Many of us have learned just because you build it, does not mean they will come. Actually, having products and services for the ultra rich is not even intended for the masses. So how do swanky high-end hotels attract big spenders with deep pockets to stay and come back to stay again?
Jakarta has its fair share of luxury hotels. You may have even stayed at some of them. But very few people have pockets deep enough to spend a night in their swankiest suites. We decided to take a tour of some of the city’s most expensive hotel rooms so you can see where the capital’s high-rollers get to lay their heads.
The Presidential Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Pacific Place (Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, SCBD, Tel. 021 2550 1888)
This 340-square-meter suite, which features a bedroom, dining room, two living rooms, a bar and a pantry, is closer to a luxury apartment than a hotel room.
Angelina, a public relations officer at the hotel, said the suite was decorated to create a classy and elegant environment for guests. That’s why, she said, all the rooms inside the suite are covered in textured white wallpaper and come with soft earth-tone design elements.
Inside the main bedroom, guests can get some quality sleep in the king-size bed covered in silky smooth 300 thread count linen.
The main bedroom also comes with a wooden work desk, a 46-inch television set and a large, comfy sofa.
“I don’t think any guest would ever want to leave this room,” Angelina said.
Filled with plush chairs and sofas, the presidential suite’s living room is perfect for receiving all those important guests. A large carpet adds to the elegant feel of the room .
A hidden state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen audio set in the living room provides clear, rich audio throughout the entire suite.
The suite’s bathroom is equally luxurious. It comes equipped with a small television set to watch while soaking in the spacious bathtub, which doubles as a whirlpool. Of course, most guests will be too busy taking in the breathtaking view of the city through the oversized window to bother watching TV.
Besides its luxurious amenities, Angelina said guests in the presidential suite were provided with 24-hour butler service, which she promised would respond to any request within three minutes or less.
“We can provide anything that the guest needs,” she added.
The Presidential Suite at the JW Marriott (Jl. Lingkar Mega Kuningan No. 1 & 2, Tel. 021 5798 8888)
Although no names have been confirmed, there’s no doubt more than a few high-ranking government officials and celebrities have stayed at the JW Marriott’s presidential suite.
The 168-square-meter suite may not be as spacious as some of the other top suites in the city, but it certainly does not lack for luxury.
Yohanes Hutauruk, the hotel’s communications officer, said that with just one push of a button, guests at the presidential suite could summon a personal butler who was standing by to fulfill any request.
Well-appointed with elegant, comfortable furniture, the presidential suite was designed to create, as Yohanes said, “a modern atmosphere with earth-tone colors.” This suite has one bedroom, a dining room and living room, pantry and kitchenette.
The suite, of course, comes with high-speed Internet access and a fully loaded home theater.
Yohanes said they always try to make sure their VIP guests get the best service possible. “Whatever they need, we will try hard to accommodate,” he said.
The opulent bathroom features not only a big-screen television, but also has a Jacuzzi with a neck massager.
Yohanes said the Jacuzzi had become a favorite with guests.
“The guests who stay here are super-busy people. When they come to this suite, they always like to take the time to have a neck massage,” he said.
The Duke Suite at Hotel Mulia Senayan (Jl. Asia Afrika Senayan, Tel. 021 574 7777)
Hotel Mulia Senayan is generally regarded as one of the best hotels in the city by people who know about such things, and its best room is called the Duke Suite.
According to the hotel, the suite is the most luxurious in the region. While that may or may not be true, it is certainly one of the largest. It measures an impressive 595 square meters and has two wings — a living area and an entertainment area.
Its European decor was created by some of the biggest names in the design world, such as New York’s Sherle Wagner.
Each of the suite’s rooms is filled with top-of-the-line furniture and accessories, including comfortable chairs and sofas, chandeliers, golden-framed mirrors, paintings and fresh flowers.
Since gold is its official color, the suite also features many touches you would never find in a regular hotel room, such as 24-carat gold bath and shower fixtures. It also has limited-edition Nancy Corzine pillows and a private massage room. Its double king-size bed spoils guests with its 1,000 thread count linen.
Just like any other top suite, the Duke Suite also provides its guests with 24-hour personal butler service, which will fulfill just about any request.’