April 2024
We recently spent a weekend at Furama RiverFront, drawn by its family-friendly reputation and affordable staycation deals. With two young kids in tow, we’re always on the lookout for places that strike the right balance between fun for them and rest for us.
The lobby had a small indoor play area near the check-in counter, which was a thoughtful touch and gave the kids something to do while we waited.
We booked a Family Room, which came with a queen-sized bed and a bunk bed that the kids absolutely loved. They took turns deciding who got to sleep on top, and it honestly made bedtime much more fun. The room was clean and comfortable enough, and came with little touches that made things easier for families — like a step stool in the bathroom and a bit of extra space for moving around.
We were pleasantly surprised by these lion plushies and yummy treats.
Next up, pool time! There wasn’t a water playground or slides, which would’ve been a bonus. The kids brought their floats and splashed around happily in the hotel pool, which was pleasantly quiet when we went. Sometimes, that’s all they need.
We also stumbled upon a mini golf area, and they had a lot of fun trying to play!
Our package also included a free pizza and ice cream, and we were happy enough as it settles lunch. We also made use of our complimentary entry to Waka Waka, the indoor playground housed in the same building. It’s not massive, but it’s well-zoned and colourful enough to keep little ones busy for a good few hours — perfect for a low-key afternoon.
We had dinner at Kintamani Indonesian Restaurant, which features a buffet spread with decor inspired by traditional Indonesian elements. The setup was colourful, and the space had a warm, welcoming vibe at first glance. There was a decent variety of dishes — including satay, curries and seafood.
I really wanted to try the kueh-kuehs, but unfortunately, we did spot a few flies hovering above them at the dessert section, which was such a shame.
Luckily, I discovered kueh lopes at another corner, and this was absolutely wonderful!
Our breakfast the following morning was also at Kintamani, and it wasn’t a good experience as the space was filled with tour groups. We even had to share a table, so we simply ate hurriedly and left.
Overall, the staycation was all right. Our kids did have fun, and we got to spend quality time together. But unfortunately, what stood out the most to me — and not in a good way — was a strange whirring noise in our room at night. It was a low, constant hum that made it hard for me to sleep. I’m not sure if it was from the aircon or something structural, but it was distracting enough that it affected me the entire night. :(
Furama RiverFront is clearly trying to pivot towards being more family-friendly, and there are parts of that effort that really show — the bunk beds, Waka Waka and small play zones were all well-received by our kids. But for us, it lacked that extra level of comfort and polish that would make us want to return.
However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly staycation that keeps the kids entertained, it might still be worth considering.
This Little Season 