Mandarin Oriental Hotel Majapahit, Surabaya

6 August 2006

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Majapahit

 
The Hotel Majapahit was the first of many surprises that Surabaya had for me on this trip. The historic property was built in 1910 by the Sarkies Brothers, the same people who built the Strand in Yangon, the Eastern & Oriental in Penang and Raffles in Singapore. It was here that the battle for Indonesian independence was sparked off after World War II when returning colonial powers raised the Dutch flag over the hotel.

The once run-down hotel was recently restored to its former glory. The restoration appears to have been quite faithful to the original. Rooms are rather large, with wood and marble floors, brass toggle light switches and mosquito nets around the bed. However, that doesn't mean you have to give up any of the modern conveniences, such as televisions, mini-bars or internet access.

Although comprising only 150 guest rooms, the hotel is quite large, since no part of the original structure was more than two floors. The general layout is a little bit like a monastery. The guest rooms are arranged along an open-air sort of "cloister" which surrounds a rather church-like central building housing the ballroom and presidential suite. The lobby at the front of the complex was apparently added later, and is in a more art deco style.

My deluxe room had a sort of "sitting room" with sofa, two chairs, a coffee table and desk taking up about half the space. This was separated from the sleeping area by a wood and glass partition. The bathroom was bigger than some entire hotel rooms I've stayed in over the years, with a large vanity, separate tub and shower, and an enclosed toilet. The room was entered through a small terrace, providing additional outdoor seating.

Hotel facilities include a large swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, spa and two restaurants. There's also a bar, business center and full meeting facilities.

Rooms feature air conditioning, hot and cold water, mini-bars, complementary coffee and tea, color televisions (mostly local channels), internet access, hair dryer and IDD telephones.

Pluses: Excellent location, near some large shopping centers and many sights. Friendly and very helpful staff. Reasonable security.

Minuses: None that I could find.

If you'd like to see more photos of Hotel Majapahit, see our online photo gallery.

Rooms at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Majapahit may be booked through the link below.
 

Majapahit Hotel Surabaya

A historical landmark in Indonesia's second-largest city, the Hotel Majapahit, Surabaya, is an oasis of serenity in downtown Surabaya. The seat of the East Java provincial government, Surabaya is a hub of business activity in Eastern Indonesia and is home to one of the busiest ports in the country. The acclaimed Hotel Majapahit in Surabaya was designed in the Dutch-period style and built in 1910 by the famous Sarkies brothers. Extensively refurbished by the Mandarin Oriental, many of the original features have been maintained, including stained-glass windows, terrazzo floors and colonial-style balconies and verandas. The hotel features 110 magnificent guestrooms along with 40 deluxe suites, many with private garden terraces. The hotel also offers 20 Majapahit Club guestrooms featuring exclusive butler service, along with one of the largest and most opulent Presidential Suites in Asia. All guestrooms are beautifully furnished with original art and antiques, and opulent gold and marble Majapahit bathrooms. Evening turndown service is provided, and all guests can enjoy complimentary breakfasts. The Hotel Majapahit is home to Indigo Restaurant and Bar, the hotel's signature restaurant serving European, Asian and international favorites. Other dining options include Sarkies Seafood Restaurant; the Bar Palem, a poolside refuge serving drinks and snacks; the Lobby Lounge, with live piano music and afternoon tea buffets or evening cocktails; and Toko Deli, the hotel's cake shop and delicatessen. The Hotel Majapahit houses a luxurious spa designed by Martha Tilaar and features body treatments that reflect the local Surabaya culture. The hotel also offers a comprehensive sports center with a gym, tennis courts and pool. Other amenities include fully equipped conference and banquet facilities for up to 450 guests, business center and extensive landscaped courtyards.