RedDoorz Near Gajah Mada Plaza 2: Jakarta's BEST Budget Hotel?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the budget hotel jungle of Jakarta, specifically, the RedDoorz Near Gajah Mada Plaza 2. (And let's be honest, the name alone sounds like a budget travel agent got a little carried away with the descriptive adjectives.) Is it the BEST? That's a HUGE claim, honey. Let’s find out, shall we?
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- Category: Hotel Review, Budget Travel, Southeast Asia.
(Arrival and the "Welcome to Jakarta!" Experience)
Right off the bat, let's talk location: it's near Gajah Mada Plaza 2. "Near" in Jakarta can mean anything from a pleasant stroll to a sweaty, honking, pollution-filled trek across six lanes of traffic. In this case, it's… manageable. Not idyllic, but definitely not the boonies. Accessibility? Hmm. While they list facilities for disabled guests, I need a little more than a checkbox. I didn't see any ramps immediately noticeable. Elevator, yes! Which is a must, honestly.
(Check-in Chaos (Or Lack Thereof - Thank God!) and Accessibility Ramblings)
Check-in. This is where things can go south fast in a budget hotel. But blessedly, it was smooth. Contactless check-in/out, thank the travel gods! After a 20-hour flight, any streamlining is a win in my book. The doorman was present, and the front desk was staffed 24/7. No frantic searching for someone to hand me a key at 3 AM. Big points for that alone.
Now, accessibility. I want to be clear: I didn't need full wheelchair accessibility, but I always look for details for those who do. They claim facilities for disabled guests. But, I’m seeing the devil is in the details. I’m seeing the potential for frustration. I'll have to rely on other travellers to give their insights, for sure.
(Wi-Fi Woes and Wonders (Spoiler Alert: It's Usually a Budget Hotel Drama))
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty because this is a major one for me: Wi-Fi. They proclaim "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet [LAN]!" (who uses LAN anymore? But hey, points for options!). And… it worked. Mostly. There were times when it sputtered and groaned like a dying dinosaur, but generally speaking, I could upload photos (essential for the 'gram, obvs), check emails, and (most importantly) order room service without having to sacrifice my firstborn to the internet gods. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes, also available. Not rocket-fast, but it gets the job done.
(Rooms: The Good, the Bland, and the "Oh God, Is That Mold?")
The room itself… wasn't a palace. Let's be realistic. It was clean, though! Rooms sanitized between stays and daily disinfection in common areas sound promising, which is a huge plus these days. They listed anti-viral cleaning products, which I appreciate the gesture. There was also a room sanitization opt-out available, which I thought was a great touch. I have learned to accept my little home-away-from-homes’ imperfections.
The room had air conditioning (a MUST in Jakarta), a desk, safe box, free bottled water, with a mirror, and smoke detector. The bed was comfy enough. The blackout curtains were my personal best friend, letting me recover from jet lag. Non-smoking rooms, yes! Hallelujah.
I was grateful for the air conditioning. Seriously, without it, I would have melted into a puddle. The TV had on-demand movies, which was perfect for escaping the sensory overload of the city. The bathroom? Functional. The shower had hot water, but I don't think it was particularly hot linen and laundry washed. And then there was the lack of a window I could open which was annoying, but hey, you can’t have it all!
(Dining: Surviving the Buffet (and the Occasional A La Carte Adventure))
The dining, drinking, and snacking situation? Mixed. Breakfast is included - a buffet. Buffet in a budget hotel can be, shall we say, an experience. Think lukewarm pastries and the occasional mystery meat. But, I got to say, it was better than I expected. The Asian breakfast was a highlight. I also appreciate that they offer breakfast takeaway service. There was a coffee shop, which was a lifesaver. There's a restaurant on-site. Room service [24-hour].
(Things to Do (Besides Avoid the Motorbikes)) + Ways to Relax (aka: WHERE'S THE SPA?!)
Okay, this is where RedDoorz falls a little flat. While there are plenty of shared amenities removed, in an effort to keep the space cleaner, there's no spa or pool. No fitness centre, no sauna, no hot tub. The Pool with a view wasn’t. No massages or foot baths. So in terms of relaxation, you're mostly on your own. Which, for me, is fine. I didn’t come to Jakarta to lie around the pool all day. Besides, Jakarta has an overwhelming sensory input that is very fun to be a part of!
(Cleanliness and Safety: Peace That Comes With (Most!) Budget Hotels)
This is where RedDoorz actually impressed. They took it seriously. The staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere, and daily disinfection were noticeable and made a difference. Hygiene certification, thank you! CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property made me feel more secure. They also had a fire extinguisher on every floor.
(Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference)
The presence of cash withdrawal was a big one, especially if you're a cash person like me. The laundry service and dry cleaning was a plus after all the sweat. Luggage storage was a great help. They also have meeting/banquet facilities, which is more than I expected from a budget hotel.
(For the Kids (or Just Those with a Playful Side))
I didn't have kids, so I can't comment on the babysitting service or kids facilities. However, they do mention family/child friendly, so they seem to aim for welcoming small travelers.
(Getting Around: Navigating Jakarta's Madness)
Airport transfer is available, which is a huge win in Jakarta. Traffic is legendary, and a pre-arranged transfer is a lifesaver. They also had a car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site]. Taxi service available.
(Final Verdict: Is RedDoorz Near Gajah Mada Plaza 2 Jakarta's BEST Budget Hotel?)
No. But honestly, it's a really solid option! It's clean, the service is decent, and the location is convenient. It's not a luxury experience, but it's comfortable, safe, and gets the job done.
Pros:
- Clean! (Seriously, I was impressed.)
- Convenient location (for Jakarta)
- Free Wi-Fi (mostly reliable)
- Contactless check-in/out is brilliant
- Good value for money
- Staff that seemed friendly
- Aircon!
Cons:
- No spa
- Very basic amenities
- The buffet breakfast is… a buffet breakfast.
- Accessibility is not very clear
- No pool with a view/relaxing space
Overall Rating: 7.5/10. Would I stay again? Absolutely. It's a reliable, budget-friendly choice for exploring Jakarta, especially if you plan on spending most of your time outside the hotel! And hey, for the price, you can't really complain. Just bring your own fun and your own spa day, and you'll be happy.
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Alright, strap in buttercups. You're about to get the real Jakarta experience, RedDoorz and all. Forget those picture-perfect itineraries – this is my messy, honest, probably caffeine-fueled take on a trip near Gajah Mada Plaza. Prepare for a bumpy ride…
The Jakarta Jumble: A "Trip" (More Like a Survival Guide) Near Gajah Mada Plaza
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Hotel Hunt (Or, "Why Did I Book This Again?")
- Morning (6:00 AM): Ugh. The red-eye. My soul is already dead, but hey, at least the plane landed. Jakarta's air hits you like a wet blanket of exhaust fumes and humid despair.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Grab a Grab (the app, you know) to RedDoorz Gajah Mada. Cross your fingers for a driver who speaks a smattering of English. Mine, bless his heart, just kept pointing at the rising sun and saying "Good morning! Happy!" Dude, I haven't had coffee in hours. Happy is a distant dream.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive at the hotel. The lobby? Let's just say it’s…functional. The air conditioning is a faint whisper, and there's a strange aroma of incense and something vaguely…deep-fried? Okay, unpacking and figuring out the room's quirks (dodgy shower, questionable stains, maybe a rogue gecko) will be the first hour, and maybe I'll decide if I should book another hotel.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Coffee. MUST. HAVE. COFFEE. This is a priority. I'm finding some small coffee shop (maybe a local Warung Kopi) near the hotel. I'm going to need a strong one for the day ahead. I have no idea. Pray for me.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Gajah Mada Plaza Reconnaissance. Honestly, the mall itself isn’t the big draw, it’s everything around it. The sheer chaos of the streets, the scooter symphony, the vendors hawking everything from knock-off designer bags to live chickens…it's a sensory overload in the best way possible.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Street Food Gamble. Okay, here’s where it gets risky. I’m going to find a warung (small street food stall) and order something. I may or may not know what it is. I'm hoping for Mee Goreng or Nasi Goreng. Send prayers for my stomach. The real adventure.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Exploring the area. Finding some hidden gems. Perhaps a local market. Getting lost on purpose. That's how you do it.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Back to hotel for a nap. Or maybe just to stare at the ceiling and reconsider all life choices.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner. Probably the same thing I had for lunch, with extra chili. God, I miss bland food.
- Evening (7:30 PM Onward): Survive. Maybe watch some TV, or attempt some research on the local culture. Eventually, crash from exhaustion.
Day 2: Diving Deep (Into the Local Scene – And Possibly a Gutter)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up, somehow. Try to eat the hotel breakfast. It’s usually included, so, you know, you get your money's worth. The coffee is probably instant, but hey, caffeine is caffeine.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Delve into the local markets. I'm a sucker for markets. The colours, the smells, the sheer energy. This time I wanted to find a local market and maybe buy some weird fruit I can't even name. I also intend to buy some water, since I'm pretty sure I'm dehydrating rapidly.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Temple exploration. Jakarta has some incredible temples. I’ll choose one that's accessible and not too touristy and embrace the peace (hopefully).
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Another Street Food Adventure. This time, I'll try something new (and regret it, probably).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The "Culture Shock" Challenge. I don’t know. I just intend to be as open and receptive as possible. I might try learning a few basic Indonesian phrases (wish me luck!). This one is going to be hard.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Museum Visit (Maybe). Okay, I’m a sucker for a good museum. If there's one nearby that sounds interesting, I'll check it out – I need to get out of the heat and the streets!
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner. This time, I will attempt to find a proper restaurant, one that has a menu and a waiter. I'm aiming for something a bit fancier than the street food.
- Evening (7:30 PM Onward): Stroll. Maybe walk around, soak in the atmosphere. It's going to be an early night.
Day 3: Escape and (Maybe) Return
- Morning (7:00 AM): Pack. Contemplate whether to leave the room. Weigh options.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Final breakfast. Say a grateful farewell to the RedDoorz.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Head to the airport. Survive the traffic.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Fly out of Jakarta, clutching a handful of souvenirs and a brain full of sensory overload.
- Evening: Regret. Will go back.
The Verdict:
Jakarta is… intense. It’s hot, chaotic, and sometimes a little overwhelming. But it's also vibrant, exciting, and full of the kind of experiences that stick with you long after you’ve left. Will everything go according to plan? Absolutely not. Will I eat something that challenges my digestive system? Probably. Will I fall in love with the city? Maybe. But hey, at least I'll have a story to tell. And that’s what makes travel worth it, right? Now, excuse me, I need another coffee. Good luck, future me!
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So, Is RedDoorz Near Gajah Mada Plaza 2 Actually a Good Budget Hotel? (And, Like, *How* Budget?)
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Good" is relative. "Budget" is its *entire* raison d'être, okay? Think of it as the hostel-but-with-a-private-room of hotels, and you'll be on the right track. I mean, is it the Four Seasons? Absolutely not. But for the price? Dude, sometimes it's *shockingly* cheap. Like, "I-can-eat-ramen-for-a-week-on-what-I-saved-on-accommodation" cheap.
I remember one time, I booked last minute because my train got delayed (stupid, stupid train system!). I was knackered. Completely drained. Found a room for, like, under $20. *Under! Twenty! Dollars!*. I remember thinking, "Okay, gonna expect the worst."
What's the Deal With the Rooms? Are They...Clean?
Okay, this is where we get real. Clean? Hmmm. Let's say... *mostly* clean. Listen, you're not paying for a surgeon's operating room. Think "decently brushed" - sometimes. I've had rooms that were spotless – like, genuinely surprised me, spotless. Other times... (shudders dramatically) a few stray hairs here and there. The bathroom, well, assess your tolerance for questionable grout. Bring your own antibacterial wipes, just in case. Trust me, you'll feel a whole lot better.
One time, I found a stain on the bedspread that *definitely* had a story to tell. I'm not sure I *wanted* to know the story. But hey, at that price, I figured, "Well, it's not *my* stain." I just threw an extra towel over it and moved on. That's the RedDoorz spirit, right?
Is the Location Convenient? 'Cause I'm Thinking of Shopping...and Street Food...
Okay, this is where RedDoorz Near Gajah Mada Plaza 2 *wins*. Seriously. Gajah Mada Plaza is right there! So, hello, shopping! You can practically roll out of bed (after, you know, wiping down the sheets) and be in retail heaven. And the street food? Oh, the street food.
The area *teems* with it. Nasi goreng stalls, sate vendors, all sorts of delicious, cheap goodness right at your doorstep. Be adventurous, try everything! Just... maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol. (No regrets, though, only delicious memories...and sometimes a rumbly tummy.) Plus, it's pretty accessible to public transport, including the busway which is great for travelling across Jakarta.
The Air Conditioning... Is It Capable of, You Know, *Actually Cooling*?
This is a crucial question in a city like Jakarta. The AC situation is variable. Mostly, yes, the AC works. But let's just say, some units are *more* effective than others. I have encountered AC units that sound like they're trying to lift off into space – I can hear the humming and whirring and I think the guy next door could probably hear it too. Sometimes, the temperature dial seems to be purely aspirational. "Setting: Arctic Blast" only gives you "Slight Breeze".
Seriously, pack a sleep mask and earplugs. You never know what you'll get! But in the end, being able to feel a coolness is something you appreciate when you are in such a hot climate, even if it's just a bit cool.
What About the Wi-Fi? Need That For Work/Instagram/Basically Existing...
Wi-Fi is hit or miss. Let's be blunt. Some days it's faster than your coffee addiction; other days, it's slower than a sloth on vacation. Don't expect blazing speeds, especially if there are a lot of other people using it.
I once tried to upload a video to Instagram. It took longer than the actual filming of said video. I ended up just giving up and going for a walk, which, you know, isn't the worst thing in the world.
Okay, So... Would You Stay There Again? The REAL Answer.
Alright. The honest-to-god truth? Yes. Absolutely, probably, and definitely maybe. If I’m on a serious budget, and need a place *right now*, and I need to be near that shopping centre and the glorious street food? RedDoorz Near Gajah Mada Plaza 2 is a strong contender.
It's not luxury. It's not perfect. It's not Instagram-worthy (unless you're going for a gritty, "real life" aesthetic). But it's a functional, affordable base camp for exploring Jakarta. And sometimes, that's all you need. Just manage your expectations, pack the essentials (wipes, earplugs, good sense of humour) and embrace the chaos. You might even have a weirdly memorable time.
