I find this hotel in a very strategic & convinient location since the biggest mal in Balikpapan (which is Balikpapan Plaza) is literally in front of this hotel. For me, I always put location as my number 1 criteria in finding hotels since I'm a female soli traveler and I only stay in Balikpapan just for one night in order my transit to Derawan Island the day after. I don't need to explore the city, I just want to find a decent meal nearby with cheap price & shop for small groceries for my next trip to Derawan. I can say that I've found anything I need in this plaza. So that I can't feel more happier finding this very strategic hotel with its location.
The cons of this hotel is the old building, old room, old furniture & old bathroom. But it's just alright & still decent for a night stay.
One thing that really dissapointment is that they actually DON'T provide airport shuttle for every hour but only for 12 am shuttle! I asked about that shuttle since I've read the previous review under me saying that there is an airport shuttle service every hour so that I expect to have that kind of service as well. But when the receptionist asked when is my flight and I answered that it will be on 12.20 am, she said that I won't make it to the airport with the 12 am-shuttle. When I asked is there a shuttle for 11 am, she answered that there IS ONLY ONE shuttler per day, which is departing on 12 am only. How ridiculous is that?
I don't know maybe the receptionist has demeaning me for being a young woman who usually don't really like to argue or debate.
So that in order to save my money for 50,000 rupiahs taxi fare to the airport (which actually I don't necesarrily spend for), I had to buy a KFC's cheapest package that only costs 15,000 rupiahs for my lunch (&dinner as well!). Sigh.,,,

Good value hotel with friendly price, good location, and not considered as a "Red Light" hotel.

Pros :
- Great location (located at city center)
- In front of a mall (Balikpapan Center, Pasifica food court)
- Great deal with as low to US$ 42 (IDR 375k) all-in price for the weekend (Breakfast and tax incl.). Other similar class hotel will cost ~US$50 - 55.
- Complimentary airport shuttle, depart every hour or so from the hotel
- Staff is helpful and friendly, service is OK, 8 out of 10.
- Room is quite big.
- Bed is averagely standard, not too good, not too bad.
- Nearby money changer, restaurant, etc.
- Mass transport is easily found (angkutan umum/taxi).
- Standard toilet amenities (soap, shampoo, etc, but no toothbrush and toothpaste)

Cons :
- Hotel is aging, interior etc is getting old.
- Swimming pool wasn't really at the hotel, but located on the other newer "Menara Bahtera" hotel, at the back of "Adika Bahtera" hotel, both hotel are owned by the same owner.
- If the windows in your room are facing street, you may hear sound from outside.
- No carpet on room, just floor tile (room type : Superior, other upper room type may have, not sure about it.)
- AC isn't working good, even you put it to max cold (but not sure if other rooms have the same problem, could be in my room only. Last stay was in 6th floor.)
- No WiFi on room, just LAN access (excl. room price)

Best place in town, these hotel is recomended for business and backpaker.
and thumbs up for the Receptionist (Ms.L**) thanks for your assistance.

the location of the hotel is very strategic, in the heart of the city. new building, quite modern. the room's decoration is great, very comfortable and clean.