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During its heyday, Mandarin Oriental was the hub of Jakarta’s high society. Opened in 1978, the 26-story hotel was among the tallest in the capital, drawing the social elite to its luxurious confines.

“My friends and I were all very familiar with the hotel,” said Josephine Komara, an Indonesian fashion designer, also known as Obin. “Almost all the important art, fashion and cultural events took place in this hotel. We all spent a lot of quality time in the hotel. It’s almost like a family place.”

That congenial atmosphere was also experienced by Rachmawati, a regular guest at the hotel since the 1980s. “Somehow, the hotel felt different,” the 41-year-old executive said. “The place is not too grand or too luxurious, but it felt like everything was in its place.

“The interiors were simple, but I could tell that they were all of good quality. The warm ambience also made us feel comfortable interacting with the friendly staff, as well as with other guests.”

Both patrons were disappointed when the hotel announced its temporary closure on Dec. 23, 2007. Almost 22 months of major renovations followed and, on Oct. 8, Mandarin Oriental had its official grand opening, having reopened its doors three days earlier.

“We are very pleased to be back in the city,” said general manager Andrew Abram.

For the new look, the original ethnic decor was stripped down and the interiors transformed into a more classic look, combining the original Southeast Asian feel with modern sophistication.

The lobby is one example. The low-ceilinged area is now decorated in creamy hues with polished wooden panels that extend to the second floor. On the ceiling, hexagonal beams, resembling a massive wheel, expand from the center, generating a dynamic feel to the reception area. A wide column covered in shining glass mosaic supports the ceiling. By its side, a discreet angular staircase leads to the second floor.

Adjacent to the lobby is the famed Mandarin Oriental cake shop. “Even when we were closed for renovations our old customers kept calling to ask whether the cake shop remained open,” said Melany J Matakupan, head of communications.

On the second floor is an array of dining options, including the well-known Xin Hwa Chinese restaurant, which specializes in Cantonese and spicy Szechuan cuisine, the Lyon French brasserie and the MO bar.

“Xin Hwa has always been a favorite among our guests,” Melany said.

Meeting and banquet facilities occupy the third floor. The ballroom, approximately 600 square meters, can cater for up to 700 guests. It can also be divided into three individual rooms for smaller, more intimate functions. Escalators to this level are cleverly concealed with a fretwork wooden screen decorated with bold, indigenous patterns.

The newly-designed hotel has 272 rooms, including 56 Mandarin rooms and six oversized suites — a downsize from its original 404 rooms.

“To provide more space, we have merged three rooms and converted them into two,” Melany said.

“What I especially like about our rooms is the fact that they all have their own entranceway, so that people who enter the room cannot immediately see the bedroom area. It guarantees more privacy for our guests,” she said.

The room also feature goose-down pillows, 480 thread count sheets, PC and iPod connectivity, 42-inch TVs, a surround sound system and mood-control lighting. The bathrooms, designed with transparent glass walls on one side, allow for natural daylight as well as privacy.

A highlight of the hotel is the swimming pool area, which overlooks the iconic Welcome Monument at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle. By the pool, a magnificent green wall stands, constructed of shelves of exotic flowers, shrubs and ferns, like a giant screen, against the backdrop of the hectic city. Looking past this screen, one sees downtown Jakarta from a different point of view — one that is relaxed, friendly and comfortable, as is the hotel.