Unbelievable Wisma 63 Pekanbaru Deals You Won't Believe!
Unbelievable Wisma 63 Pekanbaru Deals You Won't Believe! (Or Maybe You Will…) - A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up, because I just stumbled out of Wisma 63 in Pekanbaru, and honestly? I'm still processing. This review isn’t going to be some dry, bullet-pointed list. Think of it as my brain vomit, post-stay, mixed with genuine thoughts, a touch of exhaustion, and probably a few grammatical errors. Let's do this.
SEO & Metadata (Ugh, Fine. But I'm Not Promising Perfection):
- Keywords: Wisma 63 Pekanbaru, Pekanbaru Hotels, Indonesia Hotels, Spa, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Restaurant, Deals, Review, Accommodation, Travel, Hotel Review, Free Breakfast, COVID-19 Safety, Business Travel, Family Friendly
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Wisma 63 Pekanbaru, from accessibility to Wi-Fi, questionable buffet offerings and questionable security guard. Get the inside scoop (and a few laughs) before you book!
The Entrance – And My First "Wow" Moment… or Not.
First impressions, right? Wisma 63 looks impressive. Big, shiny, modern-ish. That whole "you-are-entering-a-luxury-hotel" vibe. The doorman, I think, was on a power trip because he had to be told, and was slow to open the glass doors. Also, the first thing I noticed was (and this is important) the air conditioning in the lobby. Thank heavens for that. Pekanbaru is HOT and HUMID. Like, instantly-sweaty-just-thinking-about-it hot.
Accessibility (Because, You Know, We Gotta):
Alright, I'll try to be objective here. They say they've got facilities for disabled guests. The elevator? Check. But actually navigating the lobby… I'm not entirely sure. Wheelchair access? Probably. Ramps? Maybe. Honestly, I didn't have a wheelchair, and it was still a bit of a maze. It wasn't BAD, just… not exactly intuitive.
The Internet - My Lifeblood… and Their Achilles Heel?
Look, I need Wi-Fi. Seriously. I'm a digital nomad, I work online, people need to connect with me. So, "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" was a big selling point. AND they advertised 'Internet access - LAN' for those who need to plug and play.
Let me tell you… the Wi-Fi was… patchy. Think more "slow internet" than "blazing fast" - a lot more slow. Download speeds were comparable to dial-up, and at peak times, I could've just thrown my laptop out the window (which, by the way, the windows open! That's a plus!). The LAN was a non-starter. I mean, it was there, but it seemed to be more for looking at, than actually using. Rating: 2 stars for the effort.
Things to Do (Or, How to Pass the Time When the Internet Fails):
- The Pool: Okay, the photos? Lied. Or, at least, they heavily-filtered the view. 'Pool with a view' they called it! More like, 'pool with the view of another concrete building' - a bit blah. But, the water was clean (mostly), and it was refreshing. Plus, there's a poolside bar (see below).
- Fitness Center: There's a gym. I peeked. It looked… adequate. Treadmills, some weights. Nothing to write home about. I skipped it.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Yes, they had these things… somewhere. I didn't investigate deeply. After the Wi-Fi frustration, I just wanted a cold drink, let's be honest.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Culinary Gauntlet:
Now, this is where things get interesting.
- Restaurants: Plural! Three or four. Okay, I'll be real. I only tried one.
- The Restaurant: The main one. Breakfast, buffet, the whole nine yards.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Ah, the buffet. It was there. It had options. Asian, Western. The quality? Let's just say my stomach has its own opinions. The eggs… suspiciously rubbery. The coffee? Weak. The fruit? Some days it looked amazing, some days… not so much. You could get a breakfast takeaway service - they even provided individually-wrapped food options. That helped keep the germs at bay, but didn't help with the taste. I recommend ordering a la carte.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant: The coffee was better in the restaurant than at the buffet, which doesn't make much sense.
- A la carte in restaurant: The best thing I ate while in the hotel was the soup and salad. Not the greatest meals to my liking, but better than the buffet!
- Asian Cuisine in Restaurant; Western Cuisine in Restaurant: They had it. It existed.
- Coffee Shop: I saw one.
- Poolside Bar: They served mostly sugary drinks and cold beers.
- The Restaurant: The main one. Breakfast, buffet, the whole nine yards.
- Room Service [24-hour]: A lifesaver. Sometimes, you just want to hide in your room. And the food was surprisingly decent, considering.
- Snack bar: I think i saw one.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Sure. They could make it.
- Desserts in restaurant: I think there was some puddingy stuff.
Cleanliness and Safety (In the Age of COVID):
Look, they tried. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff wearing masks. "Daily disinfection in common areas," they claimed. "Professional-grade sanitizing services." Rooms sanitized between stays? Probably. I felt reasonably safe. The hotel also displayed their hygiene certification. At least they were trying.
My Room - A Mixed Bag:
- Good:
- Air conditioning: Praise be.
- Blackout curtains: Slept like a log.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Hair dryer.
- Free Wi-Fi: (When it worked).
- Non-smoking (thank goodness).
- Shower
- Clean towels:
- Good-sized bed:
- Satellite/cable channels:
- Slippers:
- Wake-up service
- A desk to work on and a safe place to keep my Passport.
- Not so Good:
- The Carpet: Felt questionable.
- The Bathroom: Perfectly acceptable. But nothing to write home about.
- The View: As mentioned, was blah.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things):
- Daily Housekeeping: Yes. Done well.
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning/Ironing Service: Yes. I used them. They were fine. Overpriced, but fine.
- 24-Hour Front Desk: Always a good thing. The staff were friendly, mostly.
- Concierge: Very helpful with directions and local tips.
- Cash withdrawal: There was an ATM.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Seemed to be popular.
For the Kids (If You Have Them):
They claim to be family-friendly. Babysitting service – check. Kids meals – check. But honestly, I didn't see a single kid within a 10-mile radius. Maybe everyone was busy swimming.
Security - "Eyes Everywhere"
There are security cameras. 24 hour security and smoke alarms. Fire extinguishers. They take this seriously. A little too seriously. The security guard at the entrance was always watching. It almost felt like he was judging every single person who entered or exited. I'm pretty sure he even tracked my movements – weird vibes.
Getting Around:
Taxi service available. But I preferred Grab (local ride app) - much cheaper.
The Verdict – Is it a Deal?
Look, is it a terrible hotel? No. Is it luxury? Probably not. The price was decent. If you're looking for a clean, reasonably safe place to stay in Pekanbaru – and if you're prepared to be patient with the Wi-Fi and the occasionally questionable cuisine – Wisma 63 is okay.
My Final Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars. (Could be 4, if they upgraded the Wi-Fi and the breakfast!)
Would I Stay Again? Maybe. Depends how desperate I am for a place to plug and play.
Unbelievable Shanxi Hotel Find: Changzhi's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We’re going to Pekanbaru. Wisma 63, to be precise. And by precise, I mean, uh, we’ll try to be. My travel plans are usually less “precise” and more “a general direction with a vague sense of hope.” This itinerary is going to be a chaotic, glorious mess. Let's do this:
PEKANBARU: WISMA 63 & THE INDONESIAN ADVENTURE (OR, HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE NASI GORENG)
(Because let's be real, I haven't stopped worrying yet.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Airport Taxi Debacle (and My Existential Crisis over Luggage Weight)
Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM):
- The Pre-Flight Panic: Woke up at 4 AM, despite the flight not being until 8 AM. Spent an hour staring at my suitcase, questioning every single item I'd packed. Did I really need those five pairs of sunglasses? Probably not. Do I regret not buying that inflatable travel pillow? Absolutely. This is what happens when you have too much time to think before a trip.
- The Actual Flight (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Prayed the plane wouldn't fall apart mid-air. Made a mental note to tip the flight attendants extra, just in case. (They deserve it, dealing with people like me). Arrived at Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport. I'm alive!
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- The Taxi Negotiation: Okay, this is where things went sideways. Apparently, haggling is the name of the game with airport taxis. I felt like a complete novice, fumbling with my Bahasa Indonesia (which is, ahem, slightly rusty). Got completely ripped off… I think. Felt a burning resentment towards the driver and myself for a good hour after. He probably knew I was a tourist and was laughing all the way to the bank.
- Checking into Wisma 63: The hotel itself is… well, it exists. It's clean enough. The Wi-Fi, however, is a cruel, teasing mistress, cutting out just as I was about to video chat with my cat. Traumatic. The air conditioning, thankfully, works. This is vital. I'm already sweating.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM):
- First Contact Nasi Goreng: Found a small warung (food stall) near the hotel. Ordered Nasi Goreng, because, well, when in Rome (or, uh, Pekanbaru). Oh. My. God. It was the most delicious thing I've tasted in years. The spicy kick was heavenly. Maybe I should have ordered two servings… Regretting my life choices, again.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Wanderlust and the Blistering Sun: Decided to "explore" the neighborhood. This mostly involved me wandering around, getting lost, and regretting not bringing more sunscreen. Pekanbaru’s heat is a force of nature. The traffic is another. I got momentarily trapped in a pedestrian crosswalk, dodging scooters, cars, and chickens. Survival mode activated.
- The Shopping Mall Escape: Found a shopping mall. Blessedly air-conditioned. Browsed the (very familiar) shops, bought a bottle of water the size of my head. Got a free sample of something pink and fruity. Still not sure what it was, but it tasted good.
- Back to the Hotel, Defeated: The heat won. Retreating to the hotel, feeling like a wilted lettuce leaf. Read a book and desperately tried to connect to that elusive Wi-Fi.
Evening (6:00 PM onwards):
- Dinner & Mosquito Apocalypse: Ordered room service. The fried rice wasn't quite as good as the warung version. Got eaten alive by mosquitoes. Vowed to invest in some industrial-strength insect repellent for the next day. Watched some Indonesian TV and didn't understand a single word. Feeling a strange sense of peace anyway.
Day 2: The Siak River & The Quest for Coffee (and the Truth About Durian)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM):
- Breakfast & The Wi-Fi Wake-Up Call: Attempted breakfast. The hotel buffet was… well, it was a buffet. Managed to snag some rather mediocre coffee and a questionable pastry. (Still, better than nothing.) Frustratedly battled with the Wi-Fi. Got it working.. briefly.
- Siak River Adventure (sort of): Hired a becak (pedicab) to take me to the Siak River. It was… beautiful! The shimmering water, the boats, the history… except, I was too busy sweltering and waving a fan to properly appreciate it all. The driver, a sweet old man, probably thought I was insane, but he just smiled and kept pedaling. The heat does things to people.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- Coffee Catastrophe (and Success!): My mission: Find great Indonesian coffee. Found a cute cafe. The place was charming and the coffee was… okay. Slightly bitter, slightly too much milk. Defeated by mediocre coffee. Decided to wander on.
- Coffee Redemption!: Stumbled upon a small, hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. The barista, a young dude with more skill and energy than I possessed, was making the most beautiful drinks. A perfect latte, the taste and presentation 10/10. I ordered another. Maybe I’m not that bad at travel, after all!
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM):
- Restaurant Roulette: Found a local restaurant. The menu was entirely in Indonesian. I pointed randomly at a dish. It arrived, a steaming plate of mystery meat with rice and some unidentified vegetables. Took a bite. Not bad! Not great. But edible. Win.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Durian Distraction: Saw a durian fruit. Considered trying it. Smelled it. Decided against it. The smell alone was offensive. My curiosity, however, is piqued. Maybe… tomorrow? (But probably not.)
- Hotel Nap & Reflection: The heat. The shopping mall. Just. Too. Much. Needed a nap. Slept for three hours. Woke up feeling marginally less defeated.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards):
- Dinner & River Views: Found a riverside restaurant, had the best fish ever. The night market was bustling. The air was filled with the smell of cooking food and distant music. It was… lovely, despite the mosquitos. I think I’ve fallen for Pekanbaru.
Day 3: Homeward Bound (Or, the End of the Messy Adventure)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM):
- Final Breakfast & Last Wi-Fi Battle: Another lackluster breakfast buffet. Struggled with the Wi-Fi one last time. Sent a text saying "I miss my cat" before the connection died.
- Souvenir Scramble: Panicked about souvenirs. Rushed around, trying to find something, anything, to bring home. Ended up with a batik scarf and a questionable amount of instant coffee.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- The Airport Run & Taxi Round Two: Made it to the airport. The taxi driver was nicer this time. Maybe I’m learning how to navigate Indonesia.
- Departure: Said goodbye to Pekanbaru. Felt a pang of wistfulness as I looked back. This isn't just a city, it’s a sensory experience.
- Lunch (12:00 PM onwards):
- Homeward Bound: Back to the old life. Remembering the Nasi Goreng, the Durian smell, the heat, the wonderful smiles.
- Next Year: Already booking the trip back. I feel the itch to explore again.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was chaotic, messy, and utterly wonderful. I got lost, I sweated, I got bitten by mosquitoes, and I was utterly and completely captivated. Pekanbaru, you're a mess, and I love you. (And next time, I'm definitely bringing a stronger insect repellent.)
Escape to Paradise: Chinatown's Hidden Hotel Calmo Oasis
Okay, spill the tea! What's the BIGGEST deal you've *personally* stumbled upon at Wisma 63? (And did you actually *believe* it?)
Alright, alright, you want the dirt? FINE. Picture this: me, bleary-eyed, jet-lagged after a flight that felt longer than the lifespan of a mayfly. I needed a place to crash in Pekanbaru, and Wisma 63 popped up with a deal… a *crazy* deal. They were offering, and I swear on my collection of slightly-stained travel mugs, a suite – a SUITE, people! – for the equivalent of like, 15 bucks. *Fifteen bucks*! I’m talking a legit suite, with a separate sitting area and a bathroom that didn't look like it was last cleaned during the Jurassic period. My brain short-circuited. I thought it was a scam. I actually, in my stupor, *called* the front desk three times just to confirm. The poor receptionist probably wanted to choke me. And you know what? It was real. I'm still slightly convinced I dreamed it. I mean, I even took pictures, but sometimes I look at them and think, “Did I Photoshop this? Did I accidentally gain a superpower of price manipulation?”
So, like, what's the catch with these ridiculously cheap rooms? Is there a bedbug convention going on in there?
Okay, okay, that's a fair question! Let's be real; *something* has to be a bit off, right? Here’s the deal (pun absolutely intended, deal with it): Sometimes, you're trading luxury for… well, let's call it "character." I've seen rooms that look like they're trapped in a '90s time warp, complete with floral wallpaper and TVs the size of a shoebox. You might find the occasional lingering smell of… well, let’s just say it smells like previously inhabited. There's also the location to consider. Wisma 63 isn't exactly *in* the city center. You might be a little further out, which, depending on your priorities, could be a blessing or a curse. But the bedbugs? Thankfully, I've been spared that specific horror. Though, I'm now mentally checking for them every time I travel. Thanks a lot, internet!
What about the hidden costs? Are you going to get hit with insane extra fees?
Ah, yes. The dreaded "hidden fees." This is where you need to keep your wits about you. Always, *always* read the fine print. The most common culprits are things like "service charges" (which, let's be honest, are basically free money for the hotel), or "government tax" (which is usually unavoidable, but still annoying). I've heard horror stories of people getting slapped with ridiculously high fees, especially during peak season. MY ADVICE: Clarify EVERYTHING before you book. Email the hotel, call them, harass them with questions until you're happy, and *then* book. And even then, keep your fingers crossed. (Seriously, I've developed a nervous tic over hotel bills.)
Are the staff friendly? (Or are they just… used to the constant, slightly-paranoid budget traveler?)
Okay, this is where it gets… *complicated*. The staff at Wisma 63 are generally a mixed bag. You'll find some who are utterly charming, helpful, and genuinely happy to see you. They'll go above and beyond to assist you. Others… well, let's just say they're probably used to dealing with my aforementioned paranoia and the constant bargain hunters. There were times when I was a little unsure if they were genuinely happy or if they were being nice out of a deep, almost existential, sense of duty. Again, your mileage may vary. And remember, a little politeness goes a long way. Try smiling! (Even if you’re inwardly screaming about the potential for hidden fees!)
Food! What about the food? Can you eat the food? (Or is it a culinary adventure of unknown origin?)
Oh, the food. This is where things get... interesting. Wisma 63 – and the surrounding areas – offer a diverse range of culinary experiences. You've got your local eateries, some of which are incredible and others... well, let's just say they test the limits of your digestive system. I once ate at a place near Wisma 63 that served this incredible nasi goreng… I’m pretty sure I hallucinated for several hours after. It was either the best meal of my life or an elaborate fever dream. I’m not sure which. And then there's the hotel breakfast, which can be anything from a decent spread to something that looks like it's been sitting out since the last century. My suggestion, pack some snacks. Just in case. You've been warned.
Okay, you've convinced me. I’m potentially going to book. What are your absolute *must-do* tips? (Besides bringing hazmat gear, I hope.)
Alright, here it is, the gospel of cheap accommodation. My top tips: *Read the reviews, religiously*. Look for patterns. Repeated complaints about cleanliness or hidden fees? Run away, run away! *Book directly if possible*. You might get a better deal, and you can always try to haggle (nicely!). *Be flexible* with your dates. Mid-week is almost always cheaper than weekends. *Pack essentials*. Seriously, bring your own shampoo, conditioner, and maybe a travel-sized can of air freshener. You never know. And MOST IMPORTANTLY? *Manage your expectations*. You're not booking the Ritz-Carlton. You're booking a cheap and cheerful adventure. Embrace the chaos! Go with the flow! And most importantly… *have fun*! (Even if you end up sleeping in a room with questionable decor and a flickering lightbulb. It's all part of the story, right?)
And finally: Would you go back? Honestly?
Honestly? Yes. Absolutely. Even knowing everything I know, knowing the potential for bizarre encounters and questionable sanitation, I would go back. Because despite the imperfections, despite the occasional close call with… well, let’s just say “questionable” things, it's an adventure. It's a story. And honestly, that suite for fifteen bucks still haunts my dreams in the best possible way. It's a gamble, sure, but hey, what's life without a little risk? Plus, where else am I going to find a story this good?! (And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally figure out if that nasi goreng was real…) So, yeah, Wisma 63, I'll be back. Just… maybe send me a hazmat suit coupon first, okay?
