Pekanbaru's BEST Kept Secret: OYO 93457 White House Syariah Review!
OYO 93457 White House Syariah: My Pekanbaru Pilgrimage – And It Wasn't What I Expected (In a Good Way!)
Okay, so when I booked OYO 93457 White House Syariah in Pekanbaru, let's just say my expectations were… low. OYO, you know? Budget travel, hoping for the best, bracing for the slightly-less-than-best. But folks, I'm here to tell you, this place is a hidden gem, a genuine surprise, and definitely a Pekanbaru BEST Kept Secret. Seriously, I'm still trying to figure out how they're not charging more.
(Disclaimer: Because, well, life. This review is based on my personal experience. Your mileage, as they say, may vary. And, full disclosure, my Indonesian isn't amazing, so some details might be slightly, ahem, interpreted.)
Let's dive in, shall we? Because, honestly, I'm still buzzing from it.
The Good Stuff (and Why You NEED to Book):
Accessibility?: (Let's say it's good!) I'm a bit of a klutz, and navigating the hotel was a breeze. There’s an elevator, which is always a win. (Thank goodness, because my suitcase… sigh). I didn’t see specific wheelchair accessibility descriptions, but the layout felt manageable – important when you've got, well, my level of coordination.
Internet – Praise Be! Free Wi-Fi in every room? Praise the gods of the internet! And it actually worked! Unlike some hotels where the Wi-Fi is slower than a sloth on sedatives, this one was surprisingly speedy. I managed to stream a movie, update my Instagram, and even have a video call with my Mom – all at the same time! I'm not super up to speed on LAN access, but the wireless was perfect.
Cleanliness & Safety – Pandemic Approved! Okay, so this was huge for me, especially post-pandemic. They were serious about cleanliness. They had all the bells and whistles: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks, and the rooms… pristine! Seriously, the room felt cleaner than my own apartment (which, let's be honest, is a low bar). They had info on room sanitization opt-out, daily disinfection going on – it all made me feel safe and secure. And the hand sanitizer smelled amazing!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Surprisingly Delightful! I wasn’t expecting much from the food scene, but I was wrong. I'm not a big buffet person, but the breakfast buffet was really well done – it wasn’t the biggest, but it had a good variety of Indonesian dishes. I did spy some tempting-looking Western options too. They also have a coffee shop, which, after a long day of exploring, was a lifesaver.
Services and Conveniences – More Than You'd Think! They have a 24-hour front desk, a convenience store… but the best part? The concierge! My Indonesian isn't great and I needed help finding a particular kue (cake). They not only understood what I wanted, but they even helped me get it! Seriously, that level of service at this price point is unheard of! They also provide laundry service, which, with my notoriously messy packing habits, was another win. Also, they do have a smoking area.
Room Vibes – Cozy and Comfortable: The room itself was a pleasant surprise. Air conditioning? Check. A comfy bed with extra-long space for stretching after a tiring day? Again, check. The blackout curtains were perfect for fending off the harsh morning sun, and the included bottles of water were a bonus. Yes, let's be real, a tired traveller needs a fresh drink to get going!
Fitness Center, Spa and Pool (The Big One): I didn't use any of it. Now, I know this is a review for a hotel. Still, the spa, sauna, and the fitness center is available. And the pool with a view! I heard it was amazing. I just… well, after exploring the city all day, I was more inclined to take a nap.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy! They offer airport transfer, which is incredibly convenient (avoiding the taxi haggling is worth it!). And free parking, which is always a bonus, and it's on-site.
Now for the Real Talk (The Quirks and Imperfections):
Location: Okay, so it's not dead center of everything. It's a bit outside of the immediate hubbub. But honestly, it's what made it the Best-Kept Secret. It was quiet. Peaceful. And a short taxi ride away from all the action. It's like, if you ARE going to a crazy city, wouldn't you want a somewhat peaceful place to crash at?
The "Syariah" Thing: I’m not the most well-versed on religious guidelines, but I was conscious of the Syariah aspect. It affected some things – for instance, there wasn't any alcohol on the premises. If you're cool with that, then you’re golden. If not, well, it's something to be aware of.
The Breakfast Buffet (Again): It was good! But, the coffee could be better. I personally love a STRONG cup of coffee. This one was… well, you know. Not great. But there were enough delicious fruit juices to compensate!
The Heart of the Matter: Emotional Reactions
I was genuinely surprised and delighted by my stay at OYO 93457 White House Syariah. It felt… homey. The staff were friendly and helpful, the rooms were comfortable, and the whole experience felt like a total steal. I think it’s so good I'm almost angry. I want to tell everyone to go, but at the same time, I don't want it to become too popular and ruin its charm. It's a perfect spot for those looking for a comfortable stay that ticks the boxes for cleanliness, plus accessibility and it's a great place to explore Pekanbaru from.
My Recommendation: YOU MUST BOOK IT! But Do it Soon!
Why? Because this is the kind of hotel where you get way more than you pay for. It's a hidden gem in Pekanbaru – a genuine surprise that will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and maybe a little bit smug that you found it.
The Big Sell: A Special Offer to Sweeten the Deal!
Book your stay at OYO 93457 White House Syariah during the next 2 weeks and get 15% OFF! PLUS, get a complimentary welcome drink and a late checkout (subject to availability).
What are you waiting for? Your Pekanbaru adventure awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Gladstone Reef Hotel & Motel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this isn't your sanitized TripAdvisor itinerary. We're heading to Pekanbaru, Indonesia, and staying at the oh-so-modestly-named OYO 93457 White House Syariah. Pray for me. This is gonna be…experience-ful.
Pekanbaru Pilgrimage: A Messy, Magnificent Masterpiece (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (or, How I Learned to Love the Smell of Rain and Mildew)
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Landing in "Pekanbaru-ville" (a.k.a. Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport): Okay, let's be honest, I pictured more… glamour. The airport's fine, clean enough, but instantly the humidity hits you like a wet, warm hug. My meticulously packed travel clothes are already clinging to me. Ugh. I am not a fan of the "clingy clothes" vibe. Seriously, who designed these things?
- 10:30 AM-11:00 AM - Taxi Tango to the White House (Syariah Edition): Navigating the taxi situation is always a gamble. "Bargain" is the name of the game. I probably overpaid, but honestly, I needed to escape the airport, and the guy looked like he needed a good tip for his gas money! The streets are a glorious cacophony of motorbikes, beeping horns, and the intoxicating aroma of… something. I think it's a mix of durian (which I secretly like) and something else… less appealing.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Checking into the White House (and a Deep Sigh): "Syariah" means it's adhering to Islamic principles. No alcohol, I'm guessing. My stomach did a little somersault of anticipation, a slight shiver of… boredom? Let's hope not. The reception guy was super polite, bless him. The room… well, it had been freshly cleaned, I could tell. There was a faint smell of air freshener desperately fighting off a hint of… well, I think it was mildew. Never mind. I'm here, I'm ready, I'm going to make the best of it.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Lung-cleansing Lunch and Street Food Survival: First things first: FOOD. I ventured out, armed with Google Translate and a healthy dose of optimism. Found a warung (small local eatery) and bravely pointed at the menu. I ended up with something that resembled mystery meat in a spicy sauce. And then… I saw it. GORENGAN!! (fried snacks), I died and went to heaven. I ate it all, even the weird, green things that looked like… maybe fried seaweed? No regrets. Just a slight burning sensation in my mouth.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - The "I Need a Nap" Moment: The humidity is relentless. I retreated to the White House, cranked up the AC (thank you, sweet baby jesus for air conditioning!), and attempted a nap. Failed miserably. Too hot. Too humid. Too much street noise. But, hey, at least I tried. I felt slightly less "blob-like" by the end,
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Exploring the City (Slowly): Wandered the streets, got pleasantly lost. Saw a stunning mosque, the Great Mosque of An-Nur. Jaw-dropping architecture, but I'm not particularly religious, I felt slightly out of place. Saw an amazing wet market - but I was too scared to touch anything. I felt out of place, but I had to go with it.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Dinner and Dessert (or, the Quest for Ice Cream): The heat starts to relent… a little. Found another warung. Asked for "nasi goreng" ("fried rice") - the local favorite, and it was fantastic. But the real quest? Ice cream. Needed something cold, something sweet. Found a small shop. The ice cream was… okay. Let's just say it wasn't Haagen-Dazs. But, it was cold. And that’s what mattered.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime/Existential Ruminations: Back at the White House. Mildew. The incessant sound of motorbikes. My head is spinning with the sights and smells. I'm starting to think that maybe… maybe I should have chosen a beach. But I'm also glad I'm here. This is life. This is adventure. And I kind of, sort of, maybe like it.
Day 2: More Food, More Humidity, and a Volcano of Emotions!
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Breakfast, or, the Great Noodle Struggle: The White House offered a basic breakfast. Coffee, toast (which tasted like… cardboard?), and instant noodles. I attempted the noodles. Slightly overcooked but edible. Fuel for the day. Sort of.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Exploring the local market (again!): I think I've never seen such chaos. There was such a rich tapestry of colours and smells.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - The "Is This Real Life?" Lunch: Tried a different warung. Ordered something green. I have no idea what it was. Delicious. Maybe.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM - The "Temple of Serenity" Attempt: Went to the Muarajambi temple complex, the remnants of an ancient Buddhist kingdom. Magnificent. Peaceful. After a sweaty taxi ride, I was really tested. I was surrounded by serene history. It was truly stunning. I felt a wave of… serenity. Then the mosquitos attacked. I ran and hid.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - The "I'm Going to Eat Everything" Dinner: Found a restaurant with air conditioning! Ordered ALL the food. Satay, gado-gado (salad with peanut sauce), more fried things. Ate until I couldn't move.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime/ Emotional overload: Back in the White House. The humidity is STILL there. The noise… even after two days, I don't feel any closer to getting used to it. I'm mentally exhausted, and I'm trying to convince myself that the trip to Pekanbaru was a smart idea. I still don't know.
Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Taste of Freedom (and Possibly, Mildew)
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Brekkie and Packing: Reluctantly ate my noodles. Packed my bags. Avoided looking in the mirror.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Last-minute souvenir shopping: Tried to find something cool to bring home. Found a batik shirt. Hopefully, it'll look good on me.
- 10:00 AM - Check out and Airport Anxiety: The end is nigh. Said goodbye to the White House (and its mildewy charm). The taxi ride was smooth. Airport was hot. Checked in.
- 12:00 PM/Departure - Goodbye Pekanbaru: I'm leaving. Did I like it? Frankly, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. The food was amazing, the architecture was stunning, and the humidity was… well, it was Pekanbaru. I'm grateful for the experience. I am tired. I am ready for a shower.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
Okay, so, would I recommend Pekanbaru? Maybe. It depends on what you're looking for. It's definitely not a luxury vacation. It's real. It's gritty. It's messy. It's a sensory overload. But, I found myself loving it. Despite the discomfort and the humidity and the mildew. I'm glad I came. It made me appreciate the simple joy of a cold drink, the beauty in the imperfect, and the unexpected in the ordinary.
So, yeah, go to Pekanbaru. Just be warned: bring a strong stomach, a sense of adventure, and a whole lot of air freshener. And, maybe, some earplugs. You'll need them.
Bali Beach Bliss: Your Stunning Berawa Studio Awaits!
Pekanbaru's "Best Kept Secret": OYO 93457 White House Syariah - The REAL Deal FAQ
Okay, Spill the Tea: Is the White House *Really* a "Best Kept Secret" or Just Overhyped?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. Honestly? It's a bit of both. It *is* surprisingly good for the price point. Like, seriously, you half-expect roaches and a grumpy old dude in the lobby when you see the OYO sign, right? But... (and this is a BIG but), it also feels like you're stepping into someone's *almost* finished home makeover project. Think well-intentioned, but maybe lacking a final, polishing touch. The 'secret' part? Maybe only because Pekanbaru isn't exactly overflowing with tourists clamoring for budget-friendly, *syariah* (Islamic law compliant) stays. But if you're on a tight budget and need a clean, safeish place, yeah, it’s a worthy contender. Just don't expect the Ritz. Or even a Holiday Inn Express, for that matter. More like... a clean, well-intentioned guesthouse run by someone who's probably trying their best.
What About the "Syariah-ness"? Are they *serious* about that?
Okay, so *syariah* is a big thing in Indonesia. And yes, the White House takes it seriously, *mostly*. I mean, no alcohol (obvious), no mixing of unmarried couples in rooms. But... and this is where it gets interesting... I've heard whispers, *whispers* mind you, that the definition of "unmarried couple" might... *ahem*... be a little flexible depending on who's at the front desk that day. Don't go expecting a blind eye turned, though. This ain't Vegas. Dress modestly, be respectful of local customs, and you'll probably be fine. Basically, don't be *that* guest. The one asking for margaritas and a hooker. Seriously, people. Read the room.
The Rooms! Are They Hideous? Or Actually Livable? Tell me the Truth!
Alright, let's get real about the rooms. They're... *fine*. Clean-ish, which is the most important thing. Don't expect luxury linens. More like crisp, clean sheets that *probably* haven't seen a mountain of bleach. My friend booked a room once, and the aircon *barely* worked, sounding more like a dying walrus than a cooling system. He tried to get it fixed, but spent an hour trying to explain the issue to the staff, and then eventually gave up. But hey, at least it was a *clean* room. The bathrooms? Basic. The shower? Let's just say the pressure is... *optimistic*. Think less "power shower," more "gentle drizzle." I swear, I could have washed dishes faster. Honestly, they feel like they're constantly *almost* there. Always missing one crucial thing. Like a towel rack. Or a working hairdryer. Or, you know, hot water that consistently delivers hot water, not just lukewarm suggestions.
Once, the TV only had three channels and two of them showed religious programming, the second only in another language, it was very interesting.
Let's Talk Breakfast. What's the Food Situation? Am I Gonna Starve?
Breakfast is... well, it's included. Which is a HUGE bonus for the price. But don't get your hopes up for a lavish buffet. It's usually something simple: maybe some nasi goreng (fried rice), toast, maybe a banana or two. My *personal* experience? One morning, I got a plate of what looked suspiciously like yesterday's leftovers, reheated and slightly... *questionable*. Look, I'm all for budget-friendly, but I draw the line at food that looks back at me and wonders what's going on. But, the other days it was fine. Edible. Filling. You're probably not going to write home about it, but it'll keep you going. And hey, it's free. Free is always good.
The Staff! Are They Helpful, or Do They Pretend Not to Speak English When You Have a Problem?
The staff are generally... *trying*. They're polite and friendly. But English proficiency? Hit or miss. Prepare to use your basic Bahasa Indonesia or, if you're like me, try to muddle through with a lot of pointing and miming. One time I tripped on the uneven pavement outside and sprained my ankle *right* in front of the reception desk. They stared at me for a second and then just kept chatting. I had to hobble inside and explain that I needed assistance (and ice). The dude at the desk seemed more concerned about his phone than my rapidly swelling ankle. But, after a few minutes, they did get me ice. It was more like a small bag of ice in a plastic bag, but hey, they tried. So, maybe not stellar, but earnestly trying. Be patient, be polite, and learn a few basic Indonesian phrases – it'll go a long way!
Location, Location, Location! Is it Convenient? Or Miles from Civilization?
The location is... ok. Not in the heart of the action, but within a reasonable distance of things. You'll *probably* need a Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber equivalent) or a taxi to get everywhere. It's not like you're going to step outside and trip over a bustling market. It will take you 15 minutes to get to the Airport, but depending on the traffic it can take longer. The area is quieter than some of the areas in Pekanbaru. In the middle of the night, you could be listening to the occasional dog barking, birds chirping or even a motorbike starting. It's not ideal, but it's not a complete disaster. Just budget some extra time (and money) for transportation.
Okay, The Big Question: Would You Recommend the White House Syariah? Be Honest!
Alright, after all the rambling and the nitpicking, would I recommend it? If you're on a super-tight budget, need a place that isn't going to throw you to the wolves for the syariah stuff, and understand that you're not booking a five-star experience, then YES. But... you gotta go in with the right expectations. Think of it as a budget-friendly, slightly quirky, *mostly* clean, and *probably* safe place to rest your head. It's not perfect, but it's perfectly *adequate* if you're not expecting the world. I'd probably stay there again. But I'd also pack my own hairdryer, just in case.
Oh, and *one more thing*. The AC in some rooms is like sleeping next to a struggling, dying bear. It'll blow icy arctic air, even on the warmest setting, it's very extreme so I'd also request a room fan as well!
