Where to Stay in Jakarta: Safest Areas & Hotels

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and is one of the largest urban centres in the world by population.

In fact, Jakarta is home to more than 30 million people!

There is so much to do in this bustling metropolis, including mouth-watering eats, amazing history, fantastic local culture, and some of the best malls on the planet.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Jakarta, or the best area in Jakarta to stay, this is the perfect guide for you.

Find Accommodation in Jakarta

The Best Areas to Stay in Jakarta

As an enormous metropolis, Jakarta offers a huge variety of suburbs and areas. Generally speaking, Jakarta is divided into central, north, south, east, and west.

Further north is Jakarta Bay, and beyond that, Sumatra and Singapore.

There are some fantastic areas to stay in Jakarta, with a wide variety of activities, cuisines, and attractions to see.

Here are six of the best areas to stay in Jakarta.

1. Where to Stay in Jakarta for the First Time: Menteng

Menteng is situated in the southern part of central Jakarta and is one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in the city and the best Jakarate neighborhood for your first-time visit.

Mentang was part of the first modern housing estate in Jakarta and retained some of its original Dutch town planning to this day.

It’s also a great place to stay if you’re visiting the city, as it is very close to central Jakarta and is quite accessible, which is rare in a city known for its crazy traffic!

The National Monument, Museum Nasional Indonesia, and Grand Indonesia mall are all within walking distance, though be mindful that some roads here do not have footpaths.

There is also a great range of Indonesian and western food to try in Menteng, as is the case with many Jakarta suburbs, it's like a foodie capital.

A little fun fact about the area is that a young Barack Obama lived in Menteng for a few years during the 1960s!

This area is best for:

• First-time visitors
• Easy access to the rest of the city
• Staying safe as a solo traveler

The Best Hotels to Stay in Jakarta for First-Time Visitors

Best Luxury Hotel in Jakarta: DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponegoro

If you’re on the hunt for luxury accommodation in Menteng, you can’t go past DoubleTree by Hilton Jakarta – Diponerogo.

This hotel offers world-class service and room options, a large lagoon pool, 24hr fitness centre, and a restaurant. Along with everything else you’d expect from a 5-star hotel in Jakarta.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Jakarta: Ashley Tang Menteng Jakarta

Ashley Tang Menteng Jakarta is the perfect mid-budget accommodation for anyone staying in Menteng.

You get excellent value for everything that this 4-star accommodation offers; city-view rooms, a fitness centre, and spacious rooms.

Most Affordable Hotel in Jakarta: Nest Residence

Nest Residence is a budget accommodation situated in the southeast corner of Menteng.

It’s very affordable, at roughly $25 AUD per night, and comes with air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and overwhelmingly positive reviews.

2. Where to Stay in Jakarta Close to Sightseeing: Sudirman

Sudirman sits to the southwest of Menteng, but still forms part of central Jakarta.

It is named after one of the biggest streets in the city and forms the financial district. This is why there are many skyscrapers in the area, and it gives more of a modern city feel.

Staying in Sudirman puts you close to many different sights and activities, and it’s a very accessible area.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Jakarta for a taste of luxury, Sudirman is it. It is home to a large amount of 5-star hotels in Jakarta.

Some of the best things to do in the area include visiting the Monumen Nasional (National Monument), GFJA (the first photo gallery in Southeast Asia), and Galeri Nasional Indonesia (The Indonesian National Gallery).

There are also plenty of exceptional restaurants to check out.

This area is best for:

• Luxury stays
• Sightseeing
• Fine dining

The Best Hotels in the Heart of the Jakarta City

Our Favourite 5-Star Hotel in Jakarta: The Orient Jakarta, a Hideaway Hotel

The Orient Jakarta is all about opulence and luxury. The rooms are spacious and bright, and all include a workspace and a coffee machine.

The swimming pool looks out over the city, and there is a bar and restaurant within the hotel.

The Orient is certainly one of the best hotels in Jakarta.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Jakarta: Ayaka Suites

It can be difficult to find a mid-range hotel in Sudirman because most of the accommodation caters to business people.

But at around $60 AUD per night, Ayaka Suites is a great option for those trying to keep more in their pocket.

Best Budget Hotel in Jakarta: Bobobox ITC Kuningan

A capsule hotel is ideal for travellers wanting to watch their bank balance, and Bobobox in Sudirman provides!

Accommodation is very affordable and the facilities are in excellent condition. This makes it a great budget stay in Sudirman.

3. Where to Stay in Jakarta on a Budget: Jalan Jaksa

Most cities have a backpacker hood, and for Jakarta, this is it.

Though many people say it’s not what it used to be, Jalan Jaksa is still full of hostels and guesthouses, along with plenty of bars and cheap food.

There is a slightly nefarious edge to Jalan Jaksa, so watch your purse if you do decide to stay in the area.

Jalan Jaksa is another well-situated area, close to the commuter train line (Gondangdia Station) and only 20 minutes from Bundaran HI, situated on the brand-new metro line.

The best things to do in Jalan Jaksa involve trying local food, checking out the Tagu Tani statue, and shopping at Sarinah Thamrin Plaza, Jakarta’s OG department store.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Jakarta on a budget, Jalan Jaksa is for you.

This area is best for:

• Backpackers
• Bars & cheap eats

The Best Affordable Hotels in Jakarta

Best Value for Money Hotel: Morrissey Hotel Residences

This hotel is a testament to the changes that have occurred over the years in Jalan Jaksa.

Back in the day, there were no four-star hotels on the street! Morrissey Hotel Residences comes with a pool, a great view of the city, and a buffet breakfast if you pay a little extra.

Best Value for Money Hotel in Jakarta: Erian Hotel

This mid-range option sits at the south end of Jalan Jaksa.

Erian Hotel delivers everything you need from a three-star hotel and more, with comfortable rooms, a business corner, and a rooftop lounge area.

Best Hostel in Jakarta: Konko Hostel Jakarta

Looking for the ultimate budget accommodation near Jalan Jaksa? Konko Hostel is it!

Just a five-minute walk away and close to the MRT station, Konko Hostel offers dorm rooms, a common lounge and terrace, free Wifi and a 24-hour reception that will gladly help you organise some sightseeing in Jakarta.

There’s also a restaurant within the hostel serving British, Indonesian, and local Jakartan cuisine.

4. Where to Stay in Jakarta for 1 Night: Old Town

Jakarta is a very old city, and the Dutch first established a town here in the 16th century, named Batavia.

The Old Town (called Kota Tua in Indonesian), still stands today, though many of the original buildings haven’t been maintained as well as they should have.

Nevertheless, this 1.3km square area is a wonderful place to wander around, especially for history buffs.

It really showcases the origins of modern Jakarta and is ideal for those asking where to stay in Jakarta for one night.

There are plenty of museums in Jakarta’s old town, and all of them are worth a visit.

These include the Jakarta History Museum which resides in the old City Hall of Batavia, the Wayang Museum, which showcases the traditional culture of Javanese puppetry, and the Bank Indonesia Museum.

For a bite to eat and a drink, Batavia Cafe should be top of your list.

This area is best for:

• Short-term stays
• History & culture buffs
• Lots of tourist attractions
• Chinatown

The Best Hotels to Stay In Jakarta for Local Culture

Best Jakarta Hotel for One Night: Holiday Inn and Suites Jakarta Gajah Mada

A one-bedroom king suite with a city view is well worth the price tag at Holiday Inn and Suites.

This is an excellent option for higher-end accommodation close to Jakarta's Old Town, and the hotel itself comes with excellent amenities.

An abode of comfort awaits at this hotel, with its generous rooms offering plenty of space to unwind. To top it off, a nourishing breakfast buffet is sure to make your stay extra delightful.

Best 4-Star Hotel in Jakarta: Mercure Jakarta Batavia

The Mercure is a renowned hotel chain around the world, and this one holds up an international reputation comfortably.

It’s a great mid-range hotel option for those wondering where to stay in Jakarta with kids as well as solo travellers and couples.

Best Affordable Accommodation in Jakarta: Wonderloft Hostel

Wonderloft Hostel is great for intrepid travellers and those on a shoestring budget.

It has free WiFi, a great terrace and is very close to the Old Town itself. There’s also a billiard table for guests if you fancy a game!

5. Where to Stay In Jakarta for Families: Ancol

Ancol is situated to the northeast of the Old Town, right on the water. In fact, there’s even a beach!

While we wouldn’t compare Ancol to the beaches Bali, it’s a great place for those wondering where to stay in Jakarta for families.

The big attractions in Ancol are the theme park, Ancol Dreamland, Sea World Ancol, and the Ancol Gondola, which carries you 2.4km each way over the water.

For the more artsy visitors, Ancol Art Market is also worth a visit.

This area is best for:

• Families
• Theme parks
• Beach lovers

The Best Hotels to Stay in Jakarta Near the Beach

Best Hotel with Views in Jakarta: Mercure Convention Centre Ancol

Mercure always comes through with the goods, and the Mercure Convention Centre Ancol is no exception.

It has a large pool, comfortable rooms, a well-reviewed breakfast and even a large play area for kids.

Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Jakarta: Discovery Ancol

Discovery is set right next to Ancol’s Dreamland district, making it a popular choice for families.

The accommodation is excellent, and it’s not far at all from the beach, making it probably the best beach hotel in Jakarta.

There’s also a great onsite restaurant if it becomes too difficult to head out for dinner with the kids.

Best Budget Chain Hotel in Jakarta: RedDoorz Plus

RedDoorz is a well-known budget hotel chain in Indonesia, and this branch is only 3 km from Ancol Beach.

This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour desk, as well as a bar, free WiFi, and free parking if you’re driving.

6. Where to Stay In Jakarta for Nightlife: Kemang

Kemang is a bustling part of South Jakarta, full of business people, teenagers, and everyone in between.

There are cafes and restaurants on every street, meaning there’s plenty to choose from when considering a bit to eat or a drink.

There are also a number of malls, including Lippo Mall Kemang, and world-renowned Pondok Indah, not too far away.

Kemang is a great area for those asking where to stay in Jakarta for the first time.

Along with eating, drinking, and shopping, other things to do in Kemang include Kemang Gallery 58, WowZonia, a kid's play complex, Kemang food festival, Ragunan Zoo, and the Museum in the Middle of the Garden.

Kemang is also a great spot to enjoy a few drinks, as there are a number of bars in the area.

This also makes it a great spot to stay if you’re wondering where to stay in Jakarta for nightlife.

This area is best for:

• Nightlife
• Shopping
• Hustle bustle

The Best Hotels to Stay in Jakarta for Nightlife

Best Suites in Jakarta: Goodrich Suites

Goodrich Suites has a restaurant, bar, and even a fitness center within the complex.

There’s also a swimming pool and buffet or continental breakfast available.

The hotel is a five-star accommodation, so the rooms are incredibly comfortable as expected!

Best Hotel with Pool in Jakarta: Park Regis Arion Kemang

A great mid-budget option for accommodation in Kemang is the Park Regis Arion.

This four-star hotel features oversized windows in all the rooms, looking out over the city.

The hotel facilities include a great outdoor pool, as well as a spa and a gym.

Best Affordable Rooms: Liberta Hotel Kemang

Liberta Hotel has super affordable rooms and is just 5 minutes from Food Garden Kemang.

All rooms have air conditioning, a safe and a flat-screen TV.

The reception desk is open 24 hours, so there’s always help available if required.

Where to Stay in Jakarta – Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Days Are Enough for Jakarta?

It really does depend on what you want to get out of your stay. If you plan on trying as much of the food as possible, three days is probably enough.

However, one week in Jakarta is probably an ideal amount of time to see all of the sights and get a real feel for the city without being rushed.

With so many people and so many different areas, Jakarta has a lot to offer.

Is Jakarta Better Than Bali?

Comparing Jakarta and Bali is like comparing apples to oranges.

Choosing which one to visit really does depend on what you’re looking for from your visit.

Culturally, they are very different; Bali has beaches and island vibes, while Jakarta has the best malls and cafes in the country.

However, there are very few tourists who would choose to visit Jakarta over Bali.

If you do find yourself in Bali for an extended period or have some spare time up your sleeve, a quick trip to Jakarta is very affordable, and I’d certainly recommend it.

Is Jakarta Safe?

Like all major cities, there are some parts of Jakarta that are less safe than others.

Overall, Indonesia is a very safe country and instances of violent crime or crime against a person are some of the lowest in the world.

However, pickpockets are common in many of the popular tourist destinations, as well as in Jakarta, so it pays to be vigilant.

How Do You Get Around in Jakarta?

The biggest downside to visiting Jakarta is the traffic.

The roads aren’t exactly modern or well laid out, so gridlocks are a regular part of life in the capital.

Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of public transport options either so driving is the main mode of transportation.

Do take this into consideration when choosing where to stay in Jakarta.

The new metro line is excellent, so I’d advise aiming for walking distance from a metro station.

Does Jakarta Have Nice Beaches?

There aren’t many options in Jakarta when it comes to beaches.

Ancol Beach is the go-to spot for beachgoers, but if you’re looking for a beach holiday, I’d advise other parts of Indonesia.

Across the 15,000 islands that make up this nation, there are plenty of exceptional beaches to visit.

What Is the Weather Like in Jakarta?

The weather in Jakarta is generally overcast and humid. There’s quite a bit of rain, thanks to the tropical climate. However, it’s not usually as hot as Bali.

Air pollution in Jakarta is a serious problem, and this also keeps the city overcast and dreary at times.

I hope this guide helps you answer the question of the best places to stay in Jakarta.

If you’re looking for a closer look at the true Indonesia, I’d highly recommend a visit to the city.

Enjoy your stay, and Selamat Jalan!