Raffles Jakarta

Raffles Jakarta, a Michelin One-Key property, stands as a prominent beacon of luxury and refined hospitality in the bustling heart of Jakarta. Guests consistently praise its sophisticated ambiance, exceptional service, and art-infused design, making it a highly recommended destination for both leisure and business travelers seeking an urban oasis.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Raffles Jakarta generally receives "superb" to "wonderful" ratings from guests, with an average score of 9.4 out of 10. Specific categories such as cleanliness (9.7), staff (9.6), comfort (9.6), and facilities (9.5) consistently receive high marks. The overwhelming sentiment is one of extreme satisfaction, with many guests expressing a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Raffles Jakarta for several standout features:

• Exceptional Service: The personalized and attentive Raffles Butler service is frequently highlighted, with staff often anticipating needs and going the extra mile.
• Art-Inspired Design: The hotel seamlessly blends a modern aesthetic with rich Indonesian influences, particularly through its extensive collection of artworks by the renowned artist Hendra Gunawan. This artistic theme is woven throughout the lobby, rooms, and even bathrobes.
• Spacious and Luxurious Rooms: The accommodations are consistently described as large, luxurious, clean, and comfortable, offering a serene retreat from the city.
• Prime Location: Situated in the central business district (Golden Triangle) of Kuningan, the hotel offers convenient access to major shopping centers like Lotte Shopping Avenue, Grand Indonesia, and Plaza Indonesia, as well as the Ciputra Artpreneur Center.
• Excellent Amenities: Facilities such as the expansive outdoor swimming pool, well-equipped fitness center, spa, and tennis court contribute significantly to a luxurious stay. The presence of an outdoor running track around a green sphere is also noted.

3. Room Quality

Raffles Jakarta boasts 173 spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each designed for utmost comfort and sophistication. Rooms feature luxurious amenities such as plush sofas, marble flooring, flat-screen cable TVs, laptop safes, electric kettles, and minibars. The large private bathrooms are equipped with bathtubs, hairdryers, and showers. The design, while modern in its comforts and equipment, also incorporates a timeless style with echoes of past eras and city views. Guests particularly appreciate the large size of the rooms, with even entry-level options like the Raffles Twin (63 sqm) feeling generous. Specific mention is made of comfortable bedding with smooth linens and Penhaligon's amenities. Turn-down service often includes thoughtful touches like bedtime stories and refreshed fruit plates.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Raffles Jakarta is consistently praised for its quality and variety.

• Arts Cafe by Raffles: This all-day dining restaurant offers a wide selection of Pan-Asian and European dishes in a flamboyant, artistic, and comfortable setting. Guests highlight the spectacular Sunday brunch and the impressive breakfast buffet, which features diverse options including local, Western, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, along with a dedicated patisserie section. Bespoke vegan options are also readily available and highly commended.
• Writers Bar: A homage to the original in Singapore, this bar provides a sophisticated setting for fine cocktails.
• Navina Poolside Bar: Offers sumptuous refreshments by the pool.
• The Dining Room: Features an intimate setting with a show kitchen, often hosting culinary collaborations and guest chefs.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Raffles Jakarta is frequently described as "unbeatable," "impeccable," and "top-notch." The staff, from bellboys to restaurant personnel and butlers, are consistently praised for being friendly, attentive, cooperative, and proactive in anticipating guest needs. The personalized Raffles Butler service, accessible via WhatsApp, is a particular highlight, offering assistance with reservations and other requests. Many guests note that the staff's passion and care significantly enhance their stay. Instances of staff going above and beyond, such as assisting with permits for photography or handling billing discrepancies, are also cited as examples of exceptional hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

Raffles Jakarta enjoys a strategic location in the Kuningan district, part of Jakarta's central business district, often referred to as the Golden Triangle.

• Nearby Attractions: It is directly linked to the Ciputra Artpreneur Center (an art gallery, museum, and theater complex) and has a direct connection to Lotte Shopping Avenue. Grand Indonesia Shopping Center and Plaza Indonesia are a 15-minute drive away.
• Transport: The hotel is approximately a 45-minute car ride from Jakarta Soekarno Hatta Airport. Airport transfer services can be arranged. The hotel is also in the vicinity of Bendungan Hilir underground station, and there are ample parking spaces.

7. Value & Pricing

While Raffles Jakarta offers a luxurious experience, guests generally perceive it to be good value for money, with a rating of 9.0. Average room prices range from approximately $158 to $479, depending on the room type and booking platform. Considering the world-class amenities, impeccable service, spacious accommodations, and its Michelin One-Key status, guests often find the pricing surprisingly affordable compared to the average hotel room in Jakarta.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Dated Wood Paneling: One review mentioned that some of the orangey-blonde wood paneling in the rooms felt slightly dated, making the rooms appear older than they are, despite being well-maintained.
• Limited Power Outlets: A guest noted a lack of universal power points and USB/USBC ports by the bedside and near the work desk in some rooms, requiring guests to bring adapters.
• Inconsistent Dining Service (historical): An older review mentioned a perceived shift in waiter attention towards business people during breakfast at Arts Café. However, more recent reviews emphasize superb food and attentive service in dining.
• Art Style (subjective): One guest expressed that some of the artwork, while central to the hotel's design, was not to their personal taste.
• Minor Amenities: A very minor complaint noted the use of small salt and pepper packets at breakfast, which felt out of place with the otherwise flawless buffet.

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