Jakarta has seen a decline in hotels’ support for the government-initiated quarantine programme intended to accommodate Covid-19 patients with mild symptoms, following public backlash from fears of virus spread.
A total of 35 hotels had initially signed up for the programme, according to Krishnadi, chairman of Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) Jakarta chapter. However, the majority has since pulled out of the programme, after a wave of public objections threatened their business.
Of the six hotels that stuck to their decision to join the quarantine programme, half of them – Ibis Hotel, U Stay Hotel, and Grand Asia Hotel – are already hosting Covid-19 patients, said Krishnadi. Many hotels withdrew their participation as many of their existing guests proceeded to check out, and bookings were cancelled, after the news broke, he said.
The protests, he said, also came from shopping malls and apartments surrounding those hotels.
MaxOne Hotel on Jalan Sabang, a popular culinary centre in the heart of Jakarta, faced objections from the Jalan Sabang Residents’ Association for hosting some 25 patients in October, recalled its general manager, Andrianita Nainggolan.
After a mediation explaining the strict measures taken by the hotel to the residents’ association fell through, they decided to withdraw from the programme, Andrianita said.
Tauzia Hotels also pulled out its two properties – Pop! Hotel Tebet and Yello Hotel Harmoni Jakarta – from the programme after learning that participating hotels are barred from accepting regular guests during its duration. “We don’t want to sacrifice (existing) bookings,” shared its director of marketing, Irene Janti.
Nite & Day Hotel Jakarta Bandengan, on the other hand, back-pedalled on its decision to join after the hotel was left to sit empty as no patient was assigned to the property, and it could not accept bookings from regular guests, said Hera Adiwikarta Hady, director of sales and marketing, Milestone Pacific Hotel Group.
Meanwhile, the 130-room U Stay Hotel is running full occupancy, according to owner Nofel Saleh Hilabi.
He said the hotel’s decision to house Covid-19 patients did not meet with public objection, attributing the positive response to better understanding about the virus among residents of the hotel’s surrounding areas.
Saleh said: “They are well-informed about the strict health protocols implemented (in our hotel to ensure) that (this quarantine programme) does not spread (the virus) to the environment.”
Location
The iconic hotel stands in the prime area of Marina Bay, skirting the busy commercial districts. Despite its central location, the hotel served up a relaxing escapade, complemented by convenience, accessibility and sweeping city views.
The integrated resort is stocked with shops and restaurants running the gamut from local fare to Michelin-starred restaurants, spoiling guests with pampering choices for a comfortable and indulgent stay.
Rooms
Three towers of rooms present a variety of vistas, from Gardens by the Bay to Singapore’s iconic cityscape. I was given the Premier King Sky View Room, a 44m2 space complete with seating area and arresting city view. Its spacious bathroom boasted a large deep-soaking bathtub, as well as split shower and lavatory – especially convenient for sharing guests.
Due to Covid-19, all towels in the bathroom were individually packed in plastic for hygiene purposes. I personally wished to see a more environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative, especially as there was no card to indicate my preference to reuse my towels.
F&B
The integrated resort is bursting at the seams with award-winning restaurants, celebrity chef-helmed establishments and Michelin-starred offerings. On my visit, I had the privilege of enjoying several dining experiences, with three standout affairs: Japanese concept Koma, casual a la carte buffet at Rise and a contemporary Italian-American rooftop dinner at Lavo. All restaurants now provide disposable paper envelopes with which to store our masks.
Koma opened last year under the helm of Tao Group, which also operates the dramatic Marquee Nightclub. Enjoying a meal in Koma feels like dining in a private Japanese garden, with dedicated waiters and fusion Asian meals delighting the senses. Although sushi and sashimi are staples of Japanese dining, it would be remiss not to try some of its fusion fare. My personal favourites include the flavourful yellowtail ginger jalapeno, charred barbecued short rib and savoury miso-glazed eggplant.
At Rise, its popular buffet has been reconfigured into a more ‘pandemic-friendly’ concept. While dishes are now ordered and many served a-la-minute, the restaurant itself still displays its enticing spread and the chefs continue to prepare meals in full view of eager guests, protected by glass barriers. Dishes do take longer to arrive now, but freshness is ensured.
Finally, Lavo presented an unforgettable experience to top off the memorable staycation. At 57 storeys above the city, the Italian-American restaurant served a varied menu of surprising and delightful treats. My meal started off with an intriguing presentation of tuna tartare, served in mini cones but big on flavour. The penne seafood alfredo that followed was a deceptively simple, but creamy and lip-smacking dish. Though filled up by now, I chowed down the final prize: Oreo zeppole, double-stuffed and fried Oreo bites served with a bowl of malted vanilla milkshake.
Facilities
Being an integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands is fully fitted with conveniences and indulgences alike. The Premier King Sky View Room afforded me a faster and quieter check-in experience at the Check-In Lounge, as well as access to the exclusive Club 55 lounge.
The Infinity Pool – no doubt a centrepiece of the property – operates differently now with the pandemic in mind. Guests must book a slot to visit the pool, which is cleaned every other hour before the next cohort of visitors. Timings are limited, so guests are encouraged to book a slot as soon as they have made a room reservation.
Additionally, all entrances and exits of the hotel, the Shoppes, the train station and the ArtScience Museum are marked by SafeEntry gantries, and guests must scan their national identity card, or their TraceTogether app or token, in order to enter or leave that portion of the resort.
Guests looking for an extra experience can keep an eye out for the soon-to-come Sustainability & Art Guided Tour. This new offering takes guests through the lesser-known details of massive art installations and designs commissioned for the resort – some that even contribute to its environmental efforts. These include the iconic Rain Oculus, which collects and distributes rain water to an internal filtering system, as well as ‘hidden’ light sensors that optimise indoor lighting according to daylight.
Service
Hospitality is invariably a key product of this Sands property. Throughout my dining experiences, waitstaff and even chefs were happy to explain the concept of their dishes. Even housekeeping staff were extremely friendly and accommodating, checking on my preferred timing for cleaning as well as offering me extra minibar top-ups and amenities.
This outstanding service is what contributes to the signature experience, and sets the bar high for a luxury staycation.
Verdict
With its unforgettable dining experiences and hospitality, alongside its wealth of guest offerings such as the upcoming tour, Marina Bay Sands has maintained its standing even for a discerning local crowd. Its packages and promotions now make it a good deal for a pampering long weekend.
Number of rooms 2,561
Rate From S$540 (US$403)
Contact details
Tel: 65 6688 8868
Email: room.reservations@marinabaysands.com
Website: www.marinabaysands.com