Where to Stay in Jakarta – 5 Areas for Any Interest & Budget

This multicultural capital city, located on Java island on the northwest coast of Indonesia, is a dream destination for any traveler! Its charming and vibrant atmosphere will make you fall in love with it, of that I’m sure! In this Jakarta neighborhood guide, I’ll point you to the top neighborhoods to stay in the city and give you some great hotel recommendations.

Menteng is the best area where to stay in Jakarta as it has numerous tourist attractions, fabulous restaurants, and hotels! But don’t worry if you want something a little different, you’ll find 4 more sites in this post, perfect for a luxurious holiday, culture lovers, relaxation, and budget; Sudirman Central Business District, Old Town, Kemang, and Jalan Jaksa.

Plus, keep reading if you’re traveling with kids as I added a great bonus section with a list of some fantastic family hotels with all the facilities you need!

Luckily there are many spots in the capital that suit every pocket and interest! But although the city is big, you still can risk not finding a place to stay if you book late, even if it’s for just one night! I recommend booking your hotels in advance because this city is super popular and crowded! Luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, it doesn’t matter. All of them sell out in a second!

Hop on and let’s discover this beautiful town!

If you are in a hurry

Eager to book your Jakarta hotels right this minute? Then have a look at the list below, it has the best accommodations, all located in Menteng:

Check out this map! It will help you visualize all the areas where to stay in Jakarta that I will talk about in this post:

1. Menteng – where to stay in Jakarta for the first time

Looking for the best area in central Jakarta? Then come along and let’s discover this vibrant neighbrohood which was once a colonial suburb, but is now filled with tourist attractions, markets, and fabulous restaurants!

Yes, Menteng is perfect for first-time visitors, and trust me, you’ll find so many cool things to see and do. Although it’s located in Central Jakarta, the area has tree-lined streets and plenty of parks where you can catch a breath of fresh air and escape the crowds.

You’ll also be super well-connected to other areas by public transport to explore around as much as you want! Although it might take you a few days to discover all of Menteng’s major attractions on its own. Some spots that you shouldn’t miss in Menteng are the Jalan Surabaya Art Market, the National Museum of Indonesia, and the National Monument.

There’s even a school here that former President Barack Obama attended. You can drop by Besuki Public School and check out his statue!

There are so many hotels in Menteng but this city gets millions of visitors, so I highly recommend booking yours in advance as chances are, you may not find a room if you book last minute!

Other accommodation options in Menteng

Things to do in Menteng

• Admire the art at Kunstrung Art Gallery
• Relax in Taman Situ Lembang Park
• Go shopping at Plaza Indonesia Mall
• Visit the beautiful Cut Meutia Mosque
• Explore the Selamat Datang Monument Area
• Check out the National Monument
• Learn new things at the Museum Nasional Indonesia
• Buy souvenirs from Jalan Surabaya Art Market

2. Sudirman Central Business District – best place to stay in Jakarta for luxury

Jakarta’s Business District is one of the largest business centers in Asia! As you can imagine, this famous neighborhood is filled with office buildings, skyscrapers, exclusive shopping malls, and many tourist attractions. 

Located in South Jakarta, the Central Business District is perfect for anyone looking to stay at the fanciest hotels! This area is more expensive than the other neighborhoods, and if you don’t mind paying extra for some fantastic views, check out the list below.

The Central Business District never sleeps! There’s always something to do here no matter the hour. If you can check out all the shopping malls during that day, once the sun sets, get ready to drink and party in the most vibrant clubs!

Yes, this area is known as a great place to party! There are many nightlife venues here. And if you’re planning to take a break from all these urban activities, don’t forget that beautiful Bali is not too far away!

If you want to indulge in the most delicious dishes and try their local cuisine, there are plenty of cool restaurants, super posh, that I’m sure you’ll love. But I also recommend trying out the street food. There’s a certain charm about it and sometimes it tastes even better than the restaurant food!

Other options in Sudirman Central Business District

Sudirman Central Business District has so many amazing hotels that I couldn’t let you go on with just 4 options! I had to add a few more since all of them look amazing! Let’s check them out: 

• Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton – Admire the stunning city views from the ceiling-to-floor window of your fabulous room that comes with a seating area and marble bathroom. The accommodation offers spa services by the pool and limousines services with a private chauffeur.
• Mid-range: Ascott Sudirman – An excellent hotel for families as it has a games room and a children’s playground. The accommodation comes with a swimming pool, serviced apartments, and a restaurant. 
• Budget: Kosenda Hotel – This boutique hotel is more affordable but offers just as many facilities as luxury hotels, including room service and free wi-fi. The accommodation also has a fitness center!
• Airbnb: Modern Loft – How amazing is this loft? It features incredible views of the Central Business District, and it’s equipped with free wi-fi and a kitchen. You’ll also have access to a pool. 

Things to do in Sudirman Central Business District

• Visit MOJA Museum
• Take a cool picture at night on the JPO bridge
• Grab a drink at Artoz Bar
• Buy luxurious items from Plaza Senayan Shopping Mall
• Admire the architecture of Al-Bina Mosque
• See the skyscrapers from Hutan Kota GBK
• Indulge in all the street food
• Shop until your drop at Grand Indonesia Mall or Senayan City

3. Old Town (Kota Tua) – where to stay in Jakarta for culture

Do you want to dive deep into Jakarta’s culture and visit all its museums and historic sites?

Then you’ll love the Old Town (or Kota Tua in Indonesian)! This is one of the most famous neighborhoods in the city and you’ll soon understand why!

Set around Taman Fatahila Square in North Jakarta, the neighborhood is simply packed with tourist attractions. It’s also the oldest part of the city and it was established in the 6th century by Dutch colonialists.

Your eyes will be amazed by the fusion of colonial architecture and modern elements! There are many Chinese temples and museums in the Old Town that you shouldn’t miss, like the Wayang Museum and Jakarta History Museum.

And if you’re looking for other places to visit in Indonesia, check out Canggu in Bali, a stunning resort village with a similar vibe!

But besides all the cultural and historical attractions, there are many fun theme parks in Jakarta Old Town! Most of them are set in Ancol Bay City, an entertainment complex located along Jakarta’s marina district that includes Sea World aquarium, Ocean Dream Samudra, and other spots. This is also a great spot for families, as there are many fun and amazing things to do!

Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, is located here, and you can’t miss at least one trip here. It’s such a great spot to spend your day and get some souvenirs for the people back home!

Now let’s check out the best hotels in Jakarta Old Town:

Other accommodation options in Old Town (Kota Tua)

Things to do in Old Town (Kota Tua)

• Learn new things at the Jakarta History Museum
• Explore the beautiful Fatahillah Square
• Catch an exhibition at the Wayang Museum
• Visit the Museum of Fine Art and Ceramics
• Go to the Dharma Bhakti Temple
• Visit Jakarta’s Marina Dis
• Shop for souvenirs in the Glodok Chinatown Market
• Have fun at the Sea World Aquarium in Jakarta’s marina district

4. Kemang – best place to stay in Jakarta for relaxation

Finding a place where to stay in Jakarta that isn’t filled with tourists or super noisy can prove difficult.

Not everyone appreciates all the noise or the many crowds you’ll stumble upon in this dynamic city! But visiting Jakarta doesn’t have to be complicated if you’re not a big fan of that urban atmosphere.

And I’m here to help you with that!

If you don’t want to be in the center of all the action, right where all the shopping malls and skyscrapers are, I recommend this area in South Jakarta. It’s not as popular, and it doesn’t have so many attractions, but there are plenty of parks here and some family-friendly places.

The residential area is very popular with ex-pats as there are many international schools around. There’s even a zoo nearby located in a rainforest setting that looks amazing!

During the day you can explore the neighborhood’s small streets, and if you want to visit the city center you can get there by using public transport. Under normal traffic conditions, you should get there in 30 minutes, but it may take longer if it’s super crowded.

Let’s check out the hotels where to stay in Jakarta, Kemang:

Other accommodation options in Kemang

Things to do in Kemang

• Go shopping at Pejaten Village Mall
• Relax in Como Park
• Grab dinner at Antasore Japanese Dining
• Visit the Ragunan Zoo
• Stop by Museum di Tengah Kebun
• Enjoy a coffee at Ol’ Pops Coffee Ampera

5. Jalan Jaksa Street – where to stay in Jakarta for budget travelers

Don’t worry, backpackers and budget travelers, there are also budget-friendly hotels where to stay in Jakarta! I’ve just saved them at the end as they’re so great!

The Indonesian capital is big, and although most hotels are expensive, there are plenty of budget hostels with dorm rooms perfect for a Jakarta backpacker! You just need to know where to find them, and this is where I come to help you out!

Jalan Jaska is a street that is technically located in Menteng, but it acts as a subdistrict as the area is different from Menteng, and it’s mostly filled with backpackers, ex-pats, and budget hotels.

Although it’s set in the city center, this area is not as expensive, and many hotels here have super cheap prices. Plus, there are tons of secondhand bookstores, pubs, money changers, and laundromats.

If you’re just staying for one night in the city and then moving on to the next location on your bucket list then Jalan Jaksa may be a great option as you can easily visit the other neighborhoods by public transport. West of this street, you’ll find the Gondangdia railway station!

Now let’s see which are the best hotels where to stay in Jakarta, around here!

As I mentioned, this street mainly offers budget hotels, so there are no luxury hotels around. However, if you want to check other options where to stay in Jakarta that may be a bit more expensive, I recommend Mandarin Oriental hotel in Menteng.

Other accommodation options in Jalan Jaksa

Things to do in Jalan Jaksa

• Grab something to eat at Sate & Seafood Senayan
• Visit the National Monument
• Go for a coffee at Point Coffee
• Explore the Menteng area
• Mingle with other tourists at Melly’s Garden

BONUS: The best hotels for families in Jakarta

Planning a family trip to the Indonesian capital? Well, you’re going to need some fantastic hotels that will satisfy the needs of all your family members. That may be a bit hard to accomplish but don’t worry I’ve got you!

Below you’ll find a list of accommodations where to stay in Jakarta, perfect for you and the kids that come with lots of amenities!

Luxury (US$200 and up)

• Fairmont Jakarta – Relax by the pool with the kids, play in the garden, or go cycling! This hotel offers so many incredible activities, plus it has 7 restaurants on-site (basically 1 for each night of your stay)! The accommodation also comes with beautifully furnished family rooms, a spa center, and a fitness center.
• Raffles Jakarta – Spend some quality time with your family in the children’s playground or take the little ones to the kids’ club. This hotel features luxurious amenities, including an outdoor pool and a garden, linked to the Ciputra Artpreneur Centre and a theatre complex.
• The Mayflower – Enjoy all the privacy that you and your family need in these spacious apartments that come with a well-equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, and fabulous city views! When you’re not out exploring Jakarta with the kids, go for a swim in the pool or have a fun movie night if you’re too tired.

Mid Range (US$100 – US$200)

• Ascott Kuningan – Play some tennis with the kids after breakfast at one of the best mid-range hotels for families. The accommodation offers amazing city views, and it has apartments and private rooms with a flat-screen tv and a kitchen. Other amenities include a swimming pool, a garden, and barbecue facilities.

Frequently asked questions about hotels in Jakarta

Conclusion

I love traveling to cities that never sleep! They have a certain atmosphere where you can always do something at any given time. Jakarta is that kind of place, and I’m so excited for you to discover it!

This Jakarta neighborhood guide has all the information you’d need for your holiday! First up in the article we went through all the areas where to stay in Jakarta, plus a list of accommodations from luxury to budget hotels with some things to do to give you a start.

But if you’re traveling with the kids, I hope you didn’t run to book your hotels just yet! Hopefully, you checked out my bonus section with family hotels that you shouldn’t miss out on!

For anyone who’s super indecisive (aren’t we all when we’re planning a trip?) or a bit overwhelmed by this long this of accommodations. I’ve picked my top 2 favorite places to stay in Jakarta for you:

• Mandarin Oriental – This luxurious and elegant hotel offers incredible city views, has a spa center and an outdoor swimming pool
• The Hermitage – One of the best mid-range hotels that have elegantly-decorated rooms, and a fabulous outdoor terrace overlooking the city

As I mentioned before, book the hotel for your stay in Jakarta in advance! You can’t imagine how crowded this city can get, and its accommodations as well!

I’ve had such a great time writing about this fantastic capital city in Southeast Asia and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful trip here.

If you have any questions about Jakarta, or maybe some other hotel and things to do suggestions, leave me a comment below and I’ll answer it ASAP!

Have a fun trip,

Victoria