Just away from Kemang, in a prime residential area in the south of Jakarta which has truly taken off with an emergence of a raft of businesses, The Dharmawangsa is a true emerald in its own unique way. This elegant hotel seamlessly combines the nostalgic feel of Indonesia 's history with 21 st century's technology and conveniences. Designed after an exclusive Indonesian mansion, this hotel is indeed a feast for the eyes. Boasting of soaring ceilings and large pillars, the entire space is extended into a lush garden complete with art-deco furnishings and artifacts. Some of the artifacts are genuine works of art from the Majapahit Kingdom (14 th Century) and Sriwijaya Kingdom (8 th century). You inevitably feel as if you were entering an Indonesian museum enriched with centuries of Indonesian heritage in all areas and aspects.
The Dharmawangsa has a grand lounge called the Majapahit Lounge, which is then segregated into 4 distinctive lounges: The Bar, The Caviar Lounge, The Tea Lounge and The Library Lounge, this is truly a hotel that understands decadence. Imagine sitting in one of these lounges, sipping the hotel's Chocolate Martini or a cup of hot tea accompanied by Indonesian traditional sweets which are provided by service staff resplendent in Javanese outfits, not forgetting the soothing traditional acoustic music. If this wasn't a taste of heaven, then what could it be? If you observe the details more closely, you would be mesmerized by the grandeur of a huge bronze Majapahit Kingdom 's symbol shaped like a sun at the entrance's ceiling. Called Surya, this symbol represents The Dharmawangsa and can be spotted almost everywhere.
Once we arrived, we have the previledge to meet Mrs. Dachlan, the Public Relation Manager of The Dharmawangsa. She was all smiles, asking us if we felt peckish as she brought us to the Caviar Lounge to try their special drinks. With 3 of us in our SD team, we had the luxury of experiencing 3 different drinks: Red berry ice tea (a lovely concoction of mixed berry, vanilla syrup and tea), EQ peach (a silky mixture of peach, orange, passion fruit and sparkling water) and B purple (a swirl of beet, apple and pear). While having our refreshing drinks, she started to enlighten us on The Dharmawangsa. “Both the Indonesian heritage and Indonesia inspire us in our interior, furnishings and in every single aspect in this hotel. For functions, we serve our guests some Indonesian snacks such as lumpia, martabak, pisang goreng and many others.” She explained smilingly.
If there is one thing that The Dharmawangsa truly goes the lengths for in their service, it would be in giving their guests utmost immigration assistance. “Our guests are mostly business travelers, so we have what is called the Immigration Assistance. Unlike many others, our guests need not stay in line the minute they arrive in the airport and we also help them out at the immigration section.”, she pointed.
Saturated in cultural richness, each of the 100 guest rooms and suites is designed with 5 majestic thematic lines in mind: Pesisiran (North Java), Java, Bali, South Sumatra, and East Indonesia . They are also decked out in traditional and original materials, and boast of a private balcony overlooking the swimming pool, the Dharmawangsa's lush garden or Dharmawangsa's road. We were delighted to stay at the Dharmawangsa and found it quite remarkable. Having received personalized business cards and stationary upon arrival, the personal welcoming from the hotel gave us a taste of royalty. The interior of the room was equally awe-inspiring. Dripping with a sense of spaciousness and luxury, the genuine antique furnishings enthralled us and contributed to a soothing atmosphere. You can always call on the 24-hour butler service and ask for a DVD player and some good films. Not only that, the butler service will also indulge in your every whim and fancy, attending to all your needs - including shoe polishing, in-room check-in and check-out, packing and unpacking services and countless others.
For an experience of ultimate relaxation, The Dharmawangsa also boasts of the Bimasena Club & Spa.
SD Verdict on The Dharmawangsa
Having stayed in The Dharmawangsa, we definitely feel that we have the best of both worlds-the conveniences of the 21 st technology and the warmth of a rich Indonesian heritage, making you feel right at home. The Dharmawangsa is definitely a modern and sophisticated retreat for the urbanites who longing to voyage the past, present and future of Indonesia . Having left with gushes of immense pride and pleasure (as I'm Indonesian); I believe that you too will awaken feeling refreshed in a unique cultural ambience and ask yourself, “Am I really still in the year 2006?”
The Dharmawangsa
Brawijaya Raya no.26, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12160 , Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 7258181
Fax: +62 21 725 8383