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Alila Jakarta

When Alila Jakarta opened in 2001, it was a first for the capital. Most Indonesians equate luxury with opulence and international brands, so the understated style of the hotel came as a surprise. Where were the artworks, the huge floral arrangements, the fuss, the clutter? Why didn't the GM wear a suit and tie? Why was the Buzz restaurant called a cafe? Where was the banqueting hall? It took them a while to get used to the new concept of geometry, space and simplicity—but over time, Jakartans began to see its merits, and pragmatically took to its low-key vibe.

In fact, the hotel was born of pragmatism, with owner Franky Tjahyadikarta openly admitting that the original plan was for something far more conventional. But with the economic downturn demanding cost cutting, he decided to set his vision inward. "I slashed the budget, changed the design, and worked with the architect and his team to come up with something far less glitzy, but much more modern," he says. "Thus the concept of Alila came about."

Alila is a Sanskrit word for "surprise," and the hotel is surprising on many levels. Even though its style (or lack of it) was born of necessity, it has bred well—and business is booming. "It took a while to educate people as to what we were about," says the general manager, but hey, when you have a car showroom on the ground floor, what can you expect?

Admittedly this is one of the hotel's quirkier aspects. But from the second floor up, Alila is all about forward-looking hoteliering. Behind an imposing grey concrete exterior of two 27-story towers lies a striking modernity. Conceptualized by architect Budiman Hendropurnomo of local firm Denton Corker Marshall, first impressions reveal strong geometric forms and an efficient aesthetic. Black granite floors, huge mirrors, clean-lined seating and a giant contemporary artwork of colored wood strips by Pieter Dietmar characterize the lobby lounge. Softened only by a wave-like ceiling pattern and intermittent splashes of color, the lounge overlooks a Japanese-inspired court with frangipani trees and grey pebbled hardscape. This serves to bring natural light into the double-height space.

Because of the lack of adornment, you tend to notice the little things—the sinuous curves of an armchair, a pattern of light and shade falling on a wall or the design magazines provided in the upper Space lounge. Other thoughtful touches include rooms with high-speed internet access (this is free in the suites), wireless access in the public spaces, a very large gym, spacious Mandara spa, and casual yet trendy staff uniforms. Casual yet trendy staff too. The overall feeling is relaxed, young, pared down—without distractions. An added boon for single women travelers is a special Executive Ladies Floor with extra security, female butlers on call 24 hours a day, access with a separate key card, and special ladies' amenities.

Guest rooms, which range in size from 37 to 84 sq meters (400 to 900 sq feet), are unembellished—but unblemished. Warm merbau wood floors, saffron-hued cushions and covers, custom-designed furniture and sizeable bathrooms with all amenities are practical—yet comfortable. An over long, slim desk is perfect for the busy exec, while the design conscious will appreciate the suede and synthetic leather sofa, ottoman and chairs. Magnificent floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors to a small balcony give uninterrupted views over the city center—especially if you are on one of the higher floors. Earplugs may be in order though, as there is a mosque with muezzin just across the street.

Food at Alila Jakarta is unpretentious too. Buzz Wine & Dine has black tables of anodized copper, nyatoh timber chairs and an open-plan, snappy kitchen serving Japanese, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. If you prefer to eat in the Space lounge, that's fine too. In fact, anything goes. "We just want people to feel relaxed," says the suitably suave general manager, "for the most part, our clientele is pretty low key; they like things uncomplicated—simplicity is an important part of the Alila ethos."

Behind this apparent simplicity, however, lies a slick operation. In addition to the two existing properties in Bali (Alila Manggis and Alila Ubud) and this Jakarta one, there are new villas in Thailand, and plans for other properties in Southeast Asia. Commitment to cheerful, relaxed service is key, as is the idea of space. Indeed, at Alila Jakarta, even when the hotel is full, it never seems crowded. That is a rare achievement in a 164-room hotel in a city center.

Jalan Pecenongan Kav 7-17, Jakarta 10120, Indonesia.

tel: +62 21 231 6008

fax: +62 21 231 6007

jakarta@alilahotels.com

www.alilahotels.com