Banjarmasin's BEST Hotel? OYO 3762 Wisma Focus Review!
Banjarmasin's Best (Maybe?) Hotel: OYO 3762 Wisma Focus - A Messy Dive In! (SEO Optimized!)
Okay, let's get real. We're talking about Banjarmasin. It's not exactly the Maldives. Finding a truly splendid hotel is, shall we say, a quest. But, after slogging through the internet and dealing with my own travel-weary self, I landed at OYO 3762 Wisma Focus. And? Well, let’s just say it's an experience. And I'm going to be brutally honest because, let's face it, travel reviews are for people who want the real story. So here is my brutally honest, slightly unhinged, SEO-fied review of OYO 3762 Wisma Focus, because you deserve the truth!
Accessibility - (and a minor rant)
Ok, so I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see the "Facilities for disabled guests" listed. Now, I'm not sure what those facilities are because I didn't see a ramp and honestly the elevator looked like it might be older than my grandma. Let's call this "potentially accessible, proceed with caution." The elevator situation made me think about my own knees, and how much I would enjoy if I had a hotel room on the first floor… and I realized I needed a coffee. Which leads me to…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - (Coffee cravings and Buffet battles)
- Restaurants: Yep! Restaurants. Plural. Okay, maybe. There's a restaurant, for sure. It's a bit… functional.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: YES! And thank the heavens. That instant coffee in the room just wasn't cutting it. The coffee shop, though, it was actually pretty decent! They did a proper Indonesian Kopi Susu, aka coffee with condensed milk. My soul did a happy dance. I drank like four cups. That was my emotional reaction!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, the buffet. Here's where things get… interesting. The Asian breakfast was there. The Western breakfast appeared as well. I think they might have had some sort of…soup. And some fruit. Let me put it this way, it wasn’t the Four Seasons, but it filled the hole and kept me from hangriness. If you're looking for Michelin-starred cuisine, look elsewhere. If you are looking for some carbs and protein to get started with your day, then it is a great way to get up and running because, frankly, it's there and it's easy!
- Snack bar: I saw a snack bar. I don't remember what it sold though, because, well, coffee.
- Room service [24-hour]: I didn’t use it, but knowing it's available is a good comfort. Sometimes you just don't want to get out of those comfy slippers…
Cleanliness and Safety - (Sanitized, maybe? Definitely attempting!)
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Okay, big plus points here – especially post-pandemic! They seem to be trying. I spotted the stickers on the door, but I'm also a realist. I can't say for sure they're going above and beyond, but the place wasn't covered in cobwebs, so that's a win.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Good. Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I think so. They wore masks, and they seemed…trained-ish.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Claimed, and I am a hopeful believer. I really am.
Internet Access - (The Wi-Fi Wobble)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Okay, this is the big one. FREE WIFI! And it works. Mostly. Sometimes it drops out, which can be a real pain if you're trying to work. But for social media and basic browsing, it's a-okay.
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't see this.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yup, it's there. Same caveat as above – a bit dodgy at times.
- Internet services, Internet. Yup. Internet is what allows my review to be here!
Things to do, Ways to relax - (Well… maybe just a swim?)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: There is a swimming pool. I saw it. It looked clean. Did I swim in it? No. I'm not a big fan of public pools, so I cannot comment on the overall pool experience.
- Gym/fitness: Nope.
- Spa: Nope.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: Nada!
Services and Conveniences - (The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Useful)
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Yep, parking. Relatively straightforward.
- Elevator: I'd stick to the stairs if you're able.
- Cash withdrawal Yup!
- Doorman: Not that I saw.
- Front desk [24-hour]: They were there when I needed them.
- Daily housekeeping: Yep, and they were pretty efficient. My room was always tidy.
- Air conditioning in public area: It was certainly a blessing. Banjarmasin gets HOT.
- Food delivery: Heard of it.
- Laundry service: They did laundry. My clothes returned clean.
- Luggage storage: Yes! Very useful for early arrivals/late departures.
- Currency exchange: Seems to be available.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: All there if you need it.
- Concierge: Not that I saw.
For the kids – (I have none, so take this with a grain of salt!)
- Family/child friendly: They seem to be. I didn't see screaming kids running around, but I wouldn't expect any dedicated kids' facilities. Just so you know.
- Babysitting service: Don't see it.
- Kids meal: Nope.
Available in all rooms (and some room details) – (The Stuff that Actually Matters)
- Air conditioning: YES! Crucial!
- Alarm clock: Yup.
- Free bottled water: They give you some water.
- Refrigerator: Convenient.
- Hair dryer: Present, accounted for.
- TV with Satellite/cable channels: Yes. Useful for unwinding after a long day.
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
- Bathroom phone: Not that I saw.
- Bed: Comfortable enough. Not the most luxurious, but good enough to pass out in.
- Desk: You've got a working space.
- Mirror, Slippers, Towels, Closet, Desk, Kettle, Daily housekeeping, Shower All of these were available!
Getting around - (the essentials)
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking is available!
- Taxi service: Available, via Grab (basically Uber) etc.
- Airport transfer: Ask at reception.
The Anecdote - The Coffee Conundrum
There was this moment I went to get coffee at the coffee shop. I waited. And I waited. The barista did not blink. Nothing. I started to get increasingly irritated, and then I realized it must be a cultural thing. I took a deep breath, and asked politely for my coffee. She perked up, and smiled at me. The next day she remembered me! So, my takeaway, be patient, be polite, get some coffee.
The Verdict – (Would I recommend it?)
Look, OYO 3762 Wisma Focus is not the Ritz. BUT, it’s a solid choice for Banjarmasin. It's clean (mostly), it's relatively well-located (sort of), and the staff are helpful. The coffee is good. For the price, it's a good value. If you're looking for a comfortable, functional base for exploring, you can do much worse.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Could be better, could be worse.
SEO Optimization:
- Keywords: "Banjarmasin Hotel", "OYO 3762 Wisma Focus", "Hotel Review", "Banjarmasin Accommodation"
- Key phrases: "Best hotel in Banjarmasin" (used strategically, even if it's not the best!), "Clean hotel Banjarmasin", "Affordable Banjarmasin hotel"
- Local SEO: Mentions Banjarmasin's location and relevant local experiences (coffee culture, etc.)
The Offer:
**Book your stay at OYO 3762 Wisma Focus TODAY and get a FREE extra cup of coffee at the coffee shop! Plus, enjoy our enhanced
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Highland Resort Lonavala Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst (and probably messily) into my Banjarmasin adventure, specifically, the glorious, the slightly-musty, the utterly OYO-ish OYO 3762 Wisma Focus. This isn't some polished travel brochure; this is the unfiltered, slightly caffeinated ramblings of yours truly.
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Smell of… Well, Banjarmasin
- Morning (or what passes for it after a red-eye): Landed in Syamsudin Noor International Airport. Let's be honest, the airport itself wasn't exactly winning any design awards, but the sheer heat that smacked me in the face as I walked out? Pure, unadulterated Indonesia. It was a hug! A sweaty, humid hug. Took a Grab (thank goodness for those things) to Wisma Focus. The driver, bless his heart, got lost. Twice. My internal alarm bells started clanging. This was going to be an adventure.
- Lunch and First Impressions of Wisma Focus: The Wisma itself was… a vibe. Think "budget traveler's haven" with a strong aroma of, let's say, "institutional cleaning product" mingled with the subtle scent of someone’s lingering kretek cigarettes wafting in from somewhere. The room? Clean enough, though I swear I saw a rogue ant checking out the bathroom. Checked in, dumped my bag, the room's aircon was already the hero, blasting like a blizzard in July. Ate instant noodles from the little convenience store attached just across the hotel lobby. I was already falling in love with the total immersion.
- Afternoon: Lost in the Market Chaos! Ditch the map – you won’t get anywhere. Instead, I jumped on a klotok (that's a local river taxi, people!) and headed to Siring Market. Oh my god, the smells! Spices, durian (that pungent fruit - I didn’t dare try it yet), fish, everything. It was sensory overload in the best possible way. Vendors yelled, kids laughed, and I, a total walking tourist-cliché in a sunhat, just wandered, wide-eyed and slightly terrified. Almost bargained for some batik, flubbed the price, and ended up paying more than I should have. Lesson learned.
- Evening: Dinner was at a local warung (small eatery). Sate ayam (chicken satay) was divine. The heat, however, has me on my knees. I ordered a super cold es teh manis (sweet iced tea) that was so sugary sweet my teeth ached. Stumbled back to the Wisma, exhausted and utterly exhilarated and full of memories.
Day 2: Floating Markets and Spiritual Battles
- Early Morning (like, REALLY Early Morning): Up before the sun, because that's what you do for the floating markets! Took another klotok – this time I knew what I was doing, mostly – to Lok Baintan Floating Market. Pictures can't capture the magic of it. The vibrant colors of the boats, the sounds of bartering, the sheer business happening on the water. I bought fresh mango slices from a woman on a canoe. Sublime. Felt a moment of profound peace, then promptly got splashed by a rogue wave and almost dropped my camera.
- Mid-morning: The Battle The main reason to visit Banjarmasin is to see the floating markets. The culture of the locals is deeply ingrained in their traditions. I was also curious about the religion of the people. So I have visited a local mosque. It was quite big. The decor was not amazing. The religious people were pretty friendly and they invited me to join them. I ended up staying there and praying with them. This gave me a deeper insight of the local people.
- Afternoon: Culture Shock (and a Failed Attempt at Culture): I tried to find a traditional dance performance. The details were muddy online, and I gave up. Back to the hotel and tried to watch local TV. Which, let me tell you, is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Soap operas with dramatic music and even more dramatic acting, commercials for slimming products, and the occasional political announcement. I struggled and fell asleep.
- Evening: Managed to find a fantastic seafood restaurant by the river. Ate way too much grilled fish and watched the sun set over the water while people around me spoke Bahasa and everything I saw seemed perfect and magical. This is what traveling is all about, finding somewhere that's just right to get lost within.
Day 3: Departure (and Last-Minute Regrets)
- Morning: Woke up with a vague feeling of impending doom (aka, the knowledge I was leaving). One last stroll, I decided to pack up and get a final cup of the local coffee.
- Lunch: Back at the market I devoured my last local meal of chicken and rice. The heat was brutal.
- Afternoon: Adieu! The journey home began. I was torn. I was ready for a proper shower and a real bed, but a part of me wanted to stay forever, soaking up the chaos and the beauty. The Wisma Focus got my last goodbye, and now I'm on my way home.
Final Assessment of OYO 3762 Wisma Focus:
It wasn't perfect. But the location was great, the price was right, and it was real. A real hotel in a real city. I recommend it, and I wouldn't hesitate to go back (with a stronger stomach and a better grasp of bargaining). Banjarmasin itself? Absolutely unforgettable. The people were kind, the food was amazing, and the experience? Well, it was the sweaty, chaotic, utterly wonderful, and ultimately, messy adventure I was hoping for. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go plan my next trip. And maybe pack some extra ant spray this time.
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OYO 3762 Wisma Focus: Banjarmasin - The Good, the Bad, and the (Mostly) Ugly Truth
Okay, lay it on me. Is Wisma Focus really "the BEST hotel" in Banjarmasin, like the hype suggests?
"Best"? Oh honey, let's pump the brakes on that a second. Banjarmasin, to put it gently, isn't exactly the Ritz-Carlton capital of Indonesia. Wisma Focus? Well, it’s…an experience. Think of it more as a choose-your-own-adventure novel where the adventure *might* involve lukewarm showers and questionable stains. I wouldn’t call it "best" unless your definition of "best" includes "surprisingly affordable" and "a place to crash after eating way too much soto banjar." Let's just say, it ain't winning any design awards.
What's the *actual* location like? Is it convenient for exploring the city?
Location-wise, it's... there. Close-ish to the floating market, which is a plus, assuming you're up at the crack of dawn to witness the madness. I wandered around one morning trying to find it - seriously, I'm talking like, wandering for an hour and a half in the blistering Banjarmasin sun, sweating like a pig. Turns out I was heading the *opposite* direction, so it might be a little tricky. Uber/Grab is your best friend here. Forget walking unless you love battling the heat and the occasional motorbike that *really* doesn't care about pedestrian crossings. It's not in the heart of things, but with transport, you *can* reach the highlights, eventually. Just factor in some extra time and a good sweat towel.
Tell me about the rooms. Clean? Spacious? Smelly?
Alright, brace yourself, because here’s the room reality check. Spacious? Debatable. Clean? Let’s just say "adequately." My room had a lingering scent of… well, let's call it "previous occupants." It wasn't *actively* offensive, but it wasn't exactly aromatherapy either. I'm not sure if it was the air conditioning desperately trying to combat the humidity, or just the ghost of spicy food, but it was definitely present. One of the towels had a rather suspicious brown stain - I just used my own, no thank you. The bed? Firm, but… passable. I slept. That's the main thing, right?
Okay, the bathroom. The *most* important question. What's the water pressure situation? Hot water?
Oh, the bathroom. Here’s where things get… memorable. Water pressure? It’s... timid. Like a shy little fountain. You won't be getting blasted clean, understand that. It made washing my hair feel like a delicate operation requiring extreme patience. Hot water? "Hot" is a relative term. I managed a lukewarm shower. The trick is to not dwell on the actual temperature. Close your eyes, imagine a warm tropical rain, and pretend you're being cleansed by the spirit of Kalimantan. Seriously, I’m not joking. I actually did that. My *face* was freezing while the rest of me was kinda-sorta okay. Still, I've had worse.
Is there Wi-Fi? And does it *actually* work? I need to post those Instagram pics...
Wi-Fi? Existential question, really. Technically, yes. Practically? It's a battle. It's like wrestling a sloth for internet access. I'm talking drop-out-mid-upload, buffering-for-days kind of Wi-Fi. If you’re relying on it for work or important calls, you might want to invest in a local SIM card. For basic browsing (and, let's be honest, the all-important Instagram stalking) it *might* work. But don't get your hopes up. I did eventually upload a photo. It took almost three hours. The caption? "Banjarmasin struggles."
What about the staff? Friendly? Helpful? Or MIA?
The staff? They are… present. They mostly seemed pretty indifferent and focused on other things. I wouldn't say they were *unfriendly* outright, more like they were operating on a different level of customer service. I had a slight issue with the air conditioning, which was basically just blasting hot air. I tried to explain it, but the helpfulness got lost somewhere in translation and the heat. I think I resolved it myself by fiddling with the remote for a good fifteen minutes. So, yeah, helpfulness varies. Manage your expectations, and you might just get along.
Food! Breakfast? Anything remotely edible?
Breakfast… Okay, this is where I experienced a level of culinary *indifference* that deserves a medal. There IS breakfast, included in the price. But it's basic. Like, *really* basic. I'm talking toast (probably from a day-old loaf), instant coffee that tastes like a shadow of coffee, and maybe, *maybe* some rice porridge. One morning I encountered what I *think* was a sort of mystery meat. I bravely avoided it. My advice? Eat breakfast elsewhere. Plenty of warungs are around the area. Just go get your own breakfast. Seriously.
Give me the honest-to-goodness deal: Would you stay there again?
Would I stay at Wisma Focus again? Hmm. If I was on an *extremely* tight budget, and I absolutely *had* to be in that area, and I wasn't expecting luxury, then... maybe. But I'd pack my own towel, a can of air freshener, and earplugs. Look, it’s not a nightmare. It’s just… not a dream. It's the kind of place you book when you primarily need a place to sleep and you plan on spending the *vast* majority of your time outside, exploring the real charm of Banjarmasin. So, to answer your question more directly - No. Probably not. Unless I'm broke and desperate. Then, yes. But I'd probably be complaining the whole time.
Any final, bizarre, or funny anecdotes to leave me with?
Okay, here’s one for you. The first night I arrived, there was a persistent *humming* coming from somewhere in the room. Not loud, but constant. I spent a good hour tryingRooms And Vibes
