This is my first time sharing a hotel experience in writing, so it feels like a bit of a new adventure—thanks for joining me on it! Being quite meticulous when planning any trip, I spent a few days comparing options across several hotel booking apps to find the right place to stay in Surabaya. My first consideration is usually the location, especially since it needs to align with the itinerary I’ve already mapped out. For this short visit, I chose a hotel near the heart of the city, hoping it would make my wanderings more convenient. The Tunjungan area sounded ideal for that reason, so I focused my search on hotels available around that neighborhood. I usually skip booking expensive 5-star hotels, as they tend to be out of my budget—and honestly, it feels unnecessary since I spend most of my time out exploring anyway.
With the help of reviews on booking apps and Google, I decided to book a room at Kampi Hotel Tunjungan. This hotel is part of the Santika Hotels Group, one of Indonesia’s leading and most established hotel chains with a portfolio that spans dozens of properties across the archipelago. Kampi Hotels represents the group’s newer lifestyle brand, created to appeal to younger travelers seeking a fresh and casual atmosphere. Renovated in 2018, the Surabaya property embodies this concept with its welcoming design and central location—right beside Taman Apsari and directly across from Gedung Grahadi, the provincial office of East Java. Reviews on booking platforms consistently highlight its friendly staff and comfortable design, giving it a reputation as one of Surabaya’s more impressive new stays.
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| Kampi Hotel Tunjungan is a 3-star hotel located in a vibrant location at the heart of Surabaya |
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| Part of the Santika Hotels Group, this hotel blends colonial influence and modern style with youthful energy |
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| The room is clean and compact with basic amenities, yet thoughtfully arranged to ensure comfort and convenience |
The journey didn’t go quite as smoothly as I had hoped—bad weather delayed my flight from Jakarta, and with Juanda Airport being located outside the city, I finally arrived at the hotel much later than planned. All my exhaustion seemed to melt away the moment I reached the hotel. I stepped into a stylish, modern space that carried subtle inspiration from colonial-era Surabaya yet embraced a minimalist design with neutral tones that created a calm and comfortable atmosphere. What struck me most was the warm, soothing aroma that welcomed me—it instantly set the mood for a restful stay.
The layout was simple yet functional, with a large bed, a work desk by the window, and a compact dresser near the entrance. The neutral tones and clean lines gave the space a calm, uncluttered feel—perfect for winding down after a day of exploring. While not luxurious, the room felt thoughtfully designed, with everything I needed within reach. Unfortunately, the view from my window was partially obstructed—likely an intentional design to reduce direct sunlight during the day. Still, I managed to catch a glimpse of the school building of State Senior High School 6 Surabaya, as well as parts of the Alun-Alun Surabaya complex, which I’ve written about in a previous post. If you're hoping for a more scenic experience, I’d recommend choosing one of the city view or park view rooms instead, as they offer a clearer perspective of the surrounding landmarks.
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| The view from my room is partially framed, perhaps to soften Surabaya’s fierce daylight |
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| The hotel is full of photo-worthy corners, where modern design meets subtle heritage touches |
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| Breakfast at Ap3 Social Hub was pleasant with plenty of choices from local flavors to light Western bites |
After a warm, refreshing shower, I felt ready to explore the vibrant surroundings of Kampi Hotel Tunjungan in search of dinner. Kampi Hotel Tunjungan sits in one of Surabaya’s liveliest culinary zones, with great dining options just steps away—even without stepping into the nearby Tunjungan Plaza Mall. From international fast-food chains and lively cafés to nightclubs and humble street vendors, the area offers a wide variety of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Being a Saturday night, the area was bustling—with diners arriving at restaurants and cafés, groups of youths hanging out to enjoy their weekend, and families with children strolling through Taman Apsari (Apsari Park).
This urban park is among the most visited in Surabaya. Though modest in size at 5,300 square meters, it serves as a vital pocket of greenery in the heart of the city. Nestled within Surabaya’s main business and governmental district, Taman Apsari provides a refreshing escape for families, youths, and office workers alike. Beyond serving as a pocket of greenery, it also features community facilities such as a futsal court, seating areas, and open spaces that invite both casual visitors and active youths to gather. Historically, Taman Apsari was constructed during the Dutch colonial era in 1795 and was once known as Kroesen Park, or Taman Simpang. Situated in front of Gedung Grahadi, it has witnessed centuries of Surabaya’s history and today serves as an urban park in the city center, complete with the statue of Gubernur Suryo as a reminder of East Java’s first governor.
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| Steps from Taman Apsari and a short walk to Tunjungan Plaza, this hotel puts Surabaya at your doorstep |
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| When the sun sets, the park and Tunjungan Plaza burst into vibrant lights, painting the city with energy |
Returning to the hotel, the evening rain set the perfect mood for a restful sleep. The next morning, I made my way down to the Ap3 Social Hub for breakfast. In harmony with the hotel’s overall design, the restaurant combines subtle colonial‑era influences with a modern style that resonates well with younger guests. Even the hallway leading to the dining area is lined with photo‑worthy corners, perfect for social media enthusiasts. The restaurant itself is spacious, offering plenty of indoor seating as well as an outdoor section designated for smokers. Breakfast was great, with plenty of choices from local dishes to lighter western meals—an experience that perfectly matched the hotel’s welcoming vibe and set a cheerful tone for the morning.
One of the greatest advantages of staying at Kampi Hotel Tunjungan is its unbeatable location. Just about 5 minutes on foot from Tunjungan Plaza Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes in the city, the hotel also sits right by the lively Tunjungan Street, where Surabaya’s energy truly comes alive. A short stroll takes you to Pasar Genteng Market, perfect for picking up local snacks and souvenirs, while Balai Pemuda is only a few minutes away, offering cultural and historical charm. For more shopping, Plaza Surabaya Mall is within easy reach, and if you’re in the mood for something unique, the Monkasel Submarine Monument near the Kalimas River is also nearby. Adding to its convenience, the hotel is located just around 1 km from Surabaya Gubeng Station, making it easy for travelers arriving or departing by train. With so many attractions clustered around, the hotel’s location makes exploring Surabaya both convenient and rewarding.
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The historic Simpang Post Office, right in front of the hotel, now welcomes guests as a cozy café
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| Standing tall at Taman Apsari, the Gubernur Suryo statue honors East Java’s first governor and his legacy |
My days were mostly spent wandering through the city, which meant I didn’t make full use of the hotel’s amenities such as the gym. Even so, the overall experience left me more than content. The hotel’s comfort, style, and location made it feel like a hidden gem. For a three‑star hotel, Kampi Hotel Tunjungan gave me an experience that felt like much more than what I paid for It’s the kind of place I’d gladly choose again whenever I find myself back in the city.
Location Jl Taman Apsari No 3-5, Genteng, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
Price range:
IDR 675,000 – 850,000 / night
(as of this writing; rates may vary depending on room type, season and booking platform)
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