Review: Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa
Two nights of bunking with strangers at the hostel and I was already yearning for my own space, and space I got and so much more when I finally arrived at Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa.
Awang, Sheraton Mustika's Public Relations Executive, picked me up from the hostel.
Our shuttle passed 'under' the grand ballroom, and we did a short ascent on a road lined by horse statues on both sides. It felt like entering an ancient city.
Photo from Starwood Hotels website
Our shuttle passed 'under' the grand ballroom, and we did a short ascent on a road lined by horse statues on both sides. It felt like entering an ancient city.
West Lobby
The hotel has two lobbies: the West Lobby to accommodate individuals and couples checking in, and the East Lobby, decorated with gamelan, for group check-ins.
East Lobby
When we reached the lobby, I finally understood the unique design of this hotel.
Sheraton Mustika sits on a hill, and instead of flattening it out just to build the hotel, they built the hotel around it. In fact, the lobby is on the 7th floor, and the rooms go down from there.
Sheraton Mustika sits on a hill, and instead of flattening it out just to build the hotel, they built the hotel around it. In fact, the lobby is on the 7th floor, and the rooms go down from there.
I was assigned the Volcano-view room on the 3rd floor facing the Taman Sari Water Castle-inspired pool. Too bad I didn't have a clear view of Mt. Merapi during my stay because it was always cloudy.
The room was decked in earth colors with touches of Javanese design.
View of the outdoor Taman Sari Water Castle-inspired pool
The room was spacious, and even has a balcony.
There's LED TV with cable channels, coffee and tea-making facilities, electronic safe, bathrobes, slippers, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, lounge chair with foot stool, and free WiFi access, too.
The bathroom was spacious as well, but the shower and bath are not separate.
The bathroom was spacious as well, but the shower and bath are not separate.
The toiletries are complete and of good quality.
***
There are 6 F&B outlets, but buffet breakfast is served at Androwino Bistro.
Buffet breakfast is good with lots of choices ranging from Indonesian/Javanese, Chinese, Japanese to Western fare. I also had lunch there twice, and the ala carte menu, mocktails, and desserts were exceptional.
Lunch/early dinner at Androwino Bistro with Awang
Canapes and cocktails at the Club Lounge
Starwood Preferred Guest members have exclusive access to the Club Lounge where they serve complimentary continental breakfast and an assortment of refreshments throughout the day as well as evening cocktails.
The hotel as seen from the outdoor pool
Additionally, they have 16 Lagoon Access Rooms on the first floor with balconies and, as the name suggests, has direct access to a private lagoon for guests who want more privacy.
I think the hotel's best feature is the outdoor Taman Sari Water Castle-inspired pool with natural green stones from Lombok. I saw both kids and adults having a great time there. There's also an indoor pool that can be accessed through the spa.
Additionally, they have 16 Lagoon Access Rooms on the first floor with balconies and, as the name suggests, has direct access to a private lagoon for guests who want more privacy.
I love the pockets of frangipani trees in the pool. It gives the pool character, and a really tropical vibe.
Guests can use desktop computers at their business center, Link@Sheraton, at Suko Wine Lounge. I was able to print my boarding pass here for free.
Other facilities include a cake shop, gift shop, batik shop, two ATMs (I find this very convenient for guests, not to mention, safe), and the Taman Sari Spa. Naturally, you can expect authentic Javanese spa experience here.
Taman Sari spa
The indoor Taman Sari-inspired pool
Located just 5-10 minutes away from Adisucipto International Airport, it was the perfect base for me for exploring Candi Prambanan before flying out to Bali.
Sheraton Mustika offers free shuttle service (scheduled) to the airport, Candi Prambanan, and to Malioboro, but you would have to make your own arrangements going back to the hotel.
Sheraton Mustika offers free shuttle service (scheduled) to the airport, Candi Prambanan, and to Malioboro, but you would have to make your own arrangements going back to the hotel.
I took advantage of the free shuttle to Prambanan then just hired a becak to the nearest Transjogja station, then asked to be dropped off at Sraton Station which is just across the hotel. I only paid IDR3,000. The day before my flight to Bali, I just informed the front desk of my preferred time to leave for the airport, and the shuttle was already waiting for me when I checked out. It was just so nice that I didn't have to hurry that morning to catch my flight.
Overall, the rooms and facilities are good, but quite dated since the hotel has been operating for almost 20 years. They assured me, though, that they are starting to make gradual renovations.
The hotel may look different a few years from now, but I hope they retain the Javanese hospitality the hotel is known for.
The hotel may look different a few years from now, but I hope they retain the Javanese hospitality the hotel is known for.
K
~~ I was hosted by Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa for 2 nights, but all opinions in this review are my own. ~~
Jalan Laksda
Adi Sucipto, Yogyakarta 55282
Indonesia
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