Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada review
Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada is located at the northern part of Jakarta and is near Chinatown, the National Monument, and Jakarta History Museum (also known as the Fatahillah Museum or Batavia Museum). The 4-star hotel is located right by the busy Jalan Gajah Mada and you can find many shops and entertainment near the hotel.
Locating the hotel was relatively easy but finding the entrance was another thing. As Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada is located by the side of the busy main road, the driver had to decide on which side road to turn into that will bring us to the hotel. As we approach the hotel building, the driver turned into what he thought was the hotel’s entrance. It turned out to be the exit. As there were cars coming out of the hotel, we were forced to reverse back into the chaotic traffic on Jalan Gajah Mada, which caused quite a bit of impatient honking and emergency braking. That was hair raising, and not a good first impression.
As we drove on, the small entrance was obscured by some plants and the driver missed the tiny ‘Hotel Entrance’ sign. By the time he saw the entrance it was too late and we had to make a U-turn. Surprisingly the roads were not that congested that day and I was dropped off at the hotel at the 2nd attempt by the driver five minutes later.
This hotel is fairly new, having opened its doors only in late 2012 which explains the modern design and bright lobby. Comfortable lounge chairs were scattered around the lobby which would be handy if you are meeting your business associates or just to chill.
Reception was friendly and I was checked in without fuss within 10 minutes.
Rooms
The rooms are typical Novotel quality and design. While the rooms are bigger at Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada, the design is very similar to Novotel Melaka which I reviewed here. The big windows and unblocked view let in a massive amount of natural light which made the room looks cheerful. Perfect after a day of meetings or shopping. The beds were comfortable and there were 4 fluffy pillows for the king bed, again a very typical thing to expect from a Novotel.
Comfortable bed with reading lights
LED TV
See through bathrooms
I did discover some strange smell from 2 of the pillows but since I am traveling alone that night I did not make an issue of it. I am sure that if I had informed housekeeping they would have gladly changed it.
The bathrooms had a see through design, which means that it’s rather cool if you are traveling alone or with a partner. However if you are sharing the room with a colleague or a not-so-close traveling companion, it might be rather awkward. You can lower the screens in the bathroom, which is supposed to make it private but I am not sure how effective it is.
View of the bedroom from the bathroom
I am probably nitpicking here, but there are some minor issues which I found that if resolved, could have contributed to an even better experience.
Some parts of the carpets are dirty, it looks like something spilled over and created some stains. As the carpets are light in color, it shows. Some parts of the laminated walls are chipped, and the corners where the glass screen meets the carpets are not well joined which created an ugly looking gap.
I’ve also had an issue with the wash basin draining slowly. By the time I am done washing my hands the basin looks like it is going to overflow.
If these issues are resolved, the experience at Novotel Gajah Mada would have been even better.
Slow draining wash basin
Unsightly gaps between joints
Chipped off corners
Facilities
The Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada hotel has a small pool and a small but adequately equipped gym. While the gym is good enough for a simple workout, the blazing morning sun made the entire gym very hot, although it was supposed to be air conditioned. Some of you is probably thinking “Why are you complaining that it was hot when you are already working out?”. Although that is true, I do prefer to feel comfortable even when working out 🙂
The pool is too small to be inviting so I did not try it.
Tiny pool
Breakfast counter
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Overall, the Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada is value for money and the rooms are comfortable. Do note that there are some shops around the hotel, but there are no good malls within walking distance. It is near enough to business areas such as Thamrin, Sudirman, etc but it is still a 20-30 mins taxi ride away, depending on traffic. If I am planning to spend more time exploring the older part of Jakarta, I may come back to this hotel. If I am on a business trip however, I will choose another hotel nearer the city center.
Novotel Gajah Mada
Jl Gajah Mada No 188
11120 JAKARTA BARAT INDONESIA
Tel (+62)2129367777 – Fax (+62)2129365555
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