Unbelievable Yogyakarta Getaway: OYO 1851 Homestay Joss!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into Unbelievable Yogyakarta Getaway: OYO 1851 Homestay Joss! – or at least, that's what they call it! Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Honestly, I'm already feeling a little skeptical, but hey, a girl's gotta try everything once, right? This review's gonna be less "polished travel blog" and more "honest, slightly neurotic travel diary," so prepare for a rambling ride!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like My Finances After a Vacation)
Okay, let's be real. Being accessible can mean a lot of things. The website claims to have "Facilities for disabled guests." But, and this is a big but (pun intended, I've been on a looong flight), details are sketchy. Seeing as my mobility is largely in my own hands, how easily one can shuffle around the halls isn't entirely clear. They do have an elevator which is a huge plus. More details there, please, OYO!
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Proofing the Pandemic Proofing!
Alright, this is where my inner germaphobe wakes up. With the world as it is, safety is a major selling point. OYO 1851 seems to be trying. Let's see…. They boast:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good! But what products? Just saying it is like claiming you've got a six-pack after a week-long gym membership. SHOW ME THE EVIDENCE!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Okay, I'll take it. At least they're thinking about it.
- Hand sanitizer: Thank the lord! I'm carrying a gallon on me anyway.
- Hygiene certification: Hmmm… what kind? Is it a participation ribbon? Or a legitimate certification? I need details!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes, please. My inner child is thrilled with all the little packages.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Sounds fine in theory.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Again, details, details!
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Erm, why would I opt out of sanitization? That’s like opting out of breathing!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Good.
- Safe dining setup: This is good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: That's the bare minimum.
- Sterilizing equipment: Okay, now we're talking!
- Anti-Viral cleaning products: Yes, more detail!
In short: They say they're trying. But I'd still bring my own wipes. And a hazmat suit. Just kidding… mostly.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and Booze!)
Alright, this is where I get excited! Gotta fuel those explorations, right? Let's get into what they're serving. They seem to have a restaurant with options:
- A la carte
- Alternative meal arrangement This is good for me!
- **Asian cuisine, and *Western* and International cuisine…
- Buffet is available, which I love and so do the kids.
- Breakfast [buffet] Sounds like a good start to the day.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Coffee shop which always gets me excited!
- Desserts Yes, please.
- Happy hour I'm in!
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants, and A Snack bar So many options.
- Room service [24-hour] This is the best.
So, they offer a good spread. But how's the quality? That's the million-dollar question. And the atmosphere? Can you relax, or is it a chaotic buffet free-for-all? I need intel, people!
Services and Conveniences: The Perks and the Pitfalls
Okay, let's see. Do they have the basics? And any of those little things that make you go, "Oh, nice!"?
The Good:
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank goodness. Yogyakarta is hot!
- Cash withdrawal: Necessary, especially if the hotel itself isn't all that modern.
- Concierge: Always a lifesaver for questions!
- Currency Exchange: A good sign if you're coming from somewhere else.
- Daily housekeeping: Yay for fresh sheets!
- Dry cleaning and Laundry service: Essential!
- Elevator: Awesome!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Details needed, but good that they list it.
- Indoor venue for special events, outdoor venue if you wanna party!
- Luggage storage: A must-have.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always smart!
- Terrace: A good idea to chill but not enough information!
- Front desk [24-hour]: Makes life easier.
- Business Facilities: If you have the need.
- Ironing service: Okay!
- Food delivery: Great.
- Gifts/souvenir shop: Okay.
The Meh:
- Contactless check-in/out: A win for the times!
- On-site event hosting, meeting/banquet facilities and meetings: If you're there for work, I guess.
- Convenience store: Always helpful.
- Doorman: Nice touch!
The Sketchy: The rest I need a lot more details!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Family-Frustrating?
This is critical! If you got kids, it makes a difference. They state:
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids meal
- Kids facilities
Available in all rooms: The essentials:
- Air conditioning Yes!
- Alarm clock Yup.
- Bathrobes Nice touch
- Bathtub + Shower Okay
- Coffee/tea maker Necessary!
- Coffee/tea maker Again- necessary!
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace, Mirror, Private bathroom
- Refrigerator
- Reading light
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
Let's Get to the Nitty Gritty: What's It Really Like?
Here's where things get murky… This place could be a hidden gem. Or a disaster zone. The truth is, I'm missing too much information to call it a slam dunk. I need specifics.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: What About the Fun Stuff?
- Pool with view Nice, but is the view actually amazing?
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] More nice and more options.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness If you're into working out on holiday.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot Bath
- Things to do: I need details
They seem to offer ways to unwind, but again, the devil is in the details.
Okay, Let's Talk About What I Want:
I'm looking for:
- A clean room. (Obvious, but necessary!)
- Good Wi-Fi. (Gotta stay connected!)
- Friendly staff. (Because a smile goes a long way!)
- A chilled-out vibe. (I'm on vacation, people!)
- A comfy bed. (Zzzzzz…)
- Yummy food without breaking the bank.
- A safe place, even if I have to do some of the work
- Things to do.
My Verdict (So Far):
OYO 1851 Homestay Joss! is playing it safe, listing plenty of potentially great things. But…the details are missing. It could be a decent budget-friendly option. But I need more intel to fully endorse it. (And maybe a hazmat suit. Just in case.)
The Offer YOU Need to Hear!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking about OYO 1851 Homestay Joss Indonesia, and let's just say, it's going to be an experience. Expect this to be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly chaotic but ultimately rewarding".
Day 1: Arrival and Jakarta Jitters (And Maybe a Mosquito or Two)
- Morning (ish): Land in Jakarta. Oh, Jakarta. The sheer humidity hits you like a damp, warm hug. Finding the airport transfer wasn't exactly seamless. Apparently, "the blue car" is a very popular designation, and I spent a good 20 minutes waving at various strangers who may or may not have been my driver. Finally, success! Small victory.
- Afternoon: Road trip to the homestay. This is where things get interesting. Indonesia, in a nutshell, is an adventure. I tried to take some photos during the drive but my phone just gave up the ghost due to the humidity. The traffic was… intense. Let's just say, I saw a donkey pull a cart carrying what looked like a mountain of mangoes. In the middle of the city. Jakarta, you wild child.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrive at OYO 1851. Okay, first impressions. Not exactly the "Instagrammable" paradise I was expecting, but hey, that's part of the charm, right? The staff: charming and helpful, but speaking English is like a challenge. The room? Basic. Clean enough. But the mosquito situation? Let's just say I had a very intimate, and not entirely welcome, encounter with one last night. Didn't sleep too well.
- Dinner: Found a warung (small local restaurant) nearby. Ordered something that looked vaguely like chicken and rice. Spicy. Delicious. Possibly the best, and only, food I've had so far. Let's see what tomorrow brings.
Day 2: Exploring the Chaos and Embracing the Heat (and the Ants)
- Morning: Attempted to eat breakfast at the homestay. Didn't quite understand the offerings. Gave up and grabbed a banana from the corner shop. Went for a walk in the neighbourhood. This is where the “reality” of Indonesia comes in. I felt like I was in a movie, but I was the main character. The heat is brutal. Also, I saw a dog in the street, he was the ugliest dog I ever saw. But he smiled.
- Afternoon: Decided to try and visit the local markets. The air was thick with the smell of spices, the sounds of bartering, and the general chaos of a thousand vendors vying for your attention. I got completely lost but bought a ridiculously cheap batik scarf (which I will probably regret later).
- Late Afternoon: Back to the homestay for a much-needed shower. Seriously, the heat zaps your energy. Discovered a family of ants had decided my bedside table was the perfect holiday destination. Sigh. Added to the mosquito-related sleeplessness, my face is now a feast for these little guys.
- Evening: More warung food! This time, I pointed and hoped for the best. Somehow, it was even spicier than last night's culinary gamble. My mouth is on fire, but I’m strangely enjoying it. Feeling like a proper explorer, minus the fancy gear and perfectly ironed khakis.
Day 3: The Temple and the Trauma (of a Toilet)
- Morning: Decided to try and visit a temple. The guide book had promised tranquility. The reality? The temple was gorgeous, yes. But the crowds… Oh, the crowds! And the sheer intensity of the sun. I felt like I was melting.
- Afternoon: The toilet situation. OK, this deserves its own paragraph. Let’s just say, the facilities at the temple were… rustic. Like, "squat toilet, bucket of water, and a prayer" kind of rustic. A close call and near-disastrous situation. I might need therapy.
- Late Afternoon: Returned to the homestay, slightly traumatized but in need of another shower. Tried to use the hot water shower. I've never felt more alive than when the water suddenly turned ice cold.
- Evening: Tried a local restaurant. It was a bit more on the "touristy" side, and therefore, much milder and I swear the portion sizes are like, tiny. But hey, at least I could actually recognise what I was eating! Went to bed, feeling a little homesick, but also strangely exhilarated.
Day 4: Departure and Debrief (And the Verdict. Was It Worth It?)
- Morning: Packed up. The room is still a mess, but hey, that’s part of the authenticity, right? Said goodbye, and thanks, to the staff via a mixture of hand gestures and broken Indonesian. Found out the reason the hot water wasn't working in the shower was because the guy who worked there had turned it off "for the ants".
- Afternoon: The drive back to the airport. The same chaotic, beautiful, and somehow utterly charming chaos. The mango donkey cart was back!
- Evening: Flying home. Sitting here, exhausted but buzzing.
Verdict: OYO 1851 Homestay Joss Indonesia? Definitely not the Ritz. Definitely not perfect. But it was an experience. It was real. It was messy. It was hot. It was uncomfortable. It was also hilarious, captivating, and utterly unforgettable. Would I go back? Maybe. After I've recovered from the toilet trauma. After I learn Indonesian. After I invest in some serious mosquito repellent. Indonesia, you beautiful, chaotic, crazy place, you've won me over.
Escape to Paradise: Pointe Claire's Luxurious DoubleTree Awaits!
Okay, so... OYO 1851 Homestay Joss! in Yogyakarta. Sounds... promising? What *actually* is it?
Alright, alright, let's rip off the band-aid. It's a budget homestay. Think... clean-ish rooms, a fan that *mostly* works, and the delightful aroma of Indonesian breakfast wafting through the halls starting at approximately 6 AM. Don't expect the Ritz, but hey, you're in Yogyakarta! You're there for the culture, the food... and the fact that EVERYTHING ELSE is dirt cheap.
And honestly? That's kinda the beauty of it. You're not paying a fortune. You're not feeling pressured to stay cooped up in a fancy hotel room. You're *out there*, sweating, haggling, eating street food, and bumping into scooters that will probably hit you and then you'll be friends with everyone involved.
The "Joss!" part. What's the deal with that? Is it... good joss? Dangerous joss?
"Joss" is, like, Indonesian slang for "awesome" or "great." And honestly, the jury's still out. My personal experience? Well, let's just say things got *interesting*. I arrived at 2 AM (thanks, delayed flight!), and the guy at the front desk, bless his soul, looked like he'd been wrestling crocodiles. Super sleepy, he fumbled with the keys, and I finally got into my room. Turns out the "window view" was an air conditioner unit and the shared bathroom smelled something fierce.
But honestly, the fact that I *remember* that, and even feel a little fondness? That's pretty joss. You'll have your story I guarantee it.
Rooms? Are they... liveable? Especially that bathroom you mentioned...
Okay, look. Let's be brutally honest. "Liveable" is a sliding scale in budget accommodation. My room was... small. The bed was firm. The sheets were... well, clean-ish, but definitely not the crisp, white kind. The fan *mostly* worked, and thank GOD for that, because the humidity is a legitimate weapon in Yogyakarta.
The bathroom... Ugh. The shower was cold (which, honestly, in the heat, wasn't *entirely* unwelcome). The toilet... was a squat toilet. Which, after a 15-hour travel day, is a character-building experience. Learn to love them. You *will* get good at squatting. Like, Olympic-level squatting good.
BUT! And this is a big but! Remember the price. Remember you're in a country that's amazing. You're probably not in the room that much anyway.
What about breakfast? That's the big question, right? Food is everything!
Breakfast... Ah, breakfast. The olfactory symphony of Yogyakarta waking up. At OYO 1851 Homestay Joss!, it's included. It's basic. Expect fried rice (Nasi Goreng... a staple!), maybe some fried eggs, and a lukewarm drink that's probably coffee. It's not gourmet. It's not Instagrammable. But it's FUEL. And when you're spending the day climbing Borobudur or exploring the Kraton, you NEED fuel.
Here's a pro-tip: bring your own instant oatmeal. Because sometimes, you just need a taste of home and a little fiber, okay?
Location, Location, Location! Is it at least in a decent spot?
Okay, this is where OYO 1851 Homestay Joss! actually scores some points. The location is... *decent*. It's not slap-bang in the middle of the tourist madness (which can be a good thing!). You can walk to some restaurants, you *can* hail a Grab (which is basically Uber, and a lifesaver), and it's a reasonable distance from the major attractions. I'd say... it's perfectly imperfect.
So, would you actually recommend staying there? Or is it a hard pass? Spill the tea!
Okay, here's the brutally honest truth. If you're a super-picky traveler who *needs* pristine accommodations and luxury, then NO. Absolutely not. Run screaming in the other direction.
But if you're the kind of person who embraces adventure, isn't afraid of a little (or a lot of) grit, and wants to save money for those amazing Indonesian experiences? Then YES. I would. It's a budget option that lets you see the real Yogyakarta. It's not perfect, but it's real.
And honestly, I’d go back. It's got a certain charm... even the toilet. And those memories? They’re priceless. Or at least, a little bit more than the cost of the room!
Okay, FINE. Let's say I'm staying. What's ONE THING I ABSOLUTELY MUST do, regardless of the state of the bathroom?
Go to Prambanan Temple at sunrise. Forget the sleep deprivation. Forget the early wake-up call. Forget the slightly-too-cold shower you'll need to survive before going. It's pure magic. The way those ancient temples are lit by the golden hour... it's breathtaking. I swear, I almost cried. Okay, maybe I *did* cry. Don't judge. It's powerful.
And then, after Prambanan, reward yourself with a giant plate of Nasi Goreng. You'll deserve it. Trust me.
Any tips for navigating the OYO 1851 experience? Like, survival tips?
Oh, here we go, the real nitty-gritty. Listen up, because this is important.
- Pack earplugs: The roosters. The scooters. The general cacophony of Yogyakarta at 4 AM. You'll thank me.
- Bring mosquito repellent: Seriously. They are out for blood. And mine apparently, based on the welts I got.
- Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases: "Terima kasih" (thank you), "Selamat pagi" (good morning), "Berapa harganya?" (how much does it cost?). Trust me, it'll make things easier, and the locals *love* when you try.
- Embrace the chaos: Things might not always go according to plan.Smart Traveller Inns
