Celebrate the countdown at five-star hotels

Celebrate the countdown at five-star hotels

Debbie A. Lubis, Contributor, Jakarta

Most people are aware of something they would like to change
about themselves, and new year's resolutions are considered to be
an effective instrument for personal improvement.
Some people like to go to a tranquil place to cherish the New
Year's countdown solemnly. Others like to hang out with their
friends around town or attend a lively party. But before
committing to your resolution, remember you have one last chance
to live-it-up.

For the upcoming New Year's Eve, star-rated hotels in Jakarta
have prepared a variety of entertainment packages for those who
like to spend the last night of the year with their partner,
friends or family. Such packages usually comprise of live music,
a gala dinner, door prizes, games, dancing, thematic costumes and
a balloon drop.

Crowne Plaza Jakarta plans to transform its lobby into the
"Ultimate Party Venue" and guests are expected to arrive in black
and white dress. With the entrance ticket of Rp 100,000 (about
US$12), guests will be entertained by non-stop music played by
local band D'SOTA until countdown time.

"Black and white are the 'eternity' colors. So we hope the
happiness brought by the festive event will be enduring. The
guests will be included in a lucky draw after the balloon drop at
midnight," said Tati Haryo, marketing services manager of Crowne
Plaza Jakarta. The lucky winners will get a free weekend at the
hotel or accommodation at Bali International.

The hotel also offers special packages at its food and
beverages venues. Each of the first 100 guests who reserve New
Year's Eve Package Rooms will receive two complimentary entry
tickets to RETRO night club on the lobby level. The entrance
ticket for the pub is worth Rp 150,000.

Meanwhile, Hotel Borobudur Jakarta offers special live
entertainment from the Plug & Play Band and an extravagant buffet
at the Pendopo Lounge for Rp 300,000, including first drink
(beer, juice or soft drink), starting from 7 p.m. to midnight.

The hotel's other restaurants such as Bruschetta Italian
Restaurant, Miyama Japanese Restaurant, Bogor Cafe and Singosari
Poolside Restaurant also offer special prices for guests during
New Year's Eve.

"To make the evening relaxing for parents there will be lots
of children's activities in the lobby, such as face painting,
(temporary) henna-tattoo application, a fortune teller and
competitions with attractive prizes," said Sarine Rajagukguk, the
hotel's public relations officer.

In addition, the hotel will provide special packages for those
who want to stay and enjoy a special dinner at the hotel while
counting down the hours, minutes (and finally!) seconds until
midnight.

Guests can enjoy the luxury of the hotel's lavish rooms at a
special price. Staying in a Deluxe Room is priced at Rp 1.6
million (for two persons) or Rp 1.2 million (per person) per
night. This package include an American buffet breakfast at Bogor
Cafe and a gala dinner at Miyama, Pendopo or Singosari Poolside
restaurant.

European classical opera will infuse the atmosphere of Le
Meridien Hotel with elegance and sophistication. With a door
charge of Rp 150,000, the lobby party will be the center of the
hotel's festivities. There will be a door-prize, balloon-drop at
midnight and live music from the Arnesia Band, popular for
playing R & B and also pop music.

"We provide the guests with masks, but we ask that they wear
black attire or European-style dress. Different masks will be
given to the patrons of each restaurant, cafe or bar. The lobby
party will also be organized with the same theme in mind. In
fact, we are so enthusiastic about our concept that even our
employees will abide by the dress-code," Anita H. Ilcken, the
hotel's public relations manager said.

La Brasserie cafe and Lemon Grass restaurant will embrace the
theme of 'Phantom of the Opera' for their gala dinner buffets.
Starting from 7.00 p.m., guests can enjoy live entertainment,
from strolling musicians to the Arnesia Band. The package is
worth Rp 350,000 for adults and Rp 175,000 for children. For
their special New Year's brunch buffet, La Brasserie will provide
a lavish international menu and strolling musicians, the menu
will cost Rp 135,000 for adults and just Rp 67,500 for children.

With the same price (and starting at the same time), adults
and children can also enjoy a festive belly dancer and live
Arabian music at Al Nafoura Lebanese Restaurant. The guests will
be provided with Egyptian masks while enjoying Aida' Middle
Eastern gala dinner buffet.

With an entrance fee of Rp 250,000, the guests of Tiga Puluh
Bar can enjoy the entertainment provided by Canadian band
Starband and join in the 'Cats' Party with cat masks provided for
party-goers. They can also enjoy the Oyster and Champagne Bar
(not included with entrance fee).

In addition, the guests of JW Marriott Hotel can soak in the
cruise-ship atmosphere in the hotel's lounge. Under the theme of
"Elegant Cruise", guests will be provided with a cocktail buffet,
photo memento, and top 40's tunes from local band Popo & Friends,
starting from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The package, which is worth Rp
300,000 also includes a balloon-drop during the midnight
countdown.

"There will be waiters, greeters, and the captain of the
"ship" wearing colorful cruise uniforms and hats," said Mellani
Solagratia, public relations manager of JW Marriott Hotel.

Sailendra restaurant will have a "Fun Cruise" theme, Pearl
restaurant will have a "Cultural Cruise" theme, Asuka Japanese
restaurant will have a "Romantic Cruise" theme, while Untitled
Pub will have a "Party on Board".

With first drink charge Rp 250,000, guests of the pub will
enjoy a special cocktail buffet, entertainment by multinational
band Raw Energy, and a "sexy" dance performance with male and
female dancers.

"There will be also special prize for the guest with the
sexiest dress," Mellani said.

Dewi Damayanti, assistant public relations manager of Grand
Hyatt Jakarta said that the hotel would present Platinum Horns
and The Trio of Leaping Loonies from Australia at the Grand Lobby
Party, starting from 9 p.m. during their New Year's Eve
celebrations.

The hotel's pub, Burgundy will feature the Foreign Exchange
trio from Cape Town, South Africa who will play the lively sounds
of Jazz, Blues, and a selection of melodies.