Anyone ever stayed at the JW in Jakarta? I'm going to be in Jararta on business in August and am looking to stay there. I'm a Plat. member and have stayed at many Marriotts around the world, how does this one compare? Anyone have any insights on the hotel or city (other than its crowded and polluted) as this is my first visit to Jakarta? Thanks in advance.

I stayed there last weekend (when there was an anti-war demonstrated with almost a million people expected). It is an excellent 5 star hotel. Security is tight with all bags inspected at the front door and everyone going through a metal detector. The Oriental down the street did not have either of these security measures. The restaurants are all very good. I did not go to the executive lounge as I wasn't staying on the executive floor. My only complaint is that the gift shop is small and rather expensive.

The rooms are new and impressive; high ceilings with lots of light colored wood. The bathroom is very nice. Service is attentive and friendly. The english spoken there is fairly good. There is a pool, but I did not go there. I did not feel any animosity at the hotel because I am an American.

Oh, I forgot the best thing and the reason I stayed there. Even though it is a five star hotel, it is only rated a four (out of six), so I was able to use two free weekend night certificates earned in last fall/winter's stay three, get two promotion.

Free newspaper everyday (the Jakarta Post), one free drink in the Lounge (very nice lounge on the lobby floor), and more than 50 cable t.v. channels, mostly in english.

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bump.

Has anyone stayed here since the reopening? Thanks.

We met a couple while on vacation last week who live at the Hyatt there (17 months to date). We asked them about the JW, as that is where we would stay. They think it's an equally great hotel (as the Hyatt where they live). Security is much tighter, with added barriers so no cars can drive too close. The people in the area think they handled the bomb deal very very well. Apparently it would have been much worse if an employee had not become suspicious and pushed the guy back. All that to say this couple did not hesitate to recommend it.

Thanks.

So maybe they don't let taxis take you right to the front door or maybe they check all cars (this would be difficult) before they get too close.

They sure repaired the hotel quickly after the blast last year. The owner had promised it would be open within a couple of months and it was. They sent letters to people who had stayed there offering some special reopening deal (but not additional points!).