Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Wyndham Casablanca is my go-to second home whenever I visit my family in Jakarta. I was first introduced to this place by my cousin, who lives in the apartment right beside the hotel, and ever since then, I’ve always found myself returning to it.
Today, I want to share some afterthoughts about my stay, particularly from the perspective of someone who spends most of his time in the hotel editing videos, writing, reading, and basically doing everything on my MacBook.
Let me start by sharing the only thing I don't quite like about this place.
The rooms are inconsistent
After spending a few years coming back to Wyndham Casablanca, I've stayed in their basic rooms most of the time, both smoking and non-smoking. These days, I mostly go for non-smoking rooms because I don't want to smell as if I've sprayed myself with some brand-new, ashtray-scented perfume every time I head out.
Yes, the rooms can be inconsistent. Here are a few examples:
Warm water sometimes takes a while to come through, and occasionally, it doesn't work at all.
The toilet light wouldn't turn off. The switch would just make the lights flicker, but they'd stay on.
Housekeeping didn't clear my room-service meal from the previous night, even after I contacted the front desk to ask them to remove it. It was still there.
Construction noise from the unit above started around 2 pm, which wasn't ideal since I spend most of my time working in my room.
In short, these are some of the minor issues I've encountered during my years of staying here on and off.
Were they major problems? Nope. They're relatively small things that I can easily overlook. But since this is a review and someone might stumble upon this blog while deciding where to stay, I thought I'd mention them so they know what to expect rather than be caught by surprise.
Now, on to the good parts!
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Welcome back!
To be honest, I hadn't been back to Jakarta for quite some time. So imagine my surprise when, upon checking in, a staff member welcomed me back.
It's a small gesture, but it means a lot to a returning guest. You see, it's these little things that can trigger emotions, especially when you're an avid traveller. Hearing those two words somehow makes you feel like you're home.
Okay, I hope that makes sense. Haha.
As usual, the front desk staff are always ready to assist, patiently welcoming you and doing their best to put a smile on your face. And to me, this is important. Front-line staff matter!
Even the door guys and security staff never fail to greet you and open the doors for you. To the point where I sometimes feel guilty about leaving and entering the hotel repeatedly just because I want to smoke.
Haha. Sorry, guys!
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
The outdoor pool area
I always prefer a change of environment when I'm working on my MacBook. I can't stay cooped up in my hotel room 24/7, so you'll often find me sitting by the pool or in the outdoor restaurant area, working, thinking, questioning my life, asking myself even more questions about life, and occasionally killing mosquitoes.
You know, the usual stuff.
What intrigues me most is how the manager still remembers me after all this time. It's always a joy to return to somewhere you know you're recognised. Somewhere that feels familiar. Somewhere you know there are friendly faces.
Now, let's talk about the most important thing: the restaurant itself, Riva.
How's the food?
I'd say exceptional. Okay, I'm probably being biased here, but the seafood bisque is exceptional. I've had THREE bowls of it!
Love it.
I also love the grilled chicken, but I'm not so keen on the lamb chops because mine tend to come with a little too much fat.
(A poor FAT lamb got slaughtered, only to end up reluctantly landing on my plate. What a way to go.)
In short, I'm probably not the best person to review the restaurant's food because I'm usually found outside, near the bar, sipping on my iced peppermint tea.
BUT THE SEAFOOD BISQUE THOUGH.
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Freshly renovated rooms!
The moment I entered my room during my recent stay, something felt different. It smelled different, looked different, and somehow felt different.
Wait a minute. Is that a new toilet bowl?
They've renovated the rooms!
The rooms feel much more spacious now, and everything looks fresh and clean. Don't get me wrong, the rooms have always been clean, but with the fresh coat of paint and the updated interiors, everything feels a little more polished.
They've even added a cool door display!
One thing I'd point out, though, is that the doors feel rather hollow and thin. They go BOOM when you close them unless you're careful enough to shut them quietly, like a ninja.
Other than that, I love the room. The temperature is comfortable, the Wi-Fi is fast, and the mattress is soft and comfy.
Oh, and did I mention the new toilet bowls?
Man, the previous ones were bad... hehe. I won't elaborate further.
There's also a new showerhead, although, funnily enough, my shower knob fell out.
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
Wyndham Casablanca Jakarta - Photo by Author
5. The return of the king
Will I return to Wyndham Casablanca?
Yeah, of course!
It ticks every box on my checklist, which consists of only TWO things, actually. I'm a simple dude.
Comfort.
An outdoor area where I can sit and work.
Haha.
But all jokes aside, I feel that Wyndham Casablanca gives you a taste of what a five-star hotel experience can feel like without having to pay an exorbitant price.
Of course, no place is perfect, but what I appreciate is that they do make improvements.
I remember having an issue with the Wi-Fi once, so I left a review on the Agoda app. Surprisingly, within a few minutes, someone from the front desk called me and explained that I'd been using the wrong Wi-Fi network.
Damn, that was fast.
See? They do try to make things better.
And that's something I appreciate. It's nice to see a hotel that responds to feedback and makes an effort to improve the guest experience. In a small way, it feels like I'm part of their growth, part of their journey.
Who knows? One day, I might even get to be part of their flying beds!
You'll never know. Haha.
Long story short, if you're visiting Jakarta, I'd say give Wyndham Casablanca a try and spend a night or two here.
You might just find yourself coming back, like I do.
And if you happen to see someone sitting by the pool with a MacBook, sipping iced peppermint tea and looking like he's questioning all his life decisions, that might just be me.
Come say hi!
THAT SEAFOOD BISQUE THOUGH!!!