Darmawangsa, the medium densely populated neighborhood in Jakarta, Indonesia is probably a place that you rarely visit during the weekdays nor the weekend. Formerly better known as the elite resident for the high end citizens of Indonesia, in recent decades it has transformed into a better known neighborhood of trendy restaurants, boutiques, semi-business district, and residential towers as well as coffee shops and brand name hotels with high quality services. The metropolitan area itself is named after last raja of the Kingdom of Medang from 990-1006 CE, who known as the patron of the translator of the Mahabarata text into Old Javanese and was either the son or son-in-law of Sri Makutawangsawardhana, preceding King of Medang and grandson of Mpu Sindok. Aside from those rich historical background, Darmawangsa is indeed the best place to retire in South Jakarta area as people often called it a walkable neighborhood with everything you need. To prove those words, not long ago we were invited to visit a hotel based on the recommendation by our good friends from Agoda Indonesia to experience what is it like to stay in hotel that is only five minutes from chaotic Blok M or within walking distance of the popular Grand Wijaya Centre.
If you walk into the hotel at any given time, here is what you may find, a bellhop, few receptionist, and a bunch of local or international business travelers striking up a conversation. In the middle of the lobby, next to the dark-sued sofa nooks, under a spider lamp shades with harp, you will find the long library-style wood cupboard that have been colonized by several local magazines or some reference books with Hangeul written all-over it. The flow of people is a constant, so we are not going to talk about it and lets move on to the room. The room we stayed in was not that spacious but well appointed with one comfortable king sized beds, a chair, a couch, and a desk. That being said, the room had all the essentials that you may require for a stay away from home. Wifi was provided and was very decent. For those who are seeking an escape from the mundane routine of life, you will be pleased to know that the TV comes with a modest selection of cable channels. Furthermore, the long glass windows allow the room to enjoy natural lighting and show off a dynamic city, the residential area of South Jakarta, replete with views of urban concrete jungle or public houses. Every expanse in the hotel, from windows and walls, to floors and ceiling, makes an impression.A mini bar fridge is provided in the room for your convenience. You will not find it fully stocked with overpriced canned drinks, beers, or liquors here. Large international chains usually stuff these fridges with expensive items, leaving no space for you to put anything inside. Feel free to utilise this fridge for your personal drinks and snacks. The Deluxe room also includes a long working desk, making it possible to get some work done. Like many large chain hotels, complimentary internet is already included in the room rate. With that being said though, there is no limit to the number of devices you can connect per room so please feel free to connect your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, and everything else immediately. The bathroom and rain shower is located next to the king sized beds. It is not that fancy but it surely completed with regular amenities that are provided by an in-house brand. Bathrobes are nowhere to be found, and there is ample space for you to hang your clothes. Please take a note as these bars can take only a decent amount of weight, they are not designed for you to hang from, breaking them will result in a rather costly fee. Guests with power hungry devices will be pleased to know that power sockets are provided tastefully and generously throughout the room. One power socket can be found on each side of the bed.
Complimentary water and daily housekeeping are provided daily and already included in the room rate. Since the smart and stylish hotel does have an attached restaurant, you can take the elevator down to level one and have Indonesia’s traditional breakfast at 1O1 Cafe. If you are bored with the selection then you might try their must-have a’la carte menu as they have few others traditional and western dishes to try at. To start with, you should order the Bolabola Bananarama aka Fried Bananas that comes with unussual appearance yet a great taste. For die-hard fans of Indonesian dishes, you can have a full meal with either Nasi Goreng Jambal with Sayur Asem or Sop Iga. You can close it off with two kinds of drinks, the Exotic Fruit Punch and Ambarela Juice which is made of Ambarella aka Spondees Dulcis with Longan. All of these dishes can be casually eat in open area next to 1O1 Cafe which is the outdoor swimming pool. For you take note, the swimming pool inside THE 1O1 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa is not big enough to be occupy by few people, however it allows travelers to enjoy the sun while soaking in it. The meteorite by the pool lights up the area dimly and beautifully at night, making the entire area a charming place to enjoy light conversations or simply just to rest and relax.
1O1 Hotels in Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Bali Legian were already successful in terms of stylish design, good amenities, and price. We were very happy and enthusiast while visiting the property in Darmawangsa, which is located right next to Darmawangsa Square. A hotel that we definitely recommended for those who are about to have business trip in the city or some leisure time in the wealthy South. The only downside to this hotel for us was that they have a small swimming pool and do not offer smoking rooms which meant we have to go downstairs and walk outside to have a cigar or two. But then, this petite little property of 138-room smart and stylish hotel in Darmawangsa truly reflects the charming neighborhood, especially since they provide a beautiful experience with excellent price. The space was nice, it was not crowded yet we did not feel like we were in Jakarta. While it is not directly located on the famous shopping strip, THE 1O1 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa is only a short walk away. There are many attractions nearby such as, Kemang bars and restaurants, Darmawangsa Square, Blok M square. Pondok Indah Mall, Restaurant, and few supermarket nearby where you can stock up on snacks or other amenities that you need it.
City dwellers and frequent business travelers should also consider having a staycation here to take a break away from the world and reconnect with yourself by reading a good book, have a good meal, enjoying some good conversation with your partners, or simply just to stay in bed. At the end of the day, THE 1O1 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa is not about a luxurious getaway. It is about fulfilling the hotel experience and having the enjoyment of space to do what you want. It is an opportunity to rehabilitate yourself emotionally and indulge in the process, especially if you live in the crowded city. For those of you who would like to stay at THE 1O1 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa, you can visit Agoda Indonesia now and book yourself a room. I recommend grabbing the special KITAS or Indonesia residence weekend rate offer that is featured on the site since you may not find availability for the room type of your choice if you stay for a long period of time. Thus, I would highly advise you to get on the website and book early to avoid disappointments.
THE 1O1 Jakarta Sedayu Darmawangsa
Jalan Darmawangsa IX, nomor 14
Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan