Daun Residence: Luxury Jakarta Living You Won't Believe!
Daun Residence: My Jakarta Dream (Almost) Come True! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so I've just staggered back from a glorious, slightly chaotic, and mostly luxurious stay at Daun Residence. "Luxury Jakarta Living You Won't Believe!" they crow, and… well, they're not entirely wrong. But let's be real, luxury, like a perfectly brewed cup of Indonesian kopi, always has a few… imperfections. Here's the messy truth, straight from the trenches of my (very comfortable) hotel room.
Accessibility & Getting There (The Pre-Game):
Firstly, getting to Daun Residence was surprisingly smooth. Airport transfer? Tick. The driver, a delightful chap named Budi (who, by the way, gave the BEST recommendations for local street food – more on that later!) was punctual and the car was spotless. Car park [on-site] – check. And yes, it is car park [free of charge], which is a huge win in this city's parking pandemonium! They’ve got a Car power charging station too, which is a nice touch for the eco-conscious (or, you know, anyone with a flat battery). The elevator was a lifesaver, especially after those nasi goreng binges.
Regarding Accessibility itself, it's a mixed bag. While they boast Facilities for disabled guests, I didn't personally need them. However, I did notice the wide hallways and well-placed elevators. I'd recommend double-checking specifics if you have particular needs, but it seems pretty accommodating.
Cleanliness & Safety – Covid and Beyond (The Paranoid Phase):
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room (and everywhere else these days): Covid. Daun Residence takes its Cleanliness and safety incredibly seriously. They have EVERYTHING. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays… you name it. I actually witnessed staff vigorously wiping down the elevator buttons. Honestly, it felt safer than my own house.
They’ve got Hand sanitizer everywhere. Like, strategically placed hand sanitizer. You're never more than a few steps away from a squirt of pure, germ-killing goodness. Their use of Professional-grade sanitizing services is evident.
The Safe dining setup was reassuring. Tables were spaced apart, and the staff all wore masks (and were actually wearing them correctly!). I dug the Individually-wrapped food options too - felt less guilty about grabbing a second pastry. They've even got First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call, which is a comfort. They really are doing everything they can.
I have to say though… at first, it was a bit much. I felt like I was living inside a lab experiment. The constant vigilance, the feeling of being observed… it takes a bit to adjust to, especially if you're prone to a mild form of hypochondria, like myself. But, honestly, it did give me some peace of mind. And hey, better safe than sorry, right? This is Jakarta, after all!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (The Calorie-Fueled Chapters):
This is where Daun Residence really shines (and where my waistline suffered the most – totally worth it!).
- Restaurants: Let’s start with the Restaurants. There are several. The main dining room serves Breakfast [buffet] which, as they say, is a Breakfast [buffet]. But this one goes above and beyond. Forget your sad continental offerings; this is a feast. Seriously, the Asian breakfast was glorious. I'm talking nasi uduk, bubur ayam, all the good stuff. They also have a decent selection of Western breakfast options (think pancakes, omelets). The Coffee/tea in restaurant was delicious, but the coffee wasn't quite as strong as I like it! They have Coffee shop as well, so its great.
- Specifics: I must shout out the chefs for the Asian cuisine in restaurant especially the gado-gado, which was the best I've ever wolfed down! They have many Desserts in restaurant as well, and Salad in restaurant.
- Room Service: The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. I ordered breakfast in bed at 3 am (jet lag is a beast!). Plus, they have a Snack bar and Poolside bar. The bar staff was great for the Happy hour. I could spend the entire day there.
- Special Diet: They were attentive to my friend's Vegetarian restaurant. The Alternative meal arrangement was a nice touch.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax (The Blissful Breakdown):
Ah, the good stuff. This is where Daun Residence went from "pleasant hotel" to "escape from reality".
- Spa & Wellbeing: The Spa is… heavenly. Truly, otherworldly. I had a Body scrub that left me feeling like a freshly peeled mango, and a Massage that completely melted away the stress of a busy city. The Sauna, Spa/sauna and Steamroom are all top-notch. The Foot bath was a delightful touch!
- Pool Perfection: The Swimming pool is stunning. Even better: the Pool with view, and the Swimming pool [outdoor] which overlooks the Jakarta skyline. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. I spent a good afternoon just floating, sipping something fruity, and occasionally wondering if I should just move in permanently.
- Fitness: They have a Fitness center and Gym/fitness, but I have to admit, I only glanced at them. After all that food and chilling by the pool, the thought of exercise was slightly less appealing than a root canal.
Services & Conveniences (The Details That Matter):
Daun Residence nails the small stuff. Really, they do.
- The Essentials: They've got Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and an Ironing service. All of which I desperately needed. Concierge was super helpful with arranging tours and giving me directions. The Doorman was always there with a smile.
- Business Facilities: Yes, they have all the usual Business facilities, including Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Business facilities and Xerox/fax in business center.
- Shopping: They even have a Convenience store and a Gift/souvenir shop.
- The Extra Mile: And can I just say, the Breakfast in room option is pure genius. Seriously, the best avocado toast of my life.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (The Cozy Cocoon):
My room was… well, it was nice. Actually, it was more than nice, it was pretty damn luxurious.
- The Basics: Air conditioning? Check. Wi-Fi [free]? Double check. Non-smoking? Thankfully. Blackout curtains? A godsend after a night on the town. They even have a Wake-up service, Alarm clock, and Slippers.
- The Luxuries: A Bathtub so deep and inviting, it felt like a personal swimming pool. Bathrobes so fluffy, they’d give a cloud a run for its money. A Minibar stocked with delicious (and expensive) treats. A Coffee/tea maker and a Complimentary tea. Also has a Refrigerator and Refrigerator.
- My Favorite Detail: The Window that opens! Hear me out. All this luxury is good, but sometimes, you just want a breath of fresh (ish) Jakarta air. Being able to crack open the window and hear the sounds of the city was strangely comforting.
For The Kids (The Family Factor):
They have Family/child friendly. They have an option for Babysitting service and even Kids meal.
The Quirks, The Imperfections (The Real Life Stuff):
Okay, time for a few gripes (because this is real life, and nothing is perfect).
- The Soundproofing: While the rooms are generally Soundproofed, I definitely heard a bit of late-night revelry from the hallway on occasion. Nothing major, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
- The Price: It's not a budget hotel. Luxury comes at a (significant) cost. But honestly, you get what you pay for.
- The Confusion: I got lost a couple of times navigating the hotel. It's a big place!
- The Food: Though the food was mostly outstanding, the Soup in restaurant was a bit bland.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (The Final Judgement):
Absolutely. Despite the minor quibbles, Daun Residence provided an incredible experience. The service was impeccable, the amenities were top-notch, and I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to face the chaos of Jakarta (at least for a little while). It's a splurge, yes, but a worthwhile one if you're looking for a taste of true Indonesian luxury. I'm already dreaming of my next visit…
Escape to Paradise: La Sort Boutique Hotel, Moraira, Spain
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly crazed journal entry of a solo traveler who's VERY into avocado toast." Here's my (attempted) itinerary for a stay at Daun Residence in Kuningan, Jakarta. Prepare for the glorious mess:
DAUN RESIDENCE: A Jakarta Jamboree (Or, "How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Gado-Gado")
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Jakarta Dust Cloud
- 14:00 - Arrival & Initial Panic: Landing at Soekarno-Hatta, feeling simultaneously thrilled and terrified. Jakarta hits you like a wall of humid, honking… well, everything. My luggage? Praying it made the connection. My soul? Also praying.
- 15:00 - Taxi Tantrums (and triumphant ride): Okay, this is where the "organized" part falls apart. Finding a reliable taxi? Forget it. Negotiating the price? More like a heated battle of wills. Ended up with a driver who swore he knew Daun Residence. (He didn't. We spent a solid 20 minutes circling a suspiciously familiar-looking mall.) BUT! We eventually found it! Daun Residence! It's… well, it's definitely green. (The name's a clue.)
- 16:00 - Check-in Chaos & Room Revelations: The check-in itself was a little clumsy, I had to explain myself to the receptionist 3 times that I booked the room, my english a little bit worse than the receptionist's. But whatever, I'm in! The room is decent, thankfully AC is working. Room looks like the picture, I'm pleased. And the view? Mostly skyscrapers and that glorious, hazy Jakarta dust cloud. Think "Blade Runner" meets "humid laundry day." Charming, in its own way.
- 17:00 - The "Essentials Acquisition Mission": Okay, I HAVE to find water. And maybe a snack. And a map. And… oh god, where did my phone charger disappear to?? This is the "I'm hungry, tired, and questioning all my life choices" phase. Wish me luck.
- 18:00 to 20:00, Food Exploration & cultural immersion, in the wrong places!: Okay, time to eat. I checked the restaurant and find out they are closed so I have to go to other restaurant near my residence. Using Google Maps, found a restaurant near the residence and thought of eating there. The food is fine, but I've probably done some faux pas by eating the wrong thing first. As a solo traveller, I've failed to explore a lot, but still, I'm happy with the food.
Day 2: Culture? More Like "Accidental Adventures"…
- 08:00 - Breakfast & Existential Dread: Breakfast at the rooftop. The options are decent. The coffee is STRONG, which is good because I'm still running on pure adrenaline. Looking out at the city again. Thinking… maybe I should've brought more deodorant.
- 09:00 - Monumental Mission: The National Monument (Monas): Okay, I am going to visit the Monas. I have no idea how to get there except I'm going to use the Grab application and ride the GoJek. The traffic is insane but at least the driver is okay. The Monument is magnificent. It's gold-covered! It’s HUGE! It’s… crowded. Very. Crowded. People are clamoring for selfies. I'm jostled. I get a photo of the top. I'm probably going to burn by the sun. I was there for like 20 minutes. I'm out.
- 11:00 - Lost in Translation (and a Street Food Odyssey): After Monas, I'm really hungry. Decided if my time to eat is now. So I walked the streets, I'm looking for the street food vendor. It was great. The aroma is great. I tried the sate ayam and satay padang. I think I made a friend. The food is amazing. A little spicy. A lot delicious. My stomach is a happy camper.
- 13:00 - Rest & Reflection (aka: Netflix & Nap): Back to the room. Exhausted. Soaking in the AC. Netflix. Nap. The cycle of a solo traveler.
- 15:00 - The Aftermath of the Map Misadventure & the Unexpected Delight The map I got from reception lead me to a weird market. I got a new friend! We talked about everything. I gave her my number to keep update. She has the same age as me. We both were kind of lost. It was… the best!
- 19:00 - Dinner & Deconstruction: Deciding if I want to go out, or just order food again. Hmm. Options, options… And honestly, the thought of just chilling in the room with Netflix is pretty tempting. Okay, maybe I'll just order some more gado-gado (I can't get enough of it!). Life is good.
Day 3: Departure & The Lingering Scent of Jakarta
- 08:00 - Breakfast & Goodbye Gaze: Same routine, but with a twinge of sadness. Jakarta, you crazy, chaotic, beautiful beast. I might miss you. (Or maybe not the traffic. Definitely not the traffic.)
- 09:00 - Last Minute Shopping/Embarrassing Souvenir Hunt: Desperately trying to find a decent souvenir before I leave. Something… authentically Indonesian. Ended up with a batik scarf and a questionable, brightly colored t-shirt. (It was on sale. Blame the jet lag.)
- 10:00 - Farewell to Daun Residence: Packing up, taking one last look at that dust cloud. The staff were genuinely kind. The room was comfy. It was a good base camp. A little more attention to details would be a plus.
- 11:00 - Airport Ascent & Deep Gratitude: Again, the taxi drama. But this time, I'm calmer. I've survived. I've eaten street food. I've seen a monument. I've made a friend. I've gotten lost. I'm leaving Jakarta with a full stomach, slightly less sanity than when I arrived, and a whole bunch of stories to bore my friends with. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for the world.
- 12:00 - Reflection on the flight back: This whole trip was weird, but good. I'll definitely come back if I have the chance
The Truth: This itinerary is less a rigid schedule and more a loose collection of suggestions, half-baked ideas, and the ramblings of a travel-addicted human trying to navigate a new city. It's gonna be messy, but trust me, it's worth it. Just be prepared to embrace the chaos! And for God's sake, bring some good deodorant. You'll need it, trust me. You'll absolutely need it.
Shanghai's BEST Railway Station Hotel? (South Square Secret!)
Okay, so, Daun Residence… Is it REALLY as ridiculously luxurious as it looks in those photos? Because, honestly, some Instagram feeds are just… lies.
Alright, deep breath. The photos? Yeah, they're good. REALLY good. But the reality is… it's even MORE ludicrous. Seriously. I walked in, and my jaw actually DROPPED. I mean, picture this: you're expecting "nice hotel room," right? You've seen *hotels*. But then BAM! It's like you've stumbled into a movie set for a Bond villain. Okay, maybe a *slightly* less evil Bond villain, someone who enjoys a really, really good massage. The marble? Real. The gold accents? Probably. The sheer *scale* of everything? Overwhelming. There's so much space! I felt like I was accidentally trespassing in a museum, not, you know, *living*. So, yeah. Believe the hype. And then double it. Just, maybe, don’t bring your old, chipped coffee mug. You'll feel inadequate. Trust me. I did.
Let's talk about the service. Is it obsequious? Do they hover? Because I HATE hovering. I'm a fiercely independent breakfast eater.
Okay, the service… This is where it gets… interesting. At first, you're gonna be like, "Wow, this is AMAZING!" because every time you blink, someone's magically materializing to anticipate your needs. Fresh towels? Done. Sparkling water? Already there. Shoe shine? Before you even *think* about looking at your shoes. I actually felt like I was in one of those old movies where people rang little bells for *everything*. Then, the paranoia kicks in. Are they WATCHING me? Am I talking too loud? Am I eating my croissant the wrong way? It's a fine line between attentive and… unsettling. I'd say they're leaning towards attentive, but occasionally, a tiny "too much" sprinkle of hovering sneaks in. One morning, I was trying to subtly sneak a second croissant – which, by the way, was HEAVENLY – and a waiter *popped* into existence and practically *demanded* to refill my coffee. It was... intense. Ultimately? Good, but you might need to develop a steely glare to ward off the overzealous.
What's the deal with the infinity pool? Is it actually *beautiful* or is it just… Instagram bait?
The infinity pool… Oh, the infinity pool. It's the HEART of the Instagram bait, isn't it? And you know what? It's actually, *genuinely* stunning. Like, jaw-dropping. You can literally see the Jakarta skyline sprawling out before you as you swim. Which is amazing. I went in, and it was glorious. However. I'd like to offer a single, minor, somewhat embarrassing, anecdote. I managed to trip and almost fall HEADFIRST into the pool, right in front of a gaggle of incredibly chic, perfectly tanned ladies. Mortifying. But the pool itself? Unquestionably gorgeous. The water is perfect temperature. The view is to die for. Just… watch your step. Seriously. And maybe don’t wear a ridiculously large sunhat. Just a tip from your resident klutz. They also have these little cabanas that you can reserve… worth it! Total relaxation. Just try not to spill your perfectly crafted cocktail down your front like *I* definitely, totally, absolutely did NOT do.
What about the food? Is it just fancy-pants, tiny portions, or is there actual substance to the meals? I like my food!
Okay, listen up. The food is… a mixed bag. Let's be real. Some dishes are absolute masterpieces – art on a plate and they taste insane. I mean, I had a wagyu steak that *melted* in my mouth. Melted! Seriously, it just… disappeared. But then you get other things, where the portions are… let’s just say “artistically small.” I swear, I ordered a salad once and it looked like a small handful of leaves had been tragically abandoned on a plate. And don’t even get me STARTED on the tiny, *tiny* desserts. Like, I'm not a glutton, but when's a guy going to get a decent cheesecake? Is that too much to ask? In fairness, they offer a buffet breakfast with, and I stress, *bacon*. Glorious, crispy, bacon. So, the solution? Order multiple things, embrace the buffet, and maybe sneak a granola bar in your purse. Just, you know, hypothetically.
Is it noisy? I can't sleep with any sort of city racket.
Ah, noise. This is a HUGE consideration, am I right? You’re paying for a luxury experience, and you sure as hell don’t want to be kept up all night by, I don’t know, a car alarm going off or someone’s awful karaoke. I'm happy (and relieved) to say here: it's surprisingly quiet. Jakarta is a loud city, but Daun Residence has done a brilliant job with soundproofing. Like, *really* clever. You’re practically cocooned in a world of calm. You might hear a distant horn or something, but it’s nothing that’s going to jolt you awake. They're definitely not cutting corners on the soundproofing. Which, thank goodness. No one wants a sleepless night, which I know all too well, because I myself had a bit of a problem getting to sleep at all to begin with. The beds are a bit *too* comfortable – you feel like you're sinking into a cloud, which, paradoxically, made it harder to switch off my brain. Still, once I did crash, sleep was heavenly. So, potential for slight first-night insomnia aside, you’ll be golden.
Okay, Okay, the price tag. Realistically, is it worth it?
Ah, the million-dollar question (or, you know, the several-hundred-dollar-a-night question). Is it *worth* it? That depends entirely on your bank balance and your tolerance for being pampered. Let's just say, it's not exactly budget travel. You're paying a premium for the sheer opulence, the impeccable service (mostly), and the feeling of being a minor celebrity for a few days. If budget is a major factor, it's a hard no. I mean, you could get a perfectly decent hotel room for a fraction of the price. If you're saving up for a few months and looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, maybe. If you're celebrating something BIG – anniversary, a milestone, you're feeling lucky, your boss got you out of a contract that you dreaded – then absolutely. It’s not a necessity, but a *treat*. It's a splurge. And hey, sometimes, we all deserve a little splurge, right? Even if it means eating instant noodles for the rest of the month. I did.
What's the weirdest thing about staying there? Give me the dirt!
