Yogyakarta's BEST Hotel? University Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Yogyakarta's BEST Hotel? University Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Yogyakarta's Best Kept Secret… Revealed (Finally!) - My Messy, Brilliant Stay at University Hotel
Okay, so I've stayed in a lot of hotels. From dodgy backpacker joints to ridiculously overpriced luxury palaces. But University Hotel in Yogyakarta? That place… that place is something else. Forget the brochures, the polished photos, the lies. This is the real deal, and trust me, I’m about to spill the tea, the kopi tubruk, the whole darn thing!
First off, let’s be real: finding the "best" hotel is subjective. What I crave might be your nightmare. But after experiencing the University Hotel, I'm pretty confident I can say it's a serious contender. Let’s break down the good, the slightly confusing, and the utterly delightful… in no particular order, because, hey, that's life, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Improving
This is the first place where things get a little… wobbly. While the website says they have facilities for disabled guests, I didn't personally see everything I'd expect in a truly accessible hotel. There's an elevator (a HUGE plus!), and the general layout seemed pretty spacious, but I didn't get to inspect a specific room designed for wheelchair users. So, while they are working on it, maybe call and check their accessibility info before you book if this is a crucial requirement.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Breath of Fresh (and Disinfected) Air
COVID has changed everything. And University Hotel clearly took it seriously. They went above and beyond, which, honestly, soothed my anxiety. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double-check. Staff trained in safety protocols? Absolutely. Honestly, sometimes I felt like I was in a sterilized laboratory! I loved the peace of mind. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? YES! Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha! They even have individual-wrapped food options, which, in a way is a bit sad, but hey, peace of mind! Although I did get a bit of a giggle when I saw the sterile plastic covering even on the salt shaker. I get it…but it was a little intense.
Internet Access: Bless the Free Wi-Fi Gods! (and LAN too, if you’re old school)
Okay, this is a biggie for me. I NEED that sweet, sweet internet juice. And here's the deal: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! It was fast, reliable, and I could stream all my shows without buffering. The hotel also boasts Internet [LAN] – for those who enjoy a blast from the past…or, you know, need a super-secure connection. Thank you, internet gods!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's (Mostly) Happy Place
Where do I even start? The food…oh, the food! The breakfast buffet was an experience in itself. Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant. The Asian Breakfast was absolutely AMAZING! The buffet was massive, with everything under the sun. I also appreciated the fact they provided alternative meal arrangements for me, since I had some dietary restrictions. Coffee, tea and juice were included. They even made breakfast takeaway service available for when you're on the go. There’s a coffee shop (essential!), a snack bar, and a poolside bar for those sundowner cocktails. There are also a number of restaurants to choose from. They seriously have you covered. I indulged in a lot of the desserts in restaurant – a major weakness! And I definitely spent a few hours lounging (maybe a little too long…) at the Poolside bar taking in the view (more on that later). Even if you're on a budget, you can grab a bottle of water for when you need a boost.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Finding My Zen (and My Inner Child)
This is where the University Hotel really shines. This place is basically a mini-resort! Their outdoor swimming pool is gorgeous, offering stunning views. I’m not sure how one can relax with such a view, but I tried, and it was worth it. The Fitness center is well-equipped (though I mostly just admired it from afar – my idea of fitness involving a pool and a cocktail).
And then there's the spa. Oh, the spa! I practically lived there. I got a massage that melted away all my stress. Seriously, the masseuse was a miracle worker. The sauna was blissful, the steamroom was…steamy. And I even got a body scrub and a body wrap. Frankly, I emerged feeling like a brand-new person. They also have a foot bath, which I found really fun!
Services and Conveniences: It's All Here (Mostly)
They offer pretty much everything you could need. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Air conditioning in rooms? Double check! Cash withdrawal? Yep. Currency Exchange? You betcha. Daily housekeeping? Fantastic. Elevator? Essential. Laundry service? Praise the lord! Room service [24-hour]? YES! Safety deposit boxes? Always a good idea. But the BEST part is the staff!! Everyone was so friendly and helpful.
For The Kids: Family-Friendly Fun! (Probably)
They have babysitting service, which is a lifesaver for parents, and they are family/child friendly, which is a huge bonus. They even offer kids meal - it's all there! I'm not a parent, so I can't vouch for the Kids facilities, but judging by everything else they offer, I'd wager they're pretty good.
Rooms: My Little Oasis of Calm (and Coffee)
Okay, let's talk rooms. I stayed in a standard room, and it was… well, it was lovely. They have non-smoking rooms, and the whole room was soundproof. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Free bottled water? Always welcome. The bed was comfy, the shower was hot, and the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. Coffee/tea maker? Essential! Desk? Needed it. Hair dryer? Check. And of course, that glorious Wi-Fi [free]! I also appreciated having the mirror and towels. It's a little thing but it makes a difference. Oh, and the alarm clock. Never forget to wake up on time!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
They offer airport transfer (a huge plus after a long flight!), taxi service, and valet parking. There's also car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. So, getting around is generally pretty straightforward. I did not use this service, but it's a great thing to have.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?)
Okay, here's where I get brutally honest. While the hotel is amazing, there were a few minor things that could use improvement.
- The Noise: Occasionally, the noise from the street (despite the soundproofing) could be a bit disruptive. But hey, it's a city hotel, you expect some noise.
- The Aesthetics: The décor is a little… classic. Not exactly cutting-edge design, but comfortable and clean. I didn't mind it, but if you're a design snob, you might want to adjust your expectations.
My Verdict: Go! Just Go!
Despite the minor quibbles, the University Hotel is a winner. It's clean, safe, comfortable, and packed with amenities. More than that, it feels like a place that cares about its guests. It's a place where you can truly relax, explore Yogyakarta, and recharge your batteries.
I’ll definitely be back. And you should go too. Don't overthink it. Just book it. You won't regret it. And tell them the messy, coffee-stained, spa-loving reviewer sent you!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned sightseeing trip. This is Yogyakarta: The University Hotel Edition, and honey, it's gonna be a rollercoaster. I'm talking jet lag, questionable street food, and a profound existential crisis staring at a batik wall hanging. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival of the Dizzy Tourist and the Quest for Strong Coffee
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Adisucipto International Airport (JOG). Okay, so the flight was a red eye, and I'm convinced my internal clock is now permanently set to "existential dread." Finding the driver the hotel arranged was a minor miracle! Apparently, "University Hotel Driver" in Bahasa translates to "guy with a slightly confused expression and a questionable knowledge of Google Maps." We got there eventually, thank god. The drive was like a fever dream of scooters, vibrant street art, and the smell of something delicious I couldn't identify.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at University Hotel. (Room 304 - The one with the flickering lightbulb!) The lobby is all polished wood and smiling faces, very promising. The room, however, is… cozy. Let's call it that. And the flickering lightbulb? Drama queen. But hey, the air conditioning works and the bed looks promising. I NEED SLEEP.
- 3:00 PM: Coffee Quest Begins. Caffeine is the oxygen of life at this point. Found a tiny café – "Kopi & Kuli" - just down the road promising "strong Java coffee." The place was rammed with students, all buzzing with energy. Mine? Non-existent. Ordered a "Kopi Susu" (coffee with condensed milk) and it was…sweet. Too sweet. I've never had a sugar rush combined with jet lag before. This is going to be interesting.
- 4:00 PM: Trying to Stay Awake. Like, Really hard. Wandered around the hotel, convinced I'd forgotten how to breathe. The pool looked inviting, but I'm picturing myself face-planting while trying to do a graceful dive, so…no.
- 5:00 PM: Sunset and the Great Noodle Debacle. Decided to be adventurous and try street food. Found a little warung (small family-owned restaurant) and pointed at a vaguely noodle-like item. It arrived, steaming, looking glorious. Then I took a bite. Oh. My. God. It was SPICY. Like, "my stomach is going to stage a revolt and leave me stranded" spicy. I panicked, chugged water, and laughed/cried simultaneously. The family, bless their hearts, just smiled. I think they pitied the poor tourist.
- 7:00 PM: Collapse. Crawled back to the room, defeated by noodles and exhaustion. Set about the room in my usual way.
Day 2: Borobudur and the Buddha Blues
- 5:00 AM: Rise and (barely) Shine. Okay, that's a lie. It wasn't rising and shining. It was a groggy stumble to get dressed. The early wake-up call for Borobudur. Worth it (I hoped).
- 6:00 AM: The Drive and a Prayer. The hotel arranged a driver. This time, it was the "slightly less confused driver" I think. The drive took about an hour, the winding roads, the morning mist… magical. Tried to enjoy it, even though my stomach was still protesting the noodles.
- 7:00 AM: Borobudur - Majestic But So Many Stairs! Holy. Mother. Of. Buddha. That's all I could think. Massive, intricate, awe-inspiring. The sunrise was breathtaking. I climbed. And climbed. My thighs are screaming. Finding the perfect pictures. The whole place just exudes this…calm. I found myself actually contemplating things. Like, "Why am I so bad at packing?" And "Is it acceptable to only wear stretchy pants for the rest of my life?"
- 9:00 AM: The Inner Peace Fail. Okay, the peace lasted for maybe 10 minutes. Then came the other tourists…the selfie sticks…the endless clicking of cameras. Lost the zen. Fought my way back to the van feeling slightly defeated.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch Time (Finally). Somewhere near Borobudur. Tried to order something mild to avoid another noodle incident. Success! Sort of. Still ended up sweating. The food was delicious.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the Hotel: Nap Time is a MUST. Exhausted. Mentally and physically. This is the beauty of travelling when exhausted. The hotel room. The comfy bed. The soft sheets. Bliss.
- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM: A Bit of Walking about. The hotel has a shop and spa. The shop is like any other shop, but the spa I'd recommend.
- 9:00 PM: Late Dinner. Tried to order something mild. Got the correct food. Feeling pretty good by this point.
Day 3: A Whirlwind of Batik and the Power of Persistence
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. This time I was awake, thankfully. A full breakfast, that was filling.
- 10:00 AM: Batik Bargaining Battle Royale! Decided to brave the batik shops. Went to Mirota Batik. Holy. Cow. Colour overload! Row after row of beautiful, vibrant fabrics. I wandered around aimlessly at first, terrified of offending anyone with my haggling skills (or lack thereof). Took the plunge, asked for a price, and then… started negotiating. It was exhilarating! I actually got a good deal on a scarf!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. More food. I'm eating. I'm alive.
- 1:00 PM: Visit to the Palace. This was something I enjoyed. A very interesting palace and it was something I could have spent hours in. It was just great.
- 3:00 PM: Coffee. Again. Because, well, see first day.
- 4:00 PM: The Ramayana Ballet - A Cultural Deluge! I'm not going to lie, I was skeptical. But the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple was utterly, breathtakingly stunning. The music, the costumes, the dancers… it was pure magic. I sat there, mesmerized, thinking, "Okay, this is why I travel. This is why I put up with the jet lag and the spicy noodles and the existential dread."
- 8:00 PM: Dinner and Deep Thoughts. Found a little restaurant with a fantastic view of the temple. Sat there, nursing a drink, and replaying the ballet in my head. The perfect ending to a (mostly) perfect day.
Day 4: Departure and the Lingering Scent of Adventure
- 9:00 AM: Last Breakfast at the Hotel. Said goodbye to the amazing food, the friendly staff, and the slightly-too-cozy room.
- 10:00 AM: Last minute souvenir shopping and the inevitable overspending. Found a little shop selling those adorable miniature gamelan instruments. Couldn't resist. Also, bought way too many postcards.
- 11:00 AM: Check-out and the bittersweet goodbye. Yogyakarta, you beautiful, chaotic, spicy, amazing place.
- 12:00 PM: Departure. Back to the airport. This time the driver was on time, thankfully. Reflected on the trip. I fell in love with the people, the culture, and the sheer, unadulterated beauty of it all.
- 1:00 PM: Flying home. The plane took off. Back to reality. But I'm already dreaming of my next adventure.
Is the University Hotel REALLY the best in Yogyakarta? Like, objectively?
Oh, honey, objectivity went out the window the minute I stepped off that cramped, sweaty Batik Air flight! Is it the "best"? Depends. Depends on your definition of "best." If "best" means immaculate, perfectly coordinated, and stuffed with Michelin-star dining and gold-plated faucets… then NO. Absolutely not. This place... it's more of a *feeling*. A glorious, slightly-musty, probably-seen-a-few-things kind of feeling.
I remember the first time I heard about this place from a friend, and the way the name "University Hotel" just lingered on her tongue, like a forbidden secret. That's when the itch to find out if it could be as alluring as the legend began. Maybe I'm biased because of the quirky charm? Well, I'm a pretty big fan of a good story, and this place definitely has one of those.
What's so special about it, anyway? Is it the location?
Okay, location? Bang on. Smack-dab in the middle of things. Walking distance to Malioboro Street (which, let’s be honest, is an experience in itself), the Kraton (Sultan's Palace – BEAUTIFUL!), and a bunch of warungs serving food that'll make you weep tears of joy (and maybe a little chili). And that, my friends, IS important. Think of it as your launchpad into Yogyakarta's organized chaos.
I kind of stumbled upon the place the first time. Didn't even *mean* to stay there. I was exhausted from a train trip from Surabaya; I needed a place, and then I spotted the sign, and I thought 'Why not?' Boy, did I get more than I bargained for. I swear, the taxi driver seemed to know every nook and cranny of the place... it has to be part of the job description!
The Rooms: Are they nice? (Be honest, people!)
Okay, I'm going to be *brutally* honest. Forget the "Instagrammable" aesthetic. They're... functional. I mean, they have beds. Sort of. Sometimes, my bed had a slightly-lopsided mattress, but honestly? After a day of exploring Borobudur Temple, I could've slept on a crate of oranges and been happy. The air conditioning might be hit or miss, and the hot water? Well, embrace the adventure!
But listen, here's the *secret*: it's not about the thread count. It's about the charm. There's something inherently *cool* about staying in a place that feels like it's been around since... well, since Yogyakarta was actually *cool*. Think more "vintage backpacker chic" than "luxury resort." The details may not be perfect, but it's got character, and lots of it.
The Food! What's the breakfast situation? Please, tell me it's not just toast...
Breakfast... ah, breakfast. Okay, so here is the truth, breakfast might sound minimal, but I think it's a hidden gem. There's a little buffet, all Indonesian dishes. Nasi goreng (fried rice, which is ALWAYS a good idea), maybe some mie goreng (fried noodles), a selection of fresh fruits (usually the juiciest mangoes you've ever tasted), and... coffee that will either blast you into orbit or leave you questioning your life choices.
I remember one morning, I witnessed a local eating a spicy breakfast while reading a newspaper. He had a great appetite and was enjoying the morning. It was just an ordinary day in the hotel. The thing is, most of the time you are surrounded by people that were born and raised in that type of environment, which is definitely cool!
Any hidden "secrets" or cool things about the hotel? Did you have a memorable experience?
Okay, buckle up. This is where things get interesting. The "secret" of the University Hotel? The staff. The staff are the *heart* and soul of this place. They're not just employees; they're like a big, slightly-dysfunctional family. And they're incredibly helpful, if maybe a little bit chaotic at times.
One time, my friend lost her phone. Panicked, of course. We told the front desk, figuring it was gone forever. BUT! Within an hour, the staff had basically torn the place apart, asked every guest, and somehow, miraculously, found it! They even *cleaned* it! Seriously, angels, I tell you! I want to say that experience was even more valuable than the money, it was just a moment of connection! It's those types of moments that define a hotel. If you get that, then you'll understand why people are in love with this place!
Okay, so you're saying it's not perfect. What's the catch? What are the downsides?
Alright, realism time. It's NOT a luxury resort. Don't expect pristine everything. The Wi-Fi can be a bit… spotty. The noise levels from the street can be… well, consider earplugs a *necessity*. You might encounter some (gentle) "negotiating" for certain services.
But honestly? For me, the downsides are part of the charm. This isn't a sterile, corporate experience. It's *real*. It's gritty. And it's a damn good value for what you get. If you're looking for a perfectly curated travel experience, this probably isn't for you. If you're open to an adventure, with a few bumps along the way, then the University Hotel is a must-try.
Would you stay there again? Honestly?
Without a doubt. Absolutely. One hundred percent. I'm already planning my next trip back. I'm addicted to the feeling. The slightly-off-kilter, beautifully-imperfect charm of the place. The kind staff. The location. Everything. It's not the "best" hotel in Yogyakarta *technically*, but to me? It's perfect.
I can't explain it. It's the perfect blend of chaos and comfort, of adventure and a sense of home. It's the kind of place you tell your friends about, and they look at you sideways, because, well, you can't properly *explain* the magic of the University Hotel, you just have to *experience* it. And trust me, you should.
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