LOCATION:
Lor In Business Resort & Spa is a stylish 5-star property located along Jalan Adisucipto in Solo (or the city's official name is Surakarta but rarely being used). The resort, formerly operated by Sheraton Group of Hotels, is ideally located some 10 minutes to downtown Solo, 10 minutes to Bandar Udara Adisucipto (Solo City airport) or close to 2-hour drive from Yogyakarta.

The best way to get here is by local cabs. From downtown Yogyakarta, the cab fee was about Rp200.000 ($25). The cab fee from downtown Solo City is about Rp10.000 while from Bandar Udara Adisucipto, expect to fork out Rp20.000.

DESCRIPTION:
Being a 5-star establishment in Surakarta, the resort did not fail to impress the first time visitors like myself. The resort, all in all, is very stylish, with profound influence of ancient Javanese and Balinese architecture being utilised generously throughout its compound.

While the majority of Java Island's dwellings are Muslims, the ancient practice of making carved Buddhist- and Hindu-influenced deities and idols is prevalent as witnessed by the decoration used at Lor In Resort. At the main lobby are two stone-carved mystical Hindu figures commonly found in the island of Bali. There are also three Buddha-like statues in sitting position near the pool area. During my visit, there was a group of yoga practitioners stretching right under the watchful eyes of the statues. Idols in the form of animals, such as rhinoceros and frog, could also be found throughout the compound.

Lor In Resort is generously set in lush greenery. The resort management did not seem to take any details for granted when it comes to landscaping. As a result, most rooms will be facing ample eye-soothing green landscape, which can be enjoyed from the plush balconies.

MY VERDICT:
Architecturally wonderful. Great food, friendly service. For Rp850.000 ($90), I get what I paid for.