Unbelievable! This Tanah Merah Hotel's Secret is OUT! (OYO 90321)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're dive-bombing into the, ahem, Unbelievable! This Tanah Merah Hotel's Secret is OUT! (OYO 90321) experience. Prepare yourselves, because I went in expecting… well, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, Honestly, the name is… something. And the OYO branding just kind of screams "budget travel," which, let's be real, is often shorthand for "a gamble." But I’m here to tell you what I found, warts and all. Let’s get messy with it.
First Impressions – The Arrival Jitters (and the Elevator That Didn't Always Cooperate)
Okay, so Accessibility started off… kinda shaky. I mean, the Elevator was there (thank the heavens!), but let's just say it had its moods. Sometimes it would be prompt, other times it played the silent treatment for a while, which, if you're hauling luggage, is less than ideal. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is great, but the actual implementation requires a bit of investigation. I’d recommend double-checking specific needs directly with the hotel before booking. I didn’t have any mobility issues, but I noticed… things.
Speaking of the entrance… CCTV outside the property was definitely present (and likely CCTV in common areas as well – couldn't miss all those black dots). Always a good sign, especially if you're a solo traveler like yours truly, or if you're just generally paranoid (no judgment here!).
Check-in/out [express] was offered, and that's a plus when you're jet lagged. I didn't use the Contactless check-in/out option, but, hey, options are appreciated! The Doorman was… present. Let's leave it at that.
The Room Itself – Your Humble Abode (and the Battle With the Blackout Curtains)
The Available in all rooms list is where we start to get a real feel for this place.
- The Good: Air conditioning was a lifesaver, thank you, sweet gods! Free bottled water was present, and a welcome touch. Wi-Fi [free] was indeed available (more on that later). Daily housekeeping was on the ball – my room was always tidy when I returned. The Hair dryer and Ironing facilities were clutch. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker let me avoid the coffee downstairs which I will touch with a barge pole!
- The Okay: The Bed was comfy enough, and the Linens were clean. The Internet access – wireless was… functional. More on that later. There was a Desk to work from, and thank god for the Laptop workspace, because I had a ton of work to get through! The Mirror was, well, a mirror.
- The… Less Good: The Blackout curtains were a struggle. Seriously. They tried to be blackout curtains, but light still sneaked in at the edges. So if you're a light sleeper, this is something to be aware of. The Soundproofing was… adequate, let's put it that way. I could hear… well, some of the outside world. The Refrigerator was small. The Mini bar was even smaller. The Bathroom phone, made me laugh, but come on, a phone??
Internet Shenanigans – A Tale of Two (or Three) Connections
Okay, so Internet access is listed as a major selling point. And yes, there's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. But here’s the real tea. The Wi-Fi was patchy at times. This is the honest truth. I'm not sure if it was my room’s location, a busy network, or just the hotel's Wi-Fi itself, but it was a bit of a rollercoaster. Download speeds were okay. Upload speeds… less so. But hey, you can get online. Internet [LAN]? Don't recall seeing that. I did see a router, but more about that later, let's just say it was a funny journey! For those needing rock-solid internet for work, maybe use your phone's hotspot or bring a portable router.
Dining, Drinking, And… The Buffet (Oh, The Buffet!)
Alright, food, glorious food! This is where things started to get really interesting. Restaurants were available – a definite win. There was Asian cuisine in restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant, which is always handy. The Breakfast [buffet] was… an experience. A mixed one. There were some Vegetarian restaurant options, which I always look for. Western cuisine in restaurant which I did not try. The Breakfast takeaway service was a convenient touch. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was… drinkable. Hey, you can’t win them all. The Poolside bar tempted me, but I resisted. The Snack bar was great.
The Pool with a View… and a Few Quirks
There's a Swimming pool [outdoor], and apparently, Pool with view is a selling point. And yes, the view, you can see across to Tanah Merah, so that’s cool. Now, the pool itself was… well, it was clean, and it was refreshing. But let's just say, the surrounding area could have used a bit more attention. Like, a good scrub-down. I did spot some Body wrap folks, which I didn't try.
Keeping it Clean, Keeping it Safe (Mostly)
Cleanliness and safety are obviously important these days, and this hotel seemed to take it seriously. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, which is always a plus. Staff trained in safety protocol. I did see Anti-viral cleaning products being used, which is reassuring, and they've got Daily disinfection in common areas. They offer Room sanitization opt-out available, and Rooms sanitized between stays. First aid kit, check. Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms – all present and accounted for.
Getting Around: Location, Location, etc.
- Location: Tanah Merah. Not exactly the city center. You will need to factor in transportation. However, the Airport transfer is a good option (I’d recommend booking it beforehand).
- Parking: Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE plus. Taxi service is readily available.
- Other: No Bicycle parking that I saw.
The Services and Conveniences – The Extras (and the Occasional Miss)
- Helpful Things: Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver. Concierge was helpful. Cash withdrawal available. Laundry service and Dry cleaning were available, which is always great when you’re traveling.
- Some Misses: Business facilities were… underwhelming. Meeting/banquet facilities are listed, but I didn't see much happening.
For the Kids (and the Babysitters)
I didn't have any kids with me, but they do list Family/child friendly and Kids facilities. Consider yourself warned.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Here's the deal. Unbelievable! This Tanah Merah Hotel's Secret is OUT! (OYO 90321) is a budget-friendly option with potential. It's not perfect, and it definitely has its quirks. The internet can be a pain, and the blackout curtains play peek-a-boo. But it's clean (generally), the staff is (mostly) friendly, and the pool is refreshing. If you're on a tight budget, need a place to crash near the airport, and don't mind a few imperfections, it could be a good fit. Just go in with realistic expectations and a good book.
My Offer: The "Escape to Tanah Merah" Package
Book your stay at Unbelievable! This Tanah Merah Hotel's Secret is OUT! (OYO 90321) and get:
- Guaranteed Fast-Lane Check-In: Skip the lines! We'll prioritize your arrival.
- Free Upgrade (Subject to Availability): Get a chance for a room with a view!
- Breakfast "Survival Kit": One complimentary meal to start your day, guaranteed!
- "Internet Resilience Kit": We'll provide you with a pocket-sized Wi-Fi range extender to keep you connected.
- Priority Booking: Book now to increase your chances of not only getting a room, but also a good one
- Free Laundry Services: Because no-one wants to spend their time doing laundry in a foreign hotel!
Why Book Now?
Because, let's be honest, life's too short for bland hotels.
Click the Link Below to Book Your Tanah Merah Adventure!
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Bangkok Hostel Bliss: Refill Your Adventure Now!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly manicured travel itinerary. We're going deep, REAL deep, into the heart of… checks notes… OYO 90321 Hotel Bajet Sri Manal Tanah Merah, Malaysia. Prepare for glorious levels of budget-travel chaos, questionable decisions, and enough nasi lemak to fuel a small army.
The Grand (and Possibly Slightly Disastrous) Tanah Merah Adventure
(Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and Surprisingly Good Teh Tarik)
14:00 (ish) - Arrival in Kota Bharu: Okay, let's be honest, the journey here was an ordeal. Picture me, sweating like a pig in a… well, a surprisingly clean bus. (Big props to the bus driver for the sheer, unadulterated skill of navigating Malaysian traffic. Seriously, that's an art form). Finding a taxi to Tanah Merah? Another story. Let's just say my Bahasa Malaysia vocabulary expanded by about five colorful phrases.
15:30 - Check-in at OYO 90321 Hotel Bajet Sri Manal: Found it! The holy grail of budget accommodation. The lobby… well, let's call it "minimalist chic." The receptionist, bless her soul, looked about as enthusiastic as I felt at the end of that bus ride. The room itself… hmmm. Let's just say there's a certain vintage charm. (Translation: It's seen better days, but hey, the aircon works and that's all that matters when you're melting).
16:00 - Immediate Reconnaissance Mission: Food! The primary directive. My stomach is currently making noises that would shame a hungry walrus. Luckily, a small warung (local eatery) is practically next door. Found possibly the best Teh Tarik of my life. I'm not kidding. That perfect blend of strong tea, condensed milk, and the slightest hint of… magic. The local kids watched me, I was trying to do the 'lift and pour' art but had an epic fail that resulted in tea EVERYWHERE. They were hysterical. I think I've made some friends.
17:00-19:00 - Settling in/ Mild Panic: Trying to get the wifi (finally!) and the TV remote to co-operate. I hate the TV, it's so boring! I am reading, but have no idea what I'm reading, it's so boring.
19:00 - Dinner at Warung (again): Definite improvement in my Bahasa. Ordered Nasi Goreng to go, and felt like a local. The lady at the warung is so sweet – she reminds me of my grandma, except she's probably a ninja with a wok.
20:30 - Bedtime: Okay, time to try and sleep. The bed has a certain… springiness about it.
(Day 2: Markets, Misadventures, and Mandatory Mee Goreng)
07:00 - Wake Up!: The rooster, the very grumpy (I think, but the language barrier is real) rooster, who somehow lives right outside the hotel, had other ideas. I will get my revenge on the rooster, I'm sure of it… but after I have some food.
08:00 - Breakfast: Okay, there is food. There is a weird-looking fried thing, looks like a doughnut, but tastes like… well, it's a mystery. Coffee is strong - perfect to chase that rooster out of my mind!
09:00 - Explore the local Morning Market: Oh. My. Goodness. The colors, the smells, the sheer energy of this place! Mountains of durian (which I'm brave enough to smell but not brave enough to eat), every spice imaginable. I bought a hat for one ringgit, and I feel like a seasoned explorer! I spent way too much time ogling fish, and accidentally locked eyes with a very persistent vendor who tried to sell me a whole, live chicken. (Politely declined, FYI.)
11:00 - Attempt to Visit the Tanah Merah Museum: Okay, I got lost. Seriously, I wandered around for an hour, asking bewildered locals for directions. Eventually, I gave up and consoled myself with another Teh Tarik. (It's practically a food group here). I'll try again tomorrow. Maybe.
12:00 - Lunch: Mee Goreng at some random place. It was PERFECT. The noodles, the spice, the… I could have cried it was so good. I think I might just start eating only Mee Goreng for the rest of this trip. Worth it. Seriously.
14:00-16:00 - Nap/Attempt to Combat Heat Stroke: The Malaysian climate is not messing around. I have developed a new level of respect for the sun. I slept for HOURS!
17:00 - Evening stroll : More of the local neighbourhood. I walked everywhere, got to know the locals a bit and how they live.
19:00 - Dinner: The same Warung, because, let's be real, it's the best and nearest restaurant.
20:00 - Attempt to watch some local TV: Failed! So boring and I don't speak the language.
21:00 - Bedtime (with earplugs): That rooster. Still plotting my revenge.
(Day 3: The Museum (Finally!), Unexpected Friendships, and the Deep Dive)
- 08:00 - Breakfast: Okay, the doughnuts are still a mystery, but I'm getting used to them.
- 09:00 - Museum (Again!): Success! The Tanah Merah Museum. It's small, but it has character (unlike my hotel room, which has minimal character). I learned about this place and the history.
- 11:00 - The REAL Adventures Begin: I started talking to this older gentleman at the museum. He spoke very little English and I even less Bahasa Melayu, but we managed to understand each other. He invited me to a local village to see his farm. I was terrified. I said yes.
- 12:00 - Lunch: The man, who's name I'm still not completely sure of, but I think it's 'Pak Mat,' brought me a feast. Fresh fruit I'd never seen before, something that tasted like sweet mango and something that tasted like a cross between a banana and a pear. The food, the people, the place - all pure, unfiltered Malaysia.
- 14:00 - Village/ Farm Tour I can't even describe it, I was just in awe. The smells, the sounds. Pak Mat spoke to me and showed me the plants and the animals.
- 17:00 - Return to Hotel: I'm exhausted, but happy. I've been given a gift by Pak Mat.
- 19:00 - Dinner: I'm too tired to go far - same warung, of course.
- 20:00 - Bedtime: Sleep, sweet sleep.
(Day 4: Departure (and a lingering longing for Mee Goreng))
- 08:00 - A surprisingly quiet breakfast: The rooster must be taking a day off.
- 09:00-10:00 - Last hurrah at the local market: To find my Pak Mat!!
- 10:00-11:00 - Back to the hotel I can't believe my adventure is done!
- 11:00 - Check-out: Farewell, oh, Sri Manal, you haven't been fancy, but you were home for a moment.
- 12:00 - Departure: The bus, the airport. I am leaving. And, I'm gonna miss that Teh Tarik. And, of course, the Mee Goreng. And, maybe, just maybe, a certain grumpy rooster… and the kindness of strangers. Okay, Malaysia, you win.
Unbelievable! The Truth About OYO 90321 (Tanah Merah) - And Let Me Tell You, It's a Rollercoaster!
Okay, spill the tea! What IS the "Secret" about OYO 90321? Is it really *that* unbelievable?
Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups. The "Secret"? Well, that's the million-dollar (or... maybe the $30-a-night) question. It’s not a hidden speakeasy crammed with diamonds. It’s more… the sheer, *unvarnished* experience. Think of it as a social experiment designed by Murphy's Law and powered by instant noodles. It's a place where the air conditioning might breathe its last breath mid-July, and the "complimentary" coffee is suspiciously the same color as motor oil. But honestly? That's part of the charm. Or at least, the story. I first went in expecting a hidden treasure and instead discovered... well, let's just say I now have *stories*.
Is it REALLY THAT bad? Should I just avoid it entirely?
Look, "bad" is subjective, right? My first time, I walked in, and the lobby smelled faintly of… well, a very specific blend of ambition and despair. (Let's call it "used air freshener with a hint of regret.") But here's the thing: I've had *worse* hotel experiences. Seriously. I once stayed in a place where I'm pretty sure the bed was made of concrete. Honestly, if you're expecting the Ritz, RUN. Run far, run fast. However, If you're on a ridiculously tight budget, or you crave a travel story to tell for YEARS to come… then maybe, *maybe*, it's worth a shot. Think of it as a character-building exercise. You learn to appreciate the little things. Like hot water. Or, you know, electricity that *actually* works.
Okay, but what *actually* happens when you stay there? Give me some gritty details!
Alright, fine, you asked for it. Here's a taste of my personal OYO 90321 saga. Picture this: me, fresh off a red-eye flight, bleary-eyed and clutching my bags like they were life rafts. The key card… well, let’s just say it had a mind of its own. I tried it on four different doors before finally (mysteriously) it unlocked. My room? Let's call it "cozy." Translation: Smaller than my walk-in closet. The wallpaper was peeling, and a suspicious stain adorned the ceiling. And don't even get me started on the shower, which offered a choice between a glacial drizzle and a lukewarm trickle. One time, the TV only showed a test pattern. I spent a solid hour trying to fix it (with no success). I had to go ask for some help. The guy had to rewire the whole thing... Now THAT was awkward.
What about the staff? Are they helpful (or at least, present)?
The staff… A mixed bag, honestly. One time, I swear the guy behind the counter just winked and said, "Good luck, friend." Okay, I'm exaggerating slightly. (Maybe.) But seriously, they range from helpful (and clearly used the place as a temporary base) to… let’s say, "efficiently detached." They're certainly not going to hand-hold you. You're in charge. If you need something, you'll probably have to ask more than once. But hey, you adapt. You learn to become a problem-solver. You learn the art of improvised repairs with whatever's lying around. It’s like a low-stakes survival game!
Any specific room recommendations… or warnings?
Oh, room recommendations… Good luck! I've heard whispers of a "Room 207" being relatively… less haunted. Or maybe this is all a delusion. Whatever room you get, check the air conditioner *immediately*. Listen, if you're going in for the cheap pricing (and let's admit it, that's the main pull here), then understand that any rooms facing the road are likely quite loud (especially if you're prone to light sleeping). The thin walls also lead to... umm, active listening. The whole experience is about managing your expectations. And bringing earplugs.
Seriously though, why did you go back more than once?
Good question! Honestly? Because… It’s a *story*. It's the ultimate "I survived this" story. It’s like a badge of honor. And also, I’m cheap. But mostly, it's a reminder not to take life (or hotels) too seriously. It's a constant source of entertainment. I’ve got a whole collection of stories centered on that place. I once spent an entire afternoon trying to catch a rogue cockroach that had taken up residence in the bathroom. Didn't succeed, but the story alone is worth the price of a stay. Plus, sometimes, the sheer absurdity of it all makes for a strangely relaxing escape. And the location *is* actually pretty convenient. It’s a paradox made flesh. And I'm a sucker for a good paradox.
What's the ONE thing you'll NEVER forget?
Okay, fine, just one? Ugh, pick one! It’s a tough one… But, there was the time the fire alarm went off at 3 AM. I swear it was the same one EVERY SINGLE TIME. The other guests were shuffling around in their pajamas, and no one knew what was going on. The staff seemed… unfazed. I went outside, and watched the other guests standing there, trying to decide if it was a drill (which it probably was). We decided to stay out there with each other. That experience brought us all together in a strangely comforting way. It's kind of like we all went through war together, and we will never forget it.
What's the BEST thing about it?
Honestly? The fact that it exists. Seriously. There's something wonderfully, unapologetically *real* about OYO 90321. It's the anti-hotel. It strips away all the pretension and leaves you with… well, an experience. A cheap experience, sure, but an experience nonetheless. And in the end, isn't that what travel is all about? Making a memory? And for a really good story (plus the cheap cost) OYO 90321 is your best bet. Where To Sleep In
