Grand Kartika

This hotel is uniquely positioned to offer a captivating Kapuas River view, making it a memorable choice for sightseers and budget travelers seeking a picturesque backdrop. Its strategic location near Kapuas Square provides easy access to local attractions and activities. However, guests frequently report significant issues with dirty water, unclean rooms, and dilapidated facilities, which detract from the overall experience. While the scenic river vista is a major draw, the hotel's aging infrastructure and maintenance shortcomings are consistently highlighted. For those considering a stay, it is advisable to specifically request a room with a river view to maximize the primary positive aspect, and guests might consider bringing their own essential amenities like towels and pillowcases to ensure comfort.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities is largely critical, with numerous reports of fundamental issues. The water quality is a major concern, frequently described as brown, murky, or smelly, and the shower pressure is often weak, with many rooms lacking hot water. The elevator is noted as old and sometimes out of order, forcing guests to use stairs. While some rooms feature air conditioning that is reported to be cold and effective, other in-room amenities like the television are often old tube models, sometimes non-functional. Guests also mention the absence of basic towels and toiletries, requiring requests from staff. Issues with refrigerators and kettles being dirty or broken are also reported.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The cleanliness and comfort of the rooms are consistently cited as significant drawbacks. Many guests describe the rooms as smelly, musty, stuffy, or dark, contributing to an unpleasant atmosphere. Reports of dirty sheets with visible stains, including saliva marks, are common, leading some guests to bring their own bedding. Pests such as bed bugs and cockroaches are mentioned, causing discomfort and itching. Rooms are often described as unkept, mouldy, and dusty, indicating a lack of thorough cleaning. Some rooms also lack a toilet door, further impacting privacy and comfort. Despite these issues, some reviews note that the rooms are spacious.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features a restaurant with a direct river view, which is highlighted as a pleasant setting, especially in the evenings. However, this restaurant is not always operational, sometimes only opening for specific events or rentals. Feedback on the food quality is mixed; the all-you-can-eat menu is described as limited in variety, and the breakfast offerings are often considered standard and served cold. Some guests enjoyed the unique experience of boat dining on a cruise boat connected to the hotel, appreciating the ambiance of eating on the Kapuas River. Overall, while the dining location offers a good view, the food itself receives average to below-average remarks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's strategic location is a significant advantage, placing guests directly on the Kapuas River with easy access to its activities. It is conveniently situated next to Kapuas Square, a popular area for recreation and sightseeing. Guests appreciate the proximity to the port and ferry services, making it easy to embark on boat tours along the river. The hotel also offers a spacious parking area, though some guests noted that designated motorcycle parking was occupied by staff vehicles. Despite the prime location, the access road leading to the hotel is frequently described as damaged and potholed, which can be an inconvenience for arriving guests.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with the staff and service are varied. While some guests praise the helpful staff for promptly addressing complaints and accommodating requests like early check-in, others report a slow check-in process, sometimes taking up to 20 minutes. There are specific mentions of reception staff being perceived as unhelpful or rude by some guests. When issues arise, such as problems with room amenities or cleanliness, staff are generally responsive in trying to resolve them. However, guests have also faced difficulties with refunds when attempting to check out early due to dissatisfaction with their stay, indicating inconsistencies in service recovery.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is an old building that appears to be undergoing renovation in some areas, though many parts still show signs of age and disrepair. There was a notable incident where the hotel experienced a power outage due to disconnection by the electricity provider, leading to a temporary closure. A specific stain policy is mentioned, where guests may be charged a fee for stains on bed linens. Some guests also reported seeing unused rooms left open and dark in hallways, which contributed to an unsettling atmosphere. It is also important to note that the hotel does not accept credit card payment, requiring guests to pay in cash.