Unbelievable Makassar Stay! OYO 90548 Kika Homestay Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Unbelievable Makassar Stay? Hold My Bintang! OYO 90548 Kika Homestay Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Seriously, Did I Just Win the Budget Travel Lottery?
Alright, folks, let’s get real. Budget travel can be… well, let's just say it's often a gamble. You're trading luxury for location, and praying to the travel gods you don't end up with a leaky ceiling and a roommate named "The Mosquito King." So, when I stumbled upon OYO 90548 Kika Homestay, I went in with cautious optimism. I mean, Unbelievable in the title? Sounds like a marketing ploy. Turns out… maybe it wasn’t. Let’s dive in, shall we? And trust me, I'm not holding back any of the messy, glorious messiness of my stay.
First Impression: Did I Accidentally Wander into a Secret Garden? (Kinda)
Accessibility: Okay, this is a mixed bag. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," but honestly, I didn't see a ton of obvious modifications. The entrance was mostly flat, but navigating the property with a wheelchair might be tricky in some of the older parts. Definitely best to call ahead and clarify if accessibility is a major concern.
Then again, from the outside, the place looks like a charming, slightly ramshackle collection of buildings spilling out into a lush, green space. Forget the sterile, corporate hotel vibe - Kika Homestay has character. Which is great… until you're hauling your suitcase down a slightly uneven path in the tropical heat.
The Room: My Kingdom for AC (and Okay, Maybe a Hot Shower)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room? Surprisingly spacious. Clean? Yes. And thank the heavens for air conditioning! Makassar is hot, people. The bed was… well, let’s just say I've slept on softer mattresses, but it was definitely functional. The little touches, like the complimentary bottled water and the slippers, were nice surprises. The bathroom… hmmm. The shower's water pressure was a bit meh, and the hot water was intermittently cooperative, but look, for the price, I wasn't expecting a spa experience. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in after late-night excursions.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Woes? (Mostly Okay, but a Little Rambling…)
- Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events
- Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN
Okay, so let's talk internet. This is critical, right? Especially if you're a digital nomad, or just someone who needs to, you know, work. Free Wi-Fi is advertised, and it was available in my room… mostly. Sometimes, it was lightning fast. Other times, it was slower than a sloth in molasses. I ended up using my mobile data more than I wanted to, but hey, at least there were options. I did see Wi-Fi in the public areas, too, though I didn't test it extensively. If you need rock-solid internet, this isn't the place. If you're willing to be flexible, it's manageable. There was also LAN access, but who uses that anymore? Remember those days?
Food, Glorious Food! (Okay, More Like… Food, and Then Some)
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
Ah, the food. This is where Kika Homestay really surprised me. Breakfast was included, and while it wasn't Michelin-star quality, it was plentiful and tasty. The options weren't exotic; think your Asian breakfast staples in the form of Nasi Goreng to a Western breakfast with eggs and toast.. but it was fresh, it was filling, and it set me up for a day of exploring. There was a restaurant on site, and a coffee shop on the property. I had lunch there one day from the a la carte menu was decent. The most amazing perk was the 24-hour room service. This was a godsend after late nights out.
While I didn't specifically see "individually wrapped food options" during my visit, the staff seemed careful about hygiene, and everything looked clean.
Relaxation Zone: Pool with a View? (Sort Of!)
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
Okay, deep breath. The brochure promises relaxation. The reality? There is a swimming pool. It's not Olympic-sized, but it's clean, refreshing, and a perfect antidote to the Makassar heat. The "view"? Well, it's not quite infinity pool overlooking the ocean, but you can see something lovely, surrounded by lush greenery. There seemed to be a spa/massage area, but I didn't have time to try it. Honestly? I was mostly happy just chilling by the pool with a book. There's no gym/fitness center, so don't come here expecting to become a fitness guru. But the pool alone? Worth it.
Cleaning and Safety: Feeling Safe, Mostly?
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
- Access: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour]
COVID-19 precautions were evident. I saw the staff cleaning diligently. Hand sanitizer was readily available. The staff was wearing masks and I definitely didn't feel unsafe. There was daily disinfection. My room seemed clean. Safety-wise, there's 24-hour security, CCTV cameras in common areas, and fire extinguishers. The security could be a bit overkill, with even a few of the hotel patrons getting a stern "Good Evening" from the front desk on the way out.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly - a huge plus. They arranged a taxi for me, and the airport transfer was smooth. There's a laundry service (thankfully!), luggage storage, and a money exchange. I didn't need any of the business facilities, but they seemed to be available. Overall, the "services and conveniences" list is pretty comprehensive. And I saw kids running around enjoying themselves, so it does seem family
Pousart: Your Florianópolis Paradise Awaits (Floripa, Brazil)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is my Makassar adventure, specifically, the legendary OYO 90548 Kika Homestay! This ain't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed, folks. This is real life, with all the sweat, tears, and questionable street food decisions that entails.
Day 1: Arrival & Holy Cow, That Humidity!
14:00 - Makassar Airport "Sultan Hasanuddin" – Arrival & Taxi Roulette: Land. Bleary-eyed. Disoriented. Immediately hit by a wall of humid… well, everything. My hair, already a frizzy disaster, decided to achieve new levels of volume. Finding a taxi? Forget about it. It's like the Hunger Games out there. Negotiated a price that probably stung me, but honestly, just wanted out of that airport. The driver gave me a suspicious look after I told him the address of my homestay. "Kika…Kika Homestay?" He repeated the name, as if I were speaking another language. Which, let's be honest, Indonesian is starting to feel like.
15:30 - OYO 90548 Kika Homestay - Check-in & Initial Panic: Found it! Kika Homestay. The facade was charming, kind of a mishmash of styles but somehow working. Check-in was a breeze, mostly because the receptionist’s English was about as good as my Indonesian (non-existent), which somehow made the whole thing more relaxed. The room… well, let’s just say it had character. The air conditioning? Surprisingly effective against the humid onslaught. First impressions? Clean-ish. Basic. Charming in its own, slightly ramshackle way. I could definitely see myself spending a few days. I threw my bag on the bed, took a deep breath, and promptly burst into a minor panic attack about the lack of a real pillow. Okay, breathe! You can survive this; you are in Indonesia!
16:30 - Exploring the Neighborhood (and Immediately Getting Lost): Armed with Google Maps, I ventured out. Makassar felt like a sensory overload in the best way possible. Motorbikes zoomed past, the smell of something delicious frying wafted from every corner, and I swear, the sun was closer to the ground here. Found a warung (small local eatery) and ordered something I thought was chicken. Turned out to be… something else. (Still delicious, though!) Got hopelessly, gloriously lost. Ended up back at the homestay feeling utterly discombobulated. But hey, at least I saw some of the city!
19:00 - Dinner Debacle & Bedtime Bliss: The homestay owner recommended a seafood restaurant a few blocks away. Turns out, "a few blocks" in Makassar is a relative term, and I wandered for what felt like an eternity. The seafood was good, but the portions were HUGE. I clearly over-ordered, which led to me feeling stuffed and gross. Made the mistake of eating the chili paste which made me sweat. Back at the homestay, I collapsed into bed with my questionable pillow and promptly passed out, dreaming of air conditioning and a real caffeine kick.
Day 2: Diving Headfirst (Literally & Figuratively) into Cultural Immersion
08:00 - Breakfast Bloopers & the Art of Coffee: Breakfast at Kika was included, which consisted of rice porridge and Indonesian coffee (which is strong enough to fuel a rocket ship). The instant coffee, although, was a bit rough. I spent around 15 minutes trying to make a passable cup, and failed. Oh well. The best part about breakfast was watching other guests and the constant chatter; the sound of an authentic place.
09:00 - Fort Rotterdam (A Historical Rollercoaster): Visited Fort Rotterdam. This place was HUGE and it's like a maze. Got caught in torrential downpour which nearly destroyed my camera. Honestly, it wasn’t even that good but it was cool to explore historical spots.
12:00 - Lunch at a Random Warung (Again): Found another little warung and tried to order something based on the pictures. What I got was a plate of fried noodles that turned out to be the best thing I'd tasted in ages!
13:00 - The Beach Visit: The thought of going to the beach during rainy season made me feel uneasy. I decided to pay a visit to the beach by the city. It wasn't like the beaches I'm used to in any way but I liked it!
19:00 - The Final Stroll & My Final Moments: I ate a good meal and went back to my home. I went to bed right after.
21:00 – Check out: All went very fast. The staff were helpful, and the overall experience was positive. It was a truly memorable day.
So, in Conclusion…
Makassar, and Kika Homestay, were a whirlwind. Nothing went according to plan, everything was a little messy, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Would I recommend Kika Homestay? For the budget traveler who doesn't mind a bit of grime and a whole lot of character? Absolutely. Just bring your own pillow. And maybe some earplugs, because that rooster across the street doesn't care about your sleep schedule.
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Unbelievable Makassar Stay! OYO 90548 Kika Homestay Review (You Won't Believe This!) - FAQs (Because I Sure Didn't)
Okay, spill. Is this Kika Homestay place actually good, or is it a budget-traveler's fever dream?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. "Good" is a strong word. Let's just say... it's an experience. Picture this: you arrive, sweaty and jet-lagged, convinced you've booked a charming little Indonesian getaway. You *think* you're escaping the chaos... And then you see it. The Kika Homestay. It's… there. Let's just leave it at *there*.
Honestly? It’s not winning any design awards. But! It *is* a place to sleep. And sometimes, that's all you need, especially when you're staring down the barrel of a nasi goreng induced food coma.
What's the deal with the rooms? Clean-ish? Oozing with mystery? Help a nervous traveler out!
Okay, so the cleanliness... depends on your definition, really. Let's just say I became intimately acquainted with the local geckos. They seemed to have a very relaxed approach to rent. And the mosquito situation? Bring bug spray. Lots of it. Forget subtle. Douse yourself. Think "biohazard suit," but, you know, for mosquitos.
But the rooms themselves... Well, one time, I swear I saw a water stain on the ceiling that looked suspiciously like a map of the Sulawesi coastline. Another time, I found a cockroach the size of my thumb. Let's just say I became very good at impromptu acrobatics.
The location, please. Are we talking idyllic beachside paradise, or a questionable alleyway?
Ah, the location. It's… practical. Let's go with "practical." It's not exactly overlooking a pristine beach. You won't be strolling out to a bustling cafe scene. You'll be strolling out, well, towards whatever the local Makassar streets have to offer. Which, honestly, can be pretty damn interesting. Street food galore! (and, uh, questionable sanitation methods… so, proceed with caution). It's a bit of a walk to some of the 'tourist' stuff, but you're in Makassar; embrace the adventure, right? (Just, maybe, bring a scooter for the more ambitious adventures).
What about the staff? Were they helpful, or perpetually MIA? I NEED to know!
The staff? Ah, the staff. They were… present. Picture a relaxed Indonesian pace. Now, multiply that by a factor of, like, five. Then you're getting close. They were friendly, sure, but also sometimes vanished into thin air. One time, I needed a towel. It took me an hour of wandering the halls and finally cornering a cleaning lady who looked utterly bewildered. Eventually, she sorted it out. Bless her heart!. The language barrier made things extra fun - hand gestures became my best friend. They're kind, they're trying, that’s the important thing. Definitely not always on the ball, but definitely trying.
The Wi-Fi! Is it actual Wi-Fi, or more of a "hope and a prayer" situation?
Wi-Fi? Oh, honey, prepare yourself. It's a "hope and a prayer" situation, big time. Don't even bother trying to stream anything. Forget video calls. You might, *might*, be able to send a text message... eventually. My advice? Disconnect. Embrace the digital detox. Read a book. Stare at the ceiling and contemplate the mysteries of the universe. Or, you know, download a ton of stuff beforehand. That's what I did. (And ended up reading a cookbook downloaded but never touched, with no connection at all...)
What about the breakfast situation? A culinary masterpiece, or something you'd rather forget?
Oh, the breakfast. This is where things get REALLY interesting. "Interesting" is another euphemism. Breakfast was provided, but it varied wildly. Some days, a tiny, suspiciously sweet pastry. Other days,… nothing. The highlight? The coffee. Strong. Black. And potentially brewed in a sock. Okay, I'm kidding about the sock, I think. Look, it wasn't gourmet, but hey, free coffee is free coffee! And when you're already experiencing the full, messy Kika Homestay experience, you learn to embrace the small things – like not getting food poisoning. (So far...)
Okay, so… would you stay again? Be honest!
Honestly? Hmm. That's a tough one. If I was on a super-tight budget, and needed a place to crash for a night or two? Maybe. If I enjoy the thrill of uncertainty, and the company of enthusiastic geckos? Probably. If I valued cleanliness, reliable Wi-Fi, and a gourmet breakfast? Absolutely not. I’d probably look for another place. Still, there's a certain… *charm* to the place. Let's just say it's a memorable experience. And sometimes, isn't that what travel is all about?
Any tips for surviving the Kika Homestay experience? Survival guide time!
Okay, listen up! Here's the Survival Guide:
- Bugs: Pack ALL the bug spray. Consider a mosquito net. Seriously. Don't say I didn't warn you.
- Earplugs: The city noises, plus the occasional karaoke serenade? You'll need them.
- Hand Sanitizer: Seriously. Use it. A lot. Especially after eating street food.
- Patience: Embrace the slow pace. You'll need it.
- A Sense of Humor: Crucial. You'll laugh; trust me. You'll probably cry too, but the laughs will outweigh the sobs.
- Snacks: Always pack some snacks! You never know when a meal will appear.
- Low expectations: This is not a luxury hotel. Adjust your brain accordingly.
