Hotels in Indonesia are finding ways to boost their bottomline by introducing food delivery services and self-isolation schemes, following the implementation of the government’s physical distancing policy.

The Aryaduta Hotels, for example, offers a Comfort in Self-Isolation programme for guests who are asymptomatic and looking for a place to isolate themselves within the 14-day virus incubation period. The programme includes accommodation and three meals a day.

Greg Allen, president of Aryaduta Group, said in a statement: “Our staff are well-trained to follow strict protocol regarding physical distancing and hygiene. Implementation of these protocols have been advised by Siloam Hospital Group to minimise risk of exposure.”

Staff will not enter rooms dedicated for self-isolation and will not have direct contact with guests. Meal deliveries will be left at the door.

The hotel will arrange a free transfer to a Siloam Hospital for any guest who becomes symptomatic.

Similarly, Pandanaran Hotel Semarang is also offering a 14-day Luxury Self Isolation Package which includes three meals and two snacks per day, while Holiday Inn Express Jakarta Matraman has the WFH (work from hotel) package, allowing guests to work from the comfort of their rooms with high-speed Internet access.

In the meantime, a number of properties have rolled out promotions for customers to enjoy their favourite cuisine at home. For instance, Hotel Mulia Bali offers 50 food selections that will be delivered to customers’ doorsteps.

As well, The Alana Hotel & Conference Center Sentul City has launched a delivery menu for residents in Sentul City, Bogor. Its director of sales and marketing, Meirani Handayani, said that the move was to bolster business and avoid layoffs amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

While Alana only serves the community around the hotel, The Jayakarta SP Hotel & Spa Jakarta has cast its net wider by collaborating with Go-food, Go-Jek’s food delivery arm.

Its general manager, Rahadian Firmansyah, explained: “With the current condition, it is difficult for us to rely on income from room bookings. Therefore, we focus on increasing revenue from food and beverage.”

Since the outbreak hit the city, the F&B income of The Jayakarya SP Hotel & Spa has nose-dived by 50 per cent. “We hope that this delivery service can minimise losses.”

Similar expectations were echoed by Pramita Sari, director of communications at Parador Hotels & Resorts, which has also rolled out a delivery service as an alternative source of revenue.

Pramita shared that the service was first rolled out at Ara Hotel, one of the brand’s properties, on March 18, and saw “pretty good” response. Following that, the hotel group introduced similar services at Atria Hotel Gading Serpong and Fame Hotel Gading Serpong.

Through its #MakanDirumahAjaKamiyangAntar (Just eat at home, we deliver) campaign, Parador reached residents around Serpong and South Tangerang. “We are targeting families, boarding students and employees who are still working in the South Tangerang area.”