World Report

Le Meridien has elegant decor and a wide range of facilities

akarta’s Le Meridien Hotel, part of the prestigious international hotel group, is the place to stay during a visit to the Indonesian capital. Located in the heart of the city’s financial district and opposite the World Trade Centre, the hotel is ideally placed for both business and recreation.

Just 25 minutes from the airport, Le Meridien offers a unique blend of intimate surroundings and elegant decor, and has a remarkable range of facilities. It is home to the only penthouse in the world that is integrated with a 100-year-old handmade, wood-carved Javanese Kudus house. The views of downtown Jakarta from the top floors are stunning.

General Manager Francis Zimmerman remains confident about prospects for the local tourism sector despite recent setbacks. He says that the most important thing is that business is still coming into Jakarta.

“It’s good to see that business volume is increasing. The other industries that are supporting us
have also been doing quite well. At the end of the day Jakarta is primarily a business city,” he explains.
The international five-star hotel, which offers a blend of local and European design, provides a full range of amenities to guests, including restaurants, bars and health spa facilities.

There are constant refinements to stay ahead of the competition. Mr Zimmerman says this means being
creative and responding to the challenges of an ever-changing market. “Our customers change all the time. They are always looking for something fresh. We need to stay ahead so we can ensure that we always meet their expectations.”

Francis Zimmerman
General Manager Le Meridien Hotel
‘We must stay ahead so that we can meet our customers’ expectations’

Jean Louis Ripoche
Former General Manager Le Meridien Hotel
‘I think that Jakarta is a great place to do business’

Questions of security have been addressed and measures taken to reassure guests. The number of security personnel has been doubled and new equipment has been installed. “It is important to make sure our customers feel safe,” says Mr Zimmerman.

Jean Louis Ripoche, the hotel’s former General Manager, insists that prospects are still bright. “I think that Jakarta is a great place to do business,” he says. “It has some unique cultural aspects and some great resort areas are only one hour’s flight away. It’s all going to grow in the future.”

Le Meridien wants to establish itself as the city’s premier address for travellers. With an intimate service offering that is more like a boutique environment, and a prime location, it is in top spot. Mr Ripoche says the hotel offers a real difference. “It’s about being the Le Meridien.”