A Majestic Renovation, But the Five Star Feeling Still Feels Incomplete.
The Singhasari Resort Batu Malang gives a strong first impression. From the moment I arrived, the renovated lobby immediately stood out. It feels aesthetic, majestic, and visually memorable, with a sense of scale that makes the entrance feel almost cinematic. The architecture, lighting, and refreshed interior create a beautiful arrival moment. There is clearly an effort to make the property look more elevated, and visually, the hotel has potential to become one of Batu’s most charming resort destinations.
However, a beautiful renovation alone does not create a five star experience. The property now has the look, but the feeling of true hospitality still feels incomplete.
The location is also somewhat awkward. Although the hotel is located on the main road between Batu and Malang, it does not really offer much within walking distance. Once outside the property, there is not much to explore comfortably on foot, so guests still need a vehicle to go anywhere. During busy traffic hours, this becomes even more inconvenient. Because of this, the hotel feels less like a destination resort and more like a transit property, which is unfortunate considering its visual ambition and resort positioning.
The biggest concern for me was the hospitality experience. While the property may now look more polished after renovation, the service culture has not yet matched the visual upgrade. There was little sense of warmth, flexibility, or thoughtful guest recognition. Simple gestures that many comparable hotels use to elevate a stay, such as small surprises, complimentary touches, or a more accommodating approach to guest experience, seemed unavailable unless additional charges were involved. This made the experience feel rather transactional.
The early check in communication also felt rigid at first. I was informed that the standard check in time was 15.00, with very little sense of compromise in the way it was communicated. Only after comparison with other hotels was the explanation softened, stating that early check in depends on room availability and that guests may use the facilities while waiting. The policy itself is understandable, but the tone and delivery could have been much more guest oriented.
The check out process also felt less efficient than other hotels in the same category. Being asked to wait while the room was checked created an impression that the guest’s time was secondary. I understand that hotels have procedures, but many five star properties manage this process more smoothly and discreetly, without making guests feel as though they are waiting to be inspected.
Overall, The Singhasari has a majestic look, but not yet the soul of a five star resort. The renovated lobby is beautiful, the room size is generous, and the property has visual charm. However, the service mindset, breakfast experience, in room details, location convenience, and overall hospitality need serious refinement. A luxury resort is not only about an impressive lobby or paid facilities. It is about generosity, grace, anticipation, warmth, and making guests feel genuinely valued.
With stronger staff training, warmer communication, better breakfast quality, more premium amenities, and a less transactional guest experience, this hotel could become much more convincing. For now, however, the stay left me feeling that the renovation improved the appearance, but not the overall hospitality experience. Considering the location, the service, and the lack of emotional value during the stay, it unfortunately felt like a place I would not be eager to return to.
The Singhasari Resort Batu Malang gives a strong first impression. From the moment I arrived, the renovated lobby immediately stood out. It feels aesthetic, majestic, and visually memorable, with a sense of scale that makes the entrance feel almost cinematic. The architecture, lighting, and refreshed interior create a beautiful arrival moment. There is clearly an effort to make the property look more elevated, and visually, the hotel has potential to become one of Batu’s most charming resort destinations.
However, a beautiful renovation alone does not create a five star experience. The property now has the look, but the feeling of true hospitality still feels incomplete.
The location is also somewhat awkward. Although the hotel is located on the main road between Batu and Malang, it does not really offer much within walking distance. Once outside the property, there is not much to explore comfortably on foot, so guests still need a vehicle to go anywhere. During busy traffic hours, this becomes even more inconvenient. Because of this, the hotel feels less like a destination resort and more like a transit property, which is unfortunate considering its visual ambition and resort positioning.
The biggest concern for me was the hospitality experience. While the property may now look more polished after renovation, the service culture has not yet matched the visual upgrade. There was little sense of warmth, flexibility, or thoughtful guest recognition. Simple gestures that many comparable hotels use to elevate a stay, such as small surprises, complimentary touches, or a more accommodating approach to guest experience, seemed unavailable unless additional charges were involved. This made the experience feel rather transactional.
The early check in communication also felt rigid at first. I was informed that the standard check in time was 15.00, with very little sense of compromise in the way it was communicated. Only after comparison with other hotels was the explanation softened, stating that early check in depends on room availability and that guests may use the facilities while waiting. The policy itself is understandable, but the tone and delivery could have been much more guest oriented.
The check out process also felt less efficient than other hotels in the same category. Being asked to wait while the room was checked created an impression that the guest’s time was secondary. I understand that hotels have procedures, but many five star properties manage this process more smoothly and discreetly, without making guests feel as though they are waiting to be inspected.
Overall, The Singhasari has a majestic look, but not yet the soul of a five star resort. The renovated lobby is beautiful, the room size is generous, and the property has visual charm. However, the service mindset, breakfast experience, in room details, location convenience, and overall hospitality need serious refinement. A luxury resort is not only about an impressive lobby or paid facilities. It is about generosity, grace, anticipation, warmth, and making guests feel genuinely valued.
With stronger staff training, warmer communication, better breakfast quality, more premium amenities, and a less transactional guest experience, this hotel could become much more convincing. For now, however, the stay left me feeling that the renovation improved the appearance, but not the overall hospitality experience. Considering the location, the service, and the lack of emotional value during the stay, it unfortunately felt like a place I would not be eager to return to.