About Jakarta accommodation
Jakarta is loud, layered and impossible to see in one day. Upon arrival in Indonesia’s capital, expect to see skyscrapers and malls looming over kampung laneways and warungs grilling satay. The vast majority of Aussies skip jakarta as they drift over to Bali or Yogyakarta - don’t be one of them. You’d be skipping out on a fast-paced, charismatic city built on the extremes of chaos and calm, heritage and hyper-modern.
From skyline-facing stays near the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout to boutique hotels in leafy Menteng or budget digs near Kota Tua, Jakarta accommodation fits whatever your travel style (and patience for traffic) demands.
Where to stay in Jakarta
- Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat): The city’s heart and government hub. Expect big buildings, national landmarks and fast-paced streets. You’re near the National Monument (Monas), Istiqlal Mosque and the National Gallery, which is ideal for short stays and sightseeing sprints.
- Menteng: A quieter, leafier pocket within Central Jakarta. Once home to Dutch officials, it is now home to embassies and boutique hotels. Stay here for heritage homes, peaceful parks, and easy strolls to Jalan Surabaya’s antique stalls or Taman Suropati.
- South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan): Leafier and more laid-back, this trendy area blends glass towers with creative enclaves like Kemang, which is known for its indie cafés, art galleries and nightlife.
- West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat): This is where old meets new. Think Chinatown (Glodok), the cobbled lanes of Kota Tua, and temples tucked between street food stalls. It’s a favourite for history lovers, hawker chasers, and anyone curious about everyday Jakarta life. You’ll also find Taman Anggrek Mall here, one of the city’s biggest.
- North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara): Want water views or a short escape from the city heat? Head north for seaside stays near Ancol Dreamland theme park, Ancol Marina and the launch point for a Thousand Islands boat trip.
How much is Jakarta accommodation?
Jakarta is probably the most spendy place to stay in Indonesia (alongside Bali, obviously). But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still remarkably affordable by Aussie standards. Whether you're in town for satay and street food or museum-hopping and old-town strolls, there’s accommodation to match.
- Backpacker hostels and guesthouses: From AU$15 per night. Expect simple rooms near Jalan Jaksa or Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown). Blok M is another budget-friendly choice, popular for its night markets, local eats and old-school shopping centre packed with local brands.
- Mid-range hotels: From $$50 per night. Often found near cultural highlights like the National Museum or Jakarta Cathedral, these stays are ideal for travellers who want rooftop lounges, free breakfasts and a base near the action.
- Boutique stays: From AU$90 per night. Common in Menteng and Kemang, these hotels blend charm and convenience, many in renovated heritage buildings with leafy courtyards and personal touches.
- Luxury hotels: From AU$180 per night. Most are clustered around the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout (Bundaran HI), a city icon marked by the towering Welcome Monument. While this is Jakarta’s main business address, it’s also a launchpad for museums, nearby parks, and street food strips. Expect high-floor city views, spas, and fine Indonesian cuisine on-site.
Top-rated hotels in Jakarta
- Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta: A five-star landmark overlooking Bundaran HI, this heritage hotel blends grand design with modern spoils. Unwind with skyline views at the rooftop Sky Pool Bar, dine on Wagyu and wine at OKU, or book a treatment at the in-house spa.
- The Langham, Jakarta: Soaring above SCBD, The Langham serves up sky-high indulgence: dips in the rooftop infinity pool, world-class cocktails at Artesian, and fine dining at Tom’s by Tom Aikens. Pacific Place is just next door if you can tear yourself away.
- The Hermitage, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: In the tree-lined Menteng, this 1920s Dutch-era building wraps you in white-linen elegance, with art deco columns, brasserie-style breakfasts and rooftop cocktails with views of the National Monument. Just around the corner? Jalan Surabaya’s antique stalls and the calm green of Taman Suropati.
- YELLO Hotel Harmoni: Bright, bold and built for the plugged-in traveller, YELLO mixes street art, smart tech and noodle bars under one roof. Near Harmoni Station, it's a straight shot to Monas and Kota Tua. Think graffiti walls, and a lobby that feels more co-working space than a check-in desk.
- Wonderloft Hostel Jakarta: Housed in a heritage building just off Fatahillah Square, Wonderloft is all hammocks and hostel buzz. Free popcorn, movie nights, and bunk mates from everywhere. It’s a chill base for chasing street eats, cycling tours or the Jakarta History Museum, just a minute’s walk away.
Tips for finding the perfect accommodation in Jakarta
- Filter by area: In Jakarta, location is everything. Use Traveloka’s filters to zero in on stays near your must-sees, like Monas or Kota Tua, and factor in traffic when planning your base.
- Time your trip smartly: Prices and crowds spike during Eid, school holidays and New Year. For cheaper stays and fewer jams, aim for the shoulder months (February to April or September to November).
- Look beyond the obvious spots: Staying just outside buzzy areas like Kemang or Glodok often means better deals, quieter nights and easier access to local warungs and late-night martabak stalls.
- Watch for local perks: Jakarta hotels love to offer extras, like free soto breakfasts, afternoon tea, or even mall shuttle runs. Boutique and mid-range stays often deliver surprising value.
- Read recent reviews: Construction is constant here, and hotel quality can change quickly. Recent traveller reviews are gold, especially in fast-evolving areas like SCBD or North Jakarta.