let's just say I was starting to question my life choices. I am already dreading going back to the hotel.
15:00 - Back to the Urbanview: Existential Crisis: Back in my little shoebox of a room. The fluorescent lights seem even more depressing now. I'm starting to think about changing hotels. Maybe with a pool? Definitely with better coffee. Absolutely with no bed bugs (or at least, a less anxious guest).
Day 3: The Batik Debacle & A Glimmer of Hope (Maybe)
- 09:00 - Batik Class - DIY Suicide? I decided to get myself out of the doom the hotel induced. So I signed up for a batik class. Which turned out to be the hardest thing I've ever done. The wax was hot and splattered everywhere, I burned my fingers, the dye smells like chemicals, and my "masterpiece" looks like a Jackson Pollock painting done by a blind toddler. I now understood why batik is a craft that is passed down the family. It took around 5 hours to finish and the result was not a masterpiece.
- 14:00 - Lunch and the Sudden Joy of Fried Banana: Found a tiny warung, and I ordered a fried banana. It was warm, sweet, and crispy. It was pure joy, the simple, unexpected pleasure of something delicious.
- 15:00 - Exploring Malioboro Street: Decided to face the chaos, which is essentially a long, crowded street lined with shops, street vendors, and more tourists than I care to count. The chaos was great, the food was great. I bought some souvenirs for the people I love, and some for myself. Malioboro's energy was addictive. I really like it!
- 20:00 - Dinner and a small amount of actual joy: I ordered an authentic local dish. It was amazing. The food, the atmosphere, it felt like I was finally getting into the spirit if this trip. I am not in despair and actually like it.
Day 4: Adventure??
- 09:00 - Thinking of the hotel room, and the existential dread it induces. Decided to go to the beach in Parangtritis.
- 12:00 - Lunch and the Beach. It was great. The waves were amazing. I had a seafood lunch. And I started to feel a little relaxed. It was wonderful to be there.
- 18:00 - Still here at the beach. Loving it. Decided to stay a night. A hotel with a pool? YES
Day 5: The Great Escape (and the Final Assessment)
- 07:00 - Goodbye to the Urbanview! Checked out. Said goodbye to the small room, and to the hotel.
- 13:00 - Flight Home. It was a whirlwind.
- Final Assessment: Yogyakarta is amazing. The cultural sights are incredible. Urbanview, the room was too small, and the air conditioning was faulty. But the wifi was working, the staff was nice, and, well, it was an adventure. I didn't get bed bugs, so that is a win. Hopefully, the next hotel will be a little less… claustrophobic.
Casa Azmya's Urban Oasis: FAQ - Because Let's Be Honest, You're Gonna Need Them
Is Casa Azmya *really* a "hidden gem?" Like, am I gonna spend half my vacation getting lost trying to find it?
Okay, truth time. "Hidden gem" is thrown around a lot, right? Sometimes it feels like marketing BS. But with Casa Azmya, yeah, it kinda *is*. It's not *that* hard to find, thank goodness. Google Maps will get you most of the way, and then it's like… a slightly dodgy alleyway, maybe? (Don't judge, it adds to the charm!) Just picture it: weaving through a tangle of scooters and laundry lines, wondering if you're *really* on the right track… and then BOOM! Lush greenery, a serene pool, and you're like, "Whoa, I'm officially relaxed." I swear, I almost missed it the first time. My jaw literally dropped. Seriously, it's like stumbling upon Narnia... but with better wi-fi.
The pictures look amazing. Are they… too good to be true? Should I brace myself for disappointment?
Alright, I'm going to be brutally honest here. The pictures… they're *mostly* accurate. But, BUT! The reality has this… *je ne sais quoi* that photos can't capture. It’s the scent of frangipani in the air, the lazy drone of cicadas, the way the sunlight filters through the leaves, making everything glow. Okay, maybe the pool isn't *quite* the size it looks in the promo shots. And yeah, you might find a stray gecko or two (they're harmless, I promise!). But the overall vibe? Absolutely spot-on. Think "tropical zen" meets "affordable luxury." It’s not perfect. It’s *better* because it isn’t. There's a certain… lived-in quality that makes it feel genuinely welcoming.
Is the RedDoorz aspect legit? Does this mean it's… basic?
Okay, RedDoorz. Let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, it's a RedDoorz property. *But* Casa Azmya feels like the cool, independent cousin of the usual chain hotels. It *is* a budget-friendly option, but they've clearly put effort into making it special. The rooms are clean, the staff are friendly (more on that later…), and the location is fantastic for exploring Yogyakarta. It’s not going to be all white-glove service, but it’s clean, comfy, and a great value for money. Think of it as "RedDoorz, but make it *chic*".
What's the deal with the staff? Are they actually helpful, or just… there? (And do they speak English?)
The staff?! Alright, get ready for a gushing moment. They are *amazing*. Truly. They’re friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to *care* about you having a good time. My first trip, I was utterly clueless about the best way to get to Borobudur. The guy at the front desk (I wish I remembered his name! He had this amazing smile…) spent a good 20 minutes patiently explaining all my options, even drawing me a little map! (Which, by the way, I still have. Treasure.) Their English is pretty good too – definitely enough to get by. They’re not just there to take your booking. They’re genuinely invested in making your stay memorable. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold.
The pool! Tell me about the pool! Is it Instagrammable? (I won’t lie, I’m a sucker for a good photo op…)
Oh, the pool! Okay, let’s get this straight. The pool is *gorgeous*. Like, seriously, Instagrammable as heck. Clear water, surrounded by lush greenery, comfy loungers... picture-perfect. The first time I saw it, I actually squealed a little. It’s not huge, so don’t expect to be doing laps, but it's perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of temple-hopping. And yes, I did spend a significant amount of time perfecting my poolside pose. No regrets. Just… be mindful of the other guests, okay? Don't hog the whole thing! Share the beauty. It's an oasis, a tiny paradise. It's probably the best part. Okay it is the best part.
Is it noisy? Will I be able to sleep? (I’m a light sleeper, and I *need* my beauty rest…)
Okay, noise levels. This is where things get a LITTLE tricky. Casa Azmya is in a pretty central location, so you're not going to get absolute silence. You'll likely hear some traffic noise (the occasional scooter whizzing by – it's Yogyakarta, after all!), and maybe some chatter from the other guests, especially around the pool. But… it's generally pretty peaceful. The rooms are well-insulated. I always bring earplugs, just in case. This isn't the place if you need total, utter, silence. Consider that before booking. During my first stay I went to bed at 9pm and had to get up at 3 am and the scooters were very loud, I woke up fully and didn't get back to sleep. BUT the next time I didn't even notice! It depends.
What's the food situation like? Anything worth eating nearby?
Breakfast is included, and it's… fine. Basic, but perfectly adequate. Think toast, some fruit, maybe some eggs. Nothing to write home about, but hey, free food! The real magic happens outside the hotel doors. Yogyakarta is a FOODIE PARADISE. Seriously. Within walking distance of Casa Azmya, you'll find some amazing Warungs (small, family-run restaurants). I’m still dreaming about the Nasi Goreng (fried rice) I had down the street. *Chef's kiss*. Explore! Ask the staff for recommendations. They know all the best spots. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You won’t regret it. Though, I might have to go back JUST for that Nasi Goreng…
Any downsides? Any things I should be aware of?
Alright, honesty time again. There are a *few* things to be aware of. Firstly, the Wi-Fi can be a little… inconsistent at times. Don’t bank on streaming HD movies. Secondly, it's Central so there's a slight chance of some late night noise from the surrounding neighbourhoods as people enjoy themselves.. Thirdly, the street cats LOVE to hang around the poolHotelish
