Mercure Batam is a simple hotel in a place where you're probably not planning to spend a lot of time in a hotel. Everything about this property screams average, but good enough for the price you pay. I had some difficulties during check-in since the hotel didn't have my online reservation on their database, and I thought they didn't handle that very well but at least I could use the lobby internet while I waited.

In general the hotel is a little old, and that includes the room, and there's very little to do in the surrounding area. Service isn't always with a smile either.

If you want to hit the mall or the nightspots you'll have to take a taxi to Nagoya. This is a short 10-15 min drive but taxis are a real ripoff in Batam as they don't seem to use meters. Anyway it was only a short trip and I did have one of the best massages ever at Spa Secret so was happy enough. 3 stars for this average hotel.

The hotel room was fine and the staff were friendly. I only have problems with the spa located within the hotel. Prior to the time of departure, I decided to have a massage there. I was told that payment in Ringgit Malaysia was acceptable and a two-hour massage would cost RM100 with the exchange rate of RM100 to Rp.300000. Although this price was considered higher than normal and the exchange rate was a bit lower, I still went for it as I had hours to go before the departure time after I had checked out from the hotel room. The massage service was not good, and it finished 15min earlier than it should be. Worst of all, I was forced to accept an exchange rate of RM100 to Rp.250000 by a threatening-voiced, well-built man, presumably the owner of the spa. His rude and overpowering behaviour ruined completely the good impression I had gathered so far during my first trip to Batam Island. And I was forced to pay more than the previously agreed price by the receptionist who was also the masseur, and she even had the gut to ask me for tip! This set me to ponder the image of visitors in their mindsets, I hope the hotel will deal with this so that It won't happen again to other visitors. After all, the hotel staff had been very helpful, approachable and smiley throughout my time of stay there!

Had a great 2 nights stay at this hotel over the weekend. Really enjoyed ourselves (me and fiancee). The pickup transfer arranged by Mercure (abt 15mins journey) from Batam Center cost rp60,000 (to be paid with hotel bills).

Check-in was smooth, even tho we arrived as late as 9pm. Was greeted by their live band in small pub which was alright. Staff were warm, courteous and very friendly, even the door guys.

The room was spacious, nice and cozy. Love their bed, and they have an extra pillow which is a bonus. A nice Wardrobe to keep our belongings and clothes, a/c was quite cold so i had to switch it off.. Lol. But toilet was good!

Called their room service and we had a plate of Casaluna Fried Rice (rp65,000) which was delicious and nicely portioned.

We could really make do with the 24-Hour convenient store K-MART located right beside the hotel; to resup cigarettes and some drinks.

The breakfast was sumptuous and excellent. It varies from breads, eggs, malay food, noodles, fried rice, laksa, cereal, and fruits.

Travelled to Nagoya Mall and Golden Prawn Seafood by the Hotel's taxi. Fixed fare but negotiable; About rp25000 to Nagoya Mall and rp60,000 to Golden Prawn.

Didnt matter if the taxi fare was abit high cos the driver (Mr Dodi) seemed trustworthy, non sleazy and honest. He was friendly too, no frills. He did suggest places to visit but I had to postpone it, maybe on my next visit to Batam.


The only setback was the very small sized pool, and crampy hot tub jacuzzi. Maybe some reconstruction could be done to have a bigger 24hours swimming pool and a bigger hot tub jacuzzi.

And also, check-out was abit hiccupy cos one of their card machines couldnt accept MasterCard. Was held up for a good 15mins but was finally rectified. I'm okay with that tho.

Other than that, i must say i enjoyed my stay and will definitely stay at Mercure Hotel again!

Total Bill: IDR1,290,000 (2 Nights stay with daily breakfast, 2 Pax. And room service for Casaluna Fried Rice.)