Pentacity Hotel Balikpapan

This hotel is highly regarded for its strategic location, offering direct access to a major shopping mall and proximity to a vibrant beach area, making it a memorable choice for visitors. Its appeal extends to various traveler types, including families seeking a staycation with ample entertainment options like a water park, sightseers keen on exploring the city's attractions, and couples looking for a convenient and lively getaway. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, the comfortable accommodations, and the generally friendly and attentive staff. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to inquire about room locations away from the entertainment stage to minimize noise, and be prepared for potential delays during peak check-in times.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a comprehensive range of facilities designed to enhance the guest experience. Guests have access to a large swimming pool and can enjoy the nearby Aquaboom water park, providing ample recreational opportunities, making it ideal for families. For those seeking entertainment, a pool club, bowling arena, and billiards are conveniently located nearby. A fitness center is also available for guests to maintain their routines, with access to a free gym at CNC Fitness. However, some guests noted that the elevators could be slow and small, leading to queues during busy periods, despite there being two lifts. While the hotel aims to provide a full suite of amenities, some specific facilities like the main pool were noted as being in a soft opening phase or having delayed access during certain stays.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness was varied. While many found the rooms to be clean and the beds comfortable, some reported inconsistencies in housekeeping, including issues with bedding. The room size also drew mixed opinions, with some finding them cramped or narrow while others appreciated their spaciousness. A recurring concern was noise levels, particularly from nearby live music events and ongoing construction, impacting the tranquility of some rooms due to insufficient soundproofing. The bathroom design received criticism for issues such as showers lacking doors, leading to water splashing, and leaking shower hoses. Some guests also noted the absence of basic amenities like mirrors or coffee/tea facilities in their rooms, alongside minor technical glitches with TV volume and balcony lighting.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options and food quality was mixed. The breakfast experience received varied comments, with some guests finding the menu to lack variety and taste, describing it as "so-so" or "not good," while others praised its delicious and varied offerings, including ice cream. Issues such as slow refilling of empty food trays and limited seating in the restaurant during busy periods were also noted. Despite some criticisms, many guests found the overall food quality to be good, with specific mentions of tasty dishes and a highly recommended dry aged steak. The lobby restaurant and buffet menu served during events were also highlighted positively for their quality and ambiance.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's strategic location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It offers direct access to Pentacity Mall and BSB Mall, making shopping, dining, and entertainment exceptionally convenient for guests. Its proximity to BSB Beach and Pantai BSB also provides easy access to recreational activities and scenic views. The hotel is situated in the city center, ensuring easy access to various parts of the city and is also conveniently near the airport. However, parking was a significant concern for many, especially on weekends, with guests reporting difficulties finding spaces due to high demand from the adjacent mall, leading to considerable inconvenience.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel generally received high praise from guests. Many reviews highlighted the friendly, hospitable, and attentive nature of the team, from the receptionists to the cleaning staff. Guests appreciated the staff's alertness and speed in resolving issues, as well as their patience and politeness. The check-in process received mixed feedback; while some found it quick, many reported long waiting times, especially during busy periods, and similar delays were noted during the check-out process due to room checks and deposit refunds. Despite these occasional delays, the overall impression of service was positive, with staff often going out of their way to ensure a pleasant stay, though some guests noted that restaurant and cleaning service employees could be more welcoming.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel was in a soft opening phase during some stays, which may have contributed to certain operational aspects. A deposit is required upon check-in, and guests noted that the refund process could be lengthy. The hotel offers connecting door rooms, making it suitable for families. While non-smoking rooms are standard, some guests found the policy regarding smoking on balconies to be unclear. The lobby is noted for its pleasant ambiance and being IQOS friendly. Guests also mentioned that snacks and mineral water in the room were relatively expensive, suggesting nearby minimarkets as an alternative. The hotel can also arrange special occasion amenities, though some may incur an additional charge. A late checkout rate is available for those needing extended stays.