Check Out the Experience of Choosing a Cheap Kaliurang Homestay! - Just Menong

 

This month, we had the opportunity to return to Yogyakarta. We also hunt for cheap Kaliurang homestays. At first I remembered the cheap homestay we used to choose. However, because the distance between the Sugeng Jeroni area and Kaliurang is very far, it's over 40 minutes by online ride/ojol ride. I finally decided to look for another alternative. Zauji is also looking for it with the help of maps so he can estimate the distance and time that must be taken.

Check the location of the inn with google maps

Thank God, with the help of these maps, we were finally able to choose a number of accommodation 'candidates.'. And of course we chose the cheap Kaliurang homestay. Friends of Menong can check rates, travel time from the inn to the destination, and other information. 

Check prices and lodging facilities

And then we cross check the candidate through the application that we normally use.

Easy Hotel Book App

To be honest, I use this blue app more often than any other app. Apart from looking for hotels or inns, I also often use this application to search for plane, train, and travel tickets. Far more complete features and ease of use make the Traveloka application a mainstay for us. Unfortunately, some cheap inns or homestays don't appear on this blue app, so I tried using the Reddoorz and OYO apps.

Reddoorz and OYO are lodging or hotel chains that provide online booking services. Both offer lodging or hotel offers of the highest quality but still affordable. The incessant promotion makes consumers spoiled with lots of discounted prices or discounts.

One of these conveniences is that we can directly call the operators of the two platforms to inquire directly about room availability. Even the operator will be happy to provide other alternatives if the accommodation we have chosen turns out to be fully booked.

Reddoorz customer service: 021-80629666. OYO customer service: (021) 2970 7600 or (021) 2970 7601.

One thing I learned is that some of the cheap Kaliurang homestays listed on maps are no longer affiliated with Reddoorz or OYO or have changed functions, like boarding houses with monthly fees, such as Koolkost Near Hartono Mall.

Operators also allow potential guests to book rooms via customer service or download applications through the Play Store to get discounted prices. And sure enough, besides being able to see what facilities (free wifi, satellite TV, mineral water) and amenities (toothbrush + toothpaste, bath soap, mineral water) are available at each inn, I also get a lot of discounted rates as a new member.

Friends of Menong can also view photos, visitor reviews, and nearby landmarks (public transportation, tourist destinations, shopping centers, restaurants, hospitals, ATMs, and others), maps, and payment systems.

By using the Reddoorz application, because I still don't have a clue about the homestay I chose, I finally chose the payment mode "Room only, pay at the hotel and get a refund," which is indeed more expensive than "Pay now," which means I have to transfer directly at that time also. Actually, the difference between the two modes of payment is not that big; it's only around Rp. 15,000 - Rp. 25,000.

I can also choose what time I will check in. Because the new Lodaya train arrived at Yogyakarta Station at 14.30 WIB, I chose a check-in time of 14.00 - 17.00 WIB.

Booking lodging via the application

To save my budget, I didn't click on the options for making member cards and the various types of insurance that are usually offered. In the Reddoorz application, Menong's friends are required to give tips to hotel staff, the amount of which we can choose.

Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to try the OYO application because we have already made our choice of cheap Kaliurang homestays via the Reddoorz application. In general, the features do not differ much, including the mode of payment that can be made at the hotel when we arrive.

Apart from the three applications, there are now many sites that provide information about cheap lodging or homestays. We used this method when we had a family date with Buya and Umah's families in September 2022.

It's actually easier to find cheap lodging or homestays for families. Since this time it was the two of us, we sorted between affordable hotels and homestays.

Menong's friends can visit https://www.yogyes.com/id/yogyakarta-hotel/ or https://www.homestayjogja.co.id/ to find information about homestays in the Yogyakarta area.

What is different from the homestay site is that we can get the homestay owner's contact number (WhatsApp), making it easier to ask questions directly. It's just that, usually, the price given is the normal price, even though it can be paid directly at check-in.

Cheap Lodging Options in Kaliurang

Turanggasari Hotel

This hotel is the first hotel I chose. Apart from the good reviews, the facilities provided by this hotel are also relatively complete. Although surprised by the address, which is located in a complex, Zauji and I agreed to book a room for one day only.

Related: The Excitement of Ngabolang in the Nearest Palembang Tourism Part 2

I also called 082317676788 to ensure room availability.

Actually the officer who received the call promised to contact me to let me know whether there are rooms available and the rate that will be given if via direct telephone. Unfortunately, the info never came, so I decided to book a hotel via the Reddoorz application.

Because there was a train delay, I was nervous because I was sure that I would not be able to arrive at the hotel before 17.00 WIB. Because I still couldn't contact them via telephone, I finally asked via Instagram DM Reddoorz, which was answered immediately.

We arrived at sunset, the road to the hotel was very quiet. Hotel Turanggasari is located at the end of a dead-end street (which means quiet and free from traffic). The clerk received us kindly and gave us a room located on the 2nd floor after we paid the lodging fee for one night, Rp. 148,000. Menong's friends can pay without an application; it's just that the price is relatively more expensive (around Rp. 165,000) because there is no discount offered. 

Turanggasari Hotel Room

One thing that I like about Hotel Turanggasari is the spacious room, apparently measuring 20 m², which fits the king bed we chose. A work desk and dressing table are also available, complete with a TV with various domestic and foreign channels. The spacious room allows us to move freely on the right and left of the bed, as well as for congregational prayers. Unfortunately, there is no wardrobe at all, only clothes hangers. 

Turanggasari Hotel room terrace

Two clean towels (although they don't absorb enough water), 2 bottles of minerals, and amenities are provided. In contrast to the bathroom, which is not so big. The hot shower is separated from the toilet seat and sink. The clerk invited us to freely use the kitchen or borrow kitchen equipment on the 1st floor. Maybe this is what made me feel tired of having to go up and down the stairs because I had to cook hot water myself in the kitchen.

Turanggasari Hotel room bathroom

Hotel Turanggasari room toilet

The balcony terrace is one thing that makes this hotel worthy of Menong friends choosing. All rooms have their own balcony terrace. Menong's friends can also dry clothes because the hotel provides a medium-sized clothesline.

Because he brought a lot of things, Zauji started tidying things up and putting them in the desk drawer. Unfortunately we found 'used guests' items in it, so we asked the clerk to take it out and clean out the drawers.

When Menong's friend reads a review on the Reddoorz app, a guest complains of a dog barking. And it seemed that the barking was coming from another inn, which was a few meters away from the hotel. For Menong friends who are not comfortable, this can be a consideration.

Since there were no free facilities or food orders at the hotel, we started looking for the nearest warung. Because it is located in the campus area, there are lots of food stalls that Menong friends can find around the main road. And unfortunately, the Turanggasari hotel is not in the online taxi folder, so Menong's friends have to type or select the full address: Turangga Sari Complex, Block III, No. 20, Condong Catur Depok, Sleman 55581, Depok, Indonesia, 55581.

Reddoorz Near Hartono Mall

Because we planned to stay for 4 nights, we also looked for other alternative accommodations that might be more comfortable. The next option is Reddoorz Near Hartono Mall, which is located on Jl. Merpati, Condongcatur, Kec. Depok, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Depok, Indonesia, 55281, not far from Condongcatur Terminal.

Online taxi drivers were kind enough to drop us off and wait for us. This guesthouse looks different from the outside because it has a unique design. We had to ring the bell, as there was no one at reception when we arrived.

The clerk invited us to see the room we would choose. Even though the size of the bed includes a king bed, the room is not too wide, around 10 - 12 m², making the room look smaller. (We didn't get to take photos).

The atmosphere inside Reddoorz Near Hartono Mall

One of the plus points of this guesthouse is the existence of a fish pond and garden in front of the rows of rooms that form a quadrilateral. And of course, in terms of comfort, it will feel warmer. Apart from that, Menong's friends can also order some food, such as fried rice, if they are too lazy to find it themselves. (This service was absent in the other two hotels I surveyed).

If Menong's friends read reviews about officers who weren't very friendly, maybe it was more because he didn't mince words too much but was OK enough to provide brief information.

Because the room area is narrower than the first hotel with a small price difference, we discouraged switching hotels.

However, if Menong's friends are interested in a location close to the terminal (and the ease of finding food vendors and other things), this inn can be chosen. Even though it says near Hartono Mall, to be honest, in my opinion, it's far away because it can't be reached on foot.

The Doctor Guest House Syariah RedPartner Pakuwon Mall Yogyakarta

While walking in the morning, we saw The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah, which is in the residential area of ​​the residents, precisely on Jl. Aster 2 No.19B, Joho, Condongcatur, Kec. Depok, Sleman Regency, DI Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Sleman.

The road signs still read OYO. The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah is on Jalan Raya Pandean Sari. This guesthouse was removed from the list of hotel options because the Reddoorz application does not offer any facilities, including Wi-Fi. And it turns out that the hotel clerk doesn't know if there is an error in the Reddoorz application. When we arrived, the officer explained that all the facilities were there and complete. He even let us look around the room and test the wifi and TV.

The road to the guesthouse can only be passed by one car, with both sides of the road not too wide. The name of this guesthouse doesn't appear on online taxi maps either, so we use 'Jogya Medical Center (JMC)' or 'BBGP DIY' as a benchmark. 

In the area behind the guesthouse flows a small river whose water is gurgling. Menong's friends must be careful when they step because there are many 'chicken mines' that are sometimes unseen. Because there is no bright lighting, the road to the gate also seems darker, especially on the right side; it is still an empty area with bamboo trees. Even though it looks narrow, the courtyard of the guesthouse can accommodate 5-6 cars, including Hiace types.

The rooms at The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah are located inside and outside the main house (2 floors). Zauji and I chose a room with a double bed outside the main house to have more freedom when we return at night.

In terms of room area, The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah measures around 10 - 12 m², so there isn't much space to move around. The bed is directly against the wall with the air conditioner directly overhead. There is a wardrobe located near the window. 

Furniture The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah

A desk with drawers is available so Menong's friends can store things to keep things tidy. Because they are still in a fairly beautiful environment, Menong's friends must be careful when storing food because there are still many black ants that suddenly appear.

Two clean towels (also less absorbent) are provided in the room. Not-so-spacious bathroom, warm shower, and sink. 

Toilet The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah

What we feel is the bed is not too soft, so for Menong friends who expect a mattress as comfortable as at home, this can be a consideration. But don't worry, we can both sleep soundly! Including our baby nephew who came to visit. 

The Doctor Guesthouse Sharia bed

The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah offers other rooms at a cheaper price, only Rp. 99,000, but of course with a narrower area and can only be occupied by one person.

 

Another bed in The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah

Guests are allowed to use the kitchen in the main house or dry clothes on the 2nd floor. Don't forget to bring a hanger and clothespins so our clothes don't fly away in the wind.😊

Kitchen room at The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah

Finally, we decided to extend our stay at The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah with an offline payment at a lower price from the application, Rp. 125,000. Apart from being closer, The Doctor Guesthouse Syariah is also not far from the mosque (this is Zauji's main consideration). The owner and staff are also very friendly to serve us.

He also gave us a contact number: 082221044758.

Apart from homestay conditions and access to public facilities such as terminals or minimarkets, we also often find unexpected unique things. Zauji also found rice stalls that provide cheap food. Just imagine a package of nasi soto only costs Rp. 9,000. Likewise, rice, stir-fried tempeh, and vegetables are only Rp. 7,000 with a buffet portion. 

Nasi soto yogyakarta near the inn

Kaliurang Homestay is cheap and lively; you can meet Menong's many friends either through the application or the official website. For both of us, the experience of ngabolang this time was indeed more unique because we both learned how to choose homestays that are cheap but also quite comfortable to live in.