Unbelievable Makassar Stay! OYO 91649 Orange Homestay Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, sometimes-flawed, and always-intriguing world of hotel reviews. Today's victim… uh, I mean, the subject of our examination: . Let's see if this place lives up to the hype, or if it's just another pretty picture on the internet.
First Impressions: Accessibility & The Dreaded Internet
Okay, so let's get the boring, but crucial, stuff out of the way. Accessibility? They say… well, they claim to be good for disabled guests. They list "Facilities for disabled guests" – that's a start. We'll have to see how that actually translates to reality. (Always a gamble, isn't it? Hoping the ramps aren't steeper than Everest…)
And then, the internet. This is crucial, people. In today's world, we need the internet like we need air. They tout Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank. Freaking. Goodness. Internet access – LAN – okay, for the old schoolers, or the tech wizards. Internet services – vague, but promising. And Wi-Fi in public areas – good, because you can't always be cooped up in your room, can you? I've been burned by hotels with awful Wi-Fi before. Like, dial-up slow. It ruins everything!
Room Rave (Maybe?) – & The Perks of a Good Bathtub
So, what about the rooms? They list everything a person could ask for, from Air conditioning (essential!) to Alarm clock (I’m old school, I use my phone, but nice touch). Bathrobes – YES! Bathtub – YES! I swear, a good soak is therapy. And hey, they even have Bathroom phones. I haven't seen one of those in years! It's like time travel, but with the added bonus of being able to call room service from the bathtub. Winning. They even list a High Floor option… hmm, maybe that's the one to choose when I book. And Soundproof rooms? Now, that's music to my ears. Especially if I'm stuck next to a snoring convention.
The Room Rundown
- Additional toilet: Score! No more fighting over the bathroom!
- Blackout curtains: YES! Sleep is always the answer!
- Closet: Gotta have space for the clothes!
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: Excellent!
- Daily housekeeping: Necessary.
- Desk: Gotta have a place for the laptop!
- Extra long bed: This sounds amazing, I am tall and this is a must.
- Free bottled water: Yayyyy, hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: Thank goodness!
- In-room safe box: For valuables!
- Interconnecting room(s) available: For families!
- Internet access – LAN: Nice.
- Internet access – wireless: Perfect!
- Ironing facilities: Another one for the win!
- Laptop workspace: Crucial!
- Linens: Duh.
- Mini bar: Gotta have those snacks!
- Mirror: To check yourself out!
- Non-smoking: Always a good recommendation.
- On-demand movies: Necessary!
- Private bathroom: Personal space!
- Reading light: Another must!
- Refrigerator: To keep the drinks cold!
- Safety/security feature: Important!
- Satellite/cable channels: To watch your favourite programs!
- Scale: Uh oh…
- Seating area: For lounging!
- Separate shower/bathtub: Lux life!
- Shower: Shower!
- Slippers: Amazing!
- Smoke detector: Essential!
- Socket near the bed: Score!
- Sofa: Ahhhh.
- Soundproofing: Silence!
- Telephone: For the room service!
- Toiletries: Essential!
- Towels: Yay!
- Umbrella: Nice!
- Visual alarm: For people who have problems with their hearing!
- Wake-up service: Useful!
- Wi-Fi [free]: Perfect!
- Window that opens: Air time!
Food, Glorious Food (And a Few Potential Pitfalls)
Alright, let's talk eats. This is where things can get really interesting. They offer a whole buffet of options (pun intended!): Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], 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.
Wowza. That's a lot. I, personally, need a decent coffee shop. I can't function without caffeine. A Poolside bar? Yes, please! Especially if it has a decent happy hour. But here’s where it gets complicated. Are the restaurants good? Or, you know, just there? And what about the dreaded hotel buffet? It can be a gamble. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes you're questioning the origin of the mystery meat. I’m a big fan of a place that serves a good Salad.
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID Era Realities
Right, let's address the elephant in the room. Cleanliness and safety are huge factors these days. I'm looking for reassurance. They list a bunch of protocols: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, 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, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. That's a lot of buzzwords! It sounds good, but the proof is in the pudding… or in this case, the sanitized surfaces. I appreciate the Room sanitization opt-out available.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Sauna, and the Pursuit of Bliss
Okay, this is where I get excited. Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. A pool with a view? Sold! I am a sucker for a good sauna and steam room. And a massage? Sign me up! I once spent an entire afternoon in a resort spa and didn't leave until I had a massage, a facial, and my toes painted. Worth it.
Amenities & Services: The Little Things That Matter
This is the stuff that makes a hotel stay truly great. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
A Concierge is invaluable. They can book restaurants, arrange tours, and generally save your bacon when you're lost and confused. A Convenience store is brilliant for late-night snacks and forgotten essentials. And a Doorman? Always a nice touch. Makes you feel fancy. I once checked into a place and the doorman looked at me like I was an alien- not a good start.
For the Kids (And the Parents Who Need a Break!)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. This is great for families. A Babysitting service could be golden. Parents need a break!
Getting Around: Airports, Cars, and the Open Road
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Airport transfer is a life-saver after a long flight. Free parking is always a bonus. And the Car power charging station is great for the eco-conscious travellers.
The Niggles and the Negatives (And How to Handle Them)
Okay, let’s be real. No hotel is perfect. I
Georgia's Hidden Gem: Unveiling the Secrets of Tsikhisdziri's Geophysical Station
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into the beautifully chaotic mess that was my trip to Makassar, Indonesia. Specifically, OYO 91649 Orange Homestay – which, spoiler alert, wasn't always the orange dream I’d hoped for. This is gonna be less "strictly organized itinerary" and more "verbal vomit of travel experiences," so bear with me.
Day 1: Arrival and a Glorious, Slightly Overhyped Meal (AKA Tangerine Trees and Lemon Skies - Nope, Orange Homestay)
- Morning: Arrived in Makassar. Airport was… an experience. Let's just say Indonesian bureaucracy and my jet lag had a wrestling match, and bureaucracy won. Eventually, I found myself outside, squinting in the relentless Makassar sun. Found my pre-booked Grab (hallelujah for ride-sharing!). The homestay? Ah, yes, OYO 91649 Orange Homestay. The promise of orange bliss. The reality? Well… more like faded tangerine. The room was… compact. Let's go with "intimate". The aircon threatened to belch its last breath anytime.
- Afternoon: Settled in, feeling a vague sense of disappointment. (I really wanted the orange aesthetic to live up to the photos). Decided to wander. The street food smells lured me out. First stop: Warung (local eatery) specializing in Coto Makassar. The reviews online were practically orgasmic. "The best! The most authentic!" etc. I waited for the euphoria… It was good, truly. But I, in my humble opinion, was a little overhyped. It was the texture of the sauce that got me - kinda gummy? After the meal, I attempted an Indonesian coffee. Strong. Very strong. My heart almost popped out.
- Evening: Back to the homestay. The promised free wifi was… intermittent. Spent the evening battling the internet, swatting mosquitoes (lesson learned: bring bug spray!), and staring at the ceiling. Thinking I needed a longer flight.
Day 2: The Beach (and a Fishy Dilemma)
- Morning: The aircon finally did give up the ghost! My face could have melted; it was sweltering! Time to move.
- Afternoon: Decided to escape the concrete jungle and head to Losari Beach. The beach itself was… alright. Definitely not Bali, but hey, it's a beach. The people watching, however, was gold. Saw a gaggle of teenagers posing dramatically for selfies. Watched a woman expertly balancing a tray of what looked like deep-fried something-or-other on her head. It was a feast for the eyes, even if the beach's garbage situation was not.
- Evening, the Fish: Okay, so, I'm a sucker for seafood. Walked the street market. Found a little warung (yep, another one) advertising grilled fish. Ordered a whole snapper. The fish arrived, glistening, perfectly charred. Tasted the first bite… and my stomach lurched. It was… not fresh. I tried to politely ask the cook, but my Indonesian is pretty much non-existent. The cook, bless his heart, just kept smiling and gesturing, and I was too polite. The fish got less and less fresh. Now, fast forward a few hours, and let's just say I spent a significant amount of time hugging a porcelain throne. The irony of it being near the ocean… Well, let's just say, the sea was definitely not calling my name.
Day 3: Culture, Coffee, and a Taxi Driver Who Never Shut Up
- Morning: Still recovering from the… fish. Decided the best cure was culture. A trip to Fort Rotterdam, a historic Dutch fort. Beautiful and well-preserved. Learned a little about Makassar's history, though I was too delirious from the fish to retain much.
- Afternoon: Needed coffee, badly. Found a cool little cafe. The coffee was excellent, and I nursed it like it was liquid gold. Finally starting to feel human again. Decided to visit the Bugis traditional houses.
- Evening: More travelling. And I found some good stuff. And I found some bad stuff. The taxi driver, for instance, was an absolute legend. He talked the entire time. About everything. His family, his opinions on politics, the price of rice, how much he loved the color orange. I’m pretty sure he never took a breath! Hilarious, but also… exhausting. Arrived back at OYO, collapsing into my slightly-less-than-perfect bed, and wondering how many more things this trip could throw at me.
Day 4: The Farewell (and a Final, Fleeting Orange)
- Morning: Woke up feeling almost… normal. Decided to have one last walk around the streets.
- Afternoon: Found a shop selling fresh fruit juices. The orange juice was actual, honest-to-goodness orange. It was a small victory, a final taste of vibrancy before I departed.
- Evening: Headed to the airport (thankfully, no wrestling matches with bureaucracy this time). Reflecting on the trip, and the state of OYO. Makassar, you were a wild ride.
Imperfections and Ramblings:
- My packing skills need work. I brought too many frilly dresses and not enough bug spray.
- I still don’t know what's in Coto Makassar. I might not want to know.
- The lack of proper wifi almost drove me insane.
- I should have looked into Indonesian phrases before.
- That fish. I have serious seafood PTSD (and a renewed respect for food safety).
- The people of Makassar were the real highlight. Friendly, helpful, and surprisingly tolerant of my terrible attempts to speak their language.
Quirky Observations and Emotional Reactions:
- My heart rate still speeds up when I see the color orange.
- I developed a weird affection for the taxi driver.
- I was genuinely disappointed the homestay didn’t live up to the orange dream.
- The entire experience made me feel both exhausted and exhilarated.
- Will I go back? Maybe. But next time, I’m bringing a translator, a hazmat suit, and a whole lot of bug spray. And hopefully, a better room.
Okay, So What *IS* This Thing We're Talking About, Anyway? Like, the Basics?
Is It Actually *Fun* To Play The Ukulele? Because... I'm Easily Bored.
What Kind Of… *Stuff* Do I Need To Get Started? Besides the Ukulele, Obvi.
- A ukulele (duh!). Seriously, don't go cheap, but also, don’t mortgage your house. "Soprano" is the classic size, but there are others (tenor, concert, baritone) that are all fun sizes.
- A tuner. Trust me on this. Unless you have perfect pitch (in which case, why are you reading this?), you’ll sound like a dying duck otherwise.
- A case or bag. Protect your precious tiny guitar!
- A strap (optional, but makes playing standing up way more fun, unless you’re a total desk jockey like me).
- A pick. Some people swear by them. I… kinda like them. Experiment!
- A songbook or online resources. There are *tons* of free ukulele tabs online. Prepare to get lost in the internet rabbit hole!
I've Heard Ukuleles Are Easy To Play. True or False? Because I Have Zero Musical Talent.
Okay, But Seriously, How *Long* Does it Take To Not Sound Like a Dying Moose?
Are There Any Beginner Mistakes To Watch Out For? Like, Stuff I Shouldn't Do?
- Buying a REALLY, REALLY cheap ukulele. You might regret it.
- Giving up too soon. See the dying moose analogy above.
- Ignoring your pinky finger. It's a vital part of the ukulele experience.
- Not tuning your ukulele regularly. Sounds awful. Nobody likes it.
- Thinking you can learn everything overnight. You can't. Sorry.
So, Where Do I Even FIND These Ukuleles?
- Online retailers: Amazon, eBay, sites specializing in musical instruments… Be careful! Read reviews!
- Local music stores: Always a good bet. You can try before you buy. Plus, you're supporting local business.
- Used instrument stores: You might find a gem. Just be sure to check it over carefully before you buy.
- Pawn shops: Buyer beware. They might have some cheap ones... or a hidden treasure.
What About Ukulele Chords? Where Do I Find Those? Is it Like, a Secret Language?
- Hotel For Travelers
