Business Travelers, Pay Attention! This 400k IDR Smart Hotel in Surabaya Will Make You Think Twice.
qponx
2026-02-01
Tempted by a 400k IDR "smart" hotel in Surabaya? This review of Aston Inn suggests you might want to reconsider. While the price and Google Nest-equipped rooms are attractive, the experience comes with major caveats. Prepare for paper-thin walls with zero soundproofing, a tricky location deep within a residential area, and smart technology that often fails to deliver. This article weighs the budget-friendly pros against the significant cons, especially for business travelers who prioritize a good night's rest.
Following the navigation, winding through the small roads in Surabaya's residential area, I once thought the driver had taken a wrong turn. Who would have thought that the famous Aston Inn would be hidden in such a place?[1] Anjay, this location is really deep in the residential area!
Considering it was only 360,000 IDR per night on Agoda, including breakfast[2], I put up with it. The lobby design is quite modern, and the rooms also embody the"smart" concept, with no old-fashioned telephones, replaced by a Google Nest[3]. You can turn lights on and off and order room service by shouting"Hey Google" at it. At first, I thought it was quite trendy.
But this novelty quickly wore off, defeated by reality. The walls are as thin as paper; I could hear the Javanese-accented conversation of the guy next door crystal clear, and I could even feel his phone vibrating[4]... Want to get some good rest? Too difficult! That Google Nest was also hit-or-miss; I wanted two extra towels, but after shouting for ages, it still didn't understand my commands. In the end, I had to run downstairs to the front desk myself[5]. It was"smart" for nothing...
Breakfast was also a hit-or-miss affair. Although some online reviews said it was Mantap, with many varieties and good taste, the fried noodles I had that day were hard, and the betutu chicken was bland[6]. The service was also inconsistent; the bellboy was super enthusiastic, but some front desk staff were a bit kaku (stiff), giving you a sour face when you asked a question[7]. As a loyal Aston customer, this experience was truly a bit disappointing[8].
To be honest, a heads-up for my friends who are considering staying here 📝
In summary, the pros are that it's cheap + the design is decent, while the cons are poor soundproofing + remote location + lack of attention to detail in maintenance and service. If you're just looking for value for money, you can go for it. But if it's an important business trip where you need to ensure rest quality, then I really advise you to think twice!
- Drivers, beware: The parking lot is so narrow it makes you question everything, and valet parking is mandatory[9]. If you don't want your car scratched, it's best not to drive here.
- Soundproofing disaster zone: If you're a light sleeper and sensitive to noise, you can just skip this place. Unless you're lucky enough to get a quiet neighbor.
- "Smart" but dumb: Don't expect too much from that Google assistant; it's fine as a Bluetooth speaker for playing music.
- Location is a deterrent: The hotel is deep in a residential area, with narrow access roads, and far from the city center. It's only suitable for transit travelers or those who don't care about the location and just want a pure Staycation.
- Confirm facilities: If you want to use the pool or gym, be sure to call and confirm if they are open before checking in! Some reviews mentioned arriving only to find they were under maintenance, and the hotel didn't notify them in advance[10].
- Renowned Aston Inn for just 360k IDR/night, breakfast included – incredible value! [1]
- Rooms feature Google Nest smart assistant! Voice-command lights, room service for a trendy, smart stay [2].
- Find the renowned Aston Inn hidden deep in a residential area for a unique, 'local immersion' stay! [3].
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