Originally Posted by
gpia
Hello CGK experts,
first timer to Jakarta, with three nights in November. For various reasons, we are expecting to spend more time than usual in and around our hotel during our visit. I am looking to find the best location to do so.
To make the best use of status benefits, our curent hotel choices are
1) JW Marriott/Westin, both next to Kuningan Shopping Mall
2) Grand Hyatt, next to Selamat Datang Monument
3) Sheraton Grand, next to Gandaria Mall
While opinions on the hotels itself are of course also appreciated, I am more interested in learning about the surrounding areas. We are essentially looking for restaurants and especially pubs/bars (not night clubs or discos!) within safe walking distance to these places. We like to sit and talk for lengthy periods of time, but are not looking for a party. Is any of these areas better than the other? Or is there a different area altogether that would be recommended - would certainly consider ditching the Marriott options in that case.
TIA for any input!
I do not know if you have arrived in Jakarta or decided.
It is really depend on where is your "main" business is. In general, Sheraton Grand Gandaria may not be a good choice unless your main business is in South Jakarta, Pondok Indah area.
JW Marriott and Westin are quite distance apart. Well not too far, but traffic can be terrible. I will avoid JW Marriott as even it is "next" to Lotte, it is a bit too far (and unsafe?) to walk and too near to take a taxi going there and you need to make U turn (with quite nasty traffic) for the return.
Also JW Marriott is quite old. Unless you are Mariott Elite, I do not see reason why should be JW. If budget is not an issue, Raffles should be much better choice as it is connected to the mall.
Westin in general is good. Rather new hotel and you can walk to Pasar Festival for local food. Kota Casablance is not too far away and reasonable ride by taxi. But I feel the elevator to lobby at 52F is rather slow.
Out of those choice, I prefer Grand Hyatt, as it is connected to Plaza Indonesia and you can cross the road to Grand Indonesia and walkable (and ok distance for taxi.grab) to Sabang to try local culinary at night.
Why don't you try the Hermitage? I found the location is very quiet and peaceful and the roof top is amazing to see the Jakarta sky line.