Something felt vaguely familiar when I stepped into the hollow atrium of Park Hyatt Jakarta. The stillness that pervaded the space, drowning the cacophony of the city traffic, recalled a certain cinematic moment that had burned in the back of my mind. Lost in Translation. That’s it. The hotel echoes the same philosophy as its Tokyo counterpart, famously featured in the Sofia Coppola-directed indie.
Located in the tranquil Menteng area, the hotel hovers over the 37-story Park Tower, granting its guests exceptional views of the nearby parks and the National Monument Park. It is a subtle reference to the history of the hotel chain whose first property, Park Hyatt Chicago, overlooks the Water Tower Park.
Nature seamlessly slithers over the hotel’s interior. The residential-style décor evokes the layers of the Indonesian rainforest in that the dark colour palette used on the lower floors, illustrating the underwood, gradually becomes lighter as guests ascend the edifice, like light filtering through the canopy.
The Lobby
Park Hyatt Jakarta embraces the land’s rich culture without leaving the guests gasping for air. Thoughtful in their placement and volume, traditional crafts such as ikat textile motifs and woodcarvings, and indigenous natural materials like lava stone and copper are peppered sporadically throughout the property.
Seamlessly balancing the heritage elements with their modern, European designs are the hand-blown crystal installations and chandeliers. Conjuring the melancholy of rainfall and the brilliance of starlit skies, the cloud-like delicate orbs hang high and mighty at the foyer, gracefully suspended in time.
The hotel also champions the local art community, particularly with the featured artworks that are curated by the Hadiprana Design. And if you find yourself lost in the abstract blend painting and hand embroidery on silk on the walls, as I did, know that those are Indonesian artist John Martono’s genius at work.
The Rooms
The same sentiment is mirrored in the 220 sizable guestrooms—including 36 suites—where old-fashioned Indonesian crowns reign supreme. Crafted from copper, which is also extensively applied in the décor, the exquisite regalia that rest atop the mini bar cabinets add a touch of royal elegance to the rooms.
That aside, the guests’ well-being is still the top priority if the creature comforts here are any indication. The floor-to-ceiling windows, especially, lend a calming sense of space as they open to the uninterrupted views of the city. The deep-soaking marble baths are a godsend for after a long day of exploring.
Crave for something extra? Opt for the hotel’s Presidential Suite. Comes with its own VIP entrance, the 300-square-metre suite’s highlights include a spacious bedchamber with an 82-inch LED TV as well as a living area embellished by a work desk made from solid and sturdy Trembesi wood.
The Restaurant
Indonesia is home to some of the best cuisines in the world and it is properly reflected in the gastronomic offerings at Park Hyatt Jakarta. Its neatly designed Dining Room, specifically, stands out for its carte du jour of Indonesian and Italian classics and an interactive live-cooking setting.
Located on the 22nd floor, the restaurant delivers a feast for the senses with the magnificent city skyline within sight. Feel the time standing still as you enjoy the view and the meals. Pro tip: Give the Nasi Goreng Bebek Andaliman a try if only for the braised duck and Balinese-style genep paste.
But if you wish to switch things up, Kita 喜多 Restaurant & Bar on level 37 makes the perfect alternative. Its elevated Japanese fares—robatayaki, shabu-shabu, and teppanyaki—are not to be missed. Order some creative cocktails at the bar and enjoy the live sets from the resident DJs while you’re at it.
Between the ceaseless traffic, cruel heat, and crummy air quality—the haze was borderline chronic at the time of my stay—city travel can be exhausting. Park Hyatt Jakarta seems to recognise it as well, as it has now become the go-to sanctuary for today’s globetrotters who long for some peace of mind.
Make your reservation here.
Address: Jl. Kebon Sirih No.17-19, Kb. Sirih, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota, Jakarta, Indonesia, 10340.