How to dine at a 5-star Jakarta hotel without getting ripped off?
qponx
2026-02-25
Want to dine at a 5-star Jakarta hotel without the hefty price tag? This guide reveals the secret to enjoying Le Gran Cafe at Hotel Gran Mahakam. Skip the surprisingly overpriced coffee and head straight for the extensive buffet, featuring everything from Western classics like Carbonara to local favorites like Kue Ape. The real trick is using a Panin Bank credit card for a buy-one-get-one-free deal, turning a lavish feast into an incredible bargain.
Girls, take my advice, whatever you do, don't just order coffee at a five-star hotel in Jakarta! The other day at Le Gran Cafe in the well-established five-star Hotel Gran Mahakam in the South, I was almost floored. The ambiance is genuinely nice—European retro style, carved staircases, making me feel like a chaebol heiress in an instant. But then I opened the menu, and an iced latte was 88k++[1]?! An Americano was 80k++[2]?! Anjay! That's more expensive than beer. Are the coffee beans plated in gold or something?
Just as I was about to complain about this "sky-high priced coffee," I discovered the right way to enjoy this place—the buffet!
Don't order à la carte, go straight for the buffet!
The buffet here is a whole other world! There are so many types of dishes that I was overwhelmed with choices—Japanese, Western, Korean, and local Indonesian food are all available[3]. I tried them for you:
Although the space isn't huge, it's comfortable enough[4], suitable for both family gatherings and romantic dates. No wonder even Miss Indonesia has been spotted here[5].
- Western Section: The Fish and chips[6] portion was surprisingly huge. The fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the accompanying salad even had a hint of orange flavor, which was very refreshing. The Carbonara[7] was also Mantap! The cream-to-cheese ratio was just right, and paired with smoked chicken, the flavor was super rich.
- Traditional Indonesian Snacks: You must try their signature Kue Ape[8]. It's made to order and is super delicious when served hot!
- Service: The service was also impeccable, so good it was almost overwhelming. The waiters would proactively come over to ask if you wanted to add anything, and they could even go to the stalls to get food for you. You don't even have to run back and forth yourself; you can just elegantly Nongkrong the whole time.
Let's be real (A guide to avoiding pitfalls)
Even though the buffet is amazing, I have to go back to that cup of coffee. The ridiculous price aside, the taste was also really mediocre[9], totally not worth its price tag. So, promise me, when you come here, just ignore the à la carte drink menu, okay!
Also, this hotel is quite charitable; they collaborate with the "Make-A-Wish" foundation for charity work[10], which is a nice bonus point.
The Ultimate Money-Saving Guide
Want to eat well without feeling the pinch? Take note of this key point!
Alright, I've given you the guide. Hurry and save this post, and next time, bring the right card to get a great deal at a five-star hotel
- 1. Don't hesitate, go for the buffet. Especially on weekends, if you bring kids, there's also a Kids Corner[11] where the little ones can have fun.
- 2. Use a credit card! This is the key! For example, there's a buy-one-get-one-free promotion with a Panin Bank credit card[12]. I went on a Saturday for dinner, and the original price was 590k/person[13]. With the deal, it came out to less than 300k per person, which is practically a steal for a five-star hotel!
- A 5-star hotel buffet[1] with Japanese, Western, Korean & local food for under 300k? What a steal!
- Crispy-tender Fish and chips[2] with a zesty orange salad. The Carbonara[3] is rich, with a Mantap cream & cheese balance.
- Staff bring food from the stations so you can Nongkrong in style. A hot spot for local beauty queens[4]
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