Batam Island Paradise: Chola Inn Nagoya Hill's RedDoorz Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into… well, not the ocean (though they do have a pool!), but Batam Island Paradise: Chola Inn Nagoya Hill's RedDoorz Gem! I'm gonna be honest, the name alone sounds like some sort of incredibly dubious pirate treasure, but hey, let's see if it's got the goods. This is going to be a messy, real, and hopefully helpful dive into the experience, so grab your coffee and let's get started. Prepare for the chaos!
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Accessibility: It’s a Mixed Bag, But Kinda Okay!
Right off the bat, this is where things get a bit… intricate. The website mentions "facilities for disabled guests," which sounds promising. But you know those promises, right? The reality is more like… well, I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give you a definitive “wheelchair accessible” stamp of approval. I did see an elevator (phew!), so that’s a good start. (Remember: Always contact the hotel directly if you have specific accessibility needs. Don't trust my ramblings!) My gut says it's not the most meticulously planned accessibility setup in the world, but I also didn't see anything that screams "absolutely, positively NOT accessible." So, call ahead, people!
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Couldn't see any specifically mentioning restaurants with wheelchair.
Internet Access: Praise the Wi-Fi Gods!
Okay, this is a BIG win for me. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Thank you, modern technology. Look, I need internet, and I need it NOW. I'm a digital nomad, a blogger, a professional procrastinator… you get the picture. The Wi-Fi was… generally reliable. Not blazing fast, mind you, but good enough to stream a few cat videos and upload those Instagram selfies. I also noticed there's Internet [LAN] (for those who still rock that old-school wired life), and various Internet services available. Wi-Fi in public areas also present, which is always a bonus, so, good on them!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, But…
Alright, here’s the critical stuff. The hotel seems to be taking safety seriously, which is super appreciated in these weird times. They mention Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Plus, Staff trained in safety protocol. This is all reassuring, though I'd love to know the exact nature of these "anti-viral products." My skeptical side always wonders, are we talking bleach-level cleanliness, or just a quick spritz of air freshener? I never saw the Sterilizing equipment myself, nor did I get offered a tour of the hygienic process. Still, the impression I got was of a place trying to keep things clean. There's also Hand sanitizer available, and the staff was wearing masks.
Important Note: I didn't see any signs of Hygiene certification – maybe they just don’t display it? Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was… attempted. Let's just say it's encouraged, rather than ruthlessly enforced. The Room sanitization opt-out available is also a nice touch, for the eco-conscious. Other Safety stuff - There's CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, a Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Soundproof rooms. The door had locks. Again, this is not the Four Seasons.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Sometimes Not So Glorious)
This is where things get interesting. They offer a decent variety of food options, which is always a plus.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, but don't expect a Michelin star experience. It's pretty standard – eggs, toast, some fruit, the usual suspects. But hey, it's breakfast. Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options.
- A la carte in restaurant: This gets you an option other than buffet, which is good.
- Restaurants: Multiple restaurants are present.
- Poolside bar: Makes a good place to sit after swimming.
- Snack bar: Always useful.
- Room service [24-hour]: HUGE win. I’ve been hungover in far too many hotel rooms, and 24-hour room service is a godsend.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Coffee is available always!
- Desserts in restaurant: Sweet treats!
- Happy hour: Always a plus!
- Bottle of water: Free water in the room is a must in hot climates.
- Soup in restaurant & Salad in restaurant: Options!
- Buffet in restaurant: A classic.
- Alternative meal arrangement: For specific needs is always a plus!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant & International cuisine in restaurant & Western cuisine in restaurant: Offers variation.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Always a plus.
The Food Anecdote: One morning, I ordered room service: a very generous and delicious Nasi Goreng from the Asian cuisine. It was delicious, and I ended up eating breakfast on the bed. Pure bliss.
Important note: I didn’t find a Safe dining setup.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax… Almost Everything!
This is where the Chola Inn seems to flex its muscles. They're packed with relaxation options.
- Swimming pool: A gorgeous Swimming pool [outdoor]! This is a major selling point. It's clean, looks inviting, and I spent a significant amount of time floating in it, contemplating the meaning of life. Or maybe just wondering what to eat for lunch. Pool with a view is also offered.
- Spa/sauna: Yes, you can get your zen on.
- Massage: Ah, massage. Need I say more?
- Gym/fitness & Fitness center: Get some sweat in!
- Steamroom: Perfect for purging last night's regrets.
- Foot bath: A nice touch.
- Body scrub, & Body wrap: Pampering!
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Laundry
They've got a decent roster of services designed to make your life easier:
- 24-hour front desk: Always helpful.
- Concierge service: Someone to help you with your questions
- Daily housekeeping: Essential.
- Elevator: A necessity for anyone on an upper floor.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning & Ironing service: Very useful!
- Currency exchange & Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Luggage storage: No more awkward suitcase wrestling!
- Air conditioning in public area: Because Batam is HOT.
- Business facilities: They have a business center for some business needs!
- Car park [free of charge]: A godsend if you have a car (or rented one).
- Food delivery: Perfect for lazy days.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Get some trinkets!
- Smoking area: For those who partake.
- Terrace: Nice for a little outside time.
The Annoying Bits: I couldn't find a Doctor/nurse on call.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
They have Babysitting service which can come in handy, family/child friendly and Kids meal. Which is good for family travelers!
Getting Around: Relatively Easy!
- Airport transfer: Saves you the taxi hassle.
- Car park [free of charge]: A major plus!
- Car park [on-site]: Even better!
- Taxi service: Convenient.
- Valet parking: Luxury!
Available in all rooms:
- **Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, 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, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service,
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-organized travel guide. This is ME, raw and unfiltered, navigating the gloriously chaotic island of Batam. We're talking Chola Inn, Nagoya Hill, Mitra RedDoorz, Batam Island – prepare for some serious Indo-nesia.
Batam Blast: A Messy, Gloriously Human Itinerary (with a Touch of Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival Shambles & Spicy Surprises
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM - or whenever I actually manage to get out of bed): Ugh, the flight. Let's just say my attempt at "relaxing" involved a questionable mix of airplane peanuts and mild existential dread. Landed in Batam (after a near-disaster involving my luggage and a particularly aggressive carousel), breathing the humid air and thinking, "Alright, adventure, BRING IT." We had a cab, a driver whose English wasn't great and my Bahasa was essentially non-existent. But who needs words when you have frantic hand gestures? Off to Chola Inn, Nagoya Hill, the "Chola Inn." (I'm still trying to figure out what a "Chola" is, but hey, the price was right, and the reviews seemed…okay.)
Late-Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Unpacking. Which, let's be real, is code for rummaging through my suitcase like a raccoon after a dropped ice cream cone. The room's… serviceable. Clean-ish. The air con is a godsend. After I finished, the real mission begins: food, glorious food! Found a little Warung (local eatery) recommended by a guy on a forum (trustworthy?). Ordered something labelled "Nasi Goreng Special." What arrived was a mountain of fried rice, chicken (bone-in, naturally), a fried egg, and more chili than I've ever eaten in my life. My nose started sweating. Tears may or may not have been involved. But damn, was it delicious. Totally worth the three-hour recovery period. Side note: learned the hard way that "spicy" in Batam means "fire-breathing dragon."
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM : The hotel room was decent sized. The aircon was glorious. After a quick nap, I was off to see the shopping center. Nagoya Hill Mall or "Nagoya Hill" is a giant. I got a little lost at first. I found shops, restaurants, small vendors, and the smell of fried food and cheap perfume, its own weird ecosystem to be observed. I decided to go to the movies. After my food experience that day. I decided to go for a light snack.
Evening (7:00 PM - Whenever I fall asleep face-first): Okay, "nightlife" in Batam. Let's be honest, I'm not exactly expecting a Vegas-style spectacle. Wandered around Nagoya Hill. I found a restaurant called "Golden Prawn 933". A great experience, fresh seafood, the staff were friendly. A good night. Bedtime.
Day 2: Temples, Tempeh, and Total Zen (Maybe)
Morning (8:00AM - 11:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Free basic meals. I spent a while in front of the Television. I have to admit. it looked a little bit different. I realized then that the entire screen was in English. After I was done, I explored the area.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): I had a plan today. I wanted to go to the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple. I tried using the taxi. After a few wrong turns and some questionable driving maneuvers (bless their hearts), finally arrived. It's stunning. Huge, peaceful, a welcome respite from the general Batam buzz. Spent an hour contemplating the meaning of…well, everything. Felt momentarily enlightened, then got distracted by a particularly plump pigeon. (My inner critic, "Focus, human!"
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): More food! This time, a cooking class! (Yep, I'm a cliché, sue me.) Learned how to make tempeh (fermented soybean cakes). It looks like I've got the hang of it, but it tasted better in the classroom. A lot of it.
Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever I realize I'm starving again): Back to Nagoya Hill. This time I tried to get a traditional massage and it made me realize how stiff I am. A good evening and now for sleep.
Day 3: Island Hopping, and Last-Minute Mayhem:
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Today, the plan was island hopping! Booked a day trip (which, in hindsight, probably should have been booked before the day of). I felt lucky after I woke up today to find my backpack. I had to make a trip down to the reception. They were kind. After that I went to the port. The boat was crammed with people. The sea was choppy. I had to stop myself from throwing up. But then… the islands. They were beautiful.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back in Nagoya Hill. Some shopping and wandering. I realized how little I had bought. I had to stop and buy the essentials.
Evening (6:00 PM to Departure): Packing. A mix of excitement for home and a twinge of sadness at leaving. Ordered some takeaway. Batam, you magnificent, chaotic, delicious, slightly overwhelming island. You were a mess. A beautiful, messy experience. Goodbye.
Important Disclaimers (Because Reality Bites - and Sometimes the Food Does Too):
- This is NOT a polished, perfectly executed itinerary. Things go wrong. Plans change. I get lost. I eat too much. I sweat profusely. Embrace the chaos!
- Food safety: Street food is life, but be smart! Look for places that look busy (a sign of freshness, maybe?). Wash hands. Listen to your gut (literally!).
- Transportation: Taxis are everywhere, but negotiate the price beforehand. Grab (ride-hailing app) is a lifesaver.
- Language: Learn a few basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases. You'll get further than you think.
- Be prepared to laugh at yourself. A lot.
Happy travels! And remember, the best travel stories are the messy ones. Go forth and make some!
Unbelievable Ocean Views Await! Your Great Ocean Road Escape Starts Here (Peterborough)
Batam's Best Kept (Messy) Secret: RedDoorz @ Chola Inn Nagoya Hill - FAQ (Because You *Need* To Know!)
Okay, so, Nagoya Hill… Is it actually *hill*-y? And more importantly, is it worth it to stay at the RedDoorz @ Chola Inn?
Alright, lemme be real. Nagoya Hill is NOT a hill. It’s a massive shopping mall, and a *convenient* location. Think like, the *epicenter* of Batam’s consumerism. You're *right* there. Need a new charger? Boom. Need a massage to work out that shopping-induced stress? Double boom. It's all at your fingertips. And the RedDoorz? Well, it's... it’s a journey, my friend. A slightly *quirky* journey. I saw photos online, and thought, "Meh, budget-friendly, central, fine." And... it *is* fine. But it's also… *unique*. Let's just say it’s got character. Character that sometimes involves a very enthusiastic air conditioning unit. More on that later.
What's actually *in* the rooms at RedDoorz @ Chola Inn? Do they, like, have beds? (And are they clean-ish?)
Dude. Beds. Yes. And, from my completely subjective experience, they *appeared* clean. I'm a clean-freak, but I survived. The bed was comfy enough after a long day of haggling for a knock-off designer bag. There's a TV (mostly filled with Indonesian channels, but hey, part of the experience!). The bathroom? Well, it's compact. The shower? Let's just say the water was hot, and that's what matters, right? Okay, maybe I'm being too quick to forgive, but the convenience factor won me over. They provide basic toiletries. Think soap, shampoo, and a toothbrush that feels like it’s made of sandpaper. Bring your own! Seriously, bring your own.
Tell me about the "service". Are the staff… friendly? (Or do they just stare at you blankly?)
Oh, the service. It's... a mixed bag. Some staff members are genuinely lovely, eager to help with a smile. They'll point you in the direction of the best seafood restaurant, or help you arrange a taxi if you're completely lost, like I often am when trying to navigate new places. Others… well, communication can be a *little* challenging. Sometimes, it felt like asking for a towel was launching a complicated international negotiation. But hey, they're trying! And honestly, for the price, I wasn’t expecting concierge-level treatment. Just a functioning room and a vaguely friendly face. Did they deliver? Mostly, yes.
Alright, air conditioning. You mentioned that. Is it a raging success, or a sputtering disappointment?
Okay, the air conditioning. This is where things get *interesting*. My room’s AC? Let's say it wasn't just cooling the room; it was attempting to single-handedly freeze the entire island. It was LOUD. Like, "I-hope-I-brought-earplugs" loud. I swear, the thing could probably power a small village. First night, I turned it off, woke up a sweaty mess. Second night, I bravely turned it back on, bundled myself in the duvet, and survived a mild blizzard. Seriously though, pack a sweater. No seriously. Pack like you're visiting the Arctic in the dead of summer. Other rooms might be fine, but mine… was. An. Experience.
How's the WiFi? Because, you know, Instagram.
The WiFi? *Sigh*. It exists. Sometimes. It's a bit like a shy toddler; it might show up, it might disappear, it might have a tantrum. Don't go in expecting a super-speedy connection for streaming your favorite shows. You might have to be patient. I did my best with it. (But I also used my phone's data, because, you know, Instagram.) Also, a tip: It sometimes works better in the lobby. Get friendly, and share your connection with the other tourists.
Is it noisy? Like, can you actually *sleep* there?
It depends on the room, and your tolerance level. Being next to the mall, you'll hear some sounds, but probably not as much as, say, staying in Jakarta. I got a room facing the street. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Seriously, bring earplugs. And if you like earplugs, might I give you one more bit of sound-related advice? *Bring earplugs*. You won't regret it. Otherwise, the noise from the AC might get you first. It's a part of the adventure though!
Any insider tips? Like, what should I absolutely do (or *not* do) when staying there?
Okay, here's the lowdown:
- Bring earplugs. Seriously. I'm not kidding. The AC is the real villain.
- Pack your own toiletries. Trust me on this one.
- Embrace the weirdness. It's part of the charm. The wonky WiFi, the occasionally-unenthusiastic staff… it all adds up to a memorable experience.
- Eat at the food court in Nagoya Hill Mall! So much deliciousness at such a reasonable price.
- Go early. Check-in can be a little haphazard, so if you're arriving at a busy moment, be prepared to wait.
- Don't expect luxury. This isn’t a five-star resort. But it’s clean enough, it’s central, and it won’t empty your wallet.
- Be prepared to laugh. Because you probably *will*.
Would you stay there again? (Be honest!)
You know what? Despite the AC drama, the occasionally-sketchy WiFi, and the overall “budget-friendly” vibe… yeah, I probably would. The location is *amazing*. The price is right. And, honestly, it’s got a certain… je ne sais quoi. It’s Batam. It's cheap. It's cheerful. It's a little bit rough around the edges. And sometimes, that's exactly what I need. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But is it *worth it* for a budget traveler who wants convenience and a bit of Batam adventure? Absolutely. Next time, though, I am *definitely* bringing better earplugs. And maybe a hazmat suit, for the air conditioner. (Kidding! Mostly.) Hotelicity
