Before we made our way to Kanawa island, we had to spend one night in Labuan Bajo. Flights to Labuan Bajo are increasing but still limited and as we didn't arrive until after 2pm we missed the daily boat to the island that leaves at midday. After browsing Trip Advisor to see what was on offer, I was rather dismayed to see that many hotels had received poor reviews. Complaints ranging from poor facilities to mismanaged staff. Eventually I settled on Golo Hilltop. Situated just outside of town but withe views across the harbour, it seemed to be the best of the bunch. When we arrived, we were picked up at the airport by the hotel driver. Unfortunately he seemed to have left his manners at home that day and left us to carry our bag up the stairs by ourself with not even an offer of help. Not a good start. When we reached the reception, we stood around for awhile feeling a bit lost while a member of staff talked to another couple. Eventually someone else approached us and asked us to fill out a form. I was rather disappointed that we weren't offered a friendly greeting for even a welcome drink of coffee or tea which is part and parcel of life here in Flores. Being married to a native of the island, I have visited many homes here in Flores in the past and never once have I not been greeted with a smile and handshake nor an offer of coffee.
After filling in the form we were shown to our room. The room was simple with an AC and four poster bed with a mosquito net. There was a shelf unit with a safe as well as an empty small fridge. There was also a kettle with some coffee sachets and tea. The toilet was fairly basic too offering the necessities of a sink, shower and toilet. The price was 350,000 for the night. When asked if we could have some water for the room, we were told we could buy it at the restaurant. To be honest, a complimentary bottle of water in the room would have been much appreciated after our journey from Jakarta. The saving grace of this hotel has got to be the view. When you sit outside your room you have a wonderful view across the harbour and it certainly allowed me to soak in lots of uninterrupted sky. We wanted to rent a motorbike and asked one of the staff to help us. There were two motorbikes parked in the car park but the staff member said he didn't know where the keys were and went off on his motorbike to ask the boss. He never came back! We had to organise the motorbike ourselves by contacting a friend of my husband.
The next morning, we arrived in the restaurant for breakfast and were told we could have eggs and bread or a banana or pineapple pancake with coffee or tea. We were given the choice of how we wanted our eggs cooked...whoopee do! Breakfasts in Indonesia never fail to disappoint me. I think the only time I have ever been blown away by the standard of breakfast served was when I visited Bali Starling homestay in Canggu. Otherwise it is disappointment after disappointment. Pancakes are usually thick and stodgy so I generally avoid them and stick with the basic eggs and bread. The sad thing is that I have been travelling in Indonesia since 1997 and the breakfast options have not changed a single bit. It's very disappointing for someone who adores breakfast and understands it's importance as the first meal of the day. Anyway, I continue to live in hope.
This hotel has a lot of potential but still has a long way to go in respect of customer service, which let's face it we are all looking for when we go on our holidays.
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