Alila Jakarta Hotel, Jakarta

I decided to stay in Alila again after a break of 2 yrs due to some friends staying there as well. Unfortunately, the experience gets worse each time. The towels have still not been changed (seems like they are the original towels from when the hotel first opened). Furthermore, the breakfast has also dropped in quality, though it's nice to have proper coffee from an espresso machine. Best part about the stay is that one gets free internet, though internet in Jakarta leaves a lot to be desired normally.

I chose this hotel for its "boutique" image, expecting something a little more personal than some of the larger, busier hotels. Frankly, it was a little disappointing in that the well published, minimalist style also seemed to spill into the general approach of the staff who, though perfectly businesslike, rather lacked in terms of the warmth of their welcome. The hotel was clean and modern throughout but mminimalist to the point of being spartan - perhaps a little too devoid of the nicieties to make it homely and comforting. For example, pictures on walls would be nice, rather than occasional, simple, coloured plain wood panels. I chose an Exec room partly for the added benefit of the Exec lounge but that was equally unwelcoming and offered all day soft drinks, tea and coffee only and not the usual "happy hour" that one would usually expect. As a result, the room was empty and I would have felt very self conscious being the only person there with 2 staff waiting on me. Needless to say, I did not stay as the lounge downstairs in the lobby or the restaurant would have been more comfortable. Breakfast was good with a wide selection and excellent coffee. The exec room also included 2 items "laundry" per day (which one would usually expect to mean laundry INCLUDING pressing). I only needed half the service, requiring my shirts and trousers to be pressed but not laundered. They initially charged the pressing fee as being a different service. This was eventually conceded to be within the 2 pcs/day service but without apology. Dissappointing final note when staff should be using every opportunity to encourage a return visit.

This is a newish hotel, very clean and well maintained in central Jakarta near the national monument, museum and other attractions. The staff were friendly, most with excellent English. Good swimming pool and reasonable selection in the restaurant