Raffles Jakarta

It was our 3rd stay this year and I am honestly so sad to say there seems to have been a decline in terms of service and indeed in the property itself. There are of course some wonderful aspects and a lot to still love about Raffles Jakarta and indeed in many ways we are spoiled, while staying here. Arriving is an event, from the wonderfully uniformed door staff warmly greeting you, to the imposing mosaic of Menyusui II (Gunawan inspired of course) in the stunning hallway. As always it was marvellous to see familiar faces; Chiki the Chief Concierge is an absolute superstar and has always gone out of his way to look after us, with both his time and expertise. Whisked to Club Raffles for check-in formalities I was offered my ‘usual’ pot of tea, exactly as I like it. As always the club staff were friendly, courteous and happy-to-help. My Artist Suite, as previously, was well appointed, with outstanding view of the grounds, gardens and beyond. 

Perhaps as I had spent the previous 2 nights at The Pan Pacific Jakarta, in a Premier Suite, and my stay there was flawless, the niggles with Raffles were enhanced. 
 The decor does seem a little dated, though I understand fully the ascetic design, and it was kept spotless. The charging ports and such, especially USC, need an update and at times it was hard to find a plug where needed.

The connectivity to cast from iPhone/MacBook was non existent. Youtube never worked and wifi in the bedroom was patchy. The water filter takes up the whole counter space in the living room and is never chilled. The soft drinks in the mini bar are no longer complimentary, which seems a little silly as you can get them all day, in the Club lounge. 
I noticed the door handle in the bathroom was hanging off. It was not fixed during my stay. Housekeeping was little hit or miss with items not replenished. 
 It may sound a 1st world problem but the much lauded Butler Service was nowhere near as responsive as before, not that we used it a huge amount. I messaged regarding some laundry and it took an hour for my message to be answered. 
 The turndown service was beautifully done on the 1st evening; my partner likes a bubble bath and Chamomile tea and they remembered these details. The 2nd evening there was nothing. It was all very disjointed and just didn’t flow like before. 
Not just at Raffles but at many hotels I stay at give a welcome gift of a bowl of fruit. I can’t imagine who can eat a whole assortment of such in a 2 nights stay. I also don’t care for chocolate. Raffles provide 4 apples and a dish of chocolates. Of course I appreciate the gesture but it just seems wasteful. 
 The Pan Pacific, presented me on this stay, a beautiful Batik case, which will be much used and treasured. Oh and embroidered & personalised bath robes too! The Novotel in KL has given me beautiful Batik Handkerchiefs, coasters and items I can use and an ideal memento of a great stay. Club Raffles was busy and I think the design needs a rethink. There are only a few proper tables, which seat 4 but are far too big, especially when only occupied by one person. They take up far too much room and so only once did I enjoy a proper sit down. The rest of the time I was perched on a sofa or chair, which is OK for evening cocktails but not for breakfast. It was the same when my Partner and I were there in June. 
Also the offerings for Afternoon Tea & Cocktail Hour, in the club were often exactly the same as last time, though the Shepherd’s Pie is always good. A lovely touch were the bowls of Bakso, specially served to us in the lounge. See I do like to highlight the positives! Not sure if it was due to the number of guests, staff inexperience or such but getting served took an age. On the 2nd night it took 30 minutes to get a drink. My guest and I visited the Writer’s Bar, which is looking spectacular after it’s recent refurbishment (it was closed when we stayed in June) and the female server was incredibly brusque, bordering on the rude. She said to my guest and I “What do you want?”. I was almost speechless. We had intended to stay there longer but went elsewhere, where the staff were happy to help! Unfortunately I didn’t get to connect with Fachrul, who alongside `Chiki’ is simply fantastic and are true Ambassadors for the hotel. He did however message to wish me a pleasant stay. He was much missed. We haven’t given up on Raffles Jakarta as there is still much to enjoy and appreciate. The Staff mentioned are the main reason to return (and The Bakso!) I would rate this stay good but average is the closest as, with regret, I couldn’t rate it Very Good or above this time. 
 We do sincerely hope Raffles Jakarta finds its stride again and becomes the beloved destination we remember and Love.

A spectacular hotel. The rooms are modern, bright and very comfortable. The bed is a dream as itself, great sleep, the linnen is first quality, cable smart tv and super fast wi-fi. The bathroon features a very strong shower with great amenities. The breakfast buffet have great quality, lots of options. The staff are impeccable, great service. I wish I stayed in this magnificant hotel more than just one night. Spectacular team.

The service is wonderfully thoughtful. Every detail makes me feel relaxed and at ease, with a genuine home-away-from-home feeling.

A truly great hotel. The rooms were airy and wonderful. The bed is a dream. The breakfast buffet is great, and with tasteful a la carte options. The swimming pool is a delightful place to spend some time and relax. And most importantly... The service (everyone) is impeccable. The concierge, the waiters, the pool boys, ... Everyone is super friendly and professional at the same time. They all have valuable advice to give to discover the city. Wonderful staff. We enjoyed our stay from the minute we stepped through the door until the last second. In a frantic city like Jakarta, Raffles is a gem.

Just had a fantastic lunch at the pool bar , Navina, big shout out to Celvin for the drinks