Bandung's BEST 3BR Gateway Ahmad Yani Gem: Cicadas Views by Travelio!
Bandung's Best 3BR Gateway Ahmad Yani Gem: Cicadas Views by Travelio! – A Brutally Honest Review (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, folks. Let's cut the fluff and talk about the Bandung's BEST 3BR Gateway Ahmad Yani Gem: Cicadas Views by Travelio! I just got back, and honestly, my opinion is… complicated. It was a rollercoaster, a beautiful, slightly chaotic, and potentially overpriced rollercoaster. But let's break it down, shall we? Prepare for a hot take!
(SEO & Metadata Stuff First, Sorry!)
- Keywords: Bandung, Gateway Ahmad Yani, Cicadas Views, Travelio, 3BR, Apartment, Review, Indonesia, Accommodation, Hotel, Bandung City, Family Stay, Group Stay, Luxury, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Dining, City View.
- Meta Description: Honest review of the 3BR Gateway Ahmad Yani apartment in Bandung, Indonesia. Explore facilities like pool, spa, dining, and accessibility. Find out if this Travelio gem is worth it!
(Now for the Real Stuff!)
Accessibility & Getting There (The Early Struggles)
Right off the bat, let's talk about accessibility. This apartment technically had facilities for disabled guests (elevator, I think) but… look, Bandung is hilly. Getting to the Gateway Ahmad Yani complex? Not the most stroller-friendly experience. Parking? Free, yes, but navigating the car park felt like a treasure hunt. Seriously, I circled for a good ten minutes, and the valet parking? Let's just say my Indonesian isn't up to that level of command.
- Car Park [free of charge]: Annoying.
- Elevator: A necessity.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Supposedly, present. But could have been better.
Check-in/Out (Smoothish, But Not Perfect)
Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Contactless check-in/out: Okay, the check-in was pretty smooth, I'll give them that. Travelio, using that app, makes it easy, even though I still missed the personal touch. Felt more like a transaction than a welcome. But hey, less human interaction, right? In this COVID era, I guess that’s a win.
Location, Location, Location (The View is Amazing, Though)
The "Cicadas Views" part? They weren't lying. The view from the apartment was stunning. I mean, seriously breath-taking. Especially at sunrise, but good views were a definite highlight of the stay, the apartment was on a high floor. Okay, this view almost made up for the parking experience!
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 Precautions (Trying Hard, I Think)
Cleanliness and safety: These guys were trying. Daily disinfection in common areas. Room sanitization opt-out available. Rooms sanitized between stays. It felt reasonably clean. But I'm a germaphobe. I carry my own wipes everywhere. Did I see a rogue hair in the bathroom? Maybe. Am I blaming anyone specifically? Not really.
- Hand sanitizer: Present.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Probably, hopefully.
- Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher: Good.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They claimed.
Rooms & Amenities (The Ups and Downs)
Available in all rooms: The basics were there. Air conditioning: Thank God. Free Wi-Fi: Yes! Though I had a few dropouts, which was annoying when I needed to work. Air conditioning: Crucial. Bathtub, Shower, Separate shower/bathtub: all present, but the water pressure was… weak. Like, really weak, especially in the shower. I felt like a plant being gently misted.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Good for the work I need to do.
- Mini bar, Refrigerator: Standard.
- Slippers: Yes. Nice touch.
- On-demand movies: Didn't bother, there were too many other things to do.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: handy for bigger groups.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (A Bit Limited, Honestly)
Restaurants, Coffee shop: There were restaurants nearby. Actually in the complex, I think, but I didn't try them. I'm a bit lazy when it comes to walking in a new place. 24-hour Room Service: Not a bad thing.
Breakfast (A Tale of Two Buffets?)
Breakfast [buffet], Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: The breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. It reminded me of a cafeteria breakfast at school! I'd heard about it before booking, so I was prepared but still really really disappointed. The buffet was… okay. Not bad bad, but definitely nothing to write home about. Cereal, some questionable-looking eggs, sad pastries.
Things To Do & Ways to Relax (The Good Stuff!)
Swimming pool [outdoor]: The outdoor swimming pool was great! It had a good view. Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I'm not a gym person. But it was there, I think. Spa: They advertised a spa. Didn’t check it out. My schedule was just way too tight!
Services and Conveniences (A Mixed Bag)
Concierge, Laundry service, Dry cleaning: The services? Okay. Fine. Nothing that really Wowed me. I didn’t try the laundry service. Convenience store: There was a convenience store in the complex, which was handy for snacks and emergencies.
For the Kids (Not Really My Area, But…): Couldn't tell you if they had anything fun.
Overall Vibe (The Verdict)
Okay, so, would I recommend this apartment? It depends. If you're looking for a stylish, convenient base with an amazing view in Bandung, and you're prepared to tolerate a few niggles, then yes. If you're expecting absolute luxury and perfection, maybe not. This isn't a five-star hotel. It's an apartment, and a mostly decent apartment, but one with a few quirks. Honestly, if they fixed the water pressure and maybe upped their breakfast game, it would be a winner.
Would I stay again? Maybe. If the price was right, and I knew I’d get that view again, I’d consider it. But I'd definitely pack extra toilet paper and a good book. And maybe some instant coffee. And pray for stronger water pressure.
Sheraton Birmingham: Your Luxury Escape Awaits (Birmingham, AL)
Okay, buckle up. We're not just going to Bandung. We're experiencing Bandung from the slightly chaotic comfort of Simply 3BR Gateway Ahmad Yani Cicadas By Travelio. This isn't a polished brochure; it's a sweaty, slightly-hungover-from-the-night-before travelogue written by a human. Let’s dive in:
BANDUNG BLUES & BRILLIANCE (A Slightly Disorganized Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & The Bandung Buzz (and the lingering jetlag)
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO): Ugh. Those red-eye flights always get me. Landed, slightly blurry-eyed, and the air already smells… well, Bandung. A mix of exhaust fumes, street food, and something indefinably… Bandung-y. Finding the Grab driver I booked was a mini-adventure in itself. Apparently, "Gate 3" can mean anywhere in the parking lot. Finally found him, thankfully, a young guy with a surprisingly upbeat attitude. He had to say something about the traffic jam ahead. Already??!
- 11:30 AM - Check-in at Simply 3BR Gateway Ahmad Yani Cicadas: The Travelio place! Crossing my fingers it actually looks like the pictures. (Spoiler alert: it mostly does, but the "spacious" balcony is more of a "standing room only, if you're thin" situation). The AC's blasting, which is a godsend after the airport heat. Unpacked, collapsed onto the (thankfully) clean bed, and immediately considered a nap. But NO! Bandung awaits! (after about 30 minutes of scrolling through Instagram and taking a selfie).
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: Warung Nasi Ampera: Right, recommended by my friend. Said it's the "real deal." This place is a feeding frenzy. Seriously, a chaotic, incredible rush of people grabbing plates of everything imaginable. I had no idea what half of it was, but pointed at things that looked appealing and hoped for the best. Ended up with a mountain of rice, some spicy chicken that nearly incinerated my tongue (worth it), and a weird, delicious fried thing that I think was tempeh. The bill? Laughable. I might be living on Warung Nasi Ampera for the next four weeks.
- 2:30 PM - Stumbling Around the City: Okay, maybe stumbling is a bit harsh. More like wondering aimlessly. The plan was to see the Asia Afrika Museum. But the heat, the crowds, and a sudden craving for something cold… I ended up meandering through some side streets, getting hopelessly lost and loving every minute of it. Found a little shop selling fresh-squeezed orange juice – pure, unadulterated bliss.
- 4:00 PM - Coffee Break at a Local Cafe (Forgot the Name): Found a cool little independent Cafe. Decent coffee, but the people watching was the true treat. A couple loudly arguing in Bahasa Indonesia. A group of teenagers giggling over their phones. A guy expertly crafting a cigarette. The soundtrack of Bandung.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: Street Food Bonanza near Dago: Right, "Dago" is the place everyone raves about. Seriously, a wall of food carts. Absolutely overwhelming. Had to try the sate ayam (chicken satay). Perfectly grilled, smoky flavor. Nearly ordered a second helping, which says a lot about my self control. Walked around and watched the people. Definitely the best part of the street food scene.
- 7:30 PM - Back to Simply 3BR, Conquering My Netflix addiction: Okay, I'm exhausted. The jet lag is kicking in. After a quick review of my day, I watched a bunch of Netflix.
Day 2: Mountains, Tea, and Unexpected Rain (and a near-miss scooter adventure)
- 8:00 AM - Coffee at the Travelio place, then the early morning rush:
- 9:00 AM - Lembang and Tangkuban Perahu Volcano: This was the big one. And it… was something. The drive up to Tangkuban Perahu was scenic, with lush green hills. The volcano itself? Big, smelly, and… slightly underwhelming, if I’m being honest. Clouds of sulfur rising from the crater made it a bit hard to see, and the tourists were intense. Still, a cool experience.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch in Lembang: Found a place that did Nasi Timbel (rice wrapped in banana leaves). Absolutely delightful. Simple, delicious.
- 1:00 PM - Ciater Hot Springs:
- 3:00 PM - Tea Plantation Tour in the hills near Lembang: The tea plantations were gorgeous. Endless rows of emerald green. Took a guided tour, learned about the tea-making process. The guide was a little cheesy, but the views were worth it.
- 5:00 PM - The Rain!: Torrential downpour. Of course. We were soaked and got on a taxi. The traffic was already bad but this rain made it a little worse.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner in Bandung, Rest and Relax:
Day 3: Shopping, Art, and a Spicy Surprise (and the relentless allure of instant noodles)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Travelio place:
- 10:00 AM - Shopping at the Shopping Mall:
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Restaurant:
- 1:00 PM - Art in the City Centre: Bandung has some cool street art. Found a vibrant alleyway filled with amazing murals and graffiti. Took a ton of photos, felt almost cultured.
- 3:00 PM - Coffee Break:
- 4:00 PM - Visit the Trans Studio Bandung: A theme park? Meh. But, I guess in Bandung I had to try. It's a giant indoor amusement park, which is bizarre in a way I kind of loved.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Spicy Noodles (again!). and a quick look at some Netflix.
Days 4 & Beyond: The Uncertain Future (and the growing pile of dirty laundry)
- More exploration of Bandung.
- Trying to see the other attractions they say you should see.
- Maybe, just maybe, attempting to learn some more Bahasa Indonesia. ("Terima kasih" and "berapa?" only go so far.)
- Basking in the delicious freedom.
- Writing a travel journal
- The laundry is piling up. The place is surprisingly difficult to do laundry at.
Imperfections, Epiphanies, and the Bandung Buzz (My current state of mind):
- The Food: Oh my God, the food. I’m officially addicted to Indonesian cuisine. Everything is so flavorful, so fresh, and so incredibly cheap. The street food is an adventure, a sensory overload, and the best part of every day.
- The People: Indonesians are incredibly friendly and helpful, always smiling and willing to offer assistance. Even when I’m utterly lost, someone will point me in the right direction, or try to help.
- The Traffic: It's legendary. Be prepared to spend a significant portion of your day inching along in a jam. Learn to embrace the chaos, or you'll go insane.
- The Place: The Travelio apartment is comfortable, but could be better.
- The Overall Vibe: Bandung is chaotic, vibrant, beautiful, and utterly captivating. It's a city that assaults your senses in the best possible way. It's messy, imperfect, and completely, wonderfully human. I'm already plotting my return.
1. Okay, so, "BEST"? Seriously? Is this just marketing fluff?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "BEST" is a word designed to make you click, right? But hear me out. I booked this place *expecting* the usual Travelio-esque lukewarm experience. You know, clean enough, the pictures looked better than reality. **But...** I was pleasantly surprised. It really felt… bigger than the photos. And honestly, that view? The Cicadas Views part? Not a lie. More on that later. So, maybe not "BEST EVER," but definitely a contender. Especially if you've got a crew and you're tired of squeezing into a tiny hotel room. My toddler finally had room to *spread out* and wreak glorious havoc without me fearing he'd break something valuable. It was a win. A major, sanity-saving win.
2. "Cicadas Views"? What does that even MEAN? Are we talking a swarm of buzzing insects?
Okay, here's where I need to level with ya. My first thought upon reading that was, "Oh dear god, am I signing up for a jungle rave?" Turns out, it's a lovely, peaceful view of the surrounding area, and there's definitely some greenery around the building. *I'm guessing the 'Cicadas' is more of a vibe thing, a nod to a specific area.* I didn't see any actual cicadas, thank the heavens. What you *do* get is a nice view, especially at sunset. The only buzzing was from the *delicious* coffee machine, honestly. The real 'Cicadas' were the *neighbors who kept playing loud music at night*.
3. Three bedrooms? What's up with the layout? Does it feel cramped?
Three bedrooms is the hero of this story, in my opinion. We were a family of five. And let me tell you, attempting to share a hotel room with three kids and a husband who snores like a chainsaw is a special kind of hell. Here, everyone (mostly, except for the kid who still likes our bed) had their own space. The bedrooms weren't enormous, mind you, but manageable. The master bedroom was decent and the other two were good sizes. There was a decent sized living area, which was perfect for the family to mingle. And, crucially, each bedroom had its own AC unit. Crucial because Bandung can get *hot*, surprisingly. So, no, it didn't feel cramped at all. It actually felt... luxurious. Like, "I can finally breathe" luxurious. And the best part ? I can put the toddler in his room if he's being a menace.
4. The Ahmad Yani part... is it centrally located? How's the traffic? Because... Bandung traffic, ugh.
Okay, Ahmad Yani. Yes, it's *close* to the main road, which means you've got easy access to everything. Which is great! ...And the traffic? See, this is where things get a little... spicy. Bandung traffic is legendary. So, it's not *directly* in the thick of it, which is a HUGE plus. You avoid the *absolute* gridlock. But you're still in Bandung. You're never going to escape traffic entirely. Use Grab or Gojek, and accept your fate. Traffic's a part of the experience. Think of it as extra time to people-watch, strategize your next meal, or mentally prepare for your toddler's next meltdown.
5. Travelio... Are they reliable? What happens if something goes wrong?
Travelio. Well, it depends on your expectations. You're trading the personalized service of a boutique hotel for the convenience of a rental service. I've used Travelio before, and it *can* be a bit hit-or-miss. Thankfully, this stay was a hit. Check-in was smooth. I had a minor issue with a broken light, and it takes about a day to get someone to fix it. Overall, the process was easy and it was alright. Definitely read the reviews, check photos of the unit closely, and lower your expectations slightly. Don't expect immediate responses to all requests, but mostly it's fine.
6. What are the amenities like? Pool, gym, Wi-Fi? The essentials!
Okay, the Wi-Fi was stable enough to stream Netflix, which is *essential* for sanity, especially when you're stuck inside during the rain. There's a pool, which I *loved* in the afternoon, very refreshing. And the gym? Well, let's just say I didn't use it. The thought of exercising after chasing after toddlers all day was... laughable. I also did not use Gym at all. But it was there! The building itself seemed well-maintained, which is something I always appreciate.
7. Let's talk about the view *again*. Was it really as good as you said?
The view, man. The view. Okay, I'm not going to lie, the view became a *major* selling point for me. Imagine it: You're sipping your morning coffee (provided, thanks to the in-unit machine!), the city is waking up, a gentle mist hangs in the air, and you can see the rolling hills in the distance. It was... peaceful. It was a nice change from the usual hotel room views. I even got some work done one day, a very rare thing. The sunset was particularly stunning. It made me feel... zen. And that's saying something, considering how often I was on toddler-wrangling duty.
8. Any downsides? Anything I should know *before* booking?
Okay, the honesty hour. Here's the real deal. The cleaning could have been *slightly* better. I'm a bit fastidious, and I noticed a few things, but nothing that ruined the experience. And the hot water in one of the bathrooms was a little... temperamental. The biggest issue I had was the loud neighbors, but you can't blame a place for the bad habits of other people. Also, there isn’t any view from all the bedrooms, so make sure you’re not expecting it. Don't expect perfection, and you'll be fine. And bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper (because those neighbors are still partyingSerene Getaways
