Historic Yogyakarta Hotel launched into Grand Mercure Network

Yogyakarta’s, and one of Indonesia’s, most historic and atmospheric hotels will be launched as the Grand Mercure Phoenix Yogyakarta from Friday, May 14, 2004.

Located in the heart of Yogyakarta near Malioboro’s shopping and entertainment district, the boutique hotel has been converted from an original colonial mansion built in 1918. Added to in the 1930s and 1940s, the property was operated as the ”Phoenix Heritage” hotel in the 1990s. Now fully renovated and upgraded, the Grand Mercure preserves its classic art nouveau style and combines it with stunning Chinese and Javanese cultural influences.

A new wing has been added that maintains the historic design of the building, prompting the Indonesian government to name the hotel a National Heritage Site.

The 143 rooms, including 10 suites, offer private balconies and are furnished in a style reflecting the hotel’s past combined with the latest modern comforts.

The hotel joins a number of other heritage hotels managed by Accor in the Asia Pacific region. Other hotels include the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Dalat Palace in Vietnam, the Sofitel Central Hua Hin, the century-old Grand Mercure Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains near Sydney and the Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House in the Adelaide Hills in Australia.

Accor’s Grand Mercure network features a large range of heritage hotels in some of the most significant destinations around the world. Renowned for their distinctive style, Grand Mercure Hotels are designed to reflect the special characteristics of their destination, highlighting local design features, local cuisine and the best in local knowledge.

This is especially reflected in the hotel’s “Paprika” Restaurant, which reflects the hotel’s atmospheric character and features nostalgic touches of Old Yogyakarta. However, the restaurant also acknowledges the present with a breezy open kitchen concept and a menu comprising grilled items and Indonesian and Chinese dishes. There are also two bars, the ‘1918’ lounge bar overlooking an open-air courtyard, and trendy “Vino” Bar featuring nightly live music.

“This is a very significant moment for the future of Yogyakarta and Java tourism” said Accor’s Director of Operations for Indonesia, Gerard Guillouet. 

“With the hotel becoming part of one of the world’s most distinctive and renowned hotel brands, it will help promote this magnificent and important destination to the rest of the world.

“We are proud to include this elegant boutique hotel in the Grand Mercure network as it highlights the heritage and charm of Yogyakarta. The refurbishment of the Phoenix has been outstanding, with the original colonial style reflecting the laid back atmosphere of old Yogyakarta, while still providing all the facilities and comforts of a modern hotel.”