Hotel Savoy Homann

Location

Carpet need to change

It’s probably the best place when you like to explore the central parts of town. This place breathes history and is a true masterpiece of art deco design. When checking in, I was given a choice between a rather unassuming room at the back or go for a grand room at the front side accepting some noise of modern day traffic… The room exceeded my already high expectations, rounded wooden elements, stylish furniture, colorful carpets and the persistent traffic humming. It didn’t hurt my sleep though.

I am probably not the first to suggest some basic insulation measures as to lower the impact of traffic exposure. Also entertainment at the stylish Batavia cafe seemed mostly about producing a maximum amount of noise.

the colonial design is an attraction. the exec double bedroom is spacious. the tv is large and offers many channels. rooms on the main lobby side have single glazed doors to the balcony and so it's noisy from the sound of motorbikes in the night. the shower and bath are fine. the bed is good. the lighting control needs time to understand - i could not switch off the light above the cocktail area.

the breakfast atrium is fine except for the heat - the roof is a perspex cover and there is little or no cooling. the check in was ridiculous - ok, it was good friday, but it took the desk about 10 minutes for registering each guest, pathetically slow, it is faster checking in for a flight at the airport.

The biggest advantage of this hotel is its fantastic location. It’s right in the heart of the action, close to major attractions, numerous shops, and vibrant street markets, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city centre on foot. Furthermore, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, consistently catering to our needs with a smile. This excellent level of service really enhances the guest experience. The historic grandeur of the hotel’s public areas is also a definite highlight—it feels like stepping back in time.

Unfortunately, the rooms themselves were noticeably dated and not modernised. The aesthetic felt a little unsettling, perhaps best described as having a slight Shining vibe, which certainly needs an update to bring it into the 21st century. From a practical perspective, we encountered several frustrating technical problems. The Wi-Fi was intermittent and didn't work reliably, which made planning and research difficult. Worse still, the in-room entertainment box kept on freezing and losing connection, meaning we couldn't properly relax and watch anything in the evenings.