Indonesian Paradise Found: Hotel Lumba-Lumba, Waru Surabaya!

Hotel Lumba-Lumba inn Waru Surabaya Indonesia

Indonesian Paradise Found: Hotel Lumba-Lumba, Waru Surabaya!

Hotel Lumba-Lumba, Waru Surabaya: My Indonesian Paradise…ish? A Review in Real Time (and a Sprinkle of Chaos)

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some lukewarm Bintang) on the Hotel Lumba-Lumba in Waru, Surabaya. This isn't your sterile, perfectly-manicured travel blog review. This is the raw, unfiltered musings of someone who's just emerged, slightly sunburnt and thoroughly…experienced… from a stay there. Consider this your slightly disheveled guide.

(SEO & Metadata - Don't worry, I got you! Hotel Lumba-Lumba Surabaya, Waru, Indonesia, Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurants, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, COVID Safety, Family Friendly, Travel, Accommodation, Surabaya Hotels, East Java.)

First Impressions (and a near-miss with a rogue suitcase!)

So, landing at Juanda International and zooming our way (airport transfer – CHECK!) to the Lumba-Lumba, I was buzzing. Indonesia! Adventure! And then… the lobby hit me. It's… grand. A little bit… much grand. Like, imagine a ballroom trying to be a hotel lobby. The check-in was surprisingly swift (Contactless check-in/out - CHECK!), thanks to the efficiency of the staff (doormen were polite, especially, Doorman - CHECK!). The elevator ride, though? Slightly terrifying. But hey, at least there was an elevator (Elevator – CHECK!).

Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a bit of a stumbling block)

Now, being brutally honest, accessibility felt… patchy. While they claim to have Facilities for disabled guests (Facilities for disabled guests - CHECK!), I didn't see a ton of obvious features beyond the elevator. I didn't personally need them, but I’d recommend contacting the hotel directly to clarify specifics before you book if you have mobility needs. The exterior corridors seemed okay, definitely had room to maneuver (Exterior Corridor - CHECK!), but I didn’t get a great feeling about it. Maybe my expectations were too high?

Rooms: My Haven? Or Just a Clean Bed?

My room (non-smoking, of course - Non-smoking rooms - CHECK!) was… okay. Clean (Rooms sanitized between stays - CHECK! and presumably they used Anti-viral cleaning products - CHECK!), with a decent view (High floor - CHECK!). The bed (Extra long bed - CHECK!) was comfy – a Godsend after a long flight. Loved the Blackout curtains (Blackout curtains - CHECK!), perfect for combatting jet lag. The internet access was solid, especially with Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - CHECK! And that was my lifeline! I got to work, chatted with family, and binge-watched Netflix (On-demand movies – CHECK!) in glorious, uninterrupted Wi-Fi bliss. The bathroom was… well, a bathroom. Functional. The complimentary tea and bottled water were a nice touch (Complimentary tea, Free bottled water - CHECK!). The in-room safe box (In-room safe box – CHECK!) was a lifesaver for my passport.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Adventures in Ayam Goreng and Beyond!

Okay, let's talk food. This is where things REALLY get interesting.

Restaurants: The Lumba-Lumba boasts several restaurants. (Restaurants - CHECK!) There was a very elaborate breakfast buffet (Breakfast [buffet] - CHECK!), which, to be fair, was quite extensive. They had Asian breakfast (Asian breakfast - CHECK!), Western breakfast (Western breakfast - CHECK!), and everything in between. The coffee was…well, let's just say, the coffee shop (Coffee shop - CHECK!) needed a bit of a caffeine boost. The Asian cuisine in restaurant (Asian cuisine in restaurant - CHECK!) was solid, though. I spent most of my time trying all the different regional Indonesian dishes and local favorites, and loved them.
The Poolside Bar: This was my go-to! They’ve got a Poolside bar (Poolside bar - CHECK!), perfect for a sunset Bintang and some light snacks. Happy hour (Happy hour - CHECK!) was a must. The Snack bar (Snack bar - CHECK!) was alright, a bit basic.
Room service (24-hour) - CHECK! This was a life-saver on a rainy night when I couldn't be bothered to get dressed. Ordered Ayam Goreng (the fried chicken) at 3 AM, no regrets. Zero. Pure. Joy.

Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams and Fitness Fails

The Spa/sauna (Spa/sauna - CHECK!) was supposed to be AMAZING. They had the works: massage (Massage - CHECK!), body scrub (Body scrub - CHECK!), body wrap (Body wrap - CHECK!), foot bath (Foot bath - CHECK!), sauna, steamroom (Steamroom - CHECK!), and a pool with view (Pool with view - CHECK!). Here’s the problem: I actually missed out on the most of the spa. I was there, ready to do a face mask, when a sudden stomach bug hit me. I felt so bad! I was in my room the whole time with a bathroom phone (Bathroom phone – CHECK!). So, I took advantage of the doctor/nurse on call (Doctor/nurse on call - CHECK!), and they were fantastic, by the way! I just lounged around, drinking a million bottles of water, and trying to keep my head above water.

Cleanliness and Safety: COVID Conundrums

I give the Lumba-Lumba MAJOR credit for their COVID precautions. They took it seriously. They had Daily disinfection in common areas (Daily disinfection in common areas - CHECK!), staff trained in safety protocol (Staff trained in safety protocol - CHECK!), and the staff all wore masks religiously. They offered individually-wrapped food options (Individually-wrapped food options - CHECK!), and had hand sanitizer everywhere (Hand sanitizer - CHECK!). Pretty impressive, actually. I felt pretty safe there.

Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls

Well, I didn’t get to see much outside the hotel. But having the car park (Car park [free of charge] - CHECK!), was awesome! I could have asked the concierge (Concierge - CHECK!) for suggestions, or even asked for the taxi service (Taxi service - CHECK!). Maybe next time!

Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Blessings

The Daily housekeeping (Daily housekeeping - CHECK!) were efficient and friendly.
Facilities for disabled guests (Facilities for disabled guests - CHECK!) – as mentioned, a bit hazy.
Laundry service (Laundry service - CHECK!) was a lifesaver after a few… let’s just call them “adventures.”
The Mini bar (Mini bar - CHECK!) was well-stocked.
They do offer Babysitting service (Babysitting service - CHECK!) if you're traveling with kids.
They have Business facilities (Business facilities - CHECK!), which I didn't use but are there.

For the Kids: Family-Friendly-ish?

The hotel claims to be Family/child friendly (Family/child friendly - CHECK!). They have Kids facilities (Kids facilities - CHECK!) and Kids meal (Kids meal - CHECK!). But, again, I can't really speak from experience on this one.

The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Verdict

Look, the Lumba-Lumba isn’t perfect. It’s a bit… much in places. But it’s also genuinely charming. It’s got heart. And the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. Plus, that 24-hour room service? Gold.

Would I go back? Maybe. It's not a slam dunk, but it's decent. I'd definitely recommend it if you’re in Surabaya and want a comfortable stay with decent amenities. Just go in with realistic expectations, and maybe pack your own coffee maker if you’re a caffeine addict like me. And make sure you plan to use that spa! Final Rating: A Solid 3.5 out of 5 Bintangs (and a strong recommendation for the fried chicken.)

Uncover the Hidden Gem: Ancyra by Continent Hotel, Poso Poso – Your Indonesian Paradise Awaits!

Book Now

Hotel Lumba-Lumba inn Waru Surabaya Indonesia

Alright, buckle up, Buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my slightly-too-chaotic, definitely-unpolished, and utterly real-life adventure at Hotel Lumba-Lumba Inn, Waru, Surabaya. Consider this less a polished itinerary and more… a collection of hastily scribbled notes, existential musings, and the questionable choices I made fueled by instant noodles and jet lag.

Day 1: Arrival and the Great Air Conditioner Debacle (Oh God, the Heat!)

14:00: Landed at Juanda International Airport. The sheer, soul-crushing humidity hit me like a damp towel. I walked out of the airport and looked like I'd just run a marathon. Immediately regretted wearing "breathable linen" because apparently, breathable linen in Surabaya is still about as effective as a chocolate teapot.
14:30: Grabbed a Blue Bird taxi. The driver was a whirlwind of chatter in rapid-fire Bahasa Indonesia. I nodded and smiled, understanding approximately 15% of what was being said, but fully embracing the "fake it 'til you make it" travel philosophy.
15:00: Arrived at Hotel Lumba-Lumba. The lobby wasn’t exactly the Ritz, but it had that charmingly dingy, slightly-smelling-of-cigarette-smoke-but-not-really vibe that I secretly adore. Check-in was a breeze, the staff were friendly, and the room key looked like it was salvaged from the Titanic.
15:30 - 18:00: The Great Air Conditioner Debacle of '23. My room? A furnace. The AC? A noisy, sputtering, lukewarm puff of defeat. I spent a glorious hour attempting to wrestle it into submission. Changed my travel socks twice. Finally, gave up and called reception. The engineer arrived, tinkered, proclaimed it fixed, and then promptly left. Ten minutes later? Back to lukewarm. This is when I realized the true test of a hotel room is its ability to survive one's exasperated sighs and increasingly manic muttering. I left the window open, despite the hordes of mosquitos that had come to feast.
18:00 - 19:00: Dinner. Found the hotel's "restaurant." (Let's call it a "dining alcove" for the sake of politeness.) Ordered Nasi Goreng. It was… fine. Perfectly edible. Which, after the AC saga, felt like a monumental victory. I ate it while staring at the flickering TV, which was showing some kind of Indonesian soap opera. Didn't understand a word, but the melodrama was top-tier.
19:00 - 21:00: Attempted to sleep. Failed. The mosquitos, the heat, the occasional scooter whizzing by… I finally surrendered and spent an hour reading in my pathetic attempt at an oasis. The only thing that helped was the feeling of defeat, which helped me fall asleep.

Day 2: Markets and the (Slightly Disappointing) Culinary Adventure

07:00: Woke up feeling like I'd been run over by a bus—a very small, very itchy bus. The mosquito bites were multiplying. (Note to Self: Invest in industrial-strength insect repellent.)
08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast at the "dining alcove" (same place, same story). Ordered some sort of fried egg concoction. Vaguely tasted of coconut and regret. But, the sun had risen and a new day of adventure had begun.
09:30 - 12:00: Headed to a local market. The sensory overload! The smells, the colors, the sheer chaos of it all! I got lost. Several times. Negotiated the price of some mangos with my extremely limited Indonesian (mostly involving pointing and making exaggerated hand gestures). The mangos were sublime, and even better, I survived the ordeal.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. Found a small warung (a tiny street-side eatery). Ordered something that looked like noodles and meat, but tasted like… well, I’m not entirely sure. But it was cheap, and the locals were friendly, so overall a win.
13:00 - 14:00: Back to the hotel for another miserable afternoon in the heat. I was getting used to defeat.
14:00 - 16:00: I'd planned to visit a museum or something, but the thought of leaving the AC-less hotel room in that heat was just too much. Instead… more reading, more sweating.
16:00 - 17:00: Snack time! Ordered a "bakso" (meatball soup) from a roadside vendor. The soup was actually pretty good. I even got to watch all the locals making fun of my pitiful Bahasa Indonesia, and laugh at it.
17:00 - 19:00: Dinner at a recommended restaurant. Supposedly famous for their seafood. The food was… okay. Nothing to write home about. But, it was air-conditioned, so I'd already declared it the clear winner of the day.
19:00 - 22:00: Continued the Great Air Conditioner Debacle. This time, I tried a different tack - I sat in front of the thing with a hair dryer and tried to help it along. It didn't work, obviously. The mosquitoes were back in full force. Began a deep dive into the meaninglessness of existence.

Day 3: Surabaya's Quirks and that Damn Air Conditioner!

07:00: Woke up. Again. The mosquito bites continued, they are the gift that keeps on giving.
08:00 - 09:00: Breafast. The same routine, the same food, the same grim determination not to let a slightly-subpar breakfast ruin my day.
09:30 - 12:00: This time, I actually left the hotel. Explored the area around the hotel. Saw some street art, a mosque (beautiful!), and a whole lot of everyday Surabayan life. It was a good reminder that you shouldn't just go to a place like Surabaya for the historical sites, but for the people and the culture
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. Found a small cafe. The food was pretty bad.
13:00 - 15:00: Back to the hotel. The air conditioner was beyond parody. Its sputtering was even more theatrical. I seriously considered getting a different hotel, but I was too tired. I took a nap.
15:00 - 17:00: The most important part of my trip: Tried to find the best coffee in Surabaya. I think I succeeded.
17:00 - 19:00: Dinner. (The same dining alcove/restaurant). The food was still okay, the TV was still on, and it was a moment of perfect normality.
19:00 - 22:00: The same routine: trying to fix the air conditioner, talking to the staff, failing miserably. Maybe a bit of an existential crisis? The bugs, the heat, all of it.
22:00: Going to sleep and getting ready to leave.

Day 4: Farewell (and a promise to invest in better insect repellent)

07:00: Another miserable, mosquito-infested morning.
08:00: Breakfast. I skipped breakfast, the memory of the previous breakfasts was just too much.
09:00 - 10:00: Checkout. The staff seemed genuinely sad to see me go. In a way, I was sad to go too.
10:00 - 11:00: Head to the airport. I was in a taxi, with the window open, which seems very dangerous, but I had no AC.
11:00: Goodbye Surabaya!

In Conclusion:

Hotel Lumba-Lumba Inn was a mixed bag. Great value for money, a few good memories, and an epic battle with the air conditioner. Surabaya itself? A wonderfully chaotic, slightly bewildering, and utterly unforgettable experience. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing my own AC unit, industrial-strength insect repellent, and a whole lot more patience. And maybe a translator.

Escape to Paradise: Slumber Inn New Minas Awaits!

Book Now

Hotel Lumba-Lumba inn Waru Surabaya Indonesia```html

Indonesian Paradise Found? (Or Not?) Hotel Lumba-Lumba, Waru Surabaya - The Unfiltered Truth

Okay, spill it. Is Lumba-Lumba really as dreamy as the pictures make it seem?

Ugh, the pictures. They're like a carefully curated Instagram feed, alright? Let’s just say… "dreamy" is a strong word. I went in expecting paradise, and came out... well, with a story to tell. The lobby *is* seriously gorgeous, though. That initial "wow" factor? Totally there. Then you start noticing things… the slightly dodgy AC, the faint smell of… something… in the hallways (I’m not even sure what, but it was persistent). It’s not *bad*, exactly, but it's not *perfect*. Think of it as a beautiful painting with a tiny smudge in the corner. And trust me, you'll be focused on that smudge eventually.

What about the rooms? Are they at least clean?

Mostly. Look, I have a thing about clean bathrooms. Like, a real *thing*. The shower… well, the water pressure was… an experience. Sometimes a trickle, sometimes a surprising blast that nearly knocked me over. And the grout? Let’s just say I didn’t inspect it *too* closely. I spent the first 15 minutes of my stay inspecting the sheets for any kind of stain. Thankfully, I didn't find anything major, but that initial doubt lingered. I guess what I'm saying is: bring your own sanitizing wipes. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case. Kidding! (Mostly.)

The pool! Tell me about the pool! (Is it Insta-worthy?)

The pool... is *probably* the best thing about the hotel. Actually, it *is* the best thing. It’s a decent size, actually. And the landscaping around it *is* pretty. You know, lush greenery, the whole Bali-esque vibe they're going for. I spent a good afternoon lounging by it, reading a book (until the sun got too brutal). It *is* Insta-worthy. Definitely. But remember what I said about carefully curated? You might have to wade through a few rogue leaves and the occasional errant sunscreen slick. Don't expect crystal-clear turquoise water. It’s…clean enough. I didn't get any mysterious rashes, so that's a win, right?

Let's talk food. How's the breakfast buffet at Lumba-Lumba?

Breakfast… ah, breakfast. It was… an experience. Let me paint a picture: Rows of lukewarm (and I mean *lukewarm*) Indonesian staples. Nasi goreng that looked like it had been sitting out since the dawn of time. Fruit that was slightly past its prime. The coffee? Let's just say it tasted vaguely of… well, not coffee. More like dishwater with a hint of desperation. I did, however, have a pretty decent omelet made to order, so there's that. But honestly? After the first day, I just wandered down the street and grabbed some amazing *kopi tubruk* (Indonesian coffee) from a local warung. So, breakfast at the hotel? Lower your expectations. Way, way lower.

Is the staff friendly?

The staff? Ah, the staff. They were…trying. They were definitely *polite*, incredibly polite, overly polite in that classic Indonesian way. But sometimes, it felt like they were just… going through the motions. Like, they'd smile at you, nod, and then… disappear before you could actually *ask* them anything. I once tried, *tried*, to get someone to fix the wonky TV remote in my room. I spent the better part of an hour trying to convey the issue, with gestures, broken Bahasa Indonesia, and frantic pointing. Eventually, someone showed up… and seemed equally baffled. The remote never did work. So, friendly? Yes. Efficient? Ehhh… passable.

What about the location? Is it easy to get around?

Waru, Surabaya. Okay, let's be honest. It's *not* exactly in the heart of the action. You're a little further out. You’re going to need a Grab (Indonesian Uber equivalent - THANK GOD for Grab!) to get anywhere remotely interesting. And traffic in Surabaya is…an adventure. Be prepared for long rides. So, convenient? Not really. But, it's close to the airport, which is a major plus if you're flying in and out. The bonus? You can explore the local Indonesian Warungs nearby. They're amazing and cheap!

Would you stay at Lumba-Lumba again?

Ugh. That’s a complicated question. Part of me wants to say a resounding "no." The wonky remote, the lukewarm breakfast, the slightly questionable grout… They all add up. But another part of me… well, the pool was *really* nice. And that initial "wow" factor of the lobby… It *is* a beautiful hotel. Maybe… *maybe*… if I was just looking for a quick, convenient place near the airport and had low expectations? Yeah, maybe. But I'd definitely pack my own coffee, my own entertainment, and a healthy dose of patience. And, you know, a hazmat suit. Just kidding (mostly!). Maybe. Honestly? I'm still on the fence. I'd lean more towards "no," if I'm being honest. But I still dream about that pool.

Okay, okay. But serious question: any big problems beyond the minor annoyances?

Okay, fine. Here's the truth. I had *one* truly annoying problem. And to be honest, it wasn't the hotel's fault but it impacted my stay significantly. One night, I woke up to an *incessant* buzzing. You know, that annoying, high-pitched buzz that just drills into your brain? Couldn't figure out where it was coming from. Checked the AC, windows, everything! It was driving me *crazy*. I ended up losing a crucial night's sleep! The next day I complained, and they said they'd look into. They said it was from an external source, outside the hotel. Whatever. I still didn't sleep well. That was a really big hit. I was so annoyed the entire next day! The point is, a buzzing sound *can* ruin your entire stay. It’s not the hotel’s fault entirely, but they should consider better soundproofing; atSun-Soaked Luxury: Your Dream Phnom Penh Apartment Awaits!