Weekend at a kid-friendly hotel in Sentul City

At the beginning of February 2020, me and my sister took our nephew for a staycation nearby Jakarta. My nephew is 10, he is no longer a little child, but still need that attention. So every time we have the time, we would take him to places where he can play, and us adults can chill.

So we booked a hotel in Sentul City area, located near Bogor, West Java. We packed light, and planning two things: play and eat. Among several choice, we agreed to stay at Harris hotel. I’ve known Harris in different location from work, and one thing that I can say is: good food! I have had some lunches and dinners there, and everything is quite satisfying.

We went on Saturday morning from Jakarta, it was a good decision that my sister stopped to by some fruits, because the traffic jam was so bad (via toll route). We planned to stop by near hotel for lunch, but it got cancelled because Sentul City area was also very crowded (the hotel informed us that there was a regular big religious event at the convention center in font of the hotel), good to know for the future, we may ask the receptionist first before we arrive, so we can wait nearby (we peeked some cool places and cute cafes)

We arrived at around 2.30 pm, hungry. After check-in, we sat in the restaurant (outdoor), the waiter recommended Kopi Bujang – coffee and brown sugar, so that was what we ordered, and some lunch. I didn’t get the pic of the coffee, but it was good (served hot). The fish sandwich for my nephew was also good, he finished most of it, still on that picky food eater stage so I was glad, because he has been staring on the swimming pool.

nephew's fish sandwich lunch

At about 3 pm, the pool was still empty, so we let nephew prepare for his swimming sesh. I saw a cute (but not too girly) floatie, and rented one for him ( IDR 50k/2hr), and also seeing some bikes for rent. The hotel had a huge area for the kids (and adults) to bike around. 

not easy getting on that floatie

happy kid!

Our room is on the 6^th floor, but if I were to stay again at this hotel, will surely book the ground floor, which has access straight to the pool (#bestaunty). The nephew had so much fun enjoying his “private pool” for about 30 minutes, then it got full, still they could enjoy because it was not overcrowded.

16:30 we went to our room, it was a standard room but everything was clean and proper. On the corner of the desk, in front of our bed, there was this ceramic aromatherapy oil burner, but we didn’t get to try. It was a good idea though, to have a spa like moment in your room, to relax before you sleep.

We took a little rest, while my nephew showered and we made plan for dinner and ice cream. As I sat on my bed, this is my view, not bad at all:

remind me to open the blinds fully in the morning

The weather was quite cool, so we decided to check out some of the facilities before heading out to dinner outside. Many of my friends have little children, so I thought I would share if there are some interesting and kid-friendly activities.

This hotel had a lot to offer, kids would love it, and I guessed they would not run out of space to play, indoor and outdoor. My first view was this cozy, outdoor space (different than the restaurant area) where you can have your coffee (or like me, celery & pineapple juice). When sitting there, you can see a large soccer field for kids and adults to play

best spot for me

soccer field

For smaller kids (not necessarily, I guessed we adult can also make cute pics there as long as you queue properly), you can play here and parents can oversee you while standing. I think the indoor playground is also available but didn't get to check that out. 

Playground

Take a little walk towards the north, you will find more attraction, and this time, adults can supervise while sitting in a cute Harris branded chairs and table.

fishing!

Hobbit house!

trampoline!

seating area

 

Since I didn’t spend more time at the hotel (the next day I woke up late and left before lunch time), so what I can say is, this is one of the nicest kid friendly stay. Staffs were also aware of that, they have sufficient head counts in the team and had that super friendly and patient attitude. 

I think if one thing I could suggest is, they activate again the spa service (I asked the staff, they didn’t have it here. But Harris Kelapa Gading has it, I went there last year). 

I hope parents with kids would find this piece interesting, and for the rest of the facilities you can google the website. And I hope you enjoy your weekend.