Novotel Gajah Mada. ONE TO AVOID
Howdy Gents,
If you've been to Jakarta before or lurked around this forum long enough, you've probably heard whispers about Novotel Gajah Mada Hotel. Sadly, my recent escapade has led me to believe those whispers were either drunken exaggerations or outright lies. Allow me to regale you with the saga of my stay.
Arrival & First Impressions.
Checking into this so-called "four-star" establishment is akin to stepping into a time machine. The lobby resembles a mid-90's office building that hasn't seen a renovation in decades. Think: uninspired decor, non-air-conditioned discomfort, and a charm that screams municipal government office.
After receiving a welcome drink voucher at check-inmore on that travesty laterI embarked on a wobbly ascent in a lift that could moonlight as a thrill ride at Alton Towers.
Guest Friendliness & The Walk of Shame:
In terms of guest friendliness, the lift requires a key card, so you'll need to escort your companion all the way up unless they somehow acquire a card of their own. This adds an extra layer of effort for any rendezvous. The lobby, while tiny, ensures that the infamous walk of shame is unavoidable, depending on the time you choose to venture out.
An alternative is to ask your companion to meet you at the sixth-floor restaurant, assuming it's open. During my stay, I didn't notice many people lingering in the lobby, which could be a small blessing. Sadly, due to my health condition, I couldn't host any visitors myselfa truly unfortunate turn of events.
The Room: Sweet or Not So Suite?
Ah, the "suite. " For 80 a night, I wasn't expecting the Ritz, but I did anticipate a modicum of comfort. Instead, I was met with a mattress so firm it could double as a physiotherapist's table. Even after piling on four mattress toppers, it felt like a cruel joke. Not ideal when one's intentions include the sort of athletic endeavours we frequent fliers know and love.
Plug points, or the lack thereof, were another delight. Forget European sockets or even basic functionalitymy travel adapter kept falling out of the wall. The one working socket was inconveniently placed, meaning I had to abandon my comfy (read: hard) sofa every time I needed to charge a device. Ambient lighting? Flickering. Air-conditioning? Tepid, at best. By morning, I was sweating like a sinner in church, and not from any exertion.
Maintenance did pop by to "fix" things. Their contribution? A shrug-worthy effort that changed nothing. Truly inspiring.
The Welcome Drink Debacle.
Ah, yes, the welcome drink voucher handed to me at check-in. One would expect a refreshing cocktail or perhaps a glass of wine to soothe the weary traveller. But no, this voucher was redeemable only for tea, coffee, or soft drinks, and only until 9 PMthe bar's inexplicably early closing time. Whose brilliant idea was it to exclude alcohol from a welcome drink? A teetotaler's, no doubt.
Room Service & Dining.
The culinary offerings here redefine mediocrity. Room service is slower than a snail on Valium, and when the food finally arrives, it's lukewarm at best. They brought me a "fresh" orange juice that was unmistakably canned. The coffee? Lukewarm. The cutlery? Missing. The accompanying sauces? Non-existent. I had to repeat my order multiple times, only for them to still get it wrong. I swear, a Premier Inn in the British countryside would outshine this circus.
For my troubles, I was "gifted" a welcome fruit platter. Lovely, except for the rotten apple grinning back at me. The coffee cups in my room were equally hygienicrinsed but clearly not washed. And let's not forget the pice de aresistance: hair on the bedsheets upon arrival. A delightful touch that screams attention to detail.
Amenities & Ambiance.
The so-called executive lounge? Closed. The top-floor views? Tarnished by the faint echo of mosque prayers penetrating the 20th floor at 7:30 PM. I don't mind the cultural backdrop, but soundproofing clearly wasn't a priority in this establishment.
As for breakfast, I can't comment. Your humble narrator values his sleep far too much to indulge in such morning frivolities.
Final Thoughts.
This is not a four-star hotel by any stretch of the imagination. If you value proper service, tasty food, hot food, and a thoughtfully designed room, this hotel is not for you. While I could tolerate the endless list of shortcomings, there are two absolute deal-breakers for me: the rock-hard mattress and the pathetic air-conditioning. These two issues alone would deter me from ever returning.
In summary, avoid this place unless you're desperate, and even then, proceed with caution. I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemyor maybe just on a rival forum member.
The only redeeming quality is its proximity to certain extracurricular venues. Alas, fate dealt me a cruel hand with a bout of balanitis (there, I said it), putting all shenanigans on hold.
If any of you fine gents are also in Jakarta, I'the be delighted to join you for drinks and a spot of wingman-ing. Consider me your loyal sidekick during this unfortunate downtime.
Cheers,
Ed.
Wingman 5th to 8th Dec. Jakarta
Gents,
I'm currently at the Novotel Gajah Mada Hotel for a few days—likely until the weekend—and while fate has temporarily sidelined me with a about of balanitis, I'the still love to make the most of my time here.
If any of you are in Jakarta and fancy meeting up tonight for drinks or need a trusty wingman, drop me a message. With any luck, my medical situation will improve soon, and I'll be able to indulge in our favourite sport. Until then, consider me your loyal sidekick for good company and a bit of banter.
Cheerio.
Ed.