Toraja Lodge Hotel

Nous avons passé 4 nuits dans cet hotel, qui avait été choisi et réservé par notre guide, et nous nous y sommes vraiment bien trouvés. Il y a une belle terrasse où prendre le petit-dejeuner ou bien bouquiner le soir. Le petit-dejeuner est super copieux et très bon. Le propriétaire est tres sympathique, il parle un français excellent et peut vous mettre en contact avec des guides ou vous organiser des tours. Il sera sûrement bien vous conseiller, ayant lui-même été guide auparavant. Un autre point positif de l'hôtel est qu'il est dans un quartier très calme, éloigné des grandes rues de Rantepao, et vous ne serez donc pas gênés par le bruit des voitures et des scooters (et il y en a beaucoup à Rantepao). Par contre les.coqs et les chiens sont matinaux, mieux vaut le savoir... Belles rizières derrière l'hôtel, où aller se balader.

- : Noise : roosters, dogs and multiple morning prayer calls pass through as if the walls and windows did not exist thus interrupt and shorten every night. And inside the building, the walls disturbingly reverberate every word or sound. Squeaky yet comfortable beds. As for bed sheets, only a mattress cover and a fleece blanket are provided. Bring your own extra linen (travelsheets ?) if needed. Prices for extras : rental scooters were offered for twice the price found in town with the directions of the government tourist information center. Private car transfers by Oki to neighboring cities like Tentena, Sengkang or Makassar are a rip-off 1M IDR for 4 hours. We did not order any dinner but fear the prices would have been high. Juli, a French speaking guide, is hanging around, trying to sell its services. He may be good but did not inspire friendliness nor trust to us. Note : he is the one who negotiates the prices for his son Oki. Location : a bit out of the heart of the city, which is no big issue, since Rantepao itself is of limited interest and you will probably need some way to drive around to explore the Toraja area. Last, just for the fun : western style breakfast is provided by default, including French fries ! Yes, this is a local idea that such treat will satisfy foreigners. Yet, we did not ask to change after a number of days of Indonesian breakfasts (omelette and bread were plenty), which they would surely do, as they are very willing to please the visitors. + : Service : Daniel, receptionnist and customer manager, is very friendly and willing to help. Modern building with high standard rooms : spacious, clean, well equipped, with plenty of complimentary bottled water, a boiler, towels, closet and hangers, several plugs... Only high rise building (4 levels) in the area, with 360° views easily enjoyable from its terraces. Toto washlet is a real treat in Indonesia ! Hot shower available 24 hours, too ! The vast common area shared for 2 rooms with large windows and an access to outdoor terraces is great : it is used as a private breakfast area and can be used to have dinner (ordered there or your own, from street vendors for instance) Advice : Go to the Government tourist information office to organize your visits. Avoid the restaurants in town praised by TripAdvisor. Lots of better options are available in the adjacent streets.