I don't write much reviews but husband and I were very impressed with Harris and their service so I think I must, must send my thanks with praises. So this is going to be long.
The booking was handled very swiftly despite my numerous questions - thanks to Linda of front desk reservations. Booked a honeymoon package, given an upgrade to the Japanese suite. Upon reaching Waterfront Terminal, a staff dressed in their signature orange polo uniform was there smiling holding a card with my name printed and guided me to the free shuttle. Short trip, under 5 mins.
The first impression upon seeing the building was not that good, the façade was old though colourful, the surroundings like most of Batam, not lush and green. It looked more like a city hotel than resort. That was swiftly put to the back of our mind when we were greeted very cheerfully by the front counter and the view of the resort from inside. Huge pools, bright white furniture and glass panels that let in a lot of light. Try the welcome drink, I loved it! Check in was smooth, need to pay a deposit of approximately SGD 20+. Our room was ready for us by then. Surprise and joy replaced any initial doubts we had.
We opened the door to our lovely suite with a assault on our senses - a lovely aroma of lemongrass greeted us the minute we opened the door. The aircon was on, cooling us from the heat of the day. The bed was decorated as promised, there were plates of cookies and oranges waiting for us on the table in the living room along with a personalized greeting card asking me to enjoy my stay, rose petals in the bathtub. It was simply terrific. The suite comprises of a bedroom upon entrance with a kind size bed on the floor, a main bathroom cum toilet with a bathtub, a living hall with a small toilet, an outdoor stone tub at the balcony good for 3, This tub is in an "opened" area shaded by bamboo plants around the planter, I doubt anyone could peek over but if you are concerned like me, I wore my swimsuit in there. The floor is parquet, not carpet - I am perfectly fine with that. Yes, i agree that certain parts of the room are dated, slightly worn, the Japanese doors to the tub balcony is diff to push, the wooden floor bed frame is scratched, the bathrobe is not the fluffy sort but of thin cotton. But overall I think it is really value for money. Oh, there is free strong wifi in the room and in the cafe too.
The service staff in the cafe where we had lunch was terrific, friendly and eager to serve. The cafe is meant for families - so no smoking was allowed contrary to many places in Batam so that was good. There's a bar next to the cafe for smokers. Food is to our liking and alike many others before me, the pizza is really yummy - SGD 15+-.
Our package came with a 1.5hr aroma therapy massage & 0.5hr bath in a couple room. The spa is located on the third level of the older wing. No lift (or we didnt find one). The building was sort of old and rather lonely looking. I noted there was no air-conditioning in the public common areas of the resort - not even in the spa reception area. Due to our time slot in the afternoon, they put us in a air-con room instead of the outdoor gazebo - though I will really love to try it out next time. The massage room was huge, with a rest bed and a big bath area complete with jazucci and shower area. Massage is not as good too soft for my liking. We topped up for a body scrub and body mask. I suggest for you to try the scrub if your skin is not sensitive, it really really took layers of dead skin off and they paid attention to problem areas like elbows, heels, and even between your toes! The mask was not that fantastic, the texture was runny - perhaps I was dreaming of a luxurious thick creamy mask. They spread it on your back, leave you alone for 20 mins, come back spread the rest on your front and leave you for another 20 mins - that was kind of boring. The sequence was massage - scrub - mask - bath. The "bath'' was a 30min jacuzzi time in murky water, my husband insisted the water was clear when we stepped in. I supposed that the remains of the mask + our scrubbed-off dead skin were what made the water murky... so maybe we should rinse off at the shower before getting into the bath. I spend less than 15 minutes in the tub because I didn't enjoy hot baths but those 15 mins were good enough to soak off whatever remained behind from the scrub and feeling happy about my newly found smooth skin. We were changed and out of the massage room before the masseurs could return to tell us that our time was up.
Candlelight dinner was scheduled at 8pm, but we overun at the spa. As we approached the cafe, 3 staff was waiting for us smiling. A table was set up by the pool, though the candle came after the first course haha. The food was good and service impeccable, a staff seemed to be around at a distance to note our every need. Everytime we finished a course, they will clear our plates and the next course soon follows. And they even noted my fear of cats. There were a family of them, probably waiting for scraps and were rather daring. The first time, my husband shoo them away and the service staff noticed that. From then on, each time the cat comes near, one of them goes running after them with a water spray. The sight of man and cat was rather cute, and it warmed my heart to know they cared enough to chase cats for silly me. A big thank you!!!
Next day at check out, same level of service follows. We expressed out thanks to the staff and because we had enjoyed ourselves so much, we mentioned that we were going to bring the kids over during the holidays. One of them brought us to see rooms that were suitable for us. On the ground floor, there were interconnecting rooms with each room having either a king bed + 1 double deck single beds or twin beds with 1 double single deck beds. Great for those with young kids and require them in one room and/ or extended families.
Taxi driver booked right at the hotel's main door was friendly. He dropped us off at Nagoya and came back for us at our requested time to send us to Batam Centre Ferry Terminal.
In all, we had a terrific time in Harris Waterfront and we are already planning to return soon. They stated that there were daily activities for kids between 3-12. But I cannot verify that since we didnt try to locate those activities. But the premises of the resort was quiet and I don't see such events going on. I think its because it was a weekday. So for those who are bringing kids on weekdays hoping to catch some activities, I strongly suggest you communicate with them via email first. I have read previous comments that service was slow and some were rude. In total honesty, the level of attentive service given to us could also be due to the fact that we went on a weekday on a non-school holiday period. There wasn't much guests around. When they are packed, they might be overwhelmed but I think they will still try their best especially when those smiles and cheerfulness we see were so sincere and genuine. Will update when I return again during "peak" periods. But as of now, thank you Harris for a memorable time. We will be back.