Hotel Grand Sahid Jaya: Modern and Traditional Concept

Carrying the concept of classical Java with international services.

The Sahid Jaya Grand Hotel is a hotel located at the heart of the city, in the Sudirman Street of Jakarta, with its historical journey. The five-starred hotel has become one of the top choices for business persons and also international tourists. Constructed in March 1974, the Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel presents something different from other five-starred hotels spread over the capital city. No such things as swanky structure and cold atmosphere will be encountered in this hotel of the Sahid Hotels network.

Upon entering the lobby area, the warmth of the room and the service of the greeter allow people to find a familiar sense. At the right side of the lobby, the café Bengawan Solo that is often used as a meeting point for guests is located. Since its first establishment to date; the Grand Sahid Jaya had always been consistent in carrying the concept of traditional Java that is filled with the values of cultures.

According to Shanti Setyaningrum, the Public Relations Manager of the Hotel, Grand Sahid Jaya is one of the five-starred hotel located in the business estate of Jakarta to carry the theme of traditional Java. The choice of concept has the goal to preserve the nation’s tourism and also introduce the culture of Javanese homeland to the guests, especially foreign guests.

To support the concept of classical Java, on one of the wall is placed the relief artifact of the Palapa Pledge and Five Pandavas. The white toned chisel relief spanned across the entrance area that is rather busy with commuting guests, and such is one of the ways used to introduce the nation’s history, while also utilized as part of the hotel’s interior decoration. Right opposing the artifact is the Deli Choice & Pastry that serves various breads and traditional cuisines.

As if to fulfill their guests’ wishes to the fullest, one of the renowned restaurant of Grand Sahid Jaya which is the Bengawan solo; serves Javanese and other traditional cuisines from across the nation. As an addition to the traditional Javanese ambience that is brought on the guests, every Wednesday afternoon, the flow of gamelan music could be heard all over the room. “Every Wednesday, at four o’clock, there is always a gamelan group that usually plays in Sukoharjo. But should the guest prefer to dine with the company of Javanese music, there is the Bengawan Solo that serves Indonesian cuisines,” Shanty explained.

Though locally concept, as a five-starred hotel, the Grand Sahid Jaya continues to put-forth services and comfort those are compatible to international hotels. According to Shanty, the hotel wishes to give out something different, with the hope that staying guests can feel the comfort homey atmosphere in traditional Javanese ambience. The hotel that holds 670 rooms also sets uniqueness in each of their rooms that is the combination of international facility and Indonesian traditional arts.

“We wish for the guests to feel comfortable as being in their own home. There aren’t many ornaments used in the room, the flooring is made of wood to give out a homier feel. As you can see, for now the Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel is the only Indonesian local hotel that is located in Sudirman Street, with the modern and cultural heritage interior,” elaborated the woman who has been in the hotelier industry for quite some time.

Various facilities are also provided to support the guests’ activities. One of the rather well-known facilities that present all-around classical Javanese artistic tradition is the ballroom namely the Puri Agung Convention Hall. Different from multi-function spaces in other hotels, the Puri Agung Convention Hall seems to take luxury to the max with the ceiling construction designed to resemble Javanese Joglo House. The space that is often used for various events can hold up to 3000 entries.

In fulfilling the needs of their guests, the Grand Sahid Jaya also has monthly themes enjoyable by the entire hotel guests. For instance, in welcoming the Ramadhan month, Shanty claimed that the Grand Sahid Jaya already arranges a Ramadhan program that provides rooming packaged with Islamic activities. The package covers godliness activities and various events that will add more to the tranquility during the whole month of Ramadhan.