Theft at five-star hotel<\/p>\n
I would like to draw the attention of The Jakarta Post readers
\nto security arrangements in Gran Melia here in Jakarta.<\/p>\n
On April 3, 1998, my mobile phone was stolen while I sat in
\nthe lobby of that hotel reading a newspaper, so beware, do not
\nrelax at Gran Melia Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Once the theft came to my attention, no hotel security
\npersonnel were available in the lobby to assist me and it took a
\nconsiderable time before the assistant manager came to see what
\nhad happened.<\/p>\n
I was ushered into the security room, which was full of
\nmonitors but devoid of security guards. The guard on duty had to
\nbe called out of the changing room because he wanted to go home.
\nWhat a \"five-star\" setup!<\/p>\n
I dialed the number of my mobile phone and it rang. I then
\nsuggested to security staff and the assistant manager that we try
\nthis again to see if we could pinpoint the thief by the noise or
\nif he or she was tempted into answering it.<\/p>\n
Nobody understood what I meant and all looked at me like I
\ncame from another planet.<\/p>\n
So, I duly filled out an accident report and left frustrated.<\/p>\n
For the next three weeks I received no response from the hotel
\nmanagement, so I phoned and spoke to the assistant manager again.
\nHe apologized for not getting back to me because he had been on
\nvacation.<\/p>\n
I lost my temper and demanded a written follow-up, which he
\nprovided the same day. He told me he was sorry -- what more could
\none expect.<\/p>\n
It made me wonder what entitles an hotel to describe itself as
\na five-star establishment and what its responsibilities regarding
\nhospitality, the promotion of tourism, and safety and security
\nactually are.<\/p>\n
It seems that my complaints finally reached the general
\nmanager, who then wrote me a letter.<\/p>\n
Greetings from Gran Melia Jakarta, he said -- I thought he was
\nbeing sarcastic -- then, after offering his sincere apologies,
\nsaid the hotel was not responsible for this kind of accident.<\/p>\n
I wonder how many other Gran Melia guests have had a similar
\nexperience?<\/p>\n
DIETER SPEER<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/theft-at-five-star-hotel-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }