400k for downtown Surabaya, no holiday price hike? But breakfast and the elevator are dealbreakers for half!
qponx
2026-02-01
Planning a trip to Surabaya on a budget? HARRIS Gubeng in the city center offers rooms for around 400k IDR, even during holidays! This hotel is a mixed bag, boasting newly renovated five-star suites and fantastic service. However, be prepared for the downsides: a chaotic breakfast experience and frustratingly slow elevators during peak hours. This review breaks down the major pros and cons to help you decide if the value is worth the potential hassle.
Coming to Surabaya for a business trip or a staycation with kids, don't have a big budget but don't want to stay somewhere too bad? I recently blind-booked this HARRIS Gubeng in the city center, a standard room for only over 400,000 IDR per night[1]. They say prices don't really go up during holidays, sounds pretty good, right? 🤔 After staying for two days, all I want to say is, this place really makes you love and hate it, with both its pros and cons being extremely prominent!
Pros: Upgraded Experience is Mantap!
Stepping into the lobby, it's still that familiar vibrant orange style. But the surprise is in the room! This hotel is undergoing a major renovation, and I stayed in a newly renovated suite this time[2]. Honestly, the modern feel and spatial layout are completely five-star standard, totally different from my previous impression! The service also deserves praise, the staff, both guys and girls, are super enthusiastic[3], that East Javanese style of friendliness makes you feel very comfortable.
The location is also a huge win, right in the city center, convenient for going anywhere. Families with kids will probably love it, with a children's club, pool[4], and other family-friendly facilities all available, the kids have a place to burn off energy, and adults can nongkrong nearby.
Cons: Peak hour experience instantly falls apart…
BUT! Heads up! If you're coming for their legendary lavish breakfast, you might just say Anjay on the spot… 😅
The breakfast area is practically a battlefield during peak hours, it's hard to even find an empty seat[5]. There are many types of food, but the quality is like opening a blind box; sometimes it's decent, sometimes you hit a dud. I even had cold dishes and slightly off-tasting sambal[6].
And the elevators! Oh my god, during peak hours, you'll wait forever, and not every elevator goes to your floor, first-timers will really be confused[7]. You want to Chill, but you end up spending all your time waiting for the elevator.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls | My Honest Advice
- Must-read for booking: If you want a great stay, go straight for the new suites[8], double the experience! If you have a lot of luggage, definitely don't choose the smallest Smart Room[9], it's so small you'll question your life choices.
- Dining Strategy: For breakfast, definitely! Definitely! Avoid peak hours! Either go early, or go closer to the end. Otherwise, do what I do, just order takeout to your room, it's super comfortable.
- Check-in TIPS: If you arrive early and want to check-in early, be mentally prepared to be charged an expedited fee (e.g., 300,000 IDR for 3 hours early[10]). Also, when checking in, be sure to ask which elevator goes to your floor.
- Family Reminder: If you're taking kids to the pool, try to avoid peak hours on weekend afternoons. Fewer people mean a better experience, and the water quality is also relatively cleaner[11].
- Downtown hotel, standard rooms from just 400k+ IDR[1]! No holiday price hikes, truly a budget traveler's paradise!
- Stay in newly renovated suites[2] – modern, spacious, and a total five-star experience!
- Families rejoice! Kids' club and pool[3] keep little ones busy, so adults can relax and enjoy East Java's warm, friendly service[4].
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