Beautiful brutalist design, but the stay experience needs more refinement. I chose Janevalla Bandung with certain expectations, especially because of its distinctive concept and design character. The hotel has a strong brutalist aesthetic, and I genuinely appreciate the architectural identity. The raw concrete, bold structure, and visual atmosphere give the property a memorable personality compared with many generic city hotels. However, the overall stay experience did not fully match the promise of the concept. I arrived around 7 AM after a long train journey, expecting a more flexible 24-hour stay experience. Unfortunately, I still had to wait until around 10 AM because the hotel was reportedly full and the room needed to be cleaned first. I understand that occupancy and housekeeping readiness can affect check-in timing, and the staff said my room would be prioritised, but after a tiring journey, the waiting experience still felt quite disappointing. The hotel also has a library corner, which is a nice idea and deserves appreciation. However, in reality, it felt more like a small shelf rather than a proper library experience. It adds character, but the execution could be stronger if the hotel wants to position itself as a design-led, lifestyle property. The gym was also very limited and quite small. For guests who value wellness facilities, it may not feel sufficient. The swimming pool has a good visual appeal, but the water was cold and had a noticeable chlorine smell. It would be much better if the hotel could consider a heated pool or a more comfortable water treatment system, especially for Bandung’s cooler weather. Breakfast was another area that could be improved. The food tasted fairly ordinary, and the variety felt closer to a three-star hotel than a more premium lifestyle hotel. The breakfast layout across the upper and lower areas also felt less convenient. Seating was limited, especially downstairs, where there were only a couple of small dining tables.
