After the first couple who were with us in the tour was dropped off into their hotel, we're next. I have no idea where our hotel is located.
This is our first time in Batam, Indonesia. We woke up so early this morning for this trip, a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city and our way of celebrating our 29th month together as couple.
A 40-minute travel by ferry from Singapore's Harbourfront Ferry Terminal, this place is a quick getaway for those who wants to escape the fast-paced environment in the city.
Few minutes away from the hotel where we dropped the other couple, the coach bus driver pulled in this gated property and stopped infront of the huge glass door of the lobby of this four-star hotel.
Our tour guide lead us to the front office for check-in. The place is so breathtaking. The lobby is warmly lit by the lights illuminating from the huge copper chandelier in the middle of the high ceiling and from the four smaller chandeliers in the corners of the mezzanine floor.
On the right is a Cafe de Venus, and on the left is a small cafe where musicians are playing songs that adds to the classical feel of the place.
After getting the keycard to our room, we took the lift with glass walls and after the 5th level, you will see the Batam city skyline as you ascend to the floor where your room is.
The room is spacious, from the door, on the left is the bathroom with bathtub, on the right is the closet and safe box followed by the mini bar, stocked with complimentary and chargeable stuff, then a bench with shoe cabinet underneath, then the 32-inch LCD television and then the dresser table where the menu for the room service is.
On the left side of the room opposite the TV is a queen-sized bed stuffed with plush pillows and comforter in crisp white cotton sheets, then a coffee table for a couple. Then there's a balcony overlooking the sea and the city skyline. On the horizon is hues of orange, red and yellow of the setting sun.
As soon as we finished unpacking our things, we went down to the 5th level of the hotel where the Blue Horizon Fitness Center is. After logging in to the guest book, we took a shower and had a dip to the pool. The water is cold but there's also two jaccuzis beside it where you can warm yourself up.
Facing the hotel, on the right is a studio for those who are taking taebo and aerobics classes. On the left is the fitness gym, sauna and steam room.
After the quick dip in the pool, we returned to our room to take a bath and have our dinner.
We went to a fastfood just a block away from our hotel for our dinner. Then had a drink at the Top 21 bar which is at the penthouse level of the hotel. There is an on-going private function when we arrived so we are seated at the rooftop bar which has the breathtaking-360-degree view of the city at night.
We had Singapore sling and fruit platter while enjoying the spectacular view in the place. The sling is notable for the Bombay Sapphire gin they have used, though not much ice in it, the cocktail was served cold enough to be savored, in poco grande glass.
After that, we called it a day.
The next morning, as soon as I wake up, I took a dip in the pool and went to the sauna.
When I finished, I showered in the room and went down to have our breakfast.
Cafe de Venus is crowded with other hotel guests having their breakfast. The long buffet table in the middle of the restaurant is generously served with selections of local favorites, variety of breads, a salad bar, and coffee counter.
We had eaten our breakfast like there's no tomorrow. The stay in this place is memorable and real value for the money we spent for. The only thing lacking in the place is a wi-fi connection, though there's internet service in the room only meant for those who have laptops.
Rating for this place: 7 out of 10, 10 being the highest.
