high cost of domestic air travel in Indonesia.

[cetacean]

@Dan

Re: hotel in Sorong - the Swiss-Belhotel is cost effective, however the Aston is literally across the street from the airport (walkable depending how much luggage you have). Little more expensive, little cleaner/more modern.

 

[Dan]

@Dan

Re: hotel in Sorong - the Swiss-Belhotel is cost effective, however the Aston is literally across the street from the airport (walkable depending how much luggage you have). Little more expensive, little cleaner/more modern.

Good to know. I may check it out when I come back from Triton Bay in January 2025. Thanks!

 

[Luko]

Fly with Garuda if possible. If not, fly with Batik Air. Lion Air would be the 3rd option. Take Wings Air only if you don’t have any other choice.

Garuda has dramatically reduced their routes after the pandemia, hence they barely fit with departure/transit schedule, also they've gone bananas with their prices (As I wrote, i have 400€ in coupon I cannot even use as they are waaaay more expensive than competitors on many routes, it would cost me more).
I always check all the airlines since I'm traveling In Indo (early 2000's) and purchase directly from the websites, I practically knew the indonesian flight routes by heart before pandemia...

I guess the lesson learned here is to avoid separate flights unless you want to stay in Makassar for a few days.

There is no direct route between SOQ and DPS. Hence it's the most efficient way gooing through Makassar.

however the Aston ... Little more expensive, little cleaner/more modern.

With the legendary Aston "indonesian style" service : faulty AC, leaks in the bathroom, dining/breakfast room populated by ghosts, any request will be answered "sorry sir, impossible" or "Habis sudah".
I don't know for this specific one but all the Aston I have unfortunately stayed at like in Kupang, Ambon were to be avoided whenever possible.
My thoughts : Aston is to hotel chains what LionAir is to arlines.

 

[Dan]

There is no direct route between SOQ and DPS. Hence it's the most efficient way gooing through Makassar.

Yep! That's why I go to Raja Ampat via Jakarta. I heard some airlines are planning to go direct DPS-SOQ. Can't wait to see that happens.

 

[cetacean]

@Luko

Like many hotels, all Aston hotels are franchised, which means the owner/management company are responsible for the quality of facilities and service. Comparing one to another without knowing who really owns/runs the hotel is meaningless.

Given that I just stayed there about 4 weeks ago (as well as the Swiss-Belhotel) I think I've got a reasonably accurate view for this comparison.

Given the choice, the Aston is newer, cleaner, and located much closer to the airport.

 

[Dan]

@Luko

Like many hotels, all Aston hotels are franchised, which means the owner/management company are responsible for the quality of facilities and service. Comparing one to another without knowing who really owns/runs the hotel is meaningless.

Given that I just stayed there about 4 weeks ago (as well as the Swiss-Belhotel) I think I've got a reasonably accurate view for this comparison.

Given the choice, the Aston is newer, cleaner, and located much closer to the airport.

How about their restaurant? Or any recommended restaurant nearby?

 

[cetacean]

@Dan

We used a food delivery service (might have used Grab, can't remember - our daughter managed that bit). Easy, quick and we were able to get a couple of different things based on what people wanted

 

[Luko]

Like many hotels, all Aston hotels are franchised, which means the owner/management company are responsible for the quality of facilities and service.

FWIW and since I am a professional in the tourism industry, consulting now for 25 years, i happen to know how franchised hotels work. It's true that the hotel level of service owes mainly to the manager personnality, even in the case of completely integrated chains like Accor, you'll find differences that are up to the management.
On the other hand, depending on the brands the owner owes more or less strict regulations and procedures, including customer policies in return for the branding services.
Hence I don't think -neither do well respected franchised Brands- that a comparison has no meaning, in fact that's the main purpose of branding and franchising. Never been impressed with Aston so far. I would tend to think Aston is quite sloppy in that respect.

 

[Dan]

What do you think about the Swiss Belhotel, @Luko?

 

[Luko]

Yep! That's why I go to Raja Ampat via Jakarta.

Raja Ampat +Jakarta is no way.
We europeans have more holidays than americans when we come to Indonesia we don't expect to focus on only one destination in 2 or 3 weeks time. Ambon+Raja Ampat is not possible at certain periods of the year, I am tired of North Sulawesi, Raja Ampat+Bali is good enough for me.

What do you think about the Swiss Belhotel, @Luko?

I will tell you next month.

In the past there was a Meridien in front of Sorong airport I guess it is now rebranded to a Aston and probably refurbished as Cetacean says, As i knew it a while ago, it was nowhere to call home about. I much prefered the Royal Mamberamo which had a surprizingly good restaurant, very close to local art souvenir stalls where I used to buy kotekas for my friends . I think it has closed by now.