Indonesian Billiard Paradise: I&M Hotel Surabaya's Luxurious Tables Await!
Indonesian Billiard Paradise: I&M Hotel Surabaya - My Love-Hate Affair with Luxury (and Balls)
Okay, so I just got back from the I&M Hotel in Surabaya, and let me tell you, it was an experience. They call it “Indonesian Billiard Paradise,” and… well, they’re not wrong about the billiard part. But paradise? That's a slightly more complicated story. Buckle up, because this review is going to be as chaotic as my last game of pool.
First Impressions: The Glam Factor (and the Slight Sneeze)
Walking into the I&M, you're immediately hit with a blast of polished marble, gleaming chandeliers, and a scent that's a weird mix of luxury and… cleaning solution. I’m guessing they’re really serious about the Cleanliness and safety – which, in this post-pandemic world, is a definite plus. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, they’re doing Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff has been Staff trained in safety protocol which is reassuring (I checked). They also have that whole suite of modern safety features: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher everywhere, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour]. The Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and I definitely appreciated having Individually-wrapped food options. Side note: I sneezed as I walked in. Probably the dust. Or maybe… the pressure of luxury.
The Billiard Bit: Where I Found (and Lost) My Mojo
Let's get down to brass tacks: the billiards. This is what they're selling, and they deliver. They absolutely nail it. The tables are immaculate, the cues feel fantastic, and the whole room just oozes that cool, sophisticated ambiance. Me, personally? I'm not good. Okay, I'm terrible. But even I, a complete pool-fumbling buffoon, felt like a pro in that setting. The lighting was perfect, the felt was smooth… it was a genuine pleasure, even when I was sinking more balls into the side pockets than into any actual shots. Seriously, the Pool with view was exquisite.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Remember that "Paradise" claim? Well, playing pool for hours on end made me hungry. I mean really hungry. So I ventured off to the restaurants.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Hitting (and Missing) the Mark
Okay, this is where the I&M lost some points. The restaurants are certainly plentiful. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, a Vegetarian restaurant, even a Snack bar and Poolside bar. But the service? A bit hit-or-miss. I attempted to order a simple salad but somehow ended up with a full-course meal. It was A la carte in restaurant, I think, which made it seem more sophisticated but I was hangry. The salad was fine, but the portions weren't great, the service was a little clumsy and, surprisingly, it wasn't cheap. They also have Happy hour, which is always a lifesaver, and the pool bar was great for a quick drink to keep me going. I did enjoy the Coffee/tea in restaurant, though, and the Bottle of water left in the room was a welcome touch. I did notice they had Breakfast [buffet] options, but I couldn't get myself up early enough to sample it.
The Room: My Little Luxurious Prison (But in a Good Way)
My room, though? Now, that was a different story. It was seriously plush. I had Air conditioning, a Blackout curtains, a Coffee/tea maker (essential!), and a Refrigerator stocked with goodies. The bed was enormous and comfy, and the Bathtub was begging to be used. (I had several luxurious bubble-bath sessions). They also had Bathrobes, Slippers, and a Hair dryer, all the necessities. If I'm honest, the fact that the room had Free bottled water and Complimentary tea made me feel like a queen. I spent most of my stay working the Internet access – wireless on my Laptop workspace.
The Internet was blazing fast, which was a godsend, and the Wi-Fi [free] worked throughout the hotel. Another huge plus: they had Satellite/cable channels on the TV so you could stay entertained. And the Non-smoking rooms were a definite perk for someone who breathes heavily.
Small issue: The Alarm clock was set a bit too loud, but it’s not a problem if you Wake-up service which I requested the next day.
For the Pampered: Spa, Sauna, and Other Luxuries
The Spa was a lifesaver. After hours of battling those pesky billiard balls. I went for a Massage. It was absolutely divine. They also have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Fitness center, if you are so inclined. These are all solid categories.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Mostly)
The I&M has all the standard amenities: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Concierge service, Room service [24-hour]. They also have Cash withdrawal, a Gift/souvenir shop, and a Currency exchange. They even had Facilities for disabled guests, including Elevator access and Wheelchair accessible features (which I, thankfully, didn't need). The Car park [free of charge] was a huge bonus, and I loved the convenience of the Mini bar. They also had a Convenience store.
Accessibility and The Missing Pieces
Okay, so here’s the slightly disappointing stuff. While they say they have Facilities for disabled guests, it wasn't always immediately obvious how accessible everything really was. The building seems very accessible for Wheelchair accessible guests. And the presence of an Elevator is definitely appreciated. The Internet service was perfect and fast.
The Verdict: A Mixed Bag of Marble and Mischief
Would I recommend the I&M Hotel? Yes, with some caveats. If you're a serious billiards enthusiast or just want to feel fancy for a few days, then absolutely. The pool tables are top-notch, and the rooms are lovely. The service can be a bit wobbly and the dining is inconsistent, but the general atmosphere is definitely a step above the rest. If you are more picky, then make sure to plan ahead. It’s a place to luxuriate and relax. Some things could be improved but it's still an enjoyable stay.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because I have to):
- Keywords: I&M Hotel Surabaya, Indonesian Billiard Paradise, Surabaya hotel, luxury hotel, billiards, pool tables, spa, sauna, swimming pool, dining, WIFI, accessibility, review, travel, hotel review, Indonesia
- Meta Description: A detailed and honest review of the I&M Hotel Surabaya, "Indonesian Billiard Paradise". Explore the luxurious tables, spa, dining, and amenities, with both the highs and lows of the experience.
- Focus Keyword: I&M Hotel Surabaya review
- Category: Travel, Hotel Reviews, Luxury Hotels, Indonesia
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Alright, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned vacation itinerary. This is… me heading to the I&M Hotel Billiard in Surabaya, Indonesia. And trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride.
PRE-TRIP NERVOUSNESS & HOPEFUL DELUSIONS (a.k.a. My Brain's Pre-Departure Party):
- T-minus 7 days: Oh god, packing. Ugh. Do I really need five pairs of socks? Probably. What if I get, like, lost in the jungle and have to survive with only my lucky pair of panda socks? This is serious business.
- T-minus 5 days: Googling "Indonesian food for sensitive stomachs." Praying, constantly praying, that it’s not all just… spice. My spice tolerance is, at best, optimistic.
- T-minus 3 days: The panic sets in. Did I get all the shots? Did I remember to tell the cat-sitter about Fluffy’s bizarre obsession with head-butting the vacuum cleaner? This trip feels like the opening scene of a disaster movie.
- T-minus 1 day: "Right, let's nail that Bahasa Indonesia…" (Proceeds to butcher "terima kasih" and practice the "bule stare" in the mirror until it feels less… weird. Still weird.)
- Departure Day: Airport chaos! The usual. Delayed flights, grumpy travelers. Me, clinging to my duty free perfume like a lifeline. It’s a good brand, so hopefully it will help me not smell like travel.
SURABAYA - The Adventure Begins (or, "Things I Didn't Expect, Part 1"):
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Humidity: "Welcome to Surabaya!" the guy at the hotel reception chirped, as if he knew the sheer shock of the humidity that hit me like a wet, warm blanket. I swore I could feel my hair immediately frizzing. Seriously, the humidity in Indonesia is not for the faint of heart. I looked like a drowned rat two minutes after stepping outside.
- Afternoon: Check into the I&M Hotel. It looks… surprisingly normal? Clean, even. The pool looks inviting. (But, let's be honest, I'm too self-conscious to wear a swimsuit in public, so it stays a tempting mirage.)
- Late Afternoon: Wandering the streets near the hotel. The sensory overload is intense. Motorbikes zipping past, fragrant food carts, and the constant hum of a bustling city. I'm simultaneously thrilled and slightly terrified. I can't understand half of what’s said, it’s glorious.
- Evening: Dinner. I bravely order something called "Nasi Goreng" (fried rice). It's… amazing. So much better than I could expect, and thankfully, spice level is only a gentle suggestion. Maybe I can survive this after all. I was so pleased at surviving without any stomach problems that I nearly ordered a second portion.
- Quirky Observation: The amount of red sauce at every street vendor is truly something to behold.
Day 2: The Billiard Adventure (and a Lesson in Losing Gracefully): This is the reason I'm here. I love the game. (And yes, it’s a bit… niche for a vacation, I know. Don't judge.)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. "American breakfast?" I asked, hoping for familiar comforts. It was, to my surprise, pretty good. Then, a few moments of relaxation before going wild.
- Afternoon: Head to the I&M Hotel Billiard. This is it. The moment of truth. I stroll down the corridor. The room is dim, the tables gleaming… and there are people actually playing. I'm terrified, and I love it. I’ve set my expectations low, really low. I just want to be able to touch a cue.
- The Tournament (or My Humiliating Yet Ultimately Hilarious Defeat): The hotel has this one-off tournament and I thought I'd give it a shot. I was pitted against a local pro, who looked so relaxed he might have been napping at the table. I went on the table, shook my head and smile. We began. It was a disaster. I’m pretty sure I missed every basic shot known to womankind. Cue fumbles, misjudged angles, and the overall grace of a newborn giraffe. I lost. Spectacularly.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, mortification. I wanted to disappear into the billiards table and never be seen again. But then… laughter. Because seriously, it was that bad. I couldn’t help but chuckle. I have never played this badly.
- Quirky Observation: There was this one dude in a full AC/DC t-shirt who was leaping around the table every time he took a shot. It was… interesting.
- The Aftermath: I’m pretty sure everyone in the room had a laugh at my expense, but they also applauded when I missed and smiled. A lesson in losing gracefully? Maybe. A lesson in humility? Definitely. But also, an unexpected amount of fun. I'm pretty sure I made the hotel's day.
- Evening: More Nasi Goreng. It's a comfort. And a beer. I needed a beer. Talked to the guy in AC/DC t-shirt. Turns out he was a billiards enthusiast. And he’s a really nice guy.
Day 3: Exploring Surabaya (and Embracing the Chaos):
- Morning: I visited the House of Sampoerna, a beautiful old Dutch colonial building that’s now a cigarette factory and museum. The craftsmanship in the building is amazing. The history of the building, the people who lived here, the families… It's a lot to take in.
- Afternoon: A tour of Surabaya's old town in a becak (pedicab). That thing is terrifying. The traffic is insane. Every direction looks like a race track. But the driver is a master of this chaos. The vibrant streets, the smells of spices, the shouts of vendors… it's pure, unadulterated Surabaya. I was definitely a bit scared, but also… alive.
- Evening: Trying a fish dish. Turns out, I'm not a fan. At all. Lesson learned: stick to Nasi Goreng.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of "warungs" (small food stalls) on every corner is astounding. They're everywhere, each one offering something different. It's a culinary adventure, and a potential stomach-ache waiting to happen.
Day 4: A Day Trip (Or, "When Things Go Slightly Awry"): I had a plan to go to a volcano but plans are overrated, and I would rather chill out in Surabaya
- Morning: No volcano, I decided to chill by the pool.
- Afternoon: Shopping. I was not expecting a shopping experience this good, but it was a nice way to spend the duration.
- Evening: Had the best Italian food in my life.
Day 5: Departure & The Longing for More (and maybe a slightly better billiard score):
- Morning: Last breakfast. Feeling strangely melancholic. This trip was… messy, exhausting, and utterly unforgettable. I'm already planning my return (and practicing those billiard shots).
- Afternoon: Packing the panda socks. Buying some souvenirs. Saying goodbye to the friendly hotel staff. The humidity is my enemy, and I will win.
- Departure: More airport chaos. Another delayed flight. But this time, I don't mind. I'm leaving with a head full of memories, a stomach (mostly) intact, and a burning desire to improve my billiard game.
Post-Trip Reflections (a.k.a. The Aftermath):
Surabaya. Indonesia. Pure chaos. And the best vacation I’ve ever had. Yeah, I was utterly humiliated at the billiards table. But I also learned a valuable lesson: embrace the mess, laugh at yourself, and, for the love of all that is holy, bring extra socks.
Ho Chi Minh City's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Lachine Private Room at M&K Signature Homestay!
Indonesian Billiard Paradise: I&M Hotel Surabaya's Luxurious Tables Await! (Or Do They?) – The Real Deal FAQs
So, I&M Hotel Surabaya – Billiards? Sounds fancy. Is it *actually* fancy, or just trying to be?
Is it busy? Like, will I be waiting all night for a table?
Is it beginner-friendly? (Because, let’s be honest, I’m terrible.)
What about the atmosphere? Is it chill or intense? Do they serve snacks?
Speaking of intense, are the staff friendly?
Okay, final verdict: Should I go?
