I stayed at the Manhattan Hotel in early March, when we had a business function that was held here. It is in the Kuningan/Casablanca embassy district of the Golden Triangle in Jakarta, just a city block from the Mall Ambassador, and virtually opposite the JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton Hotels.

I find it hard to see what the previous reviewers found appealing about this hotel. I booked into one of the cryptically named "Venus and Mark Suites" at a discounted corporate rate of US$70 + 21% tax. It wasn't really a suite - just a reasonably sized room with large bathroom. Apparently the kitchenettes are only with the larger suites.

I have stayed in a number of 4 and 5 star hotels in Jakarta, and certainly appreciated the significantly better facilities in them, than were apparent at the Manhattan. The hotel definitely takes minimalism too far, as it seems to extend into the area of guest services as well as room decoration.

The lobby is more like that of a large office building than a modern 4 star hotel in Jakarta. The reception desk was almost always undermanned, and guests had to wait a long time to be seen to. When I asked for a map, both the receptionist and concierge were surprised, and found it difficult to find one. Surprisingly for a business hotel there was no iron or ironing board in my room, and although it was delivered quite promptly after requesting it, it was also taken away again very quickly once I had used it.

There is a lobby shop and lobby bar downstairs, along with a small business centre, but little else. The main cafe is on the third floor. the hotel has a number of other upmarket restaurants located on upper floors although I did not eat at them.

Breakfast was reasonable without being generous in selections, although it could take a long time to be seen to at lunch. The conference facilities were good quality. There is a rather tired spa facility on an upper floor, which also access the very small infinity rooftop pool.

Broadband internet in the rooms must be prepurchased on timed vouchers from the reception desk.

This hotel is promoted with the advertising byline of "The Hotel That Never Sleeps!" but when I arrived at 11pm it was well and truly in bed. The lobby was in virtual darkness with most of the lights turned off, the lobby bar was closed, and even the receptionist could not arrange internet for my the night until the next morning. Totally unacceptable for a 4 star business hotel in the inner city.

In future I will choose a hotel with more extensive facilities and guest services, as there are many in this area of Jakarta for a similar price.