Hotels gear up for Ramadhan

YOGYAKARTA: With the fasting month of Ramadhan beginning on Oct. 15, star-rated hotels here are preparing special promotional programs, including breaking of the fast (ta'jil) packages, predawn meal (sahur) packages, and special rate programs.

The Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel on Jl. Gejayan is offering its Paket Suci special rate promo, in which 2.5 percent of the offered nightly rate of Rp 319,000 will be donated to the poor.

Valid from Oct. 1 to Nov. 9, the package is an all-in-one service, comprising a Deluxe room, sahur or breakfast for two, ta'jil or afternoon tea for two, transportation to and from the airport or train station, free shuttle to and from Jl. Malioboro, free use of the health club, a 30 percent discount for traditional massage and aromatherapy, and a 20 percent discount for laundry services.

The Grand Mercure Yogyakarta on Jl. Jend. Sudirman is offering its Paket Ta'jil at the 1918 Terrace Lounge. For Rp 25,000 net per person, guests can break the fast daily from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Oct. 15 to Nov. 12 with a complete buffet. Among the food that will be served are various traditional snacks, drinks, juices, fresh fruits and, of course, dates. The hotel is also offering a ta'jil and dinner package for Rp 85,000 net per person for the same period.

The Melia Purosani Hotel on Jl. Suryotomo is offering a special room promotion for Rp 275,000 net per room, including full buffet breakfast or sahur for two, safe deposit box in the room, complimentary coffee or tea facilities in the room, and free entrance to the fitness center, sauna and swimming pool. The package is valid from Oct. 15 to Nov. 13.

"At a time when most people prefer to stay at home for a more solemn fast, hotels, especially whose main market is domestic visitors, do need to create special promotional programs to attract more guests to come and stay at the hotels," Jogjakarta Plaza PR manager Yustianti Risnasari said. -- JP