Mercure Jakarta Kota also wasn’t exactly a hotel my friend and I handpicked ourselves—similar to our stay at Mercure Bandung City Centre. The tour agency offered it as one of the mid-tier accommodation options, and we simply went along with their choice. Thankfully, it was just for our final night before flying back to Singapore the next afternoon.
Unfortunately, the stay turned out rather disappointing. Although the hotel was clean, it lacked charm and warmth. Stepping inside felt more like entering an old office building, with its wide hallways and dated design. The reception counter sat on the left, and there was a standee in the middle promoting wedding packages and roadshows. Unlike Mercure Bandung City Centre which had a stylish and modern atmosphere—this hotel looked tired and almost heritage-like. The place felt eerily quiet too, suggesting a low occupancy rate.
Our Room – Superior Room with 2 Single Beds and Hotel Facilities
Our room did not do much to change that impression. The room featured old-fashioned, uninspired furnishings, and the air-conditioning blasted noisily without cooling the room—every traveler’s nightmare in humid Jakarta.
We had the option between rooms with or without a bathtub, and I opted for the one with it. However, the tub looked so worn and questionable in cleanliness that I did not dare use it.
Breakfast was included the next morning, but I already had low expectations. The buffet selection confirmed them—uninspired and limited, a contrast to what I had enjoyed at Mercure Bandung City Centre. I ended up with just a few glasses of juice and barely filling my plate with food. We decided to grab a proper brunch at a nearby café would be a better idea.
The hotel’s facilities were equally underwhelming. When we visited the pool, we were the only guests there. It looked more like a small condominium pool, surrounded by tall buildings and lacking atmosphere. The staff told us the steam room was under maintenance, though it seemed more like they hadn’t turned it on. The gym was relatively spacious, and if I had more time, I might have used it.
Finally, the next afternoon came, and it was time to check out and head for the airport. As I reflected on the stay, I could not help but feel a little regretful. Lesson learned—next time, I will make sure to select my own hotel instead of leaving it to a tour agency. Comfort and experience matter, especially at the end of a long trip. Mercure Jakarta Kota just did not live up to the Mercure standard I expected.
Do check out my other hotel reviews!
