Stories & Commitments

The story of Hotel Majapahit is deeply intertwined with the remarkable legacy of the Sarkies brothers — Martin, Tigran, Arsak, and Arief — visionary hoteliers of Armenian descent who journeyed from Tehran to Southeast Asia in the late 1800s. Their pioneering spirit shaped some of the region’s most iconic grand hotels, including Raffles Hotel Singapore, The Eastern & Oriental in Penang, The Strand in Rangoon, and Hotel Majapahit itself. These properties remain celebrated architectural landmarks, renowned for their colonial elegance and legendary hospitality.

The family’s legacy began in 1869, when Martyrose “Martin” Ter Sarkies settled in Penang, later joined by his brother Tigran to establish the famed Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Their entrepreneurial vision expanded across generations: Aratoon and the young Lucas Martin arrived in East Java in 1887, setting up thriving businesses, while other family members extended the Sarkies footprint throughout the region.

In 1900, Lucas Martin moved from Malang to Surabaya, operating a successful grocery near a large estate. When the expansive 19,408 m² property became available, he chose to continue his family’s legacy of hospitality. The Oranje Hotel — known today as Hotel Majapahit — began construction in 1910. Designed in Dutch Colonial Art Nouveau style by architect J. Afprey, it opened on 1 July 1911, quickly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most distinguished hotels.

Today, Hotel Majapahit Surabaya – MGallery stands as a living monument to the Sarkies brothers’ vision: a place where timeless architecture, treasured history, and exceptional service come together in a uniquely majestic experience.

Afternoon tea, a cherished British ritual, finds new life at Hotel Majapahit Surabaya – MGallery, where history and flavour meet in refined harmony. Enjoy a selection of premium brewed teas accompanied by delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and an array of handcrafted cakes and pastries.

Two signature treats define our high tea experience:
Orange Zest, honouring the hotel’s original name Hotel Oranje, and the Merah Putih Macaron, symbolising Indonesia’s independence — a tribute to the historic flag-tearing incident at the Yamato Hotel on 19 September 1945.

Guests often savour this tradition after a Majapahit Heritage Tour or while simply enjoying the serene afternoon ambience of the Lobby Lounge or lush Garden Terrace.

A sweet reflection of history, served one elegant bite at a time.