Alila Hotel

It definitely lives up to its name Alila which means ‘surprise’ in Sanskrit. A haven of stylish calm and tranquility in the midst of bustling Central Jakarta, heart of old Batavia, as Jakarta was formerly known. Designed by the architectural firm Denton Corker Marshall, Alila Jakarta emerges from its multi-layered complex surroundings of the old city like a lotus with its clean, modern abstract-minimalist interior. It’s truly a place where simplicity and serenity go hand in hand.

The buoyant Indonesian economy is a magnet to business travelers seeking exceptional comfort and convenience and Alila Jakarta is the perfect choice. Hotel wide Wi-Fi internet access, private work space, private meeting rooms, superb gym and spa facilities, in strategic proximity to Jakarta’s business district, biggest Indonesian trade centre, as well as the Soekarno Hatta International airport.The club suites are a recent addition and set new standards for comfort and luxury. Each club suite overlooks the pool and is light filled spacious room with walk in wardrobes and king-size bed. Apart from standard amenities as flat screen TV and ipod dock, I really liked the minimalist and clean lines. The standard hotel sofa gives way to a broad window length seat with a movable glass table.  The rain shower and bathtub in the bathroom looks out at the changing sky and view of Jakarta. Club suite guests can further enjoy the access to the executive lounge and its facilities as well as discounts at all the hotels restaurants.

Club Suite

Club Suite Bathroom

Eric Faivre, the general manager at this hotel is very warm and welcoming. His vision for Alila Jakarta is ‘a 4 star hotel providing a 5 star experience’. He is very hands on and detail focused with his 250 hotel staff to provide the best of both worlds, real-world functionality combined with friendly and prompt service.

I was fascinated by the lamps around the hotel which on first site appeared to be dust rags covering the actual lamp. On further inspection, this was the lamp shade in organic shapes giving a warm glow to the walkway. The central open space is a glass enclosed Zen garden with pink frangipani trees and ground is carefully covered in white and black pebbles. There was no apparent entrance to this garden and this kept its pristine beauty untouched.

Handmade Paper Lamp

Each of the restaurants has a color theme. The ‘buzz’ Restaurant was sunny yellow and green with a single bright yellow gerbera on every table. Loved the ambience at the Chinese restaurant ‘Shanghai Storm’ with its bright red wall panels and you guessed it – red gerberas.

Red Gerbera at Shanghai Storm

Alila Spa

To work up an appetite for the extensive breakfast a visit to the gym in the morning was important. The gym was fully equipped with all kinds of exercise machines and friendly staff. Regular exercise classes are conducted during weekdays at the gym to complement any fitness regime. The gym spills out to the rooftop swimming pool with splendid views of Jakarta and a pool bar. The spa is on the same floor as the gym and it smells and sounds like Bali. The ambient Balinese music with the continuing clean minimalist décor is a balm on jangled nerves. I had a wonderful aromatherapy session leading to a wonderful state of mental and physical relaxation.

One cannot leave without being tempted by the wonderful brightly colored knick knacks at the Alila Living Boutique. Its strategic location right next to the reception means that I had to pick up some of the Indonesian handicrafts including art and fashion for the perfect souvenirs to take back.

Alila Jakarta Lobby with Giftshop

So next time you are planning a trip to Jakarta for work or leisure, check out the club suites at the Alila Jakarta for a charming experience. Its convenient location combined with flexible spaces and state-of-the-art support facilities make it the ideal meeting place for any occasion.