BACKGROUND The original Hotel Indonesia opened on August 5, 1962 and became the country’s first five-star hotel. It was a major event for the nation, with President Sukarno turning up himself to inaugurate the opening, in time for the 1962 Asian Games. It was one of the most prestigious hotels in the region, with famous guests including Marilyn Monroe.

Over the years the hotel has gone through various renovations and makeovers, and was integrated with a mixed-use complex named Grand Indonesia. But the hotel’s two signature blocks, called Ganesha Wing and Ramayana Wing, in a T-shape arrangement remain and have been declared monuments. For a long time, its operation was entrusted to a local operator by the government. In May 2009, Kempinski reopened it after another major revamp.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Although the interior of the hotel must be rather different from half a century ago, I still sensed the vibe from decades past. Perhaps it was the blue carpet in the lobby with its oversized paisley pattern, the subtle batik patterns on the pillars and stately wooden table where a striking floral arrangement was placed. The floor-to-ceiling window behind the marble reception counters showcases the ample greenery planted right outside the property as well as the sleek structure of Grand Indonesia. On the mezzanine floors, I caught a glimpse of a corner that looked like an exhibition, and later I found out that it was a display of artefacts from the olden days of Hotel Indonesia. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public.

WHERE IS IT? As central as you can get in Jakarta. The roundabout in front of it, Jalan Bundaran HI, is even named after this hotel. Around here, there are many other five-star hotels, luxury-brand stores and grade-A office blocks. Many major historic landmarks are within half an hour’s drive.

ROOM FACILITIES I didn’t enjoy my walk to the room – apparently the windows along the corridor on my side of Ganesha Wing were facing something so unsightly that they all had to be frosted, which made the corridor very dim and claustrophobic. Once I had entered my 64 sqm grand deluxe room though, I could breathe again. Like the rest of the hotel, the room successfully blends modern amenities with classic design, with batik patterns featuring on the carpets and bed runner. Simple placements of framed artworks and abstract sculptures also add an extra stylish touch. Up-to-date amenities include a flatscreen TV, iPod docking station, and one universal socket in front of the work desk (plus two Indonesian ones). The bathroom, with two sinks, features an eggshell-shape bathtub looking out to both Grand Indonesia and the hotel’s other wing, as well as a separate shower compartment. There is also a small TV in front of the tub.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS There are six venues, with Signatures Restaurant being the all-day dining outlet, where guests can have breakfast in front of a blown-up image of Sukarno when he was welcoming Monroe and JFK to the hotel. Casa D’Oro features high-quality Italian dishes and top-notch service, while Paulaner Brauhaus, Kempinski group’s signature chain of beer halls, provides a great casual place to eat and drink. In addition, there are the Lobby Nirwana Lounge, outdoor Sky Pool Bar Café serving pub grub, and Kempi Deli.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are four types of function space: “Intimate Meeting Rooms” for up to 10 people as well as the multifunctional “Kempinski Grand Ballroom”, “Ball Room” and “The Heritage”, a well-decorated, exclusive venue on the 16th floor.

LEISURE FACILITIES The rooftop of the hotel is dedicated to wellness, featuring the pool, KempinskiSPA and a gym offering a 360-degree view of Jakarta. The range of equipment is very extensive for a hotel fitness centre and there is also a personal training service.

VERDICT It’s a special hotel with a great location. Kempinski has done a fantastic job in bringing a historic landmark back to life, fitting it with modern amenities but without compromising its original charm

Fact File

  • HOW MANY ROOMS? 289 rooms and suites, with the former divided into deluxe, grand deluxe and executive deluxe categories, and the latter categorised as salon, diplomatic and presidential.
  • ROOM HIGHLIGHTS A good balance of tasteful décor, well-placed modern amenities and abstract art pieces.
  • PRICE Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in mid-November in a grand deluxe room start from US$320.
  • CONTACT Jalan MH Thamrin No 1, tel +62 21 2358 3800; www.kempinski.com

Reggie Ho