Hotels gear up for Idul Fitri programs

YOGYAKARTA: Although the Idul Fitri holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhan, is still 10 days away, star-rated hotels in this ancient city have already begun to promote special holiday programs.

The five star Yogyakarta Sheraton Mustika Resort and Spa on Jl. Laksda Adisucipto, for example, has been offering special rates for Nov. 24 to Nov. 28, 2003 by decreasing the hotel's surcharge to less than 30 percent, despite the peak season.

Deluxe Garden View rooms, for example, are offered for Rp 408,000++/room/night, or some 20 percent higher than normal rates of Rp 338,000++/room/night. While Deluxe Pool View rooms are offered for Rp 508,000++/room/night, or some 27 percent more than the normal rate of Rp 398,000++/room/night.

"Some hotels apply a surcharge of up to 100 percent more than normal rates during peak seasons like Idul Fitri. But we don't do that," said Sheraton Mustika's PR manager Bambang WS, adding that 80 percent of the hotel's 241 rooms have already been booked for the Idul Fitri holiday.

Similarly, the four star Yogyakarta Novotel Hotel on Jl. Sudirman has been promoting a special Idul Fitri lunch package at its Kedaton restaurant. The restaurant will provide an Indonesian-style buffet. Comprising of selected appetizers, main courses and dessert, the buffet is priced at Rp 60,000 net per person.

"Our La Chocolatine Pastry Shop is also offering special cakes and cookies," Yogyakarta Novotel's PR manager Erny Kusmastuti said.