Indonesia's capital and largest city of Jakarta might be less known as a destination compared to Bali, Lombok or Sumatra, but a growing number of luxury properties in this city of 10 million are giving visitors a wide array of options for some respite from the chaotic metropolis.
The Hermitage is one of the newest additions to the city, combining architecture, culture and luxury amenities to draw in visitors. Located in Jakarta's upscale neighborhood of Menteng, the hotel occupies an art deco building, dating to 1923, that was once a Dutch telecommunications office. The building maintained many of its historical elements during its renovation and restoration. The Hermitage officially opened in 2014 and became Indonesia's first Tribute Portfolio property in 2015.
The Tribute Portfolio launched in April 2015 as Starwood's second collection of independent hotels. The portfolio comprises independent hotels, including boutique resorts and urban destination properties, around the globe that offer guests the chance to "stay independent" while benefiting from the Starwood Preferred Guest program.
The Hermitage features 90 guestrooms and suites. They range from deluxe rooms, which come with marble floors, a flat-screen HD television and an in-room espresso machine, to presidential suites. The property's two presidential suites, each nearly 2,000 square feet with panoramic views of the city, feature an oversize bedroom with an en suite bathroom, separate living room and dining room and 24-hour butler service.
Guests can choose between the Batavia presidential suite, highlighting Indonesian aesthetics with the traditional batik fabric, ornate wood furnishings and precious veneers, or the Dutch presidential suite, an ode to classic European decorations with antiques, artwork and silk wall coverings.
"We want our guests to feel like it's home," said Mutia Sarie, public relations manager for the hotel.
The hotel's on-site restaurant, L'Avenue, serves all three meals. Breakfast and lunch feature partial buffets with an assortment of fruits, salads and Indonesian desserts paired with main dishes that can be ordered from a menu. Dinner is a set menu highlighting Indonesian and international fare.
One of the highlights of my experience at the restaurant was learning about and tasting bir pletok, a traditional, nonalcoholic beer from Jakarta made with herbs and spices. Created during the period when Indonesia was under Dutch colonial rule, the beverage was an alternative for followers of the Islamic faith who didn't want to drink the alcohol that the Europeans enjoyed. The drink contains red ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon, black pepper and secang wood and is said to be an excellent way to fight off a cold.
Such history lessons were peppered throughout my stay at the Hermitage. Others were discovered in the lobby of the hotel, where two elaborate, detailed maps hang: one of Menteng and one of Batavia, which is what Jakarta was known as during the Dutch colonial rule.
On the ninth floor, guests can unwind and relax at the fitness center or take a dip in the infinity pool before grabbing a drink at the La Vue Bar and observation deck, taking in the 360-degree, panoramic views of the neighborhood.
With insights into Jakarta's history and spectacular views of the neighborhood, it was much easier for me to finally appreciate the hustle and bustle of this dynamic metropolis.
Room rates start at about $200 per night. Visit hermitage.co.id.