Pusako Hotel

The hotel is characterized by its classic, vintage aesthetic and spacious rooms, set amidst a peaceful, hilly environment that offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains. While many guests appreciate its tranquil atmosphere and historical charm, a significant number also describe it as having a "spooky" or "haunted" ambiance, creating a unique, often contradictory, experience. This makes it an intriguing choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking large accommodations, those who appreciate historical architecture, and adventurous guests looking for a distinctive, potentially eerie stay. Although the spacious rooms might appeal to families, the hotel's general lack of child-specific amenities and a pervasive smoking issue could deter them. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room with a mountain view for the best scenery, and explore booking through third-party applications for potentially more favorable rates.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers several amenities, though their condition and guest experience vary. The swimming pool is frequently mentioned as being large, clean, and well-maintained, often considered safe for children. However, some guests were deterred from using it due to staff smoking in the vicinity. Parking facilities are available and spacious, yet some visitors found the access path inconvenient, requiring a roundabout route. Inside the rooms, guests noted the presence of older CRT televisions, though some appreciated the variety of channels, including those suitable for children. A notable feature in many rooms are the spacious private balconies, which were enjoyed by guests, particularly families, for relaxation and to take in the views. Additionally, the hotel provides meeting rooms that are considered comfortable for various events, though some common areas, such as the fish pond and fountain, were observed to be poorly maintained and dirty.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly mixed. While some guests found their accommodations clean, many reported issues such as dusty floors, pervasive gecko droppings, and a general lack of thorough upkeep. A significant number of reviews highlighted unpleasant urine or musty smells in rooms, and the provided towels were often described as worn, dirty, and torn. Most guests appreciated the spacious rooms, though a few found their assigned rooms to be small. Many noted dim lighting, creating a dark atmosphere, and some experienced flickering lights. Frequent bathroom issues included non-functioning bidet sprays, broken or missing bathroom doors, worn-out sliding doors that were difficult to close, and an inconsistent hot water supply that quickly turned cold. Some guests reported strange noises at night, contributing to a spooky ambiance, and a few even mentioned the presence of mice and ants. While some found the natural temperature comfortable, others noted the absence of air conditioning, leading to hot rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining and food quality, particularly for breakfast, is largely negative regarding variety. Many guests reported a very limited selection, often consisting of only fried rice, fried noodles, fried eggs, and crackers, with minimal fruit options like papaya and watermelon. There was also a notable absence of milk and chocolate spread for bread, leading to disappointment for some. While a few guests found the food good, others described it as salty or simply not to their taste. Service for breakfast was also noted, with some guests mentioning that in-room dining required self-pickup and return of dishes. A common complaint was the lack of non-spicy food and specific children's menus, making meal times challenging for families with young children. Conversely, guests noted that evening culinary options available directly in front of the hotel offered good variety and taste.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is generally described as having a strategic location, being conveniently situated near the city center and various tourist areas, including being approximately 15 minutes from Jam Gadang. Its setting on a hill contributes to a peaceful atmosphere, effectively shielding guests from the bustle of city traffic, which many appreciated for its tranquility and cool, fresh air. While the hotel is considered easy to reach, some guests found the internal layout confusing upon arrival, noting a lack of staff to escort them to their rooms. The property is also conveniently located next to a main road, facilitating travel and accessibility for those arriving by vehicle. Overall, the location is a significant draw for guests seeking a quiet retreat with reasonable access to local attractions.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is highly mixed. A significant number of guests reported unfriendly receptionists and housekeeping staff who were perceived as dismissive, lacking in smiles, or indifferent. Some guests felt ignored, particularly when facing issues such as deposit payments or needing assistance upon arrival. The check-in process was sometimes described as quick, but a common complaint was the absence of staff to escort guests to their rooms. Conversely, other reviews praised the staff for being friendly and helpful, noting quick responses to complaints, such as issues with hot water. Despite these positive mentions, many reviews expressed overall disappointment with the service, stating it was unsatisfactory or lacked professional standards expected from a hotel.

Additional Information
A pervasive theme in guest feedback is the hotel's reputation for being haunted, with numerous guests reporting unsettling experiences such as flickering lights, unexplained noises like furniture moving, and even more significant paranormal disturbances leading to early check-outs. While these accounts were unsettling for many, a few adventurous individuals found the "test of courage" atmosphere intriguing. Beyond the supernatural, the hotel is widely described as an old property that, despite its past luxury, is now poorly maintained and in dire need of renovation to address its worn-out furniture and equipment. A significant concern, particularly for families, is the hotel's apparent lack of a strict smoking policy, with guests reporting pervasive cigarette smoke throughout common areas and even near the pool, as there are no designated smoking zones. Consequently, despite its spacious rooms and pool, the hotel is generally not considered family-friendly due to the smoking issue, absence of children's play areas, and limited kid-friendly food options.