In the heart of New York City is the cosmopolitan Manhattan district, where purveyors of style converge. The Sunlake Group of Hotels, the team behind the successful Metro Hotel, now brings Manhattan sophistication to South Jakartaâs Golden Triangle area with the Manhattan Hotel.
From the outside, Manhattan Hotel looks like any other building along Casablanca Road. Step inside however, and be welcomed by sleek black and white interiors with hints of bold hues. Modern, all-Indonesian crafted furniture complete the look. Two grand staircases lead to the main ballroom and the restaurants on the next level.
Catering to corporate executives and Jakarta urbanites, Manhattan Hotel had its successful soft opening in March 2006; the grand launch slated for January 2007. Guests can select from 241 plush rooms, ranging from the standard Executive Rooms to the more luxurious Manhattan, Ambassador, and Presidential suites. The rooms of this âHotel That Never Sleepsâ, as the slogan goes, are in tune with the whole atmosphere: Solid colors and straight lines with minimum fuss, plush red chairs serving as accent pieces. Suites are equipped with a kitchenette, where you can prepare your own meals; the Manhattan suite even has a Jacuzzi as an added bonus.
Manhattanâs strategic location and affordable room rates have gained the hotel a regular following; occupancy rates average 40 percent on a daily. âGuests prefer staying here; guests can stay in one of our suite rooms for the price of a regular room in other hotels,â notes Ms. Adisti, Manhattan Hotelâs Public Relations Officer.
Manhattan Hotel blends Western design sensibilities with the flavors of the East. Treat yourself to Man Aur Tan restaurantâs Indian dishes while Dim Sum King Restaurant and the Korean & Japanese Art Cuisine will satisfy your craving for other Asian specialties.
Board rooms on the10th floor are ideal venues for seminars and business presentations. After a fast-paced meeting, head down to the Columbus Circle Club on the 8th floor and enjoy the clubâs gym, sauna, swimming pool, and spa facilities. To complete the business-mixed-with-pleasure experience, shop for the latest buys at the Ambassador Mall, just a 10-minute walk away.
A major traffic jam kept me on the road for hours; I was tired as I arrived at the hotel lobby. The aromatherapy scents wafting from the reception area eased my tension a bit. Despite the stiffness of the uniforms and decorations, the staffs of the Manhattan hotel will actually greet you with sincere smiles and will helpfully answer your questions. I was informed by the receptionist that each room had a sensitive magnetic key and that I should keep it away from my mobile phone at all times.
Despite the smog, I had a magnificent view of the Jakarta skyline from my room on the 26th floor. I discovered also that minimum decorations do not equal minimum comfort, as I kicked off my shoes, sat on the lazy boy, and savored the silence of my room. At around 5 oâclock in the afternoon, I went down to the infinity pool on the 8th floor to watch the sunset. And I was not disappointed; despite the smog, I was rewarded with a picturesque sight.
By midnight, the hotel operates just one elevator (the one on the left), which guests can access using their room key. Make sure you and your roommate each have a spare key should you wish to stay out late.
Manhattan Hotel
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio, Casablanca, Kuningan, Jakarta Selatan 12950, Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 300 40 888