Wow! Charlie Chaplin visited Indonesia several times and stayed at this hotel!
Photo source: The Economist (Web)
Charlie Chaplin is one of the most famous silent film actors of Hollywood, known for his square mustache and bowler hat, as well as his expressive and humorous body movements and facial expressions. This iconic actor traveled around the world and visited Indonesia, previously known as the Dutch East Indies, on several occasions. Want to know which hotels in Indonesia he stayed at? Read the following article to find out!
Majapahit Hotel, Surabaya
Photo source: Accor Group (Web)
This establishment was founded by an Armenian named Lucas Martin Sarkis. He and his family founded the hotel in 1910 under the name Hotel Oranje. This hotel has silently witnessed Indonesia's struggle for independence. Uniquely, it was one of the hotels where this famous English comedian stayed. Upon his arrival in 1932, he occupied room number 47, now called the Charlie Chaplin Suite, which is also one of the nine Legendary Suite rooms in the hotel. He attended the inauguration of the hotel extension on April 1, 1932. While in Surabaya, Chaplin also watched a screening of his first film, City of Lights, in a cinema that is now the House of Sampoerna Museum.
Hotel Homann, Bandung
Photo source: Booking.com
Originally, this hotel was an inn owned by the German Homann family. Established in 1871, the building has undergone renovations in 1883, 1910, and finally in 1938. The famous architect A.F. Aalbers designed this hotel using the luxurious Art Deco Modern architectural style, which is considered a preserved cultural heritage. It is known as a luxury hotel, attracting distinguished guests, including world leaders, royals, and Hollywood celebrities. Notably, Charlie Chaplin stayed here during the 1920s and 1930s.
Hotel Preanger, Bandung
Photo source: Blogspot
Built in 1897, this hotel was initiated by a Dutchman named W.H.C. Van Deerterkom. In 1920, it changed its name to Hotel Prenger, reflecting its previous visitors, the Priangan planters who were plantation owners and entrepreneurs from the Priangan region. Before becoming a hotel, the building served as a store catering to these planters' needs when they visited Bandung. Did you know that this hotel was designed by Charles Prosper Wolff Schoemaker, with assistance from Ir. Soekarno, who was his former student? Yes, President Soekarno was one of the architects behind this hotel before he became the first President of the Republic of Indonesia. Interestingly, when Chaplin stayed at this hotel prior to his departure for Garut, he admired the hotel's exterior beauty. The hotel museum even features a leather chair that became his favorite. Interesting, right?
Hotel Kresna, Wonosobo
Photo source: Kresna Wonosobo Hotel (Web)
Who would have thought this Hollywood comedian would visit the Wonosobo area in Central Java? His visit was part of his worldwide journey, including the Dutch East Indies, to study and experience the local cultures. While in Wonosobo, he stayed at Hotel Kresna, previously known as Hotel Dieng. This hotel has been a favored accommodation for prominent national and international figures since before Indonesia's independence. Its cool atmosphere provides guests with a comforting retreat from their routines.
Grand Inna Malioboro Hotel, Yogyakarta
Photo source: Website
Formerly known as the Grand Hotel de Djokja, it was designed by architects Harmsen and Pagge. The hotel was built in 1911 and opened its doors on September 15, 1912. The building reflects a transitional colonial architectural style, which was trending at the time. It shares a similar architectural style with the Oranje Hotel in Surabaya, now the Majapahit Hotel. 1932 Charlie Chaplin stayed at this hotel during his trip to Indonesia.
Hotel Inna Bali
Photo Source: Denpasar Tourism (Web)
After visiting Surabaya, Chaplin continued his journey to Bali. On the Island of the Gods, he stayed at the Inna Bali Heritage Hotel. This hotel is the oldest hotel in Bali. Uniquely, President Soekarno and Chaplin both stayed in the same room, namely room no. 77. This room is a suite-type room and is located on the east side of the hotel. Apart from Charlie Chaplin who has stayed here, Queen Elizabeth 2, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi have also stayed at this hotel. The hotel, which is located on Jalan Veteran, Denpasar, was built in 1927. Therefore, the Denpasar City Government has made this place a cultural heritage that must be preserved and maintained.
