When finding a hotel, oftentimes you have to make a difficult decision in choosing between convenience and practicality. You want easy access to tourism spots, but on the other hand, you need to stay close to the city, especially during a business trip to places like Balikpapan. One of the busiest cities in Borneo, Balikpapan offers its entertainment centralized downtown. And City Hotel Balikpapan is located right in the heart of this oil city within walking distance from Klandasan Beach.
Living up to its name, City Hotel offers you city atmosphere
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
City Hotel Balikpapan is located on Jalan Jendral Sudirman. And any street named “Jendral Sudirman” in Indonesia is one of the city’s biggest, busiest, main roads. This is where Balikpapan’s government offices, big corporate headquarters, and main local market are located. And the best part is that some parts of the street are just a few minutes away from the Klandasan Beach.
And City Hotel Balikpapan is located on that exclusive part of the street. It is around a twenty-minute drive away from Sepinggan airport, and around ten minutes away from Semayang seaport. It takes only about ten minutes on foot from the hotel to the Klandasan Beach. So, you get both convenience and practicality without having to sacrifice one for the other.
Klandasan Beach is one of the sunset beaches of Balikpapan. Therefore, it offers you the best view of this city’s skyline at dusk. One of the city’s biggest malls is located in this area. And Klandasan Beach is right behind it. From the hotel, you only need to cross the street and walk towards the mall or any community buildings on that side of the road. There are plenty alleys you can access to get to the beach. And if you can’t be bothered walking, taxis are available at the hotel. Besides, you can get on a public transportation called angkot with routes covering main roads of the city. It is so cheap that even a further trip will not cost you more than 10,000 IDR (approximately 0.7 USD). All payments are only accepted in IDR for both cash and credit. ATMs are also available within walking distance around the hotel.
My favorite hangout spot in Klandasan Beach are the cafes and restaurants behind the Komplek Rukan Bandar or Bandar Shopping Complex. Right on the deck, alongside the beach, there are plenty of cafes you can choose from: seafood restaurant, bars, or local cafes.
Still peaceful in the middle of the city
Your biggest concern about staying at a hotel in the middle of the city is probably the noise level. However, during my couple of days staying at City Hotel Balikpapan, I did not find any problem with this. Perhaps it is because the rooms are located further back, away from the street. And at the front, there are the hotel’s lobby, restaurant, meeting room, and gym.
As you get off at the hotel’s big parking lot, their security guards will welcome you and help you get to the lobby. On its official website, the room rates are available. But this may vary even from one day to another, depending on the season. The normal rate for a Single Standard Room is 260,000 IDR (approximately 18 USD). I got a good discount deal at 210,000 IDR (approximately 14.7 USD) as part of their low season special promo. Another room type available is the Executive Room, which costs around 420,000 IDR (approximately 29.5 USD). As for an extra bed for a room with more than two guests, they will charge you for 125,000 IDR (approximately 8.75 USD) per person.
All room rates include a continental breakfast buffet at their restaurant. They have plenty of choices available from toast, porridge, to Indonesian style breakfast: nasi goreng. Fruits and juices are also available. If you’re too lazy to go downstairs, you can always order from the room service menu. However, this is not included in the room rates.
Old building, classic hotel
City Hotel Balikpapan is one of the oldest hotels in Balikpapan. Therefore, its building, room, and furniture are also rather old. Each room has one big wooden closet with a safety deposit box inside. And there is a long table big enough for your work space. Power outlets are available near the TV and behind the nightstand.
In the rooms, there is only one pillow for each guest. Towels are changed every day, but bathroom amenities like soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste are given every three days, if you’re out of stock, or upon request.
Besides 24-hour room service, the hotel also provides a laundry service, traditional massage, and has a doctor on call. All of the extra services can be paid directly or billed with the room for you to pay during check-out. Free Wi-Fi and a safety deposit box are also available for all rooms free of charge.
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Good price for a good accommodation in a good location
Within a 500 meter radius (approximately 0.3 miles), City Hotel Balikpapan is the only decent hotel I could find. And being close to the beach is a big plus for me. City life can stress you out in its own way. So, a quick escape to the beach is a great way to unwind before a good night’s rest.
Whether it is for business or leisure, visiting a busy city like Balikpapan can be time consuming in terms of transportation and traffic. Therefore, easy access to the city’s facilities, such as the airport and community buildings become necessary to save time.
City Hotel may not offer you the luxurious resort facilities or the pure comfort of staying all day in your room. But this hotel covers all your city needs at an affordable price. So, next time you are in Balikpapan, you know a good place to stay that is convenient and close to the city’s beach with quick mall access, and nearby restaurants, and other city facilities.
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