Hotel Review: La Di Da Di, We Like to Party at the Shangri La, Jakarta

Big Suites, a 6 Foot Tall Japanese Chick and BATS is Filled Wall to Wall With Girls

I should have written this article a while ago. I’ve logged enough nights there that I’m a Golden Circle member (an invitation only benefits club they have). When I first met Mr. Smith he told me enough about Jakarta that I HAD to go check it out. So when it was time to go to Jakarta I asked him where should I stay.

He gave a few options, the Mulia, the Ritz Carlton, the Shangri La, all hotels with comparable prestige, comfort and prices. Ultimately I made my choice by researching the clubs located at the hotels. After reading a few articles on BATS the decision was made to stay at the Shang.

Now when I booked my suite the option of being picked up in a limo at the airport was their (and if you read my “Cebuano Poker Face” article you know I love big signs with my name on them). This was a nice plus in my book, but Mr. Smith was there to pick me up and help me with my bags (actually his driver picked up all the bags and did all the driving so it kinda was like limo service).

We got to the Shang and immediately bag boys were there to pick up my suitcases and get me to the check in. The people at the desk asked me my name punched a few keys on the computer and then disappeared for a few seconds to go fetch someone. I stood there with Mr. Smith just appreciating the nice lobby. It was a trip for me, being my first time in Jakarta.

First thing I noticed was that all the female hotel employees were good looking (good looking employees is something I would find to be a staple in Asian cities, I’m guessing there not big union people). The lobby/lounge area was very tranquil as it’s surrounded by huge windows on the outside of which were green foliage. In the middle of the room was a grand piano and it was being played well. Very, very peaceful setting.

Out of nowhere came this 6 foot tall Japanese chick who was gonna handle my check in. “All right!!!! I get my own 6 foot tall Japanese chick for check in!!! This is the bomb!!!”

This is what happens when you check into a suite instead of a regular room. Also, the check in isn’t in the lobby, it’s in your room. So, we got in the elevator with her and gave her a hard time for being so tall. Got to my room and sat on the couch while she prepped my paperwork to sign. After a signature she showed me my room.

The suites (one bedroom suite) at the Shang are awesome. Its 88 sq meters with two bathrooms, a living room, a huge bedroom and a separate shower and tub. The furniture is very nice and the décor is very classy. You get two 40in LCDs (one in the bedroom and one in the living room) and a minibar that has a good mixture of beers and liquors. With a suite you get a ton of extras that really kick ass. Free breakfast, access to the Horizon Club, health club, hot and cold Jacuzzi, saunas, a putting green, limousine service, cigar shop and a 24-hour clinic just to name a few.

For dining there’s a few options here other than the delicious in room menu that they have. There’s the Rosso where me and Mr. Smith had a tasty Italian meal. There’s Nadaman where Japanese cuisine is served and like 2 other restaurants (SATOO and the Shang Palace) that I have yet to eaten at.

The Shang has 3 lounges (the pool lounge, the lobby lounge and BATS), the first two being very accommodating areas to have a peaceful drink and smoke expensive cigars.

BATS, however, is the place to go for a bit of excitement. The first night I went to BATS with Mr. Smith, there were hot chicks dancing on the bar in the cutest little Hooters-like outfits. The music is live and loud and there are always more chicks then dudes in this joint (and that’s not an exaggeration). Basically, as long as the chicks aren’t wearing hotel uniforms they can be shagged (and sometimes even the hotel employees can be).

The Shangri La is basically a one stop shopping center for all your desires. Though I wouldn’t recommend it, you could spend days at only the hotel and still leave Jakarta having a very good time. This is definitely the hotel of choice for first time travelers to Jakarta if you can afford the rates (usually between 250 and 350 US a night depending on the season for a suite). I’m gonna be there again in about 3 weeks.

If you see me in BATS say what’s up. The first rounds on me. Some Room Piks:

Suite Entrance

Suite Main Living Area

Guest Bathroom

Suite Bedroom

Suite Bedroom View

Suite Bedroom Bathroom

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Anthony Otomo is an IT contractor living a somewhat nomadic lifestyle (traveling wherever the money takes him). He is currently working in Iraq and plans to put down roots in Jakarta, Indonesia in the near future. He is happily divorced with a daughter.

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