Started-Out Well but Failed in the End
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 2/2/06
I stayed here during my first trip to Jakarta recently. Upon arriving, I was surprised to see the huge hotel complex which consist of several blocks of building, in the heart of Jakarta. The lobby features a traditional Indonesian wood carves with magnificent ceiling. Guests will feel its grandeur aura.
Travelling to and fro the hotel is very convenience. Taxis are lining up for the guest.
However, I found that the staff, especially at the reception are not too friendly. I was left waiting at the counter for quite sometimes before being told that everything has been done.
The hotel room failed to impress. It is very small and the furnitures are seriously worn-out. There are no basic appliances and stationeries as far as a 5 star hotel is concerned such as iron, bath robes, praying mat and even envelopes.
The hotel potrays a "very highly guarded with a top-notch security" image with the car inspection at the entry gate and the xray scan before entering the lobby, among others. But I think, it is just a make up. My friend had left his handphone in a taxi and we realised it right after disembarking the taxi. To our surprise, the staff there were not able to stop the taxi at the exit gate although they are well equipped with walkie-talkies and microphones. They even did not write the plate number of the taxi (at the entry gate) when we want to lodge a report as we only remember the last 4 numbers (that makes up the taxi's plat number). And to add poison to it, they gave us an anonimous number when we requested for the said taxi operator's office number. They totally looked (and are) helpless.
No welcome drinks, no complimentary use of the business and fitness centers, no complimentary local call, the about USD100 per night room rate comes with not even a free copy of a newspaper. This hotel totally fall way behind it's competitor as well as the 21st century 5 star hotel services is concerned.
I think that's why the Hilton chain did not managed this hotel anymore. Wont be coming back and wont recommended either.