Tangerang's HOTTEST Apartment: Urban Heights Luxury! (Travelio Deal Inside!)
Urban Heights Luxury, Tangerang: My Unfiltered Truth (Travelio Deal Shook Me!)
Okay, people, buckle up. I just got back from Urban Heights Luxury in Tangerang, and let me tell you, it's less "luxury" and more… well, a wild ride. Grab your coffee (or something stronger, I won't judge), because this is not your typical, polished review. I'm going to dissect this place like a frog in Biology, warts and all. And yes, I snagged a Travelio deal – which, BTW, seriously impacted my expectations. (Spoiler: it was a double-edged sword.)
Accessibility: Getting There (and the Initial OMG Moments)
First off, accessibility. Tangerang itself is… a mixed bag. Urban Heights is supposedly accessible, with facilities for disabled guests listed. However, the actual experience of navigating Tangerang's roads and getting to the place was a white-knuckle affair. Taxis? Good luck. Traffic? Unspeakable. I almost considered learning to fly just to avoid the daily grind.
Once inside, the lobby itself felt… grand! Like, "shiny and sterile" grand. Then I saw the elevators, and I was relieved to find they are indeed accessible. But seriously, getting to the elevator in the first place? Prepare for some sidewalk dodging.
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Fueling the Adventure (or Lack Thereof)
Alright, let’s talk sustenance. The on-site options are… present. They exist. There's a restaurant (with Asian and International cuisine – I think they're trying to be all things to all people), a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. I tried the 'Asian breakfast' one morning. Let's just say it wasn't quite as aromatic as I’d hoped. It was more like "a collection of uninspired things I wouldn't normally eat for breakfast if I were home," and I was left wishing I’d just grabbed a pre-packaged anything from the "convenience store," which, BTW, was actually pretty convenient.
The bar, however, was a highlight. They offered happy hour, and while the cocktails weren't exactly masterclass material, they were cold, and the pool view was… actually pretty decent. The pool itself? More on that later.
Wheelchair Accessibility: The Reality Check
While the elevators and some public spaces are wheelchair-accessible, I'm not totally sure how truly accessible it is. It's a "check the box" accessible. There are things to consider. The hallways may be a little narrow. The bathrooms – well, I didn't actually inspect them in detail, but I got the impression that I shouldn't get my hopes up.
Internet & Wi-Fi: The Lifeline (or the Bane of My Existence?)
THANK GOD for free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Seriously, in today's world, it's non-negotiable. The connection itself was… reliable enough. I managed to stream a few movies, which was vital for my sanity during those Tangerang traffic moments. There's also [LAN] "Internet access" listed. Um, who still brings a LAN cable? Just sayin'.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa & Other Adventures
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Urban Heights boasts a "Spa". I was EXCITED. It promised "Body scrub, body wrap, massage, sauna, steam room…" Sign me up! I went for the full shebang.
The spa, however, was… a process. Let me tell you, it took a while. The staff were lovely, but there was some definite translation issues. I got a massage that was… enthusiastic. Let's call it that. The body scrub involved a lot of scrubbing, and the steam room felt like being inside a poorly-ventilated teapot. Okay, maybe I was exaggerating here. I got a good sweat. Honestly, the massage, with the slightly-too-firm pressure, while a bit painful (in a good way), felt amazing after a day of being stuck inside.
The "pool with a view" was… fine. The view was of other buildings, but hey, it was water. Plenty of deck chairs and space to chill. I found myself just enjoying the sun and reading. Just what I needed.
They listed a fitness center, which I didn’t even bother with. I walked and walked and walked enough in the city, and that's all I needed .
Cleanliness & Safety: The Germaphobe's Guide (or: Did It Feel Safe?)
Cleanliness and safety are obviously huge these days. Urban Heights actually seemed pretty on top of this. Lots of "anti-viral cleaning products," "daily disinfection," and "professional-grade sanitizing services." I saw staff wearing masks, hand sanitizer everywhere.
I had my room sanitized between stays, too. And believe me, I looked at the details. Everything seemed clean. They even had "individually-wrapped food options," which made me feel less like I was eating off a shared buffet (though, I skipped the buffet completely).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Soul (or Just My Stomach?)
Beyond the restaurant and bar, there's room service [24-hour], which I used more than I'm proud to admit. The food was… edible. Not gourmet, not memorable, but it filled the hole. I ordered a 'salad in restaurant' one day because I was feeling virtuous. More of a plate of green, if you ask me.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life (Slightly) Easier
The hotel offers a plethora of services. "Cash withdrawal," "currency exchange," "doorman," "laundry service," "luggage storage"… the list is long. I took advantage of the laundry service (worth every rupiah). The concierge was helpful without being overly intrusive. The elevator was always the same. The lobby was big. Everything went mostly smooth.
For the Kids: Family Fun (Or Chaos?)
They have "babysitting service" and "kids facilities." I don't have kids, so I can't personally verify how kid-friendly it is, but the presence of these things suggests they're at least trying.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Honestly, the rooms were okay. There was air conditioning (thank God!), a mini bar (that I sadly didn’t use much), and a free Wi-Fi . They had "safety/security feature" in every room. Shower was good, hot water always flowing, but didn't have something extra.
My bed was comfortable. The blackout curtains were essential for escaping the Tangerang sun. But, well, I didn't particularly have that luxury feeling.
Getting Around: Navigating the Concrete Jungle
They offer "airport transfer," but I bypassed that. "Car park [free of charge]," which is a huge bonus. But honestly, the best way to get around Tangerang is to embrace the chaos. Taxi service exists, but I recommend Grab or Gojek (the app-based ride services) for your sanity.
My Verdict (and the Travelio Deal's Shadow)
So, is Urban Heights Luxury actually "luxury"? Not really. It's more like… comfortably functional. It's clean, it's got decent amenities, the staff are friendly. I'd recommend Urban Heights, but with some caveats. I got it through Travelio, which made it slightly more palatable on the price. I also lowered my expectations. This isn't a five-star experience. Yet, in a tough city, it turned out to be okay.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s… good enough. Solid. Just don't expect the world. And definitely bring your patience (and maybe a good phrasebook!)
Escape to Paradise: Coral Castle's Maldives Magic
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is ME, loose and rambling, giving YOU the Comfort Studio Urban Heights Residence by Travelio Tangerang, Indonesia lowdown. Prepare for chaos, because that's just how I roll… and how my travel itineraries usually end up looking after a few days.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Air-Conditioning Mystery (and Maybe Panic)
Afternoon: Landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Whew. Flying always makes me feel like I'm constantly battling motion sickness and existential dread, all at once. Grabbed a (surprisingly delicious) Grab car – Indonesian Uber, basically. The driver looked suspiciously young and thrilled to be driving me. I'm already wondering if I look that old. The ride was a rollercoaster of honking and near-misses. Honestly, it’s part of the charm of Indonesian driving… or at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
Check-in at Comfort Studio Urban Heights: Found the Travelio place. It’s… alright. Small. Clean-ish. Kind of IKEA-chic, if IKEA was built on a shoestring budget. The pictures online were definitely enhanced. But, hey, for the price, I shouldn't complain. I did. A lot. Especially when I got into the room and discovered the air conditioning was… well, not air-conditioning. It was more like a gentle breeze with an existential crisis of its own. I swear, I checked every button, every setting. Nothing. It was like living in a lukewarm hug. (And I'm not a hug person, especially when it's humid.) Called customer service. They assured me someone would come… eventually.
Evening: Okay, air-con situation slowly deteriorating. I was starting to feel like a melted ice cream cone. Ordered some Indomie (instant noodles, the quintessential Indonesian student food) via Go-Food, partly because I was too exhausted to go out, and partly because it’s comfort food incarnate. Sat on the tiny balcony (which, let's be real, was more a glorified fire escape) and contemplated life, sweat dripping slowly. Eventually, someone did come regarding the air-con. They fiddled. They muttered. They poked. They left. The air-con… still fought for its last breath. Sigh. Guess I’ll befriend the mosquitoes.
Day 2: Tangerang Scramble (and My Love/Hate Relationship with Traffic)
Morning: After a sleepless night of fan-assisted humidity, I tried to embrace a new day. Decided to brave the Tangerang streets. First mission: find a decent coffee. Found a little warung (small local shop) tucked away on a side street. The coffee was strong, black, and revitalizing, just the way I like it. The owner, a woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, gave me a mini-Indonesian-language lesson. She laughed at my pronunciation of "terima kasih" (thank you). I felt a deep sense of humility because I am terrible at languages. Got on a ojek (motorcycle taxi) to a local market - which was a sensory overload in the best way possible. Bright colours, the smells of spices mingling with the heat, the cacophony of vendors yelling; it’s a beautiful chaos.
Afternoon: Decided to explore the area around the residence. BIG MISTAKE. The heat was relentless. Traffic was an absolute nightmare. Seriously, I've seen less congested highways in rush hour in LA, if you can believe it. After a mere 20 minutes of sitting in the oven on wheels (the AC was dead), I gave up and turned back.
Evening: Back at the apartment, the air-con was still fighting a losing battle, and the mosquitoes were winning. I spent WAY too much time on the internet. I became invested in an online drama between two reality TV stars that I didn't even know I was involved in. Ordered more Indomie. My fridge? A graveyard of half-eaten fruit. My soul? Slightly less humid, thanks to the Indomie.
Day 3: The Mall of Disappointment (and the Redemption of a Massage)
Morning: Figured I needed to get out of the apartment again, so, I foolishly went to a mall. It was huge, shiny, and, oddly, not very interesting. The selection of clothing was… uninspired. The food court was filled with the same predictable chains. I felt a profound sense of ennui. The air conditioning in the mall was, ironically, perfect. I considered just camping out there.
Afternoon: After my (admittedly short) mall experience, I decided I needed a good massage. I found a spa nearby (after a lot of online searching) and, oh my god, it was heaven. The masseuse was a tiny woman with hands of steel. She kneaded out all the knots I didn't even know I had. The jasmine-scented oil, the quiet music, the absolute bliss. I almost fell asleep. I'd happily become a massage addict. Seriously, a perfect massage is probably the closest thing to nirvana I'll ever experience.
Evening: Exhausted (in a good way) from the massage, I ordered nasi goreng (fried rice) from a little street-side stall. The woman made it with love and a LOT of chili. My tastebuds were on fire, but in a good way. Felt a tiny bit better about the air-con situation. The mosquitoes, however, were not impressed by my new "chili-infused" aura.
Day 4: The Great Air-Conditioning Resurrection… (Maybe?)
Morning: Woke up. Guess what? Air-con still… questionable. Called the Travelio people. Again. A different person this time, which is always fun. They promised someone would "definitely" be there to look at it today. I'm starting to think "definitely" in Indonesian might mean "eventually, perhaps."
Afternoon: Someone came. A new technician. This one was younger, seemed more determined. He took apart the air-con. He fiddled. He swore (in Indonesian, of course, which I couldn't understand, but I grasped the general tone). And then… magic! Or maybe it was just a minor miracle. The air-con started to mostly work! I could actually feel a gentle chill! I was cautiously optimistic.
Evening: The air-con mostly worked. Slept like a baby. Well, a baby in a lukewarm incubator, but I slept. Started packing. Thinking about the next adventure, praying the air-con in the next place is more… reliable. I also made a list of Indonesian phrases I’d learn next time, starting with “Where is the proper air conditioning system?”
Day 5: Departure & Reflections (and a Tiny Regret)
Morning: Final Indomie breakfast, checking out. Said goodbye to the (mostly) working air conditioner with a mixture of relief and… well, nostalgia. Actually, I kind of missed the mosquitoes a little bit. Okay, maybe not.
Departure: A little sad to leave, but also feeling lighter, and… a bit more tanned. Traveling is a messy thing and, sometimes, your travels are a mess. But a good mess is a great thing to remember.
Final Verdict: Comfort Studio Urban Heights? Fine. Not perfect. But the experience was good because of the people, because of the food, and because of the unexpected moments. Would I stay there again? Maybe. If they got a decent air-con system. And a mosquito-proofing system. And perhaps included a massage voucher. Just sayin’. But the best, messiest experiences are the ones that stay with you, right? I learned that while the temperature might not be ideal, a strong cup of coffee, a spicy meal, and a friendly smile can often conquer all. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about. Now, time to book the next one.
Urban Heights Luxury: The Good, The Bad, and the Honestly, Maybe Just The Okay? (Plus: That Travelio Deal!)
Okay, spill. Is Urban Heights ACTUALLY luxurious? Like, REALLY luxurious?
Alright, buckle up buttercups. "Luxury"? That word gets thrown around more than crumpled tissues on a sick day. Urban Heights… it's *trying*. The lobby? Swanky. Marble floors that practically whisper "don't you dare scuff me!" And the staff? Always smiling, even when I’m pretty sure they’re judging my questionable fashion choices (seriously, what *is* this weather?).
The apartment itself? My unit definitely had a "wow" factor when I saw it. The floor-to-ceiling windows gave amazing light. It was a decent size, too. My place had a great view, though the building across the street has the same one which sort of ruined the feeling.
What's not luxurious? Well, the little things. The elevator gets slow during rush hour. Once, it got stuck between floors for like, a solid 20 minutes and I nearly died from sheer boredom. And the gym? It's nice, with a couple of decent machines, but it's pretty much all I used to do, so it's not great if you need a good range. And honestly, that 'luxury' pool felt a little bit chilly. And let's not even talk about the occasional mysterious leak from the ceiling. But, hey, at least they fix things. Usually. Eventually.
Tell Me About THAT Travelio Deal! Is it worth it? Spill the Tea!
Ah, the Travelio Deal. The siren song of a temporary, maybe slightly discounted, lifestyle. Okay, here's the REALITY check. It's…complicated. Basically, you get a fully furnished apartment for a set amount of time. Supposedly the whole package is a steal. But, and this is a BUT that's the size of a small elephant – read the FINE PRINT. Seriously.
I booked a Travelio place in Urban Heights, and the pictures made everything seem AMAZING. My first impression when entering the apartment? It was like stepping into a show home. I mean, everything was in place, there was a lovely scent, and I could tell someone cared about presentation.
BUT within a week there were problems. The wifi kept cutting out. The aircon was temperamental. The oven didn't work. I called the Travelio contact. It was the same conversation several times. "We're on it." And then…nothing. So I spent a week living in a somewhat luxurious, albeit not fully functional, space – with a VERY grumpy face.
So…worth it? Maybe. If you're okay with potential hiccups and have the patience of a saint. It's a gamble, my friend. A fashionable, potentially frustrating gamble.
What’s the vibe like? Is it a party place or a place to actually, you know, chill?
The Vibe. Ah, yes. The most important thing. Generally? Urban Heights is somewhere between "slightly upscale business hotel" and "family-friendly, leaning slightly upscale." You're not exactly going to find raging parties every night (thank goodness, I need my sleep). There is also a great security team at the front, so that keeps things pretty safe.
There is also a small outdoor area and a cafe right in front. I've had a few business meetings there as it is pretty decent, and it is also a great spot to kick back!
How's the location? Is it convenient for getting around Tangerang?
Location, location, location, right? Well, Urban Heights is…fine. It's in a pretty accessible area, a brisk walk to a shopping mall, which is pretty great. Public transport is readily available (although the traffic can be a beast during morning and evening rush hour).
It's not exactly the heart of the party scene, but it is connected to the highway.
Let's talk about the pool... is it Insta-worthy?
Okay, the pool. The *aesthetic*. The opportunity to subtly flex your "luxury lifestyle" on Instagram. The pool is...okay. It's clean. It's a decent size. The view is decent, especially at sunset.
But is it Insta-worthy? Hmm. It could be. The lighting isn't always ideal, and sometimes it gets crowded (hello, hordes of people trying to flex!). But it has potential. Maybe with the right filter, and some clever angles, I could totally fool everyone.
What are the parking situations are like?
Parking? Oh, dear. Okay, so, the parking situation? It exists. Usually. There's a designated parking area, which is great. However, during peak hours, it can turn into a bit of a chaotic free-for-all. I've definitely spent longer circling the parking garage than I spent in the actual gym. So... be warned. Arrive early, or be prepared to practice your patience. And maybe bring a book, just in case.
