Review of Grand Mercure Malang Mirama 4*

When I left Sydney for a holiday in Asia, I had no idea I'd be in a charming city within Indonesia called Malang. When Indonesia comes to mind, typically places like Bali and Jakarta spring up. I am very much grateful I somehow made it to this city. Much of my delight is due to the world-class hospitality that I experienced at Grand Mercure Malang Mirama.
What made the hospitality memorable is that it was consistently world-class within and outside fasting times. There is a magic about Indonesian hospitality that I have not experienced in my travels in several other countries. Indonesian hospitality, to me, seems heart-borne, coming across as genuine and heart-warming. I experienced this warmth in every area of Grand Mercure Malang.
I thank the very warm Ms. Dyta, who checked me in. Not only was Ms. Dyta knowledgeable and experienced with Accor, she represented Indonesian hospitality as an exemplary ambassador. When I met Front Office Manager, Mr. Noel, he too comes across as an excellent ambassador for Indonesian hospitality. In fact, the entire Front Office Team deserves special mention because, at all times, they exuded calmness with a professional approach topped up with warmth and attention to detail.
Likewise at the Restaurant, in which I joined for a Breaking of Fast Ceremony Dinner and for breakfast. This restaurant stood out for me as among world-best. The Teams attending to dinner and breakfast interact with guests caringly and with so much warmth that I felt I was among family. My observation, from travelling extensively, is that the charm of Grand Mercure here is that there is great pride in Malang and of Indonesia in general. This was observed in every single team member I interacted it with. Although dishes come from different parts of the world, dishes from Malang and Indonesia are given attention and pride. And, so should it be, as the local dishes were tremendously delicious.
At my times in the Restaurant, I found the atmosphere to be calm, friendly and local. This was a welcome change for me after experiencing hectic restaurants in Accor hotels which catered mostly for fast-paced, in-and-out dining routines. Not here at Grand Mercure Malang. Personalised and warm.
The room was high-quality in all ways, although the view for my stay was affected by the misty and rainy weather. Nevertheless, the room entertainment offerings I found to be more extensive than many other hotels.
Yes, this Mercure is Grand. The hospitality, nevertheless, remained personalised and heart-warming. At times, I felt I was staying in someone's big home. This is one of my favourite Accor hotels I have ever stayed in across several countries.