1O1 URBAN Jakarta Thamrin

The breakfast was good, and the staff were kind, especially HSK and the restaurant hostess. My room, though, needed a better clean: there were marks around the room, stained pillowcases, and the soap hadn't been properly topped up. They explained the facilities, but there weren't clear signs to find them, particularly the gym and pool in another building. The stay was fine for a three-star hotel. I was also told early check-in would be given only if I left a good review.

The executive urban room felt a little old, though everything worked. It had a large refrigerator I didn't really need, and there was no hairdryer, unless that was something I had to request. If you're coming without your own vehicle, expect a walk to the main road: the hotel is across the river, and you have to walk to find a bridge. Aside from that, things were okay.

The room was roomy enough for four or five adults, and the location is close to jakarta memorial park. Breakfast was excellent for the price, and the service overall was great. The downside was the smell in the room. We couldn't stand it, so we packed tissues into the basin drain to stop the odor coming in, but some still came from the toilet. The room could also have been cleaner, and the gym is very basic.

The Turkish coffee maker was the one bright spot for me. He was kind and pleasant. The rest of our iftar experience was deeply disappointing. We'd paid for a buffet, but when we went to eat, most dishes were nearly gone and nobody was replenishing them. Friends who arrived later were left with only scraps. The food itself wasn't very good, either, and the portions felt rationed despite many empty tables. Other four-star hotels at a similar price have offered better variety and managed their buffets much better. I can see why those places fill up while this one still has space. It was hard to get staff's attention when we needed help. We raised our concerns there and then, hoping they'd be acknowledged, but got little more than “oalah… oalah…”, which didn't feel professional. There was also a billing mistake on our end, which we accept. A refund not being possible would have been fine, but the way it was explained felt blaming and unfriendly instead of polite. I've worked in hospitality for over ten years, and this is the first place I've left feeling this let down.