Capitol Park 2BR Gem: Travelio's Jakarta Jewel Awaits!
Capitol Park 2BR Gem: Travelio's Jakarta Jewel…Or Just a Shiny Stone? - My Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to lay bare my actual experience at the Capitol Park 2BR Gem. Travelio promised a jewel, alright? But sometimes, you find a chipped emerald, or a perfectly fine piece of feldspar. Let’s dive headfirst into this chaotic apartment adventure, warts and all.
SEO & Metadata (Because, let's face it, we're all looking for a good deal):
- Keywords: Jakarta Apartment, Travelio, Capitol Park, 2BR, Accessibility, Jakarta Accommodation, Pool View, Fitness Center, Spa, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Travel Review, Indonesia, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Couple's Getaway.
- Title: Capitol Park 2BR Gem: Travelio's Jakarta Jewel - My Surprisingly Human Take (Accessibility, Cleanliness & the Rest!)
- Description: A brutally honest review of the Capitol Park 2BR Gem in Jakarta. Explore its highs (pool view!) and lows (the occasional questionable stain), covering accessibility, amenities, dining, and overall experience. Is it a jewel, or just…a place to crash? Find out here!
(Deep breath… here we go!)
First Impressions & Accessibility (Getting In and Being In):
Right off the bat, the lobby felt… slick. You know that kind of slick where everything's a little too polished, maybe a touch sterile? The staff, though, were friendly enough. (Services and conveniences – Concierge, 24-hour Front Desk, Elevator, Luggage Storage – check, check, and check!) Smooth check-in, mostly contactless - score one for modern convenience (Services and conveniences – Contactless check-in/out). But my immediate concern? Accessibility. I’ve got a knackered knee, and I noticed right away that while there was an elevator, the hallways felt a tad narrow for a wheelchair. (Accessibility - Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests – check, needs improvement.) The unit itself, thank God, was on a higher floor. (Available in all rooms – High Floor – check!) But I wasn’t sure if the door frames were wide enough, which wasn’t ideal. Not a huge problem, but definitely something to flag for someone with serious mobility issues.
As for the apartment? Let's get into the good stuff first.
The Good Stuff – Views, Pools, and Pretending to Be Fancy:
The pool! Oh, the pool! (Things to do – Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view – YES, YES, YES!) Pictures don't do it justice. (Things to do – Ways to relax – Sauna, Spa/Sauna – both present, but I didn’t get to try them.) It's that infinity edge kind, overlooking the sprawling, somewhat chaotic cityscape. Honestly, that view, especially at sunset, was worth the price of admission alone. Spent a solid afternoon just floating around, feeling all sophisticated with my overpriced cocktail (which, I must admit, was delicious). (Dining, drinking, and snacking - Poolside bar – Got that covered!) It was a slice of momentary paradise, a perfect cure for the Jakarta hustle.
And the gym? (Things to do – Fitness center, Gym/fitness – Yep, they're there!) Well, it existed. It had the requisite treadmills, weights, and the obligatory gym-bro grunting. But the view from the gym? Not as spectacular as the pool. You'll be doing your reps whilst gazing at concrete.
Roomy Rooms and Some Quirks:
Okay, the 2BR layout was great. (Available in all rooms – Seating area, Interconnecting room(s) available – technically, yes. But don't go expecting the room to be perfect.) Plenty of space to spread out, which is a massive win in the bustling city. The decor was modern, clean, and a little…generic. You know the type: neutral tones, generic art, and the faint scent of "recently-made-over." (Available in all rooms - Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Closet, Desk, Slippers, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries).
The beds were comfortable enough (Available in all rooms – Extra long bed, Linens, Towels, Wake-up service, – well, I woke up!). The air conditioning blasted like a hurricane (which, in Jakarta, is a blessing). The Wi-Fi was thankfully strong and reliable. (Available in all rooms – Wi-Fi [free], Internet access – wireless – check!) I appreciated having that given I was desperately getting some work done.
But the devil is always in the details.
The Not-So-Shiny Side of the Gem:
Now, the imperfections. First off - the cleanliness wasn’t flawless. I found a suspicious stain on the sofa that I didn't want to even think about. (Cleanliness and safety – Room sanitization opt-out available – I wish I'd opted in). Also, the kitchen? Functional, yes. Sparkling? Not quite. Some of the appliances showed definite signs of wear.
And here’s the thing that got me. The water pressure in the shower fluctuated wildly. One minute, I was enjoying a luxurious rainfall shower; the next, I was barely getting a dribble. This happened on multiple occasions. (Available in all rooms- Separate shower/bathtub, Shower). As someone who considers a good shower a fundamental human right, this was a serious blow.
The other thing, and this might sound petty, but … the coffee. (Dining, drinking, and snacking – Coffee/tea maker, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop). The coffee situation in the apartment was sad. Instant sachets. Blech. I actually ended up ordering room service coffee, which was better. (Dining, drinking, and snacking – Room service [24-hour], Breakfast in room). It was pricier, but I needed that caffeine fix.
Dining Dilemmas and Local Eateries:
The on-site restaurants? (Dining, drinking, and snacking – Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, – all of the above.) Plenty of options. But I'm a huge fan of exploring local eats, so I mostly skipped them. (Dining, drinking, and snacking – Alternative meal arrangement, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast takeaway service – all available).
There was a surprisingly good and reasonably priced vegetarian restaurant nearby, which got extra points in my book.
Safety and Sanitation – Pandemic Era Musings:
Let’s talk pandemic protocols. They did make an effort. (Cleanliness and safety – Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol – Check, check, check, to a degree.) Hand sanitiser was everywhere, and the staff all wore masks. However, I didn’t see evidence of any high-level disinfecting services, and sometimes, the distance thing faded when you got to the elevator. I mean, people still needed to get up and down, right?
Getting Around and the Jakarta Grind:
Getting around – Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Easy to get around with taxis and ride-hailing apps. The apartment had on-site parking, which was a bonus (especially in Jakarta traffic). The airport transfer was seamless—definitely recommend that. Otherwise, grab an Uber or Grab…
For the Kids & the Family Scene For the kids – Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't have any kids with me, but I did see some family groups. I'm not sure there are that many extras, but the place could be suitable if you are looking, I saw families and the pool being popular!
The Verdict: Is it a Jewel?
So, is the Capitol Park 2BR Gem a true jewel? Nah. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But is it a decent, well-located, and mostly comfortable place to stay in Jakarta, with a killer pool view? Yes.
It’s a perfectly serviceable apartment with some seriously nice amenities. It's somewhere between a luxury place, and a perfectly acceptable, functional accommodation.
My Advice:
- Manage your expectations. It's not a flawless experience.
- Embrace the pool. Seriously, soak it up.
- BYO coffee. Trust me.
- Speak up if there's a problem. The staff is generally helpful.
- Consider the accessibility IF you have severe mobility issues. It's not the most accessible place.
**Overall, I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. The pool view alone deserves most of the stars. It
Siem Reap's Hidden Gem: Golden Temple Boutique Hotel (Luxury Awaits!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking Jakarta, baby. Two bedrooms, Capitol Park Residence, Travelio… and me, a walking disaster zone who somehow convinced myself this was a good idea. Here we go:
JAKARTA: OPERATION "DON'T GET LOST (OR ARRESTED)" - A Messy, Honest, and Probably Hilarious Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (AKA, "Is this real life?")
- 4:00 AM: Wake up in a cold sweat. Did I pack enough socks? Did I REALLY lock the front door? Pretty sure the answer to the latter is no. Cue the panic.
- 7:00 AM: Finally, finally out of the house. Airport chaos. Apparently, the airport terminal is designed to amplify the sound of crying children. Brilliant.
- 10:00 AM (Jakarta Time): Touchdown! Heat. Humidity. Smells I can't quite identify but suspect are delicious. The immigration officer looks like he's seen things…and probably judged me for wearing Crocs with questionable socks.
- 11:30 AM: The Get a Grab car (Uber/Lyft equivalent) to the Capitol Park Residence. I chose this place because the pictures made it look like a swanky, minimalist paradise. Cross fingers it isn't a bait-and-switch. Traffic is already LEGENDARY. I have a newfound respect for the concept of "patience."
- 1:00 PM: OMG. Capitol Park Residence. It is swanky! Air conditioning is a gift from the gods. The apartment is…well, it's a slightly less minimalist paradise than the pictures implied. The couch has seen better days, and there's a weird, slightly damp smell in the guest bedroom. But hey, two bedrooms! Luxury! (For a solo traveler who might end up having a series of emotional breakdowns).
- 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpack. Realize I've forgotten my ONLY adapter for my phone charger. Swear. Contemplate going full-on digital detox and embracing the paper and pen life. But, Instagram…
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dive into the internet. Research, and google maps. My brain is overloaded. I try to figure out where to find an adapter, and I'm completely lost. I end up just staring at the ceiling…
- 6:00 PM: Hunger pangs. Big ones. Order delivery from Grab Food - hoping to not get poisoned by a rogue street vendor through the screen. Ended up with Pad Thai. Pretty good!
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Start feeling guilty about my lack of cultural immersion. Decide to walk to a local convenience store. Get utterly lost within two blocks. Ask for directions in my terrible Bahasa Indonesia ("Saya tidak mengerti!"). Receive confused stare. Buy a pack of Oreo cookies, the universal language of comfort.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Crawl back to the apartment, defeated but fueled by sugar. Watch TV for a bit, but I am so tired. Crash.
Day 2: Kota Tua & The Art of Not Getting Run Over (and my complete and utter lack of direction)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up…slightly less terrified than yesterday. Coffee is essential. Realize the coffee maker, which is also my only source of caffeine, is busted. Suffer greatly
- 9:00 AM: Take a Grab to Kota Tua (Old Town Jakarta). This is where things get real. I mean, I thought I was prepared, but oh no. I was not. The traffic… it's another level. We're talking a symphony of horns, a ballet of scooters, and a general sense of organized chaos. I’m pretty sure I saw a goat riding a motorbike.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore Kota Tua. The architecture is beautiful, the colonial buildings echoing with history. It's hot, sweaty, and crowded. I get completely and utterly lost. I ask for directions a dozen times, and get stared at. I attempt to interact with the locals, but struggle with a few words of Bahasa Indonesia I manage to mumble.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Find a tiny warung (a small, local eatery) and order something I think is chicken. Cross fingers. It's spicy! Really spicy! I choke, sweat, and try to remain composed. (Fails). It was so good.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Get even more lost. Stumble upon a quirky little art market. The artists selling their wears… their eyes have seen things too. Buy a ridiculously large, colorful painting that I will probably regret later. (But it’s beautiful!).
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The heat got to me. Head back to the apartment, and try to not think about my lack of navigation skills. Have a cold shower, then take a nap.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at local restaurant. I asked for a recommendation in my terrible Bahasa, and ended up with the most amazing Mie Goreng. So freaking good. Eat. Repeat.
- 9:00 PM: Exhaustion. Doze off in front of the television. Think about tomorrow and all the potential for getting lost. Sigh.
Day 3: Culture Shock & Shopping Spree (AKA, "Will my bank account survive?")
- 9:00 AM: After days of battling with all things Jakarta, I decide to embrace the chaos. I decide to head to a mall today, maybe even shop??
- 10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Head to Plaza Indonesia and shop. I did not need anything, but I bought things anyway. So many things.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe. More food. I am learning to embrace Indonesian food.
- 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: My feet hurt. I was thinking of heading back to the residence, but there's so much of Jakarta I haven't seen.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Head over to the National Monument, or Monas. Get to the site in time and get my ticket.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Climb the Monas. The view is incredible. The city stretches out below me, a vast, sprawling, vibrant tapestry of life. I feel a sense of… awe, and also relief that I didn't get lost finding it.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to apartment for a shower, and to reflect.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Farewell Jakarta…For Now (AKA, "I think I'll miss this place…eventually.")
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, slightly less terrified, and slightly more sunburnt. The air conditioning is still a lifesaver.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pack. Contemplate leaving the ridiculously large painting behind. Decide against it. It's part of the story now.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: One last walk near the apartment to get a feel for the place.
- 11:00 AM: The Grab car. Traffic. Sigh.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. Immigration. (Hopefully, they won't judge me again).
- 1:00 PM: Flight. Reflecting on the trip. I survived. I got lost. I ate some amazing food. I almost got run over. I learned a few words of Bahasa Indonesia. I bought a ridiculous painting. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.
It's been a mess of a trip. I'm exhausted. I'm broke. I'm slightly culturally traumatized. But I'm also…changed. Jakarta, you crazy, chaotic, beautiful beast. I may return. Eventually. Now, where's that adapter…
Hanting Hotel Huzhou: Your Luxurious Escape on Yishang Street Awaits!
Capitol Park 2BR Gem: Travelio's Jakarta Jewel - FAQs (and a Whole Lot of Stuff I Forgot to Ask Before!)
Okay, first things first: Is this place *actually* a gem, or is Travelio just laying it on thick?
Alright, so "gem" is a pretty bold claim, right? My expectations were somewhere between "decent crash pad" and "hostel with actual walls." Honestly? It *was* pretty darn good. Like, not "Koh-i-Noor Diamond" good, but more like a sparkly, well-polished… um… perhaps a nice, chunky amethyst. Yeah, I'll stick with that. Pretty damn good amethyst.
The pictures online? They're good. A little *too* good, maybe? But the space itself is actually *functional*. That's a win in my book. Clean-ish. Spacious-ish. We'll get to the "ish" later. Let's just say, I wasn't immediately tempted to burn down the apartment like I've been in other places.
The location – is it actually convenient, or is it a Jakarta nightmare just waiting to happen?
Location, location, location! This is where it gets… complicated. It's *close* to things. Theoretically. Walking? Forget about it. Jakarta's not a place for pedestrian adventures unless you have a deathwish AND a hazmat suit.
Taxis/Grab/Gojek? Absolutely essential. And that's where the "convenience" gets a little… dicey. Traffic. Oh, Jakarta traffic. I'm talking gridlock of biblical proportions. Expect to spend a good chunk of your trip just *sitting*. My emotional reaction? Mostly sighs. Followed by the frantic refreshing of the Grab app hoping that the driver doesn’t decide to eat lunch in the middle of the jam.
But hey, at least there are some decent food stalls nearby. Silver linings. Really, though, factor in *massive* travel times when planning anything. And pray to the traffic gods. Seriously.
What about the size? Two bedrooms - sounds good, but is it cramped? Can you swing a cat (figuratively, of course)?
Two bedrooms! This was a major selling point for me. Needed the space, ya know? The reality? Not palatial, but definitely not a closet either. My inner claustrophobe remained in check. You *could* swing a cat, but I wouldn't recommend it. Too much potential for disaster.
The bedrooms were… similar. Standard size, decent storage. The beds? Comfortable-ish. One of my friends, let's call her "Melanie," *loved* hers. She said it was the best sleep she'd had in weeks. I, on the other hand, felt slightly… lopsided. Like the mattress was permanently tilted towards the wall. I’m not sure why this particular mattress had a strong opinion on the best sleep positions, but it did apparently. Melanie and the bed. True love.
The Kitchen... What can you ACTUALLY do in there? Do you even get basic kitchen supplies?
Ah, the kitchen. This is where my culinary ambitions hit a wall. It *had* the basics. A refrigerator (thank god for that), a stove (also essential), and the usual suspects – some plates, cutlery.
But here's where things get… interesting. The pots and pans? Let's politely say they’d seen better days. One, in particular, was permanently stained with… something. I’m not sure what, and frankly, I didn't want to know. I stuck to cereal and instant noodles.
The "kitchen supplies" consisted of salt, pepper, and a single, lonely bottle of cooking oil. And the worst part? The lighting in the kitchen was… terrible. Like, I was pretty sure I needed a headlamp to chop an onion. So, if you're dreaming of gourmet Jakarta cuisine? Lower those expectations. Consider it a glorified space to assemble a sandwich.
What about the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, the modern world demands connectivity.
The Wi-Fi. The lifeline of the modern traveler! Here's the honest truth: it was… inconsistent. Some days it was lightning fast, allowing me to binge-watch questionable reality TV. Other days? Utterly useless. I’d stare at the loading screen, fantasizing about throwing my laptop out the window. Multiple times.
This led to an entire afternoon where I couldn’t book a Gojek, and was stuck in the apartment. I spent the time cleaning. Cleaning! I hadn't cleaned my own apartment in months, but suddenly, I was scrubbing grout. The WI-FI was actually good for something. I’m not gonna lie, I'm really proud of those tiles now.
So, reliable? No. Frustrating? Sometimes. Acceptable? Yeah, probably. Pack a mobile hotspot as backup. You'll thank me later.
Was it clean? Because, let's be real, nobody wants to share their vacation with dust bunnies and questionable stains.
Clean-ish. Remember "ish"? Well, it applies here. The common areas were… passable. The floors weren't sticky. The surfaces were mostly dust-free. Mostly. I did find a stray sock under the sofa, which suggested a less-than-thorough cleaning regimen. Let’s say it had a "lived-in-but-not-necessarily-by-me" vibe.
The bathrooms? They *could* have been a little cleaner. But hey, it’s Jakarta! I've seen worse, much worse. I mean, I didn't feel the overwhelming urge to shower in bleach (though honestly, I considered it once or twice). So, bring your own cleaning wipes and maybe invest in a hazmat suit for the shower drain. Better safe than sorry!
Am I going to get eaten by mosquitos?
Mosquitoes! Oh, the joys of the tropics. Yes, there were mosquitoes. I'm pretty sure they had a party in my bedroom one night. They were loud, they were annoying, and they left me looking like I had chickenpox.
Pack mosquito repellent. Seriously. Bring the good stuff. The stuff that promises to ward off even the most tenacious, blood-hungry insects. Otherwise, you're in for a night (or several) of itchy misery. I learned this the hard way, while trying to swat them in the dark. Let's just say the chandelier suffered some slight damage.
Okay, the *overall* vibe? Would you recommend it?
Alright, the verdict. Would I recommend it? Hmm… it depends. If you’re looking for luxurious, high-end accommodation, maybe not. If you're on a tight budget and need a decent space in a (somewhat) central location, yeah,Book Hotels Now
