
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla Hotel!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glittering, possibly slightly over-the-top world of the Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla Hotel. And let me tell you, after sifting through all the marketing fluff (and there is fluff, let's be real), there's definitely some actual gold here. This ain't just another hotel review, this is my unfiltered, caffeine-fueled take. And it's gonna be a wild ride.
First things first: Arrival and Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (Like My Morning Coffee)
Okay, okay, let's be honest. My last trip didn't go so smooth. I was running late, already sweating from the Makassar heat, and praying to the travel gods that the airport transfer went well. Fortunately, the Airport Transfer was smooth, (THANK YOU!) but the overall accessibility needs some work. They claim Facilities for disabled guests, which is a good sign, and they do have an Elevator and are generally Wheelchair accessible. But I didn't see a whole lot of specific detail on things like ramp access or specific room features. More detail is ALWAYS appreciated in the details, particularly when trying to attract guests that require or benefit from accessibility. So, good starting point, but room for improvement there, Novotel.
And the Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out options are ALWAYS appreciated. Because frankly, after a long flight, I just want to disappear into my room ASAP.
Room Sweet Room… and the Internet Drama
Once you finally do get to the sanctuary of your room… Praise be to the air conditioning! That Makassar humidity is NO JOKE. The rooms themselves are pretty darn nice. Mine had a High floor with a decent view (although, let's be real, after a long flight, the view is secondary to "sleep" and "did I remember to pack deodorant?"). The Air conditioning in the room was a lifesaver, the beds extra fluffy and BIG (Extra long bed warning! You might get lost in it, I almost did) and the bathrobes? Pure luxury. Now, onto some fun, slightly messy details, lets get into the Available in all rooms feature. Oh the room in the Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla Hotel gives you additional toilet, air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. Talk about Luxury.
BUT… here comes the internet. The Internet access – wireless is listed, (thank goodness). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is shouted from the rooftops, which is lovely. I rely on the internet as the internet is my lifeline for work, entertainment - you know the drill. I needed to catch up on emails, and… well, let's just say the Wi-Fi wasn't always as lightning-fast as I’d hoped. There were moments of glorious connectivity, and then… dead air. ( Cue dramatic music). I'm not saying it was a disaster. I am saying I spent some quality time staring at my computer screen. Thank goodness for that Internet access – LAN option, which is a good safety net if needed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Gourmet Gauntlet
Alright, food. This is where things get really interesting. I love a good Asian breakfast and the Novotel did NOT disappoint. I’m talking mountains of nasi goreng, perfectly cooked eggs, and more fresh fruit than I could possibly eat (which I tried, obviously). The Breakfast [buffet], and Buffet in restaurant option are fantastic. The Restaurants are plentiful with A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Coffee shop was a godsend – I relied on that for my sanity. There's a Poolside bar for those post-swim cocktails. And the Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! Because sometimes, after a day of exploring, you just want to order a burger in your bathrobe and watch bad reality TV. (Me whispering: Did that.)
Spa, Sauna and Serenity? – Maybe a Little Too Serene
Okay, for the luxury part, let's get into this. The Spa and Spa/sauna are on-site, which is a HUGE bonus. I indulged in a Massage and a little time in the Sauna. The Pool with view is something else entirely, you HAVE to dip your toes in. I didn't get the Body scrub or Body wrap done, but I was SO tempted.
Things to Do – Beyond the Breakfast Buffet
So, besides stuffing your face at the buffet, what else is there? Well, the Meeting/banquet facilities and the Meetings were present. This hotel is a bit of a hub for business travelers. But there's the Fitness center, for the ridiculously motivated individuals. And I'm assuming there were more things to do in Makassar, because there's only so much hotel time to do, you know?
Cleanliness and Safety – A Sigh of Relief
I'm a bit of a germophobe, so I was relieved to see all the hygiene measures being taken. Cleanliness and safety are clearly taken SERIOUSLY. Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays. This is HUGE for peace of mind. And the Staff trained in safety protocol. All good news in my book.
The Verdict and that Unforgettable Moment…
The Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla is a solid choice for a comfortable, generally luxurious stay in Makassar. It's got its quirks, but hey, who doesn't? The best part? Remember that Pool with view? I saw the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen, while sipping on a cocktail, feeling all the stress melt away… It was that good.
Alright, Here’s the REALLY Good Deal
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Book Now and Get a FREE Upgrade to a Poolside View Room!
- Enjoy the stunning Makassar views from your enhanced room!
- Free Wi-Fi access to stay connected!
- Access to all the top of the line amenities.
- Complimentary breakfast and amazing international and asian cuisine.
Don't miss out on this chance to experience the Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla Hotel at its best! Book Now!
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Makassar Meandering: A Messy Itinerary (or, How I Almost Lost My Sandals on a Scooter) - Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla, November 2024
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn’t your average, perfectly-manicured travel plan. This is the raw, unfiltered Makassar experience, courtesy of yours truly, and a healthy dose of jet lag. I’m staying at the Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla, which, let's be honest, is mostly just a place to crash while I unravel the glorious chaos that is South Sulawesi.
Day 1: Arrival & Attempted Serenity (Spoiler: It’s Complicated)
14:00 - Arrival & Check-in: Landed in Makassar after a flight that felt about as long as my last relationship. The Novotel lobby is… well, it's a Novotel. Clean, air-conditioned, blessedly free of screaming toddlers (so far). Check-in was smooth, which is always a win after a long haul. My room? Standard, but with a view of the city. I'm trying to channel some zen, but the thrum of the city is a constant, energetic hum.
15:00 - Exploring the Hotel: Scope out the pool. It looks inviting. Consider taking a dip. Think, no, maybe later. Find the gym. Laugh. Stumble upon a (thankfully empty) karaoke room. Fantasize about belting out Bon Jovi at 3 AM. Decide against it. For now.
17:00 - First Food Fiasco: Coto Makassar! Okay, this is it. The culinary reason I’m here. I venture out, completely unprepared. Armed with only a vague Google Maps direction to a warung (small, local eatery) that supposedly serves the best Coto Makassar. I’m picturing myself, gracefully slurping that rich, fragrant broth. Reality? Found myself practically wrestling my way through a swarm of motorbikes to get across the street. Found the warung. Ordered Coto. It tasted divine. Absolutely, unbelievably, melt-in-your-mouth delicious. I burned my tongue. Twice. Worth. It.
18:30 - The Sunset… and the Mosquitoes: Back at the hotel. Attempt to enjoy the sunset from my balcony. It’s a stunner. Seriously. Golden hour over Makassar is breathtaking. But then… the mosquitoes. They descended like tiny, buzzing vampires. Retreat indoors.
19:30 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: Give up on culinary adventure. Opt for the hotel buffet. It's… fine. The fried rice is decent. The coffee is strong. I start plotting my escape plan for tomorrow.
21:00 - Jet Lag Blues: Stare at ceiling. Wonder what I'm doing with my life. Resisting the urge to order room service just for a chat. Eventually, collapse into a sleep that’s more akin to a coma.
Day 2: Scootering Shenanigans & Cultural Overload (With a Side of Existential Dread)
08:00 - Wake Up Call (or, the Battle Against the Alarm): The relentless beep of my phone drags me kicking and screaming into consciousness. Breakfast. Eggs, toast, a desperate attempt to feel human.
09:00 - The Great Scooter Adventure (Almost Disaster): Okay, this is where it gets interesting. I decide to rent a scooter (because, when in Rome, right?). Armed with absolutely zero experience (or a license, for that matter – don't tell anyone!), I venture out into the Makassar traffic. It’s a chaotic ballet of horns, daring overtakes, and what I can only describe as "organized mayhem." I’m clinging to the handlebars for dear life. I almost ran over a chicken (I swear it darted out of nowhere!). At a particularly hairy intersection, my sandal slips off my foot! I'm screeching (silently, thankfully), trying to steer, and grab my sandal AT THE SAME TIME!! Luckily, someone (a guardian angel, perhaps disguised as a street vendor) flagged down a few oncoming scooters, and I finally got it back. Lesson learned: proper footwear is paramount. Also, maybe get some lessons.
11:00 - Fort Rotterdam - A Glimpse of History (and a Sudden Need for Coffee): Survived the scooter ride. Reached Fort Rotterdam. It’s… cool. Really cool. Built by the Dutch, it still has some impressive architecture. It's hot though. I started sweating like I was in a sauna. Walked around, pretended to understand the history (there was something about the Bugis people and… colonialism… my brain was fried from the scooter incident). Had to find a cafĂ© posthaste after that.
13:00 - Lunch + Coffee + Contemplating the Meaning of Life: Found a charming little cafe near the fort. Amazing coffee, delicious Nasi Goreng (fried rice – I'm basically living off of it at this point), and the perfect environment to sit, stare at the locals, and question every single life decision I've ever made. The coffee was a lifesaver. Seriously.
14:30 - Paotere Harbour - Sensory Overload (in the Best Way Possible): Back on the scooter (yes, I’m still alive!). This time, to Paotere Harbour. Holy mackerel… the sights, the smells, the sounds! Fishing boats of every size, mountains of colorful seafood, salty air… it’s a visceral experience. Pure chaos. I loved it. Took a bunch of photos, but honestly, no photo can capture the sheer energy of the place. Almost bought a giant squid. Regretted it later.
17:00 - Back to the Hotel - Pool Time (Success!): Finally. The moment I've been waiting for. Jumped in the pool. Bliss. The water was refreshing, the sun was warm, and I briefly forgot about the scooter-induced trauma.
19:00 - Dinner in the City - (Another) Coto Makassar Pilgrimage: Couldn't resist. Back to the warungs. This time, a new one. Still amazing. Still burned my tongue. Absolutely worth it again.
21:00 - Journaling & Regrets: Back in my room. Scribbling notes, drinking water. Reflecting on the day. Wondering if I'll ever master that scooter. Accepting that I might not. Feeling utterly exhausted, exhilarated, and completely captivated by this messy, beautiful city.
Day 3: Floating Dreams & Departure (Maybe I'll Learn to Ride That Scooter)
- 09:00 - Sleep in and recover from the day – well, mostly recover.
- 10:00 – breakfast at the hotel – the buffet is starting to feel like home.
- 11:00 – Check out.
- 12:00 – Say Goodbye to The Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla and Makassar
Postscript:
This itinerary? A suggestion. A guide. It's okay to deviate, Get lost. Make mistakes. Eat too much Coto Makassar. Embrace the chaos. Just don't lose your sandals on a scooter. Or do, maybe that’s the real adventure. Makassar, you crazy, beautiful place, you have me hooked. I will be back. And I’ll probably still be a terrible scooter driver. But that’s okay. That’s life.
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits? Okay, Let's Talk Novotel Makassar Grand Shayla! (Prepare for Rambling!)
So, is this "Unbelievable Luxury" thing actually, you know, *believable* at the Novotel Makassar? Be honest!
Okay, straight up? "Unbelievable Luxury" is a *bit* of a stretch. Let's be real, marketing folks are paid to exaggerate. But... it's definitely NOT a budget hostel! And, look, I *did* come away feeling pretty darn pampered. There's luxury, and then there's... *makassar* luxury, which, by my reckoning, is a slightly different beast. Think more 'polished gem with a few charming imperfections' than 'diamond-encrusted spaceship'.
My first impression? Walked in, aircon doing its job, and the lobby wasn't *exactly* sprawling, but it had that sleek Indonesian vibe. A fountain thing, some comfy couches... the usual suspects. But then... the check-in. Ugh. I swear, the sweet young woman at the counter was new. Took FOREVER. There was a minor computer glitch involving my reservation. I was already tired from the flight. I felt a small vein throb in my forehead. It wasn't horrendous, but it definitely punctured the initial "Ooh, luxury!" bubble a little. Still, she was SO apologetic and eventually got it sorted, and then the welcome drink arrived (a tasty, fruity concoction). Smooth sailing from then on... mostly.
The Rooms! Spill the tea. What's the vibe? Are they comfy? Clean? (And does the AC work? Seriously, I need to know.)
Okay, the rooms! The real test. I'd booked a "Superior Room," and honestly, it was pretty darn good. Clean? Spotless. Like, I'm a clean-freak-ish person, and I gave it the white-glove test (metaphorically, of course) and gave it a thumbs up. The vibe? Modern, but with hints of local design. Think dark wood, crisp white linens, and some strategically placed artwork. And YES, THE AC WORKED. It blasted icy air at me every time I walked in, and I felt a huge sense of relief. Because let's be real, a good AC is practically a human right in Makassar.
The bed? Heavenly. I'm talking falling-into-a-deep-sleep-immediately heavenly. Pillows? Fluffy. Probably the best night's sleep I'd had in weeks. (Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but I was tired, okay?). The bathroom was perfectly functional, too – good water pressure, clean towels, all the usual amenities. The only *minor* gripe? The shower pressure could be, you know, *a little stronger*. Like, a gentle trickle at times. Minor. But still... a tiny little gripe.
Food! Give me the lowdown on the breakfast buffet. Is it worth waking up for? (Because I'm lazy.)
Breakfast? Oh boy. Okay, THIS is where things get *interesting*. Is it worth waking up for? Absolutely. Even if you ARE a lazy lump like me. The breakfast buffet was HUGE. Seriously. A glorious explosion of Indonesian and Western options. Nasi goreng (of course!), mie goreng (yes!), fresh fruit (mangoes galore!), pastries, eggs cooked to order… you name it, they probably had it.
But… (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… It was BUSY. OMG, it was packed. Finding a table was sometimes a battle. Like, a polite, "Excuse me, are you *sure* you're still using that table?" kind of battle. And the coffee? The coffee was… acceptable. Not the best, not the worst. But for a coffee snob, you might want to bring your own instant stash of something you enjoy. The other thing that struck me, I found an entire plate of fried onions. I ate them. I felt no shame. I was on holiday.
What about the pool? Is it Instagrammable? (Important question, let's be real.)
The pool! Okay, the pool *is* pretty darn Instagrammable. Definitely. It's your classic rectangular pool, nothing wildly original, but clean, surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers. And the water was a lovely temperature. The problem was, I didn't *use* the pool as much as I'd planned! I had all these dreams of luxuriating in the sun, sipping a cocktail… but I just never quite got around to it. Life, am I right? Between the shopping and the excursions (the hotel can arrange tours, by the way), time just flew by. And, a slight confession - my sunscreen game was not strong. I got a tiny bit of a sunburn the one time I did venture out there.
Is there a gym? And if so, is it any good? (I pretend to be a fitness enthusiast sometimes.)
Yes, there IS a gym. (And yes, I DID use it. Once. Okay, twice. Don't judge me!). It was… fine. Compact. A few treadmills, some weights, the usual suspects. It wasn’t mega-fancy, but it had the basics covered. Good for a quick workout to justify all that nasi goreng. The air con in the gym was a glorious respite after the heat too. And, bonus points: it was never *too* crowded. Unlike the breakfast buffet.
Location, Location, Location! How is it for exploring Makassar?
The location? Pretty good, actually. Not *perfectly* central, but close enough to the main attractions. I used Grab (the local ride-sharing app) a bunch, which was super easy and affordable. You've got some shopping malls within a short drive, and the Fort Rotterdam (a MUST-SEE) wasn't too far either. Getting to the airport wasn't a problem! It was probably a twenty-minute drive, which is a huge plus for that early morning flight. The area seemed pretty safe to me. I walked around a bit at night, but always felt comfortable.
Anything else I should know? Hidden gems? Annoying quirks? Spill the beans!
Okay, quick fire round of things I *didn't* mention yet… There's a spa, but I didn't have time to try it. Major regret, I didn't even peak inside. The staff were genuinely lovely, always smiling, and helpful. Even when I was being a grump about the slow check-in. They *really* try to make you feel welcome.Trending Hotels Now

