In the heart of bustling Cilacap, there was once a humble coffee shop that had been a gathering spot for locals since the 198s. Now, this old coffee shop has transformed into Hotel Citra Cilacap, a 3-star hotel loved by travelers. How did a simple coffee shop become a favorite tourist destination? The answer lies in the courage to value local roots while innovating for the future.
The Legend of the Old Coffee Shop
Coffee Shop Surya, located on Jalan Gajah Mada No. 45, was known as a place for traders and students to gather since the New Order era. Every morning, Cilacap residents heading to work or school would stop by for a cup of bitter coffee mixed with sugar. The shop was also a place for sharing daily life stories, from small business plans to weather complaints. However, in 2023, owner Bapak Suryadi decided to turn the coffee shop into a hotel after noticing the growing potential of Cilacap's tourism.
Transformation Honoring Roots
Hotel Citra Cilacap didn't just change the building, but also respected the history of the original coffee shop. The wooden walls that once held small tables are now decorative walls with vintage photos of Cilacap. Even the coffee menu, once served at the coffee shop, is now a special menu at the hotel with a modern twist. 'We want to keep the authenticity of the coffee shop, but also provide a more comfortable experience for guests,' said Bapak Suryadi, the hotel owner.
As part of the local business concept, Hotel Citra Cilacap also collaborates with Mendoan Khas Cilacap, a popular local snack. Every guest staying here receives free mendoan as a small gift, made by local women artisans around Jalan Gajah Mada. This not only supports local businesses but also gives tourists an authentic experience.
Strategic Location Advantage
Hotel Citra Cilacap's central location makes it an ideal choice for travelers wanting to explore Cilacap without moving around too much. From the hotel, visitors can walk to Teluk Penyu Beach in just 15 minutes or to Cilacap Market, a place for buying souvenirs like singkong chips and lapis cake. Just a 5-minute drive, you can reach popular evening eateries known for fresh seafood dishes.
Location Combining Comfort and Activities
The hotel is also near the Cilacap Bus Terminal, making it convenient for travelers arriving from other cities. For business travelers, the location is strategic as it's close to business centers and industrial areas. According to BPS data, the hotel occupancy rate in Cilacap reached 27.15% in January 2026, showing that tourists are increasingly choosing to spend more time in the city. Hotel Citra Cilacap is one of the hotels capitalizing on this trend by offering comprehensive business packages.
By combining a strategic location with a local business concept, Hotel Citra Cilacap shows that a hotel doesn't have to sacrifice cultural roots to be modern.
Why Choose This Hotel?
Hotel Citra Cilacap offers several advantages that make it stand out from other hotels in Cilacap. First, affordable prices with complete facilities., guests can enjoy rooms with AC, TV, and Wi-Fi access. Second, easy accessibility from various places. Third, a local business concept supporting nearby SMEs. The hotel is also ideal for travelers wanting to experience daily life in Cilacap.
For example, guests staying here often visit local dishes based on local ingredients, such as Cilacap's special soto made from local beef. This not only educates tourists about Cilacap's culinary culture but also boosts income for small businesses around the hotel.
Lessons from a Success Story
The story of Hotel Citra Cilacap teaches us that local businesses don't have to sacrifice identity to become modern. Innovation can be the key to success by respecting roots. For other businesses in Cilacap, such as local fashion stores, similar strategies can be applied by blending local culture with modern technology.
Hotel Citra Cilacap is proof that Cilacap is not just an industrial city, but also a city full of inspiring stories worth telling. By staying here, visitors don't just get comfort, but also a deep experience of local life.
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