From all the places I stayed in, I think the place that always has my heart is Hotel Kristal. I don’t now why, but I have this personal connection with this place and it’s so easy for me to write about the hotel and the people who work here.
Located in an upmarket area as Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, Hotel Kristal is tucked away far enough from the madding crowd of the city and yet only a short taxi ride to Kemang, Cilandak Town Square and Pondok Indah Mall. It’s on a wonderful location giving you the rare opportunity to walk to Starbucks, grocery store, and small restaurants around the corner.
The hotel boasts a smart appearance in reception and restaurant areas and the suite rooms are the largest I have ever stayed in. I stayed at a 3 bedroom suite in Tower 1. (they have 2 Towers btw, Tower 1 and 2). And the experience begins with the very efficient and capable Front Desk, who get the needs and provide good rooms. The Bell Boys are great, remembering me from my previous visits.
And opening the door, I was astonished by the size of the suite that overlooks the pool, kitchen, dining room and lounge housed together with large dining table, big kitchen and ample sitting space including a large flat screen TV . Air conditioned throughout the place was ideal for my 3 days stay. The master bedroom and the living room had big sliding glass doors, which sufficiently provide the natural light in when the curtains are drawn open.
The master bedroom has a king sized bed, the second bedroom has twin beds and the third bedroom has a single bed. Each has a plenty of storage and wardrobe space. And the bed is wonderfully comfortable with a thick duvet.
Kitchen is well equipped and practical, with a freestanding fridge, microwave, a sink, plates, pans & eating utensils (plus the staff even do dishes for you daily.)
I know I’m doing a hotel review at the moment, but please meet Minka, this little cheeky monkey is my niece, who lives in Melbourne and often talks to me and checks up on me via FaceTime wherever I go..Thanks to iPhone!!! Hah!
Back to the hotel review, downstairs the pool area adjoined with a fairly large pool including kiddies swim area and a swim up bar. And I’d love to bring Minka here one day! She will love it!
![FullSizeRender[1]](http://oliemoliepolie.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/FullSizeRender1.jpg)
Can't help my self to do the morning selfie!
The hotel has a bar called Satu Lagi Bar. It is a sports bar (and is a bit of an ex-pats hang out) located near Tower 2 and is open from 10.00am till the early hours. It has separate poolroom that is free to play and the food available from the area caters towards the western and local tastes.
Yes I had a big night at Satu Lagi Bar..Please excuse my tired face!
The breakfast restaurant, The Kafe, is located in Tower 1 is large and uncluttered with plenty of room between tables. They offer buffet or a la carte foods here.
The various promos on food at The Kafe and Satu Lagi bar always make the choices interesting, well conceived and well cooked in both outlets
Deli Delima in Tower 2 is a small Deli with many different options of Salad, Dessert and Coffee selection.
The hotel also has a well furnished gym and swimming pool areas. The gym, Life Spa Fitness Centre, is an awesome Gym, like a real proper Gym, that made my stay more interesting as I had time to train
What more can I say? I truly find Hotel Kristal is a gem of a hotel and actually always look forward to staying there. And I personally think one of the best indicators of a hotel and its management is the staff. They are remarkably friendly and efficient which is the mark of good training and how the management value them.
I travel all over the world and stay in hotels constantly but I have never stayed in a hotel that has made me feel so at home and relaxed as the Kristal Hotel. I highly recommend buying the Kristal Privilege Card which entitles you to many benefits including free nights, discounts in the bar and restaurants.
Thanks to the GM, Mark Aitken (a.k.a the best boss I’ve ever had in my entire life..ohh yes, forgot to tell you this, I worked with him for almost 5 years and I learned a lot from this old man, promise I will make a separate blog just only about him..Mr. Aitken, you better watch out!! Hah!), his PR Manager – Intan Purwaning and all the Kristal team. See you again soon.
Hotel Kristal
Jl Tarogong Raya, Cilandak Barat
Phone : +62 21 7507050
Fax : +62 21 7507110
info@hotelkristal.com
Photos are taken by:
@oliemoliepolie ‘s Canon G12
@wirzwhoop
@oliemoliepolie ‘s iphone