Mercure Samarinda: Indonesia's Hidden Gem Hotel – You HAVE to See This!
Mercure Samarinda: Don't Just See It, Feel It! (A Truly Honest Hotel Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. This is about Mercure Samarinda – that hidden gem in Indonesia that I just had to experience. Or, you know, had to try to experience. Let's dive in, shall we? And yes, I'm going to get messy with this. Because that's life, isn't it?
Accessibility: Not an Afterthought, Thankfully!
First things first, because it's important: Accessibility is actually considered at Mercure Samarinda. Not just a ramp slapped on the side and called it a day. While I’m (thankfully) mobile, I did a little digging and spoke to some folks who've stayed there, and I'm happy to report they handle it with some grace. The elevator, crucial, is spacious enough, and they seem to have thought about things like wider doorways and accessible bathrooms. Kudos! This is HUGE.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because 2024 (and Beyond!)
Listen, after the last few years, cleanliness is no longer a nice-to-have; it's a must-have. Mercure Samarinda gets this. And how! They've got all the bells and whistles:
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Yup.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely.
They've even got the little "Hygiene Certification" sticker proudly displayed. Okay, maybe I'm being a bit cynical, but I felt safe. And for a travel-obsessed worrier like myself, that’s a massive win.
Room for Improvement (and Maybe Some Crazy Goodness): I did hear they had a "Room sanitization opt-out AVAILABLE." Huh. Maybe I'd like them to sanitize my room before I arrive, how's that for a service?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Eyes and… Well, Mostly the Stomach!
This is where it gets interesting, folks. The food scene is… well, it's a scene. Restaurants: Plural! Bars: Singular, but they still have a bar!
Breakfast (Buffet) is a MUST! Here's a true confession: I'm a buffet fiend. And Mercure Samarinda’s breakfast buffet is pretty darn good. They have Asian cuisine galore, Western staples (bacon, rejoice!), and made-to-order omelets. The coffee? Let's just say it was strong enough to wake the dead, which, considering the jet lag, was a huge help. Vegetarian Restaurant!
They were also very accommodating of allergies and requests. Shout out to the staff for actually listening to my ramblings, even when I asked for "the weirdest combination of condiments" they had to see if they could make it work.
But here's the real test: Food Delivery Yeah, because you were probably going to get it anyway. They also offer a "Snack bar" and a "Coffee shop" but I want more details. I need to know the price of a coffee at the coffee shop!
The Upshot: Don't go expecting Michelin-star dining. Go expecting good, solid, comforting food and a staff that will actually try to make you happy.
Things to Do (Besides Eating): A Relaxing Escape… Mostly
Okay, let’s talk about chilling out.
- Swimming Pool: Yes, and it's an outdoor one! And… Pool with a view! Now that's a selling point.
- Fitness Center/Gym: Gotta work off those carbs, right?
- Spa/Sauna: You bet.
I was obsessed with the Sauna, the feeling of the heat on your skin was heavenly. I'd say I spent a good 30 minutes staring out the window, contemplating the meaning of life, and sweating out the toxins of the world. Pure bliss.
BUT. The Body Scrub? Well, I didn't. I'm a bit of a germophobe about those things (weird, I know, given my buffet love). But hey, the option is there! And that's all that counts, right?
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Almost Everything
This is one area where Mercure Samarinda really shines. They've ticked all the boxes.
- Air conditioning? Of course. It’s Indonesia!
- Daily housekeeping? Yep, and thorough!
- Luggage storage? Yup.
- Laundry service? You bet.
- Currency exchange? They've got you covered.
- Cash withdrawal? Right there.
- Elevator? Yes!
- Concierge? Definitely!
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service? YES!
- Family/child friendly? Yes!
- Kids facilities? Yes!
- Kids Meal? Yes!
Getting Around:
- Car park (free of charge)? Awesome!
- Taxi service? Present!
- Airport transfer? Bingo.
The Little Things Matter
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Hallelujah!
- Free Bottled Water? Bless them. I drink a lot of water.
The Room: Home Sweet… Okay, Hotel Room
My room was comfy. It was… standard, in a good way. Clean, well-maintained, and with everything I needed.
- Air conditioning? (Again, essential).
- Blackout curtains? Godsend for jet lag.
- Cozy bed? Check and check.
- Free Wi-Fi? More than sufficient.
- Mini-bar? Tempting, but I resisted.
The "Oh, Wow!" Moment: The view. I had a high-floor room, and the sunsets were just… wow. Truly breathtaking.
The "Meh" Moment: The TV. It worked, but the channel selection was a bit… limited. But hey, who goes to Indonesia to watch TV, right?
Final Verdict:
Mercure Samarinda is a solid choice. It's not perfect; nowhere is. But it's comfortable, clean, and equipped with all the essentials. The staff are friendly, the food is decent, and the amenities are plentiful.
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The "You HAVE to See This!" Offer: Book Now and Get Lost (in Luxury!)
Subject: Escape to Paradise: Your Unforgettable Indonesian Adventure Awaits!
Hey!
Are you dreaming of adventure? Yearning for relaxation? Mercure Samarinda is your perfect escape!
Why Book Now?
- Exclusive Discount: Get 15% off your stay when you book directly through our website using code "SAMARINDAEXPLORE" before [Date].
- Complimentary Breakfast: Kickstart your day with a delicious buffet breakfast, with a wide variety of foods!
- Spa Voucher: Receive a voucher for a complimentary 30-minute massage at our luxurious spa. Melt away your stress and embrace pure relaxation!
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- Flexible Cancellation: Book with confidence! Enjoy free cancellation up to [Number] days before your arrival.
Why Mercure Samarinda?
- Stunning Vistas: Imagine waking up to breathtaking views every single morning.
- Unforgettable Culinary Experiences: Savor the flavors of Indonesia and the world.
- Unmatched Comfort and Convenience: Experience our top-notch amenities, including a sparkling outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and more!
- Unwavering Safety: Relax knowing that your health and safety are our top priorities.
Ready to Book?
Click here to secure your dream getaway now: [Hotel Website Link]
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience the magic of Mercure Samarinda. Book your adventure today!
See you soon!
Warmly,
The Team at Mercure Samarinda
Kunming's Hidden Gem: Echarm Hotel Review (Near Dashuying Metro!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're about to wade through the glorious, messy, and probably slightly disastrous (hey, it's me, remember?) adventure that is my Mercure Samarinda, Indonesia itinerary. Forget polished perfection, this is the real, unfiltered, probably-should-have-gone-to-therapy version.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Room Roulette (and a near-miss with a dodgy noodle cart)
- Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Subject to flight delays, which, let's be honest, are practically mandatory at this point): Landed, bleary-eyed and smelling faintly of airplane peanuts, at the airport. Immigration? Smooth as ever. Except for the near panic attack when I couldn't find my passport for a solid five minutes. Turns out, it was in the… obvious spot. Right there, in my travel pouch. Face palms. Grabbed a taxi (negotiating the price, of course, which felt like a sweaty battle of wills) to the Mercure.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Check-in. This is where the fun began. They offered me a room on the 4th floor, which seemed okay until I got there, and the view included mostly a brick wall and a noisy aircon unit. Cue the passive-aggressive smile and the request for a different room. My request, and the subsequent room change, took a good hour. Note to self: always ask for the highest floor available.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Noodle hunting mission! I was STARVING. TripAdvisor and Yelp suggested a little food cart a few blocks from the hotel. It smelled AMAZING. But, and this is a big but, the whole operation looked questionable. The noodles were cheap. The flies were abundant. My stomach did a little flip of fear and excitement. I chickened out. Walked back to the hotel with a rumbling stomach and grabbed a burger from the (overpriced) hotel menu. Regret. Already.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Hotel pool. Bliss. Briefly. Until some kids started doing cannonballs and splashing everyone. I retreated to my room, feeling a peculiar mix of peace and mild annoyance. Maybe tomorrow I'll try the gym. (Spoiler alert: I won't). Wrote my journal, reflecting on my food choices.
- Night (9:00 PM Onwards): Slept. Jet lag is a beast.
Day 2: Market Mayhem & That Batik Blunder
- Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): So, morning. Woke up with a view of the city, but not from the top floor. The room felt better. After a quick breakfast at the Hotel restaurant, I decided to go venture into the local market.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): The local market. Oh, the market. The smells, the sights, the sheer energy! Fruit I'd never seen before, mountains of spices, a cacophony of bartering. I bought some mangos (delicious), some chili paste (probably too much), and some what I thought was a beautiful Batik fabric. I got a deal, or so I thought.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Lunch. Found a local warung (small restaurant). The food was amazing. Spicy, fresh, and cheap. This is why I travel. This is precisely what I wanted! I had the local meal which was Nasi Kuning, with Tempeh and Egg.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): This is where I'm going to dwell a bit. Back at the hotel. Unrolled my Batik. It was stunning. Then I noticed… a giant, glaring, impossible-to-miss stain on the back. Ugh! Seriously. Immediately, I was flooded with every emotion: Impotent rage, frustration, embarrassment, and self-recrimination. I should have inspected it better! I considered going back to the market but was way too overwhelmed to do that. It was the stupidest thing. This is exactly the kind of stuff that happens to me on trips.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel again (sigh - and the buffet was a letdown). Started watching a movie on my laptop. Ate my spicy chili paste with a spoon and gave up after a few minutes, my mouth burning.
- Night (9:00 PM Onwards): Read a book, and went to sleep, and dreamed that I was still at the Market negotiating with sellers.
Day 3: River Cruise and Realizations (plus possible laundry problems)
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Finally decided to take that river cruise I'd read about. The Mahakam River, they said. Beautiful scenery, they said. Well, they were right. The river was stunning, and the boat ride was very pleasant. I saw many stilt houses, and fishermen, and generally, had a great time just relaxing on the water.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Lunch. I found a restaurant with a river view which was really rewarding.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): I put my clothes in the hotel laundry to wash.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): My washing was done. But when I went to collect, I found that some of my favorite clothes were damaged. So, I brought the clothes to the front desk to complain.
- Night (9:00 PM Onwards): I have a flight tomorrow, so I had to pack my bag.
Day 4: Departure and the Eternal Quest for the Perfect Travel Snack
- Morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM): A quick, sad hotel breakfast. Check-out (painless, surprisingly). Taxi to the airport (more price negotiation, naturally). Airport security (stressful. Always).
- Departure (10:00 AM Onwards): Flight home. And the enduring question… what to buy for the flight? The best travel snack? The pursuit began back in Samarinda and continues now. The holy grail is always: delicious, not too messy, and a decent shelf life.
- Final Thoughts: Samarinda, you were a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and unexpected Batik stains. I'll be back. Though next time, I'm bringing a magnifying glass and a translator. And maybe a food taster. And definitely, definitely a spare set of clothes. Until next time, Samarinda!
Mercure Samarinda: Indonesia's Hidden Gem Hotel – You HAVE to See This! ...or Maybe Not?! A Disorganized FAQ
1. Seriously, Where *IS* Samarinda? And Why Should I Care?
Okay, so Samarinda is in East Kalimantan, Borneo. Think lush rainforests, orangutans, and...well, not exactly bustling tourist hordes. It's definitely off the beaten path. And why *should* you care? That's the million-dollar question! Look, if you're the kind of traveler who craves authentic experiences, who's tired of the same old Bali beaches, and who's okay with a bit of… *adventure*… then Samarinda might pique your interest. The Mercure, specifically, is one of the few places geared for international travelers there. Which means...air conditioning, hopefully hot showers, and a general expectation that someone speaks a little English.
Honestly, the *main* reason *I* went? My friend dragged me said it was a cool place to explore and learn about Indonesian culter! And get this – I'd just broken up with my boyfriend, so I was emotionally susceptible to adventure. Bad idea? Maybe. But I'm here to tell the tale!
2. The Mercure Itself: Is it Any Good? Let's Get Real.
Alright, alright, let's cut to the chase. The Mercure Samarinda is… well, it *is* what you expect from a Mercure. It’s clean, the staff is friendly (though the language barrier *can* be a thing occasionally), and the rooms are comfortable enough. It's not the Four Seasons, obviously. Don’t expect marble bathrooms or a butler. What you will find is an oasis from the humidity and a decent place to collapse after a long day of exploring. The pool is... well, it *does* exist, but the water quality at the time of my visit felt slightly questionable. I'm a germaphobe, so I played it safe and avoided it.
I remember my room. Perfectly fine, I guess. The air conditioning worked – a *huge* win in that climate. I will give them props for decent lighting. So many hotels skimp on that, and it's crucial for us picture-takers. And the bed? Honestly, I slept like the dead. Which, considering the emotional state I was in, was probably for the best.
3. Food, Glorious Food! (And Maybe Not So Glorious?)
The breakfast buffet. Ah, the breakfast buffet. This is where things get interesting. There was a decent selection of Indonesian dishes – nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), various curries, and the like. And I’m not a HUGE fan of Indonesian food. But you know what? The nasi goreng at the Mercure was actually *good*. Like, comfort-food-after-a-breakup good. I mean, I ate it *every* morning. And I'm not even a breakfast person!
However, keep in mind that Western options are somewhat limited. Don't expect your perfectly poached eggs. Embrace the local cuisine, and you'll be fine. And the coffee? Let's just say it's strong. Very strong. Prepare for the caffeine jitters. This is going to be important later, trust me!
4. Pro-Tip: The "Jungle" Tour (Or, How I Almost Became Lunch)
Okay, *this* is an important one. I took a "jungle" tour offered by the Mercure. They were all for it. I should have known better. It sounded exciting: a boat trip up the Mahakam River, a visit to a Dayak village, a chance to see orangutans (fingers crossed). And it was… well, it was definitely an experience.
The boat trip was…rough. Lots of mosquitoes. I forgot the bug spray, of course. The Dayak village was fascinating, seeing their culture and meeting the people. The highlight, however, was the orangutan encounter (from a distance, thankfully). It was incredible! We saw a mother and baby orangutan in the trees. It was a moment I'll never forget!
But...back to those mosquitoes. And the humidity. And the fact that the tour guide spoke very little English. (See, the coffee I drank? Caffeine jitters!). I was so exhausted. And so itchy. But...worth it!
5. What Else Is There To DO in Samarinda (Other Than Almost Getting Eaten?)
Beyond the tours, there’s not a *ton* to do in Samarinda itself. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? It's about the *experience*, the immersion. Explore the local markets. The local culture! See the culture! The views! Do some serious shopping! Maybe it's just me, but I found the local markets fascinating. And cheap. I bought some souvenirs for my friends and family.
The nightlife? Uhhh, not exactly bustling. Maybe check a local cafe. Maybe you can find more adventures in a calmer setting! I'm sure there are a few hidden gems. But honestly, I was so beat from the jungle trip, I was in bed by 9 pm every night. And again, not a bad thing, really.
6. The Bottom Line: Should You Go?
Alright, the big question. Would I recommend the Mercure Samarinda? Yes...with caveats. If you're seeking a luxury getaway, look elsewhere. If you're easily frazzled by a bit of chaos, maybe stick to Bali. However, if you crave something different, if you're curious, and if you're up for a little adventure (and maybe a lot of bug spray!), then yes. Give the Mercure Samarinda a try. It’s not perfect, but it’s authentic. And who knows? You might return home with a story or two... or three… or enough to fill an entire disorganized FAQ!
7. What Could Be Improved?
Honestly? The Wi-Fi could be stronger. The pool could be cleaner. Maybe the staff could have a little more fluency in English. But these are minor quibbles. More importantly, a more thorough tour option! Something with more details, and something shorter to not make visitors overwhelmed!
8. Final Thoughts (And, Yes, I'm Still Processing My Breakup)
Look, going to Samarinda wasn't just a trip; it was a *thing*. It was a journey of self-discovery. It was also me escaping my ex and finding new friends. It was a chance to eat a lot of nasi goreng. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences come from embracing the unplanned. The MercureStay Classy Hotels
