The 15 Best Hotels in Jakarta
1. Aryaduta Menteng
Well-positioned near transportation links yet retaining Indonesian cultural flair, this hotel imbues guests with a sense of local heritage seldom found elsewhere in the city. Decor emphasizing indigenous handicrafts and colors cultivates an atmosphere stimulating nostalgia for traditional Indonesian design. All rooms provide conveniences such as dual workstations and modular living layouts to suit different needs. Junior suites distinguish themselves with curved sofa arrangement dividing living quarters and bathrooms accessible internally as well as externally. An unfortunate oversight is the window obstructing blinds compromising scenic vistas. Recreational facilities encompass an generously-sized outdoor pool marred only by an unsightly adjacent building, while the location offers relative tranquility apart from nearby commercial diversions within brief transport.
2. Ascott
Catering to longer term visitors such as families, serviced apartments and residences of varying configurations are on offer. Beyond exterior aesthetic refinement being warranted, the self-described `Dutch colonial` architectural influence was less apparent upon inspection. Studio and suite layouts seemed better suited to more temporary lodging than a home environment, with darker, windowless studios and drab color schemes in need of livening detail. Larger suites including kitchenettes and one to three bedrooms had an airier feel but still lacked personality. Two pools surrounded by road noise provided recreational options alongside tennis facilities and a brightly decorated but unsupervised play area for young children well-stocked with toys. Situated amid towering developments known as the `Golden Triangle`, it was within walking distance across busy thoroughfares to the expansive indoor malls.
3. Hotel Borobudur
Abundant landscaping in a tranquil locale suited for family getaways. Architectural details aside, this sui generis hotel stands apart through expansive gardens incorporating water features, sculptures, bridges and a butterfly habitat. Further amenities include an on-site café alongside tennis courts and an indoor basketball court surrounding an Olympic pool. Eleven room varieties are available up to the Presidential Suite. Some lodgings feature outdated but tasteful furnishings and local handicrafts, largely catering to business needs over leisure with limited exterior vista despite surrounding gardens or a treed park. Unlike conventional hotels, families receive warm hospitality through kid-friendly facilities within pleasant walking distance of governmental compounds and military quarters.
4. DoubleTree by Hilton – Diponegoro
Spanning expansive grounds, the luxurious rooms and resort-style pool create a relaxing environment. Though the exterior appears fairly plain surrounded solely by landscape and situated over 200 meters back from Jakarta`s busy thoroughfares ensuring peace, suitable perspectives are guaranteed within. Even the standard accommodations are spacious, including contemporary furnishings such as a curved armchair and corner sofa, though the swirling wallpaper above the bed proves too distracting. Full-length windows provide acceptable views of the gardens, pool area and/or streets with minimal noise disruption. Along with substantial grounds and next to the stylish breakfast lounge, the Bali-inspired lagoon-shaped pool features bridges to a swim-up bar offering plenty of shade. Families feel welcome with a vibrant kids` club and shaded children`s pool area. Nearby antique shops line the streets, while the location provides ease of access to a long-distance train station yet exploring a superior assortment of cafes and boutiques necessitates a brief taxi trip.
5. Fairmont
This glittering, state-of-the-art establishment situated near shopping centers exudes contemporary style. Towering over 32 floors housing accommodations and long-term residences, the minimalist design is evident throughout the spacious lobby accentuated by sculptural floral arrangements and art. Standard rooms showcase fashion-forward baths and bedrooms outfitted with Indonesian works of art. More deluxe suites emphasize modern comforts like automated window treatments and vanities, while presidential suites incorporate private wellness spaces. With few neighboring high-rises, panoramic views especially of sports facilities and greenery prevail from rooms and the fourth-floor pool lacking shade save for one office building. Connected by landscaped walkways and an underground mall passage, guests enjoy shopping conveniences nearby.
6. Grand Hyatt
Located in a busy commercial district filled with corporate towers and shopping centers, this landmark hotel has long been a popular accommodation for business travelers visiting the area. Though regularly renovated, the hotel still retains traces of its history, with some sections exhibiting signs of age despite modernized amenities. Facilities are extensive, such as the expansive outdoor pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens and cafeteria, in addition to tennis courts available for guest use. Standard rooms offer comfortable basics for professional lodgers, visualized by the prominent workstation, while premium suites include full kitchens or whirlpools alongside separate living and dining areas plus enlarged bedrooms with double work areas.
7. Grand Mercure Harmoni
A contemporary mid-range hotel popular with business travelers in northern Jakarta`s culturally vibrant precinct. Average-sized standard rooms prioritize functionality but lack character despite muted color schemes, while enlarged deluxe accommodations showcase similar uninspiring décor alongside obstructed urban vistas. Further personalized suites afford additional space through an open lavatory layout yet compromise seclusion due to limited partitioning. Patrons primarily utilize the compact rooftop saline water feature for health purposes rather than leisure given minimal sunlight and dull deck surroundings, implying most visits center around commercial objectives over leisure or sightseeing. Absent a concentrated downtown core, acceptable walkability includes a proximate shopping mall, global fast food directly adjacent, and accessible public transportation stops linking to historic sights further afield.
8. The Hermitage
Offering a serene and colonial inspired atmosphere divergent from the unsightly high-rise accommodations commonplace in Jakarta, the Hermitage is truly distinctive. Whitewashed hallways lined with photographs from old Batavia (the former name of the city under Dutch rule) lead to a limited number of luxurious guest rooms. While the Executive Rooms boast bright, airy interiors beautifully decorated with colorful textiles, marble baths, and a comfortable lounge region with an inviting sofa, the furnishings lack some of the charmingly antique style promised by the hotel`s design. The courtyard café is delightful, and the pool squeezed onto the 9th floor is decent despite loud music at the poolside bar. Even nicer and quieter, the ivy-covered rooftop bar also offers spectacular views of the comparably elegant tree-lined avenues nearby. It`s also not too distant by taxi to diverse shopping centers and the National Museum.
9. Hotel Indonesia Kempinski
In a prime downtown location surrounded by high-rises, this property surprises with cutting-edge interior design that stands apart from its unremarkable exterior. Even standard rooms provide generous space but contemporary decor that may limit functionality, such as wall-mounted vases or stylish yet uncomfortable furniture. Guests in executive suites can further enjoy separate lounge areas and glass furniture combining form and function. While the rooftop pool is modest in size, it makes up for it with whirlpool access and scenic city views from the vine-covered terrace allowing relaxation. An on-site playground thoughtfully provides children an area to burn off energy so parents can unwind as well near the breakfast area.
10. Le Méridien
Strategically placed yet with room for refinement. Its distinctive blue cubic exterior and alluring lobby – ornamented with dragon carvings and Arabic-inspired colors alongside a café roof mimicking Indonesian island homes – attract attention. The Standard Rooms are reasonably sized though their restrooms lack natural lighting and feel somewhat secluded. Decor remains understated with a grey-blue rug and petite table for decoration rather than practical use. Newly renovated Junior Suites demonstrate lavish tastes through curved orange sofas and red floral chairs which may not suit all preferences. Directly exposed to street noises, the poolside terrain is agreeably designed yet overshadowed by an unsightly neighboring high-rise skeleton. Well-connected via public transportation on the TransJakarta line between cultural landmarks, the central area bustles with hidden café gems among the urban structures. Potential for enhanced accommodation and atmosphere endures.
11. Mandarin Oriental
This modern high-rise situated in the commercial district provides both efficient long-term lodging and short-term visitor accommodations. Towering above the surrounding offices, companies, and underground complexes, it faces a major intersection known for its perpetual activity. Spacious standard rooms feature designated work and lounge spaces with local craft design elements and extensive windows overlooking the lively scene below. Larger premier suites divide sleeping and sitting areas while some one-bedroom options include kitchenettes. Regardless of room type, most afford fascinating perspectives of the landmark monument or distant markets from on high. Amidst the continuous street sounds, the rooftop pool and gardens offer a tranquil respite with inviting furnishings and greenery, though the pool itself is smaller than anticipated given the hotel`s scale.
12. JW Marriott
Strategically located in the city center amid towering hotels and office complexes, this property`s individual character and charm distinguish it from generic high-rises. The roomier-than-expected standard rooms feature some vibrant floor and wall decor choices that clash slightly. Pleasant additions include the floral headboard designs and ample desk space by the full-length vista windows. Similarly roomy junior suites offer numerous window panels but contain mismatching striped and patterned surfaces. The third-floor pool, while diminutive, is encircled by dense vertical construction damping sunlight, seclusion and perspectives. However, the lush landscaped grounds provide a relaxing refuge, and the shaded sidewalks lined with sporadic greenery throughout the upscale diplomatic neighborhood invite leisurely walks.
13. Pullman
The Pullman hotel occupies a distinctive position alongside the busy intersection known locally as the `Golden Triangle` due to its two lower-rise wings. Its lobby adopts an intentionally modern aesthetic through the incorporation of uniquely shaped furnishings such as elliptical reception desks and oversized decorative vases. However, these stylistic flourishes sometimes undermine the space`s functionality and welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, the Grand Deluxe Rooms exhibit contemporary elements through rounded bathtubs and dangling light fixtures but occasionally sacrifice usability, like curved wall art that obstructs views and oblong desks limiting workspace. The second floor pool provides a refreshing retreat despite proximal traffic noise filtering in from the bustling office developments nearby. Ivy-lined terraces offer some shaded relief from the harsh sunlight while overlooking the unfortunate vehicular congestion below. As shopping complexes proliferate in all directions and overpasses crisscross above never-ending traffic jams, the hotel maintains its position along the popular TransJakarta bus corridor connecting the National Museum to historical sites in the Old City center.
14. Raffles
Situated amongst other high-rises in the upmarket Kuningan district of Jakarta, this property does not match the renown of its namesake in Singapore in terms of style or standard. Integrated works by renowned Indonesian artists are showcased throughout the hotel with guidance from a dedicated art concierge. The standard rooms are airy with unexpected amenities like a makeup station, lounge area, and luggage alcove, though some walls lack color. Even more spacious, the suites likely incorporate art to an excessive degree. Bathroom tubs provide panoramic city views. Floor-to-ceiling windows in all rooms may face another hotel tower. Catering well to families, on-site options include a children`s pool, playground, and kids club. The 14th-floor pool is surrounded by a jogging trail and tennis courts within shaded surroundings.
15. Shangri-La
Elegantly furnished and family-friendly, the Shangri-La hotel in Jakarta excels at harmonizing contemporary amenities with Indonesian culture. For instance, the lobby offers live gamelan music and hallways feature shadow puppet art. This creates an instantly likable impression. Spacious and stylically designed deluxe rooms contain abundant Indonesian artwork, beautifully carved desks, and expansive windows overlooking the pool, gardens or surrounding canals. The expansive outdoor pool resembles those of Balinese resorts but is bracketed by surrounding high-rises. With landscaping including bridges, palms and lawns, the surprisingly sizable gardens serve as an oasis that can be enjoyed from the breakfast cafe or rooms. Younger guests will appreciate unique recreational areas like the Aqua Playground and tennis courts. Somewhat separated, with no nearby shops or cafes within walking distance, it requires a brief taxi ride to reach shopping centers around the central business district.
Read More
- Map displaying Bali lodgings
- Bali Travel Manual
- Top-rated Hotels in Bali
- Best Accommodations for Families in Bali
- Bali Hotel Geographic Position
- Radisson Blu Atria
- Optimal times for traveling to Bali
- Premium oceanfront areas in Bali
- Locations to reside in Key West
- Best Accommodations in Lombok
- Top Hotels for Families to Stay in Lombok
- Locations worth exploring in Lombok
- Accommodations on the Gili Islands
