I'd do with Grand Hyatt, although if you want to spend a bit more the Keraton ( SPG/Marriott) is also attached to Plaza Indonesia.
Many, many decent dining options in the mall and in the hotels.

The Sheraton Gandaria is pretty nice, and offers great Plat benefits, but very little in the vicinity, and the dining options in the
mall, although plentiful, are more fast food/cheaper type restaurants.

Thank you both for your replies!

Never been, so just went by what google maps told me. Good to know I won't call it that =) Thanks for pointing at the Doubletree

Sheraton won't be my first choice then. Keraton has very limited benefits for Plats and since we're looking to make use of the facilities it's not on the list this time.

I've just been thrown a slight curve ball by a friend being stuck and unable to meet me in Jakarta due to his company imposing a Lion Air ban. I'll probably need a driver & English speaking guide for half a day on Sunday (this Sunday!). Anyone have any recommendation?

My bahasa's ok, but I need a pick up / return to hotel and some assistance in locating a grave (!) in a cemetary in Jakarta. Reason I think a guide might be of assistance is in translating with whomever is the caretaker of the cemetary. It's quite large, and I don't fancy wondering around it for hours when I have a flight later that afternoon! Any recommendations :)

sorry seeing this too late. I hope you were ok?

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.

I was, thank you. Another friend who lives in CGK came and met me.

I did the airport train, all of me and about 3 other people. It was great. I may throw together a qucik trip report for future reference when I return!

Unless it is big jam, I do not think the train is faster option right and it is not cheap. How much is the ticket now? 75K? 4 of you then you may as well take cab or grab :)

I stayed at the All Seasons Thamrin as next to BCI Sudirman Station 2 minute walk or so. 1h05 from hotel to T3 and 70k.

Many years since I did it that quick not middle of night and very pleasant!

Ah if you stay at All Season yes, it is very near

anyone tried the capsule hotel at terminal 3?

departure tax
 

The need to pay cash departure tax disappeared quite some time back: seems like something in the distant past!
Anyone help me with when things changed?

I thought it odd to get a note from my hotel that there was no longer a tax to pay at the airport ....

But they still have the booth to scan and check it was paid.

Hello all. Does CGK not allow online boarding passes in general for transfers, or is it airline specific?

In particular, I'm interested in whether either CX or UL online boarding passes are acceptable. I know there is a transfer desk at Terminal 2, but have heard differing accounts of its reliability, and would have a fairly tight connection.

in my experience, it's okay as long as you're able to produce the printed BP after OLCI (A4 paper is good enough).