I arrived at the Mercure Bandung Setiabudi, one of the city’s newest hotels, fascinated to find a tropical setting up in the highlands, where young families were enjoying a weekend getaway.
Words: Abby Yao
Located between the city centre and the suburb of Lembang, Mercure Bandung Setiabudi is a contemporary home away from home, with warm and efficient service. Design elements throughout the property revealed the classic Mercure aubergine colour with pear and olive-green accents, while traditional art pieces gave the hotel a distinctly Indonesian touch. A steel installation depicting the Sundanese legend of Tangkuban Perahu greeted me at the front door, while statues of gamelan (ensemble featuring xylophones, and percussion, wind and string instruments) musicians added character to the lobby.
In my Privilege room, I found a fabulous art piece: a mural based on a pen-and-watercolour sketch of Gedung Merdeka, a historic building housing the Museum of the Asia-African Conference. But what captivated me most was the view from my balcony. Aside from the pool, I could see the peaks of both the volcanic Tangkuban Perahu Volcano and Mount Burangrang in the distance – a truly spectacular sight!
I was also happy to discover that Wi-Fi was not only available in my room but through-out the hotel, enabling total connectivity for business and leisure guests. The hotel also boasted a spa and fitness centre, as well as a Kids Club, which offered fun activities like the Cutest Chef programme, allowing little ones to put their creativity to the test by decorating cupcakes. There was also a cool lineup of weekend activities, including Zumba and aerobics for adults. But, without a doubt, Mercure’s heated pool was everyone’s favourite spot. Preferring to have the pool to myself, I waited till after dark to swim under the stars. Floating on my back and looking up at the moon high above made me feel that all was well in the world.
The wholesome Mercure experience is complemented by its generous F&B offerings that really make guests feel at home. Besides the bajigor (Sundanese coconut milk and palm sugar drink), bandrek (Sundanese ginger, palm sugar and cinnamon beverage), jasmine tea and coffee available in every room, guests in Privilege rooms are entitled to complimentary drinks from the mini bar, two drinks from the So’ren Lobby Bar and high tea! Yes, Mercure really knows how to pamper its guests.
Dining options at the hotel are also aplenty. Not to be missed is the breakfast at Hardy’s Dining Room. On a chilly Bandung morning, the hot noodle soup here is an ideal starter, while beef rendang (beef cooked in a rich broth of coconut milk and spices), soy chicken and tempe mendoan (deep-fried fermented soybean cakes) offer an introduction to local flavours. Other Indonesian specialties include traditional fritters, mie goreng (fried noodles) and sweet treats like dodol (coconut taffy), pisang goreng (banana fritters) with cheese and chocolate, and even a make-your-own es campur (shaved ice dessert) bar. In true Indonesian fashion, waffles and pancakes here are topped with chocolate sprinkles and grated cheese!
Hardy’s dinner menu is equally impressive. I opted for the house specialty: iga bakar (grilled beef) served with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables. The tender, flavourful ribs came sprinkled with slices of fried garlic and a creamy turmeric sauce. I also ordered the month’s special: kurma (date) smoothie. The concoction was a delicious blend of dates and yoghurt, topped with whipped cream and a dried date – heaven in a glass!
On my last day, I enjoyed a dim sum breakfast at Jing Paradise, the hotel’s popular Chinese restaurant. While feasting on a pickled mango appetiser, har gow (shrimp dumplings), steamed chicken siew mai (dumplings) with to-biko (flying fish roe), crunchy deep-fried prawns with mayonnaise, and the star dish – deep-fried barbecued chicken bun, with a delicate crust and sweet and sour filling – I overheard two groups of guests joyously celebrating birthdays. Special moments are meant to be shared with family, and here in Bandung, I’d found just the place.
MERCURE BANDUNG SETIABUDI
Address: JL Dr Setiabudi No269, 40154, Bandung
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