Could be nice when it is fully open
Written: Dec 26 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfy room, nice colonial feel
Cons: Limited dining, outdoor breakfast
The Bottom Line: Doesn't achieve all it tries to. But at least it tries.
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| vodkaboy's Full Review: G H Universal Hotel, Bandung, Indonesia |
Bandung is a city about three hours drive from Jakarta, and the hills are a popular weekend retreat for Jakartans to escape the hustle and bustle, the pollution or the humidity that is Jakarta. Banding is also known for shopping, thanks to its multitude of factory outlets offering (mostly) almost perfect pieces of (mostly) genuine designer labels.
So where to stay? Several international chains do have properties in Bandung but there are many independent hotels as well. Of course, lots of things are best when they are open...hearts, minds, arms (legs?)...and of course hotels. The G H Universal first opened its doors in May 2008 and is gradually slowly opening bit by bit, with the 'full, grand opening' scheduled for some time in 2009. When I stayed there much of the hotel was functional, but there were some gaps. Overall, though, it has promise.
Arrival
The G.H. Universal is up a hill in central Bandung with a view over much of the city. G.H. stands for Green Hills, apparently, so it rather appropriate.
I arrived by road and, after the final battle against traffic, turned into the gate. To the left, on the wall, was a notice partly obscured by low hanging branches of a tree, announcing 'Soft Opening in May 2008'. To the right was the hotel, four stories high, with a design that was an eclectic mix of faux-colonial stlyes - Georgian windows, Victorian domes and almost Romanesque layout, finished in a rather odd shade of grey. The actual entrance was incongruously floor to ceiling window the length of the lobby.
Inside, the lobby lounge was again a mix of styles, with large, brown, stuffed armchairs reminiscent of Victorian libraries contrasting with modern, straight-lined sofas and the black marble steps and blackcurrant walls of the reception area. The windows opposite the entrance look out onto the pool, which is in a central courtyard with accommodation on all four sides.
Check in was quick, the staff welcoming and I was offered a welcome glass of juice from a couple of dispensers on a table to one side. Later in the day I saw assorted pastries on the same table, complimentary lobby snacks.
Having got my key I was offered assistance to the room, which I declined, and was pointed towards the lifts to one side. My room was in the further block, at the far end of the pool, so I went up to the third floor then walked along an open corridor overlooking the pool to get there.
The Room
The door was opened by electronic key card, which then had to be dropped into a slot by the door to switch on the electricity to the room.
The design was standard - cupboards on one side, bathroom on the other, then opening up into a room with bed on one side and desk/TV etc on the other. No surprises here then. However, there were some points that I noticed.
First, the room was a little above average size; not vast, but comfortable. The drapes and colours seemed to be aiming partly for colonial - black marble tiled floor, white wooden panel walls to waist hight then brown above; burgundy imitation velvet curtains over the windows. The bed was made up with plain white bed linen, with a black lace throw across it, and a plain white headboard; behind the headboard were closed burgundy curtains, and over them green shiny curtains that were half opened, giving the appearance that the bed was in front of a draped window. There was also a white arm chair, and black and white bedside tables. An eclectic and bright mix of styles.
Opposite the bed was a long counter incorporating the suitcase stand and work desk, white with black marble top, and a white chair. Mounted on the wall was a flat screen TV.
There was a split air conditional on the wall, with the remote control mounted below; on the counter was a kettle and tea/coffee. But - there was not one electricity socket near the counter - the nearest was at floor level in the corner which meant placing the kettle on the floor, or moving a laptop to one side of the counter making work impossible. Silly, silly, silly. Under the counter was a small fridge containing the minibar, which was empty.
The bathroom was a reasonable size, with a glass shower cubicle. There was a good selection of amenities including shaving kit, dental kit and more.
Overall the room was comfortable, if rather oddly designed. I'm tempted to say 'eclectic', my word of the week, but I will refrain.
Facilities, food and drink
I searched the room but there was no standard information pack telling guests what is going on or what services are available, just a basic room service menu. So I wandered.
The obvious start was the outdoor pool, a good size but a bit cold. There were no deckchairs around, but there were plenty of tables at one end and a counter where drinks or food could be ordered and, one level up, a room at one side seemed to double up as a restaurant.
Up on the roof it got more interesting. At one end was what appeared to be a children's play area, with several castle-like towers and slides. Nearby was a small lounge and, at the other end, another lounge where food can be served to let you enjoy a snack with a view.
Breakfast was served at the top end of the pool, outdoors, with a very extensive buffet offering fruits, yoghurts, pastries, breads, western and Indonesian cooked dishes of eggs, rice, noodles, sausages etc and also some local specialities. It was a good breakfast but I did notice a lot of flies buzzing around some of the dishes.
I was told that there was a gym available and also a massage service, but I didn't see it anywhere. Perhaps once the hotel is fully open, it will be more obvious.
Service and other
The service overall was quite good. The people seemed to be friendly and welcoming, which made up for most of the shortcomings. Two housekeeping staff were very amused that I couldn't figure out the tap in the basin (you have to press it, I was told) but they were cheerful and pleasant and made sure that I had all I needed before leaving. Likewise poolside, if something was not available they went to look for it, so it took a while but they made the effort.
There is a wireless LAN in the hotel, which sadly doesn't seem accessible in the bedroom but works poolside and in the lobby.
Summary
At first glance a somewhat odd, even eclectic (Ha, I said it again!) mix of influences, which almost masks what seems to be an attempt to be a bit different and nostalgic. The rooms are comfortable, though there is a basic flaw in not having a power socket near the kettle! I'm not sure of all that it will offer, as there was no info in the room and the website is not complete yet either! However, while this hotel does not yet deliver its potential, or even have a promise yet, it looks like it could be good when it does.
Recommended:
Yes
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vodkaboy
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