Mercure Hotel Rekso
Hayam Wuruk Jakarta
Jalan Hayam Wuruk No 123 11160
JAKARTA - INDONESIA
Hotel code : 2013
Tel : (+62)21/6248680
Fax : (+62)21/6008441
reservation@mercure-rekso.com
http://www.mercure.com/mercure/fichehotel/gb/mer/2013/fiche_hotel.shtml

I have never stayed here, but know some people that have and it appears to be a good second option if other hotels in the area are full.

This four star hotel is older, but it is in a good location and within walking distance from Stadium and Lokasari.

You should be able to get a room here in the $40 to $50 a night range.

I decided to start this thread mainly so I could post my picture of it from Monas.

The shot is grainy because I had to crank up the digital zoom all the way to 15X.

Picture below.

I'd avoid the Rekso if possible. There are only two elevators to service some 18-odd floors, and the wait can take forever. And I'd strongly advise those who do have to stay there to not eat in the hotel's restaurant. You have been warned.

This is the hotel I usually stay at, and did so this last trip for about a week. Stayed in the Deluxe, which is just bigger than the standard.

As Mura stated, some guys don't like the place for its 2 elevators and the restaurants have gone downhill. Bfast is a mess.

But the pluses that keep me coming back:

Location, Location, Location: it is walking distance to most Kota hangouts. Traffic is often very bad in Kota most hours. Stadium disco is 3 blocks away and Lokasari is about 10 minute walk (Bintang Mawara, TC, etc). I walked to Malioboro spa which was about 20 minutes. Penjay is about 10 minutes by moto.

Friendly, helpful staff (most spoke English and were very responsive). Everyone knew my name after a few days and the security dudes were giving me thumbs up each time I brought a gal (mayabe too chica friendly).

Good business center (1st floor), open 8ish to 11pm with computers.

In-room wi-fi, slow but got work down. Costs 100k per day.

GET rooms away from big street (hayam waruk).

Mostly locals stay here, its a "4" star. Rooms are clean, a bit old, quiet and service exceptional.

There are many good restaurants walking distance, i.e. Imperial chef (expensive), Shabu Shabu, Pizza Hut, KFC.

They have BlueBird Taxis at all hours, as well as motos outside the hotel.

IN Room Safes as well as lobby safe boxes.

Beds are large, nicely furnished.

MINUSES: 2 eleveators only, but I really only had problems during busy hours (5-7 pm).

Bad restaurant and bfast is not worth 85k.

Security is good, but not as draconian as the South Jakarta hotels. Perhaps b/c there are very few Westerners that stay here and less likely a "target".


TIPS: KAHA travel (at the airport kiosk as you leave luggage pickup) usually has specials and discounts. Bfast not worth it.

Take motos everywhere, a bit dangerous but taxis get stuck in traffic. Pay the extra 100k (10bucks) to get 24 hour broadband.

Be sure to ask for the non-smoking floor, the smoking floor is smelly and full of loud drunkards.

(Message edited by merlin on December 03, 2008)

Mercure will complete 2 new, outside lifts by the end of July 09, which is sorely needed. Inadequate Elevators were getting to be a bigger problem.

Internet is now free in the rooms, broadband connections.

Still like the place as you can walk to Kota places. Rooms on the upper floors are always quiet, no disco or nightclubs like other places.

Sign up for the Accor membership rewards program.

Wow, that is fantastic news. Will definitely do wonders to improve the experience there.

Mercure's new elevators really, really improved things here. NOw there is hardly a wait. 4 out of 6 elevators are up and running. Slighter more of a delay during check in and checkout times, but nowhere near the intolerable waits as before. I'd imagiene if they get all six elevators up and running things will get better. Wnose also stayed here and was happy w/ locatiion.

BTW: Wnose recommended a site with some of the best values I've come across. Agoda.com. Even the accor site had 71/night deluex but Agoda got me a deal for $61/nite. Agoda beat out Kaha Travel kiosk by a few dollars also. Similar deals for superior (standard rooms. Agoda is Asia-wide. M

Hotels.com now calls this Mercure Jakarta Kota ... I think I ended up paying about 40USD per night this past June (ramadan).

Reviews said the hotel had been a little run-down, but I thought it was better than ever, and still great location. I didn't try the restaurant.

In room hi speed wi-fi a HUGE upgrade from what I remember a decade past!

pool/gym area was functional and remarkable for the price of the room.

Were any of the good old venues in the area still functioning? Stadium? Hotel Travel? The ones by the shopping center, forget their names?

Hunterman, I foolishly (and unknowingly) went during Ramadan. Hotel Travel was the only game in town, and same as ever with girls quite bule friendly.

Stadium closed last year. All the Penjay places (LA Bar, Sari Ayu, Royal) are still there. Hotel Melawai had girls hooking out of rooms in the hotel during Ramadan, but they were too mature for even my taste!