Jakarta's Chicest Escape: Travelio's Titanium Square Studio!
Jakarta's Titanium Square Studio: A Review That's Half-Glamour, Half-Grumble
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Travelio's Titanium Square Studio in Jakarta. This isn't your polished, PR-approved review – this is the messy, honest truth, seasoned with a generous helping of my own neuroses and a potential obsession with the minibar. (Spoiler alert: it’s probably going to have a happy ending).
Right off the bat, let's talk Access. I'm a city slicker, and accessibility is key. Getting in was a breeze. Check-in/out [express]? Blessed be. Front desk [24-hour]? Thank you, baby Jesus. Doorman? Essential for feeling like a queen, even if you maybe spill coffee down your front during the morning rush. The elevator saved my thighs a world of hurt. Bonus points. Didn't notice any major hurdles for wheelchair users, but I'm not an expert. But, the promise of Facilities for disabled guests is always a good sign.
The Studio Itself: Glamour Meets Practicality (Mostly)
Okay, let's be real, the room was pretty damn stylish. That "studio" label? Don't let it fool you. It was spacious, with those high ceilings Jakarta seems to adore. The air conditioning was a godsend – a real lifesaver in that humidity. Air conditioning in public area? More like a necessity! The blackout curtains were divine. Sleeping in until noon is a hobby of mine, so… perfection.
What I Loved (and What Made Me Cringe):
- The Bed: Seriously comfortable. Like, "I could live here" comfortable. The extra-long bed was a dream, and the linens felt luxurious.
- Internet, Internet, Internet!: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it WORKED. I was able to stream my dramas, order takeout without a hitch (more on that later), and generally be a connected human. The fact that there was Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN was a bonus for the tech-heads.
- The Bathroom, or My Personal Fortress: The separate shower/bathtub situation was chef's kiss. Soaking in the bathtub after a day of exploring was heavenly. I particularly appreciated the slippers and bathrobes. Small details elevate a stay, and this spot definitely did.
- Things I'd do again!: The Coffee/tea maker and the Complimentary tea. The Mini bar was well-stocked, though I'm pretty sure I singlehandedly funded its existence. And definitely the wake-up service!
Now for the inevitable gripes (because perfection is boring):
- The lack of fresh air: I'm a window-opener kind of gal, the window that opens was a life-saver but only on certain levels…
- The inevitable dust bunnies: Even in a stylish place like this, where the Daily housekeeping was stellar, there were areas of dust. This is life in the tropics. (Just buy some dusters, you can do it).
- The price of the Minibar…: Seriously.
- Also, to be honest I had a minor accident and the Doctor/nurse on call was a life-saver. Bless them!
- And the Daily disinfection in common areas? The smell was a bit strong.
Food Glorious Food (and Sometimes Disappointment):
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Let's get right to it. The Room service [24-hour]? Essential. Especially after a midnight snack binge of instant noodles. The Asian breakfast was intriguing; I'm not sure if I enjoyed it (The breakfast [buffet] option was there, and I'll be honest, a little uninspiring.). They had a Coffee shop, so if you love coffee you're good. I passed on the Poolside bar but it looked pretty good.
The Cleanliness and Safety stuff…
- I was happy to see Anti-viral cleaning products, And I did take notice of the Hand sanitizer!
- And the Professional-grade sanitizing services and Rooms sanitized between stays are a definite plus.
- The Safe dining setup was also very reassuring.
- The Cashless payment service made life easier.
- And the Fire extinguisher and other "safety/security feature" was, well, smart.
Things to do…and Ways to Relax…(but what if I'm lazy)
Oh boy do I have stories for you!
- The Pool with view: I went, I saw, I conquered. It was great, a solid 8/10.
- The Sauna: A great spot to relax after a long day.
- The Gym/fitness: I am not the gym type, but its existences in this place is a nice touch.
Services and Conveniences
The concierge was helpful with directions and restaurant recommendations. There's a convenience store on-site, which is perfect for midnight snack emergencies. The luggage storage was great. I loved the Dry cleaning and Ironing service which saved me so much hassle.
The Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Absolutely, with a few caveats. I'd stock up on snacks before I committed to the Minibar, and I’d probably request a room on a higher floor to get the best of those views. But overall, the Titanium Square Studio is a stylish, conveniently located, and comfortable base for exploring Jakarta. It's got its quirks, it's got its flaws but it's a solid option for anyone wanting a taste of Jakarta chic. Go forth, enjoy, order room service, and for heaven’s sake, pace yourself with the minibar!
Suzhou's BEST Hotel? GreenTree Inn Review (Guanqian Station!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Jakarta adventure – and trust me, it’s gonna be a glorious mess. Let's call it "Cozy Chaos in Cozy and Simply Studio Titanium Square (By Travelio) – Jakarta Edition." Prepare for a travel itinerary that's less rigid schedule and more… well, a free-flowing river of experience.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Apartment Hunt (with a side of existential dread)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Ugh, the airport. So glad I finally caved in and booked a direct flight. That extra hour of sleep was worth it (or at least, felt worth it until I actually had to wake up). Anyways, landed in Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK). The air feels… thick. Like, you could cut it with a butter knife. Immigration? Smooth sailing! Mostly. My passport photo looks like a hostage situation (I blame the airport photo booth) but they let me through. A small victory!
- Morning (9:30 AM): Officially in Jakarta! Grabbed a Grab (ride-sharing app) to my "Cozy and Simply Studio." The ride was an experience. Traffic. Oh, sweet, blessed traffic. We're talking a symphony of honking, a ballet of scooters weaving through the cars, and me, clinging to the car's interior like I'm on a rollercoaster.
- Morning (11:30 AM): The Grand Apartment Reveal. Arrive at "Cozy and Simply Studio Titanium Square by Travelio." Key in hand! (Success!) Honestly, the building looked a little… imposing from the outside. Like a sleek, glass monolith. I was half-expecting a robot butler to greet me.
- Opening the apartment door… Okay. Breath. It's… small. Smaller than the photos. Maybe the photographer used a wide-angle lens? Or maybe I just have unrealistic expectations. Whatever. It's clean-ish. There's a bed. And AC. And… a faint smell of what I think is air freshener, but could also be something more sinister. Let the unpacking begin!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch! Desperate. Found a little warung (small, local eatery) nearby. Ordered something called "Nasi Goreng." (Translation: "Fried Rice") It was… amazing. Seriously. Cheap, flavorful, and a total assault on my tastebuds in the best way possible. Was it the best Nasi Goreng ever? Probably not. But in this moment, after the flight and the apartment reveal, it was a culinary revelation. (My tummy is giving me a thumbs up now.)
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): The Real unpacking. Discover that my carefully planned "capsule wardrobe" is a crumpled mess. Curse my packing skills. Struggle to connect to the Wi-Fi - because, of course, it's never easy. Existential crisis sets in: "What am I doing here?" "Do I even like Jakarta?" "Why did I choose this particular shade of gray for my suitcase?" Answer: Who knows! But I'm hoping for great things.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Attempt to explore the immediate vicinity. Get hopelessly lost after walking for 15 minutes, just down the street. Discover a bustling street market. The smells! The noise! The sheer energy of it all is overwhelming. Accidentally buy a pineapple - learn that I can't carry a pineapple for very long. My English is a mess when ordering.
- Evening (7:30 PM): Retreat to my "cozy" apartment. Eat the pineapple while watching some badly dubbed Indonesian TV. Collapse on the bed. Realize I haven't showered. Decide that's a problem for tomorrow. Pass out.
Day 2: Culture Shock (and the Quest for Coffee)
- Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Wake up. Regret not showering. Immediately crave caffeine. This becomes the day's mission: FIND COFFEE. (This is serious.)
- Morning (10:00 AM): After searching for what feels like an eternity, I finally unearth a coffee shop! The place is called "Kopi Kenangan." Is it good coffee? It’s… a start. And in that moment, it's ambrosia. Order something I think is coffee with sugar and milk, end up with some overly sweet abomination. Still, caffeine!
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park). A crazy, overwhelming theme park full of miniature versions of Indonesian houses and landscapes. It's simultaneously fascinating, slightly bizarre, and incredibly hot. Walk around in a sweaty haze, and marvel at the sheer scale of it. Get lost. Seriously lost. Almost get run over by a small scooter. Take way too many photos. Lose my water bottle. Discover a beautiful lake. Spend an hour just gazing in peacefulness.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Traffic. More traffic. Contemplate the meaning of life while stuck in gridlock. (See a recurring theme here?)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Attempt to visit a shopping mall, "Grand Indonesia." Get completely overwhelmed by the size and the sheer consumerism of it all. Suddenly crave a familiar comfort.
- Afternoon/Evening (5:00 PM): Find a Western food kiosk (hello, familiarity!). Eat a burger. Wonder how much I should tip. Over-tip! Realize I am still lost.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Back to the apartment. Watch more badly dubbed TV. Decide I need to learn some basic Indonesian phrases. Promise myself that tomorrow will be different. (It won't be.) Wonder if there's really a robot butler.
Day 3: The "Trying to be a Tourist" Day (with mixed results)
- Morning (9:30 AM): Wake up with newfound determination! Today, I conquer Jakarta!
- Morning (10:30 AM): Take a Grab to Kota Tua (Old Town). The ride is again an adventure.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Explore Kota Tua. Okay, this is actually pretty cool. The old colonial buildings are beautiful, if a little crumbling. Take a million photos. Almost get scammed by a guy offering to take a picture with a parrot. Politely decline. (Victory!)
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a local café in Kota Tua. Order something that looks vaguely familiar. It's… okay. Definitely not Nasi Goreng level.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): The Museum Fatahillah Discovery. This is the highlight of my day. The museum is fascinating, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the volume of information. Get completely lost in the exhibits.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Get lost while trying to find a Grab back to the apartment. Walk around for 30 minutes in the sweltering heat. Suddenly decide to try and figure out the local bus system. Get completely baffled. Give up and hail an overpriced taxi.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Back at the apartment. Tired. Sore. Overwhelmed.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Order delivery. Eat food alone while feeling slightly homesick. (But still loving Jakarta.) Decide to plan Day 4. But not yet. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 4 & Beyond:
…Okay, so I’ve got the gist of what my Jakarta adventure is like. The following days will involve more of the above:
- More traffic.
- More delicious and cheap food (and I will find that Nasi Goreng place again – mark my words!).
- More getting lost.
- More moments of pure wonder.
- More moments of "What have I gotten myself into?"
- Maybe I'll finally get that shower in the morning.
- Eventually, I'll leave. And I'll miss it. I know because… I'M ALREADY.
This is a trip, and I'm just along for the ride. This is my gloriously imperfect, beautifully messy, and utterly unforgettable Jakarta journey. And that's the best itinerary you could ask for.
Escape to Paradise: Agra's Hotel Panna Awaits!
Okay, so Titanium Square Studio... What's the *real* deal? Is it worth the hype? (Because, let's be honest, Jakarta and "chic" sometimes feel like oil and water...)
Alright, let's cut through the glossy Travelio brochure speak. Titanium Square *is* actually quite nice. I mean, it definitely leans towards the "minimalist chic" vibe – think clean lines, pale wood, maybe a strategically placed potted plant (or two). And yes, it *is* in a decent area. Not exactly walking distance to everything, but you’re not going to feel completely stranded in the middle of nowhere.
But hype? Hmm. It depends. If you're expecting some sort of design magazine cover come to life, maybe dial it back a notch. Reality bites, even in upscale Jakarta. I remember arriving after a grueling flight and the aircon *wasn't* quite kicking in right away. First world problem, I know, but after battling Jakarta traffic, that first blast of cool air is crucial. Took about an hour to get the temperature just right. Minor hiccup, but still...a little deflating after all the anticipation.
What's the *actual* size of the studio? Because those photos always lie! And "studio" can mean anything from a broom closet to a small apartment, right?
Okay, so the photos... they usually make it look bigger. It's a studio, people. Meaning, one room. The good news? It’s a relatively *well-designed* one room. They've done a decent job of maximizing space. There's a little kitchenette (don't expect to whip up a Michelin-star meal in there, though), a comfy-ish bed, a small seating area with a TV, and a surprisingly decent bathroom. I'd guess maybe… 30-40 square meters? Don't quote me. I'm terrible at estimating. But it's enough. Not cramped. You won’t be tripping over your luggage (unless you, like me, are a master of Tetris with your belongings). But hey, you're not exactly hosting a dance party, are you?
Location, location, location! Where exactly *is* this Titanium Square business? And more importantly, is it actually convenient? (Thinking about taxis, food, things to *do*...)
It's in the Thamrin area, which is... *okay*. Not the most exciting part of Jakarta, but it's perfectly functional. Getting a Grab (that's Jakarta’s version of Uber) is generally pretty easy. Traffic? That's Jakarta. Brace yourself. No matter *where* you are.
Food options? Lots. You're spoiled for choice. I walked into a fantastic little *warung* (local eatery) down the street and had the most *amazing* nasi goreng for, seriously, like three bucks. *Score!* And if you're feeling fancy, there are plenty of upscale restaurants nearby. One night I decided to treat myself, and yes, the food was amazing, but I also had to fight off a mosquito that was *clearly* more interested in my blood than I was in my Wagyu beef. Jakarta, eh? Always a bit of an adventure.
Things to do? Well, shopping malls are everywhere. Grand Indonesia is nearby. Art galleries? Not exactly around the corner, but easily accessible. So, convenient? Yes, in a Jakarta kind of way. You'll need to plan your transport, but you're not completely isolated.
The Kitchenette: Are we talking "microwave and a prayer" or actually usable? Because I NEED my morning coffee. Seriously.
Okay, coffee is a *priority*. Thankfully, it is somewhat useable. There's a microwave, a small fridge, a stovetop (usually induction, I think), and *usually* some basic utensils. They almost always provide a kettle, and a few instant coffee sachets. The coffee *was* awful - I think it was the cheap, super-bitter Indonesian instant coffee, not going to sugar coat that. I had to go and find a proper coffee shop on the first morning – thankfully one’s not too far away. So, pack some good coffee, or be prepared to hunt for a decent café. Otherwise, you're good for basic stuff. Don’t count on cooking a gourmet dinner, but breakfast and quick snacks are definitely doable.
One particularly memorable morning, the kettle decided to stage a sit-in (aka, it wouldn’t work). I spent about 20 minutes wrestling with it, only to finally realize I'd forgotten to plug it in! Face palm moment. My fault entirely, really. Jakarta and I, we share a complicated relationship.
The Internet! Because even in "chic" Jakarta, wifi can be... unpredictable. What's the deal?
Wifi is decent. *Usually*. It's fast enough for browsing, streaming, and (usually) video calls. But I'm not going to lie, sometimes, it's a little flaky. I think it depends on the time of day, and maybe the mood of the internet gods. I once spent a whole afternoon battling a connection that kept dropping out during a very important work meeting. I had to run to the nearest coffee shop for rescue. *Humiliating*. So, if you absolutely *need* reliable internet, maybe consider a backup plan, like a local SIM card with mobile data.
Cleanliness? Because no one wants to discover questionable stains in a "chic" apartment. What's the cleaning situation like?
Cleaning generally seems pretty good. The place is usually spotless. They often include a cleaning service, depending on how long you stay. The bathroom is always clean, and the sheets are fresh. No complaints there. That being said, the devil is in the details, sometimes. I once found a tiny, almost imperceptible, dark something on a wall, which could have been almost anything. My imagination went wild. I blamed the Jakarta air and moved on. Overall, though, generally clean.
The Noise! Jakarta is a noisy city. Is this place a haven of tranquility, or are you sleeping with earplugs?
Okay, noise. Jakarta. Yes. It’s noisy. Titanium Square is reasonably quiet, but it's not a soundproof sanctuary. You'll probably hear some traffic. I usually slept fine, but I’m a pretty heavy sleeper. My husband? He brought earplugs. Especially on the weekends, the motorcycles revving up and the occasional karaoke from next door can get a bit much. Depends on your tolerance, really. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Trust me. And maybe a white noise app to help drown out the city symphony of horns and general chaos.
The Furniture and Amenities: Is it actually *comfortable*? Or just stylish?
Generally comfortable. The bed is usually decent. Not the *most* luxurious ever, but it's fine for a few nights. The pillows can sometimes be a bit hit-or-miss – some are good, some are aDelightful Hotels
