Unbelievable 1BR Branz BSD City Gem! Tangerang, Indonesia Awaits!
Holy Moly, Unbelievable 1BR Branz BSD City Gem! Tangerang - Is This Real Life?! (My Unfiltered Review)
Alright, alright, so I just got back from Unbelievable 1BR Branz BSD City Gem, and let me tell you, my expectations were… well, they were set pretty high. The name alone practically screams "luxury," and hey, after a week of staring at spreadsheets, I was READY for some unbelievable pampering. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a raw, unfiltered dive into whether this BSD City gem actually lives up to the hype.
First Impressions & "Getting There" – The Jakarta Hustle & Bustle (Plus, Parking!)
Okay, let's be real. Getting to BSD City from Jakarta is… an experience. Traffic? You betcha. But the Accessibility factor is decent. Uber/Grab are readily available (praise the app gods!), and the hotel’s advertised Airport transfer option? Definitely worth it, especially after a flight.
Now, parking. I'm a sucker for a good parking situation, and Branz delivers. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are massive wins, especially in a city where parking can be a blood sport. Bicycle parking? Didn't investigate, but hey, options!
The Room: My Cozy Fortress of Solitude (or Chaos – Depends on the Day!)
The "1BR Gem" is a sweet setup. Clean, modern, and actually… big enough! They weren't kidding. The Air conditioning blasted like a champ (vital in this climate!), and the Blackout curtains saved me from the early morning sun-assault. My room had the works: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (seriously?!), Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (score!!), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. That's a lotta features listed, but truly, every little thing helped me relax, and not have to go running around asking the concierge.
My personal highlight? The extra long bed. As it turns out, the "extra long" part was critical, so I could stretch my full six-foot-something-ness out without feeling claustrophobic. Pure bliss. And let me gush about the Wi-Fi [free]… super fast and reliable. Important when you're trying to Instagram your breakfast (more on that later).
Internet Access – The Digital Detox, Except I Didn't Really Do It
They list various Internet options, including Internet [LAN]. I didn’t even look at the LAN option. Hello, 2024! The hotel's Internet services were top-notch, and let's be honest, I was glued to my phone more than I'd like to admit. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was an absolute lifesaver. The Wi-Fi in public areas was equally strong.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hangry Moment)
Okay, foodie confession time: I live to eat. And Branz BSD City? They knew their audience.
- Restaurants: Several options on-site. The Asian cuisine in restaurant gave a satisfyingly authentic (but slightly overpriced) Nasi Goreng.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was a highlight. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, a cornucopia of delights. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was essential for my morning, and the Breakfast service was smooth. The Buffet in restaurant always gives you the option of just taking a little of this and that. That's what I did!
- Room service [24-hour]: Brilliant. Because sometimes, all you want is a pizza and a movie at 2 AM. Which may or may not have happened.
- Poolside bar: Amazing. The Poolside bar was a great way to relax. sippin' on cold drinks while watching the sun go down. Bliss.
The Imperfects
- They do cater heavily to Western tastes.
- I would have loved a dedicated Indonesian restaurant.
- I could have eaten all day long.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day, Here I Come! (Sort Of…)
This is where Branz really shines. The Spa is beautiful. The Sauna was a sweaty, glorious experience (almost didn’t leave!), and the Steamroom… oh man, the Steamroom. If you're stressed, go there. Seriously.
I didn't get to experience everything - I wanted to, but time constraints and the siren call of room service prevented it. But I did what I could do. The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, and the Pool with view looked like a dream; I have only one regret; I didn't use the Foot bath more.
- Body scrub: Didn't try, but the menu looked tempting.
- Body wrap: Same as above.
- Fitness center: Looked well-equipped, but I opted for more time in the sauna…and the snack bar.
- Gym/fitness: See above (lazy, I know).
- Massage: Yes, please. The masseuse was excellent.
- Spa/sauna: Can't get enough.
- Swimming pool: Didn't take the plunge, but it looked lovely.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe, and That's Important
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: safety. Branz BSD City seems to take this seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere you look, Hot water linen and laundry washing, and Rooms sanitized between stays. These are all important. They've definitely put in the work to make you feel secure. Seeing the Staff trained in safety protocol was great, and the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave an added layer of security.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Difference
Beyond the big stuff, the hotel gets the details right. Daily housekeeping was a godsend. The Concierge was incredibly helpful. Doorman, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage… all the little things that make your life easier. They provide Bottle of water daily, and the Essential condiments in the room were appreciated. A special mention for the Gift/souvenir shop. I got some cute magnets for my fridge.
For the Kids – Seems Good, But I Did Not Participate
They have Babysitting service and are Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities, and a Kids meal. (I wasn’t traveling with kids, but I saw families with little ones who seemed very happy.)
Overall Vibe – The Good, The Bad, and the Definitely Worth It
Look, Unbelievable 1BR Branz BSD City Gem! isn't perfect. No hotel is. But is it a great place to stay? Absolutely. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, the food is generally excellent, the spa is a dream, and the service is friendly and efficient.
My Quirky Takeaways:
- The "unbelievable" part? Mostly true. It's a lovely hotel. The name does oversell a bit, but hey!
- The staff: Super friendly and helpful. They really made an effort to make me feel welcome. Always a plus.
- Would I recommend it? Yes! Especially if you want a luxurious escape from the Jakarta grind or are just looking for a pampering getaway.
- Final Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars. Deducting half a star for slightly overpriced dining (but delicious nonetheless!) and for the slightly generic feel of some of the public areas.
**My *Unbelievable* Offer (Because Everyone Deserves a Little Pampering!)**
Honestly, don't bother looking elsewhere. As a guest who visited Unbelievable 1BR Branz BSD City Gem! Tangerang, Indonesia, I can tell you this place has it.
- Exclusive Offer: Book your stay now for at least 2 nights with the code "UNBELIEVABLEREVIEW" and receive:
- A complimentary massage at the spa (worth $X!)
- A late check-out (so
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip to Comfort Stay 1BR Branz BSD City By Travelio in Tangerang, Indonesia, we're living it, baby! This is gonna be less "perfect itinerary" and more "highly caffeinated exploration of chaos." Expect typos, existential dread, and maybe even a spontaneous existential dance-off with a gecko. Let's go!
Pre-Trip Panic & Pre-Departure Shenanigans (Because let's be real, that's always the best part):
- 2 Weeks Before: "OMG, I booked it! Comfort Stay 1BR Branz BSD City by Travelio! Tangerang! Indonesia! Is my passport actually still valid? Did I remember to pack socks? (I haven't. I never remember socks.)" Commence frantic online shopping for travel adapters and vaguely "exotic" mosquito repellent. Google Maps gets a serious workout. "How far is Tangerang from the airport? Is it walkable? (Spoiler alert: No, unless you're some kind of super-human hybrid of a jogger and a camel.)"
- 1 Week Before: The "to-do" list grows exponentially. "Get travel insurance (because I'm a disaster magnet)". "Tell the bank I'm leaving the country (or else they'll block my card and I'll be stuck eating instant noodles for a month… or forever)". Start practicing "hello," "thank you," and "where's the bathroom?" in Indonesian. My pronunciation is atrocious. My cat looks at me with pity.
- 2 Days Before: Packing. Oh. My. God. Packing. I spread everything I think I need on the bed. It looks like a small army of fashion-challenged aliens is about to invade. Realize I own approximately zero appropriate outfits for humid Southeast Asian weather. Panic-buy a floral shirt that's probably at least a little too loud.
- 1 Day Before: "Did I lock the door? Did I turn off the stove? Is my cat secretly plotting my demise? (Probably.)" Fuel up on copious amounts of coffee. Double-check everything. Triple-check everything. Prepare for the inevitable: something will be forgotten. Probably my underwear.
- Departure Day: Airport chaos. Security lines that stretch to the horizon. The crushing realization that my carry-on is slightly, ever-so-slightly, overweight. Beg the check-in attendant with puppy-dog eyes. Successfully guilt-trip them into letting me through. Victory! (For now.)
The Tangerang Tango (And the inevitable Jet Lag Shuffle):
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Apartment Unveiling
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). Breathe a sigh of relief that the plane actually landed. Navigate the throng of people, grab a taxi/Grab (after a lengthy negotiation with the driver, who assures me I'm getting the "best price").
- Anecdote: The taxi ride is a rollercoaster of honking horns, scooters weaving through traffic like caffeinated squirrels, and the general glorious pandemonium of Indonesian driving. I grip the armrest so tight I think I’ll leave fingerprints.
- Afternoon: Arrive at Branz BSD City. Find the Travelio apartment. Pray it's even remotely like the glamorous photos online.
- Quirk: The key situation. Did I mess it up? Do I have the right door? Am I missing some part of a code? My brain has officially turned to mush from the flight.
- Afternoon Cont'd: Unpack. Marvel at the apartment (hopefully, if the photos weren't lying). Take a deep breath. The aroma of instant coffee greets my senses. I'm home… for a bit.
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, a wave of relief. Then, a creeping sense of "what have I gotten myself into?" Followed swiftly by "I'm starving."
- Evening: Explore the area. Find a warung (small eatery). Try to order something. Point at things. Embrace the language barrier. Eat something delicious and cheap that I can't pronounce.
- Opinionated Language: My first taste of Indonesian food is a religious experience. So much flavor! So much spice! My taste buds are doing a celebratory dance. The nasi goreng is sublime, and the es teh manis (sweet iced tea) is dangerously addictive.
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). Breathe a sigh of relief that the plane actually landed. Navigate the throng of people, grab a taxi/Grab (after a lengthy negotiation with the driver, who assures me I'm getting the "best price").
Day 2: BSD City Exploration & The Quest for Good Coffee
- Morning: Attempt to navigate the local markets. Get slightly lost. Almost buy a durian (the smell is… intense). Survive a near-miss encounter with a rogue scooter.
- Messier Structure: This whole morning is one big blur, to be honest. I'm still functioning on airplane brain. I may have said 'good morning' to a dog in a local language. They all look the same, anyway.
- Afternoon: Seek out caffeine. Because, brain fog. Find a cafe with actual espresso. Rejoice.
- Afternoon Cont'd: Visit a local mall (because, air conditioning). Wander around in a daze. Window shop. Contemplate buying a pair of ridiculously impractical shoes. Resist the urge. (Maybe.)
- Anecdote: The mall is a sensory overload. Blaring music. Dizzying displays. The sheer variety of things for sale is incredible. I see a guy selling tiny, adorable bonsai trees. And then I feel overwhelmed and have to sit for 30 minutes.
- Evening: Relax at the apartment. Catch up on emails (blegh). Contemplate the meaning of life while staring at the sunset from the balcony. Or maybe just order takeout and watch a terrible movie. No judgment.
- Morning: Attempt to navigate the local markets. Get slightly lost. Almost buy a durian (the smell is… intense). Survive a near-miss encounter with a rogue scooter.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Something…! (Flexibility is Key)
- Morning: Decide on a day trip destination! Jakarta? Bogor? Somewhere completely random that I stumble upon? (The beauty of a flexible schedule!) Research transportation options. (Grab? Train? Public transport? Embrace the adventure!)
- Rambles & Imperfections: This is where things get really messy. I'm terrible at planning ahead. I'll probably wake up, poke around on my phone, and then decide on something at the last minute. It's like a culinary adventure, except with destinations.
- Afternoon: Head to said destination. Embrace the journey. Get slightly lost. Learn some new Indonesian phrases. Eat something weird and wonderful.
- Evening: Return to Branz BSD City. Reflect on the day's adventures (and misadventures). Collapse on the bed. Probably order more takeout.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The whole day is a massive sensory overload. Exhausting, but amazing. Like, I want to bottle up the experience and sell it. (Or maybe just keep it for myself.)
- Morning: Decide on a day trip destination! Jakarta? Bogor? Somewhere completely random that I stumble upon? (The beauty of a flexible schedule!) Research transportation options. (Grab? Train? Public transport? Embrace the adventure!)
Day 4: BSD City Deep Dive & Street Food Shenanigans
- Morning: Explore more of BSD City. Find a local park. People-watch. Attempt to take some decent photos (fail).
- Afternoon: Embark on a serious street food mission. Sample everything. Eat until I can barely move. Discover a hidden gem of a warung. Get friendly with the owner.
- Doubling Down on an Experience: This is the day dedicated to the street food. This is where the true magic happens. I'm talking satay, gado-gado, lumpia, martabak manis… the works! The smell of charcoal smoke. The sizzle of the grill. The vibrant colors. The friendly chatter. The sheer, unadulterated deliciousness of it all. This is why I'm here!
- Evening: Watch the sunset, completely stuffed, from the apartment. Vow to walk everywhere tomorrow, in an attempt to burn off some of the delicious calories.
Day 5: Relaxation & Departure Prep (Ugh!)
- Morning: Sleep in (finally!). Drink coffee. Read a book. Just… chill.
- Afternoon: Pack. (Again. The horror!) Buy souvenirs (probably things I don't need). Say goodbye to my temporary Indonesian home.
- Opinionated Language: Saying goodbye to the apartment is weirdly emotional. I developed a strange attachment to the place. It's like I'm saying goodbye to a friend.
- Evening: Final Indonesian meal. Head to the airport. Hope the flight isn't delayed. Pray I remember my passport. Feel the bittersweet pang of leaving. (And the excitement about my next adventure!)
Post-Trip Revelations:
- The Journey: Even if things go wrong, and they probably will, it's all part of the experience.
- The Memories: I'll be carrying the smells, the tastes, and the random moments of connection with me forever.
- The Return: Next time, I'll pack more socks. And maybe learn to say a few more Indonesian words that don't involve ordering food or finding the bathroom. And I'll definitely, definitely, go back to Tangerang.
