Despite the name, this Hotel is closer to Semarang Chinatown than the actual Simpang Lima. The First thing I noticed about this Hotel is how close it is to good restaurants and street food stalls. Across the street, there are Wedang Ronde and Tahu Gimbal stalls. Soto Bokoran, the legendary soto shop is right next door. Within a 5-minute walk, there are Kelengan Pork Satay restaurant and Dharma Boutique Coffee Roastery.
Famous roads like Gajah Mada, where you can find Krabe Seafood, Rumah Makan Kelapa Gading, and Tahu Pong Gajah Mada is only 10 minutes away by foot through a small road by the river.
In short, this hotel is a great basecamp for those who are too lazy to drive around, but are craving for delicious food.
The 3-star hotel itself is still in the affordable range with a price range from Rp. 400,000 per night for a deluxe twin/double room at online travel agents. We stayed in a family room for 3 people, which costs Rp. 750,000 per night. The room has 1 double/queen bed and one single bed, but has no view. Our room is located on the second floor. The family room is slightly larger with 32m2 compared to the regular 26m2, and also includes breakfast. Although breakfast is unnecessary when you're in Semarang and in the Plampitan area. As I mentioned before, delicious food is everywhere at super affordable prices. I'd say choose wisely.
At first glance, the hotel room is clean and neat. I do appreciate the space and the balcony, despite not being able to open the sliding door as it was locked. Air conditioner worked well and the room was well-lit. The Internet works great and hot water runs smoothly. I had no complaints during my 3-night stays at the hotel.
Breakfast isn't awesome, but may be useful when you're too lazy to go out in the early hours. They have western fusion selections, bread, omelette, soto and porridge. Some Indonesian / Javanese food is also present. Coffees are poured over, but tea selections are surprisingly plentiful. They even have Butterfly Pea. Restaurant isn't luxurious but the waitresses are helpful and friendly.
The hotel has a swimming pool which I didn't check out. Waters are on the dispenser, which we filled in the jar placed on the table in the room. This is actually a great idea, because we don't have to ask for bottled water every time. Even though the hotel may be crowded, there is always a parking spot. I didn't have to read about parking, even when I went back to the hotel at night.
What matters is that Dudu thinks the hotel is okay, and he's able to sleep through the night. The check in and check out process are pretty fast. The only tricky thing about the hotel is how the surrounding roads are mostly one-way streets. When you come by car, there is only one direction to go.
After trying out different hotels in Semarang, I think this is the one that we will return to. It's not new and definitely far from the ideal cozy luxury accommodation, but it's worth the prize. Its convenient location is definitely the main reason why.
Check in at:
Quest Hotel Simpang Lima Semarang
Jl. Plampitan No.37-39, Bangunharjo, Kec. Semarang Tengah, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50138
(024) 3520808
