Author's product rating: 
| Advantages: |
Good size room, good food, good service |
| Disadvantages: |
Badly set up writing desk |
| Recommend to potential buyers: |
yes |
So there we were, in Jakarta for a couple of days. It was our first time in Indonesia and I had no idea where to stay. Normally I would aim for a Sheraton or a Hilton - not Intercontinental any more since their loyalty programme refused to reward my 100+ nights of loyalty and didn't care. However, we recently had very good stays at Shangri Las in Singapore and Hong Kong and I was able to get a good rate at the Shangri La
Jakarta, so we decided to give it a try.
ARRIVAL
The hotel is located at the top of the "golden triangle" business district of Jakarta, a short drive from several shopping areas.
We took a taxi from the airport, which was comfortable and inexpensive. Eventually we turned off the highway into a side road then into the hotel grounds. Security was very tight - armed security guards checked the boot/trunk, under the car and even opened the door and held an electronic sniffer device inside. On the one hand it was a bit unsettling, on the
other it showed that security was taken seriously.
After the fairly severe security, the welcome at the door was much warmer! From the large, square lobby area, in front of us, past a piano and down a couple of steps, was the lobby cafe. A selection of cakes and pastries was already on display, around a central pillar. To the left, a couple of steps then some hotel offices then a parade of shops. To the right were stairs down to the restaurants then the Reception desk.
Our booking had been accurately recorded, we were checked in fairly quickly then off to the lifts which were to the left of Reception.
THE ROOM
Once in a while you get a hotel room room which is really is out of the ordinary. Sadly this was not one of them. But it was quite nice.
The entry hallway had a door to the bathroom on the right then opened up into the bedroom. Immediately on the left was the minibar fridge, with a further drawer holding packets of snacks. Above this was a kettle with tea and coffee and, on a shelf at eye level, miniature bottles of spirits from the minibar. Into the room and a king size double bed was on the right. Beyond that was a two seater sofa and a table with a fruit basket. On the left was the TV unit and beyond that a writing desk.
The bathroom was fair sized and offered both a shower cubicle and a tub, as well as toilet and bidet.
All in all the room was very comfortable and spacious. Even after adding both an extra bed and a cot at the far end, it still didn't feel crowded. The only complaint I would have about the room is the lighting; the room was well lit, with wall lights, bedside lights, and a spot light illuminating a picture hanging on a wall. All of the lights could be individually controlled, except the spot which only went off when the room master was switched off. This meant we could not lie in bed with just a bedside light on - there always had to be the spot as well, or no light at all. Unfortunately the spot was right above the extra bed, so was shining onto our son's head - unless we sat in the absolute dark! Silly but frustrating.
The first evening I also discovered that some of the minibar miniatures had been opened and watered down or filled with water - presumably the original contents being emptied into someone's glass. I called housekeeping and we checked each bottle - sure enough, all had been opened. They were quickly replaced, so they handled it well.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are several restaurant and bar outlets in the hotel.
The main buffet restaurant Satoo is located below the lobby. It is a vast restaurant with several seating areas, each with a different theme, from standard cafe to upscale posh nosh. The buffet offers six different types of food, from Indonesian to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, BBQ and European. Breakfasts are not quite so varied but they are good and the service was very good, we were well cared for. There is also a lounge bar area outside.
The obligatory Chinese is Shang Palace which we tried to sample but we got there after they closed. Nor did we manage to try Nadaman the sushi bar. We didn't eat at the Italian, Rosso, but we did spend a couple of hours in the Red Bar which is at the entrance. Themed in red, it was empty so we sat there for an hour and the kids enjoyed an ice cream.
The main bar, B.A.T.S. is rumoured to be the most popular in Jakarta. I explored one evening, just in the name of research. They do serve food - steak, pizzas etc - but the main attraction is the buzzing crowd, live international bands and of course the drinks. Later in the evening it was very busy, with a lively party atmosphere, and lots of very attractive single ladies!
Of course there was also the Lobby Bar with light snack buffets of pastries, fruit satay sticks and so on.
FACILITIES
For the business traveller, the Shangri-La offers a Business Centre and meeting rooms.
For relaxation there is a health club with jacuzzi, steam room, gym and massage service. There is an outdoor pool as well as tennis courts and a 9 hole golf course. And in case any of this proves too much, there is a medical centre!
The public areas of the hotel including restaurants have wireless internet access. The rooms are not wireless but there is an accessible internet point at the desk, and a cable is provided in the drawer.
SUMMARY
Once again Shangri-La lived up to their reputation. The room was spacious and well equipped, the restaurant was excellent and the service was warm, helpful and pleasant without being over the top. Well recommended.
Recommended: Yes
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