HOTEL: Dated but modern enough, very clean,...
HOTEL: Dated but modern enough, very clean, spacious everywhere and designed to accomodate large groups and families. There are lots of kids there, testament to its family atmosphere and parents can feel very secure regarding their kids. ROOMS: Very large and well-furnished. Be sure to take the ocean-view rooms, they have balconies, sliding glass doors and of course sea view. The non-ocean rooms dont have windows. Ancol, where the hotel is located, is like a private "city", and you pay toll in and out of the "city". Guests get one free pass each day--if you remember to ask for it. FOOD: We only ate the included breakfasts so i cant judge the hotel in any other foods, but the breakfast buffet was quite good, wide mix of foods to please anyone, and you can have custom-made omelettes. Excellent bakery selections. All kinds of foods and all fresh and delicious. All the food staff are extremely polite and accomodating and friendly, you will feel right at home. They really put the effort to make you feel comfortable and well-taken care of. SERVICES: Internet in rooms, Wifi only in lobby and main restaurant. Business Center with PCs and you can also re-charge your phone there for free with their chargers. STAFF: I was disappointed with the counter staff. They are used to business clients and are sterile and inflexible, particularly when you have a problem. If you fit their mould and ways, you get along fine. Any problem or argument is unwinnable. Its like like trying to deal with a big company, which they are. However, the room and food staff are highly professional and very, very nice to you in all ways. Just ask for what you want and its taken care of. AREA: Ancol is clean, safe, many guards. I highly recommmend the big seafood restaruant there, its semi-outdoor, next to the river, huge and very low prices. Excellent for parties. For lame people, there is a KFC and McDonalds nearby. Be sure to check out the restaurant/coffee place at the pier. Mercure, though lacking charm and style, is a serious, propfessional big hotel and isnt meant for budget travelers or backpackers. But its right on the beach dont forget, and you can stroll and stroll. Ancol is very quiet. The only big minus is that there is a factory right nearby belching smoke and that was an irritating sight. Why did they put a factory right on the beach? The fishing boats are very pleasant to watch in the early morning while sipping coffee on the balcony. BATH: large, clean and has everything, including toothbrushes. Nothing is shabby or worn out, beds very good. Plenty of pillos. I would stay again if i wanted that whole thing, but i would rather try a different and smaller place next time thats more in the core of the city because Jakarta isnt a tourist place, its for business. So my advice is get cheaper digs nearer to your business or reason for being in Jakarta and save the beach for Bali or other islands.
