Episode Gading Serpong

The hotel offers a truly memorable staycation experience, distinguished by its unique Peranakan and Malay-themed design and a consistently praised fragrant ambiance that permeates the lobby, corridors, and guest rooms. This distinctive atmosphere, combined with a focus on cleanliness and friendly service, makes it an ideal choice for staycationers seeking a relaxing getaway. Families will find it particularly accommodating due to its kid-friendly facilities, while couples can enjoy romantic touches like anniversary and birthday surprises. Business travelers also appreciate its strategic location. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room not facing the main road if you are a light sleeper, and be sure to book any spa services in advance as they are quite popular.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though some receive mixed feedback. The swimming pool is noted by many as being quite cold and often crowded, with some guests finding it too small for relaxation, especially for children who could only tolerate it for short periods. The gym is available, though a few guests felt its facilities were somewhat limited. For families, the kids' playground and kids' cinema are highly appreciated, offering ample entertainment, though some areas of the playground were occasionally found to be dusty or had mosquitoes. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reported as fast and reliable. The elevators are a notable point of concern, frequently described as slow, confusing, and requiring long waits, particularly during peak hours. However, the laundry service receives high praise for its efficiency and quality.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's high standards of cleanliness throughout the property and within the rooms, describing them as spotless and well-maintained. Room sizes generally receive positive comments, with many guests finding them spacious and comfortable, especially after receiving upgrades. The beds are widely praised for being exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. In-room amenities are comprehensive, including a coffee maker and tea set. However, noise levels are a significant recurring issue; many guests reported audible traffic noise from the main road, even on higher floors, and some experienced disturbances from a beeping telephone or internal building sounds. While ear plugs are provided, the soundproofing is often deemed insufficient. Additionally, some bathrooms were noted for lacking a wudhu tap, having a sink outside the toilet causing wet floors, or having a small shower area with inadequate curbing.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the breakfast, garners considerable attention. The breakfast buffet is frequently highlighted for its extensive selection, offering a wide variety of both local and Western dishes that are generally described as delicious and of top quality. However, the breakfast restaurant can become quite crowded, especially during peak times, leading to a bustling atmosphere. The main restaurant, Babah Ramu, is highly recommended, praised for its authentic Peranakan and Malay ambiance, often complemented by live music, and its consistently tasty food. Specific mentions include excellent cappuccino and refreshing detox juices. While most feedback is positive, a few guests found the main courses at breakfast to be too salty or lacking in flavor, indicating some inconsistency.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly strategic location, making it easily accessible and convenient for guests. It is situated within close proximity to various points of interest, including shopping malls and a vibrant culinary center, allowing guests to explore local dining options and retail outlets with ease. Specific mentions include its closeness to Summarecon Mall and the convenience of having popular fast-food chains like KFC and Pizza Hut directly opposite. While the hotel is well-placed for local exploration, some guests noted that it is approximately an hour's taxi ride from the airport. Parking is available, with some guests appreciating the free parking option, though the parking lot itself was described by a few as narrow or having a complicated route.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, professionalism, and helpfulness. Many reviews highlight the warm welcome extended by the team, contributing significantly to a pleasant stay. The check-in and check-out processes are often described as quick and efficient. Guests particularly appreciate the personalized touches, such as welcome cakes, birthday decorations in rooms, mirror wording, and towel sculptures for special occasions. The staff's attentiveness and willingness to assist with various requests, including laundry services and parking, are frequently mentioned. Overall, the service is characterized by a genuine desire to ensure guest satisfaction, making for a highly positive and memorable experience.

Additional Information
The hotel offers uniquely thematic rooms that guests find appealing and well-designed. A standout feature is the hotel's commitment to celebrating special occasions, with many guests receiving delightful birthday or anniversary surprises, including complimentary cakes and room decorations. The Sandjong Spa is highly regarded for its beautiful decor and therapeutic atmosphere, though it is popular and often fully booked, so advance reservations are recommended. Some guests reported minor technical issues, such as a beeping telephone in their room or an AC that did not cool below 24 degrees Celsius. A few guests also noted that the sofa area in some rooms could be dusty. There were isolated reports of restaurant staff being overly insistent about guests providing positive reviews.