Unbelievable Luxury at RedDoorz Plus @ Hotel Alden Makassar! (Indonesia's Hidden Gem!)
Unbelievable Luxury? More Like… Alden-ingly Surprising! A Real Dive into RedDoorz Plus @ Hotel Alden Makassar (Indonesia’s… Well, Let’s See!)
(SEO & Metadata Alert: RedDoorz Plus Hotel Alden Makassar Review, Makassar Hotels, Indonesia Hotels, Budget Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Pandemic Travel, Indonesian Hospitality, Local Experiences)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from RedDoorz Plus @ Hotel Alden Makassar, and let me tell you, my expectations were ALL over the place. I mean, "Unbelievable Luxury"? Right. I’ve seen those claims before. But hey, Makassar, Indonesia? A “Hidden Gem” they claim? Color me intrigued. So, here’s the real, unfiltered, maybe-a-little-dramatic truth. Prepare yourselves…
First Impressions (and a Little "Oh, HELL YES!):
So, the airport transfer… (Getting Around: Airport Transfer). They had it! And let me tell you, after a long flight, that's GOLD. The driver? Pleasant enough, even if he didn’t speak much English. The building itself… well, it doesn't scream "Unbelievable Luxury" from the outside. It's more… functional. But DON'T judge a book, people. (Okay, I judge books, but I’m working on it!)
Checking In – Smooth Sailing (Mostly):
(Services and Conveniences: Check-in/out [express], Front desk [24-hour]). The check-in? Surprisingly smooth! (Contactless check-in/out) They had a dedicated area, (Front desk [24-hour]) and the staff – bless their hearts – were genuinely friendly and helpful. They even managed my broken Bahasa Indonesia with a patient smile. (Facilities for disabled guests) - Okay, this is where my perspective shifts. The lobby seemed accessible, with an elevator (Elevator) readily available. I didn't explicitly check every nook and cranny for wheelchair accessibility, but from what I saw, it seemed reasonably considered. More on that later.
The Room – A Pleasant Surprise (with a Few Quirks):
(Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, 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, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.)
My room… whoa. Okay, not "Unbelievable Luxury" per se, but definitely well-appointed! (Also, did I mention free Wi-Fi? (Available in all rooms: Wi-Fi [free])) Seriously, rockstar level Wi-Fi. Thank goodness. The bed was HUGE and comfortable (Extra long bed), the aircon worked like a champ (Air conditioning), and the blackout curtains? My savior after those jet lag nights. (Blackout curtains) They even had bathrobes! (Bathrobes - major points) I’m a sucker for a good bathrobe.
But here's where the "quirks" made their appearance:
- The bathroom phone? (Bathroom phone) Really? Who needs a phone in the bathroom? I mean, I'm imagining frantic calls while… you know… it's just… odd.
- The "in-room safe box?" (In-room safe box) Tiny. Like, suspiciously tiny. I could barely fit my passport and a few… well, let’s just say "valuables." It's definitely a safe place to store your… small valuables.
- "Complimentary tea" (Complimentary tea): The tea itself? Fine. The presentation? Eh. Lacked the luxury touch, you know?
Cleanliness and Safety – Pandemic-Era Peace of Mind:
(Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)
Okay, HUGE praise for the Alden on this front. I’m talking seriously IMPRESSED. There were hand sanitizers EVERYWHERE. (Hand sanitizer) The staff wore masks religiously (Staff trained in safety protocol), and it seemed like they were constantly cleaning. (Daily disinfection in common areas) They even offered you the option to opt-out of room cleaning if you preferred it. (Room sanitization opt-out available) I felt genuinely safe and comfortable, which is a HUGE deal right now. And bonus points: I saw them using…actual anti-viral cleaning products. (Anti-viral cleaning products) That felt nice and reassured.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Mixed Bag of Deliciousness:
(Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant)
The breakfast buffet? (Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant) Hit or miss, honestly. The Asian breakfast options (Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant) were the clear winners – seriously delicious nasi goreng. (Asian cuisine in restaurant) The Western selection… well, let's just say they tried. The coffee was decent (Coffee/tea in restaurant). The atmosphere and decor were lovely. The coffee shop (Coffee shop) was nice, too. Room service 24 hours (Room service [24-hour]) was a God-send after those long days of sightseeing.
The Real Winner: The Pool With a View!
(Things to do, ways to relax: Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor])
Okay, this is where Alden really redeemed itself. The outdoor swimming pool? (Swimming pool [outdoor]) AMAZING. Seriously. It was clean, the water was refreshing, and the view? Glorious. (Pool with view) I spent hours lounging by the pool, sipping a Bintang, and just… existing. It’s a total oasis. Trust me, skip the gym. Pool time is the real workout. (Fitness center) (Gym/fitness). But, be aware, it can get crowded at peak times.
Spa Services? (Or, My Quest for Relaxation):
(Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom)
I got a massage (Massage) - a must after that long flight. It wasn't "unbelievable luxury" spa-style, but it was decent and relaxing. I never got around to the sauna (Sauna) or steam room (Steamroom), so I can't speak to those.
Things to Do – Exploring Makassar (and Surviving the Heat):
Honestly, I was a bit overwhelmed by Makassar. (CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Front desk [24-hour]) It's a bustling city, a bit chaotic. The Alden’s location wasn't perfectly central, but it was close enough to most things. Taxis were readily available (Taxi service), and the staff could help arrange transport (Airport transfer). I'd suggest going on an organized tour if possible.
The Hidden Gems – Where Alden Shines:
The people. Seriously, the staff. They were SO incredibly friendly, helpful, and patient. (Front desk [24-hour] always in full effect). They genuinely wanted you to enjoy your stay. They made all the difference. And, for the price? Seriously, what a deal! It’s not "Unbelievable Luxury," but it's a comfortable, clean, and surprisingly enjoyable place to stay.
Accessibility Ramblings:
Okay, so I'm not an expert on accessibility. But, from what I saw, the Alden tried to be inclusive. The elevator was a definite plus (Elevator). I'm not sure how the rooms are specifically adapted, but it appeared, from a glance, to be a good experience. It is a good idea to contact the hotel, as it is best practice for any
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Makassar, baby! And we're starting from… well, the RedDoorz Plus @ Hotel Alden Makassar, which, let's be honest, is a perfectly serviceable base camp. Think of it as the slightly dusty starting line of an Indonesian adventure. Prepare for the beautiful mess that is my travel plan.
The "Mostly-Prepared, Probably-Winging-It" Itinerary: Makassar, Indonesia (And Probably Some Unexpected Pit Stops)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in the Face of "Local Charm"
- Morning (ish): Land at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar. Okay, first impression: HOT. Like, really hot. I knew it would be, but still. Airport chaos ensues. Taxis? Grab? The eternal struggle. Eventually, I hail a Grab, dodging the aggressive touts like a seasoned pro (or, more accurately, a slightly panicked tourist). The driver, bless his soul, is a whirlwind of rapid-fire Indonesian and a smile that could sell ice to an Eskimo.
- Mid-Morning: Arrive at the RedDoorz. Honestly? It's fine. Clean enough, AC works (hallelujah!), and the Wi-Fi… well, let's just say it's giving "dial-up nostalgia". I spend an hour fighting with the router before finally giving up and surrendering to the local internet speed – which, to be fair, is what I'm here for. To disconnect and chill out.
- Lunch: Find a warung (small, local eatery). This is where things get interesting. The food is… vibrant. The chili… a weapon. I order something that looks intriguing – coto Makassar (a rich, savory soup with beef and offal). It's delicious, then suddenly it's "OMG, my mouth is on FIRE!" I learn a valuable lesson about chili tolerance today. And about the cultural differences between the spice tolerance of Indonesia and my own.
- Afternoon: Wander the streets. Explore the local culture. My mission is to discover the Fort Rotterdam (Benteng Ujung Pandang). I got lost… probably three times. Map-reading is my weakness, okay? But the detours? The random alleyways filled with the scent of spices and the chatter of locals? THAT'S the good stuff. I stumbled upon a tailor shop, a tiny school, and a guy selling questionable-looking durian. My inner tourist photographer is in overdrive.
- Evening: Sunset at Losari Beach. This is the famous spot. The pictures looked idyllic. The reality? Beautiful, yes. But also filled with hawkers selling everything from plastic trinkets to… apparently, "massages for the soul." (I'm not making that up). I settle down for a Bintang beer (or two) and watch the colors explode across the sky. Pure bliss. Until a kid tries to sell me balloons. He was very persistent. I gave in. I'm a sucker for children and balloons.
Day 2: Into the Heart of It (and Maybe a Little Bit of Regret)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet situation is… well, it isn't a buffet. More like a small table with a few questionable offerings. I stick with the toast. The lack of coffee I can drink, I cannot handle.
- Mid-Morning: Rent a scooter (against all better judgment, I admit). The traffic in Makassar is a beautiful, chaotic ballet of horns and near-misses. I spend the next hour clinging on for dear life, mostly managing not to crash. I have no idea where I’m going, but I'm going fast! My new friend, "Scoot," and I are a team.
- Lunch: Attempt to find a recommended restaurant for seafood. The address is “somewhere along the coast”. I get lost (again), end up in a bustling market. The sights, the smells… sensory overload. I'm overwhelmed but in an amazing way. I try some street food; I have no idea what half of it is, but it’s all amazing.
- Afternoon: Visit Paotere Harbor. This is where the pinisi boats are. The boats themselves are beautiful, majestic, and a vivid splash of color against the turquoise. The harbor, however, has, let's say, a certain aroma. You can't have it all. Still, taking photos is a must.
- Evening: Dinner somewhere with live music. I'm craving that local vibe, that feeling of truly being here. Finding it, however, proves more difficult than anticipated. Ended up in a very touristy restaurant, overpriced food. So, I order the Bintang. Everything is better now.
Day 3: Island Dreams & the Reality of Mosquitoes
- Morning: Early ferry to Samalona Island. This is the "getaway" portion of the plan. Blue water, white sand, the promise of snorkeling and utter relaxation. I pack my bag, my sunscreen, and my (still unused) snorkel.
- Mid-Morning: Ferry ride. The sea is a shimmering emerald, the other passengers are friendly and talkative.
- Lunch: Eat some lovely grilled fish. The simplicity and freshness of the food make up for the slight sand-in-everything situation. The sun is relentless: I am reminded of my delicate British heritage.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling! Yes, finally! The underwater world is breathtaking. Colourful fish, coral reefs… and enough mosquitoes to give a person an emotional breakdown. I am now covered in bites. I am itchy and tired, but still, so happy.
- Evening: Back to Makassar. I fall asleep during the ferry ride. Dinner at a night market. Try not to get lost on the way "back."
Day 4: Departure & Post-Travel Sadness (Maybe a Little Bit)
- Morning: Final breakfast at the hotel. I pack, check out. I reflect on my time: messy, imperfect, and absolutely incredible. I’ve seen things, eaten things, and smelled things I never expected. And that’s what it’s all about.
- Mid-Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I haggle with a shopkeeper over a ridiculously cheap t-shirt, I take photos of everything I possibly can.
- Lunch: A quick bite before heading to the airport. Indonesian food one last time.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport. The flight home. This is the part where the real travel sadness starts.
- Evening: That familiar landing, that moment where you realise your Indonesian adventure is over.
Important Considerations (Because I’m a Real Person, Not a Travel Brochure):
- Pace yourself: It's hot, it's chaotic, it's amazing. Don't try to cram too much in. Just breathe.
- Embrace the mess: Schedules are suggestions, not mandates. Get lost. Say yes to the weird things.
- Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases: Even a “terima kasih” (thank you) goes a long way.
- Mosquito repellent: Seriously, pack the stuff. You’ll thank me later. And you might also think that all the itching has been worth it.
- Always have water: Hydration is key.
- Be kind: To the locals, to yourself, and to anyone else who might be having a bad day.
- Expect the unexpected: That's where the best memories are made.
- Remember this trip forever.
This itinerary is a work in progress. An experience, a story and a beautiful mess. I'll check back later with updates and corrections from the front lines. Wish me luck! And, oh yeah… let the adventure begin!
Escape to Paradise: Huandalha Resort, Lamphun's Hidden Gem
RedDoorz Plus @ Hotel Alden Makassar: The Unbelievable (Mostly!) Truth - Ask Away!
(Brace Yourselves...It Might Get Messy... But Honest!)
Okay, spill. Is this 'Unbelievable Luxury' thing a *lie*? Because I've seen the internet...
Alright, alright, hold your horses! "Unbelievable Luxury" might be a *touch* hyperbolic. Let's be real, it's Makassar. It's not the Ritz in Paris. BUT! For the price point, and compared to some of the other places I've… experienced… in Sulawesi? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Think "comforting" luxury. Clean sheets, a decent shower (key!), and AC that actually *works*. That's a win in my book. I'm not gonna lie, I went in expecting a dive, and walked out relatively pleased.
What's the *real* room situation like? Seriously, pictures can be deceiving. Is the bathroom…battle-ready?
Okay, the rooms...they're decent. Like, actually decent. The photo I saw online? Probably been doctored a *little*, but not catastrophically. The bed? Comfy enough. Not the kind you sink into, but I slept *okay* (which, after a day of exploring Makassar, is all I ask). The AC? As mentioned, a godsend. Now, the bathroom... the bathroom is where things get *interesting*. My first thought? "Okay, this is clean." Now, for some reason, my brain just immediately thinks, 'is this... *battle-ready* as in, *could* I survive a zombie apocalypse in here?'...I'm not entirely sure where that came from, but it popped in when I first entered. The water pressure wasn't amazing, and the shower head, you know, did *that* thing where it sprayed in all directions *except* down. But hey, it was *clean*. More than I expected. No mold in sight! Score!
Breakfast? Is it even *worth* waking up for? 'Cause let's be honest, hotel breakfasts can either be amazing or… a tragedy.
Breakfast! YES, absolutely worth waking up for (mostly). Okay, don't expect a Michelin-star experience. It's a buffet, the classic Indonesian-style. There was *nasi goreng* (fried rice), which was… good. Always a solid choice. There were some weird, vaguely-orange pancakes (I'm not sure what that was about), some fruit (papaya, always a safe bet), and some *very* strong coffee. I'm talking, it'll *wake you up* to the point that you feel like you're vibrating. I probably had four cups, and spent the next hour pacing. Yeah, the "strong coffee" is an understated way to say, it's the nuclear rocket fuel of coffees. But hey, it was free, and it got me going. So, overall? Better than the "continental breakfast" I had at the last place I stayed (dry bread and a questionable apple). Definitely go for it!
What's the deal with location? Is it…you know… actually in a *good* location? Is it easy to get around?
The location? Honestly? Pretty decent, yeah. Not *perfect*. You’re not smack-dab in the middle of the action, but it's close enough to the main sights. It's a short Grab (the local ride-share, your best friend in Makassar) ride to Fort Rotterdam – which you absolutely MUST see. Also, the street food scene is within reach... and believe me, the street food is amazing in Makassar. A quick scoot on a scooter (if you're brave - *I* wasn't) would also do the trick. It's walkable if you are a real person. I did not take scooters, I'm scared of them and the traffic. My only issue? Finding the damn hotel the first time. GPS can lead you down some *interesting* alleys in Makassar. So, prepare to be driven around in circles a little. And get your driver's patience ready!
The staff? Are they helpful? And are they able to speak English?
The staff… they were lovely! Seriously, the Indonesian people are some of the friendliest people on earth. The reception staff were very helpful, though their English was a little shaky at times. Sometimes you need to repeat yourself (slowly) or point and wave, but even if there was a language barrier, they were trying. They were always smiling, which is half the battle. I needed extra towels and they were on it. I asked for a recommendation of a good place to get *coto makassar* (Must-try local food, by the way). They directed me to a great place! So yeah, the staff are a huge win. They made the whole experience *better*.
Anything *really* bad? Any horror stories? Should I be worried about bed bugs? (I’m a worrier.)
Okay, let's get the *real* dirty laundry out of the hamper. I'm not going to lie: I am a worrier. I was convinced I was going to find bed bugs. I inspected the mattress like a hawk. *Twice*. I didn't see any bed bugs. No! I didn't see them! But I did find a tiny, *tiny* stain on the sheets. Like, microscopic. I am positive I am a hypochondraic. But, overall? No horror stories. No screaming in the night. My biggest 'complaint'? (And this is a really first-world problem) The Wi-Fi was a little iffy at times. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't. If you *absolutely* need to be connected 24/7, then it might annoy you. But for me, I could disconnect, and that was fine. Other than that? Nothing major to report.
Overall, would you recommend RedDoorz Plus @ Hotel Alden Makassar? Really, would you?
Okay, here's the verdict: *yes*, I'd recommend it. With some caveats, of course. It’s not the ultimate luxury experience. But for the price, the location, and the genuinely friendly staff? It's a solid choice. I'd recommend it to budget travelers willing to get their hands a little dirty and embrace the charm of Makassar. Would I stay there again? Yeah, probably. I'm not expecting perfection, and Alden definitely delivers a good bang for your buck. Just pack some bug spray, maybe your own coffee (in case the rocket fuel is too intense!), and embrace the adventure! Just be prepared to walk down some questionable alleys to get there!
