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Writer's pictureJenn & Leon Travel

Holiday Inn & Suites Gajah Mada: A 4-star comfort & luxury hotel in Jakarta

Updated: Jun 16

Nestled in the heart of Jakarta, the 4-star Holiday Inn & Suites offers a remarkable hospitality experience that combines comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury. With its prime location and an array of amenities, this hotel stands out as our top choice for both business and leisure travelers visiting Indonesia's bustling capital.


Woman standing at a window overlooking Jakarta cityscape from a holiday inn hotel room.

Our experience here during an 8 night stay was absolutely fantastic and we cannot speak highly enough of the staff and their service. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel really special and the whole team has left and indelible mark on our souls that we will not forget. There is so much to get into here, so lets dive right in!



Read on for our highlights, the awesome food we had, a look at TWO different rooms, how to find Holiday Inn & Suites and our hotel experience rating.


The entrance to the Holiday Inn with marble floors
The grand entrance to the Holiday Inn & Suites Gajah Mada


 


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Our Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta highlights


Jakarta was our last stop on our trip to Indonesia, but it will by no means be our last time here! After spending time in Bali and Borneo, it seemed fitting to end our adventure in the soon-to-be replaced capital city (it is moving to Nusantara next year).


A woman looking out of a window at the Jakarta cityscape

We were already on a major high after the amazing warmth and kindness we received from the lovely Blue Sky Hotel in Balikpapan, and we are very pleased to say that it was no different here. In fact, we would go as far to say that Holiday Inn & Suites offered us some of the most exceptional service we have ever gotten!


A large hotel entrance lobby with marble floors and a large reception desk
The grand lobby and Duta Lounge entrance

The hotel is very modern and beautiful and we were impressed with the front end security and staff right from the moment we arrived. Check-in was a breeze, the staff friendly and attentive, and we found the lobby to be bright and inviting.



From the elevators to the hallways, the rooms to the lounges, the rooftop to the gym; everything was super clean and modern. The hotel really does have a luxurious feel and we felt really calm and relaxed. On our final night we were offered an even larger room as an upgrade, which was super nice too.


Aerial view of a city with two skyscrapers close by
View of the city from the hotel room

The staff at the Holiday Inn & Suites really delivered on the hotel's promise of offering exceptional service. They went above and beyond in many cases! For example, when discussing our upgrade with one of the manager's over Whats app, Jenn mentioned Leon was not feeling very well. Within a few minutes, they sent a warm pot of tea to the room!


After a long day shopping at the Grand Indonesia, when we returned, we took a moment to rest our feet in the lounge in the lobby. The shift manager's were having a meeting at the table, and when they noticed us, took the liberty of sending over a waiter to offer us any drink free from the menu. Another awesome touch!



On return to our room after another outing, this time at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, we found ourselves greeted with a plate of mini desserts and a cute note welcoming us back. Honestly one couldn't make it up! We were feeling just so blessed and grateful.


A plate of desserts next to two drinks cans an a note
This was such a wonderful surprise!

Our final highlight was the exceptional service we received at the daily breakfast buffet. The head chef's and restaurant managers could not have done more to enhance our experience. We were offered coffee every morning the moment we arrived, special drinks were made just for us and brought to our table, and the head chef's (Yadi and Jimmy) even took the liberty to make us special desserts and even a mini pizza that was not available at the buffet. All off of their own back. So friendly, so kind, and just fantastic representatives of the hotel and the Holiday Inn brand. The hotel may be classed as a 4-star, but it certainly felt like a massive FIVE for us!


Read on for a more detailed review of the rooms, the food and other facilities.


Two men posing for a photo in the Duta Restaurant
Yadi was so nice throughout our stay!


 

Three friends enjoying a lively moment at Café Batavia in old town Jakarta.


Housed in a colonial-era building that dates back to the early 19th century, Cafe Batavia has rightly become an iconic landmark in Jakarta.


 
 

The rooms at Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta


⪢ King-Size Room with City View

This upscale hotel rooms was our home for the first 7 nights. It was very tastefully decorated, exuding a modern ambiance. The bed, one of the most important items of any room, was just fantastic. Super comfortable and gave us some excellent night sleeps.


A hotel room at the Holiday Inn with a bed, desk and TV

The room offered us wonderful views of the city, along with daily sunsets that really could not have been any better. Alongside that it cam equipped with everything we needed, from international plug sockets to a smart TV.


Aerial view of Jakarta city

The room comes with a mini-fridge, tea & coffee, a safe, dressing gowns, slippers, a hairdryer, and even a welcome fruit bowl. The bathroom was stocked with Dove Shampoo and body wash, hand wash and lotion, and a range of other complimentary toiletries. It really felt like every consideration had been given here and we were thoroughly impressed!


A setting sun in an orange sky over the city of Jakarta
The daily sunset view from the room...

The WIFI is also a key component for us given we work online and at 100mbps up & down we could not complain at all. It did cut out on us a couple of times but came back up straight away. Another thing we look for is good air-conditioning, and this was spot on too.



⪢ One bedroom suite with city view

On our final night we were kindly upgraded to the room next door, which was a one bedroom suite. The extra space is really nice, with a fully furnished living room area and much larger bathroom and shower. Just as with the other room it was very comfortable and having the separate rooms is a nice bonus if you work online and need privacy for video calls. We are really thankful for the upgrade and may well consider this option when we return if we decide to teach online while here (we are both ESL teachers with Cambly).




 
 

The food at the Duta Restaurant & Duta Lounge


Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta takes pride in its culinary offerings, featuring a variety of dining options to satisfy every palate. From sumptuous international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant to delectable Indonesian delicacies, you can embark on a gastronomic journey without leaving the premises.


A couple of people preparing food at a buffet

The Duta Restaurant is located on the 3rd floor and is a buffet open for breakfast between 6am to 10am, and dinner from 6pm to 10pm. The restaurant is modern and comfortable, and there is plenty of different food and drink options to choose from.



The food here is typically Indonesian but with a western twist. We had breakfast included and we really enjoyed every one of them over the 8 days we were here. The coffee is really good too and that is very important for us coffee lovers!


The best compliment we can give the Duta Restaurant though, and indeed its Duta Lounge counterpart, is that its service is absolutely excellent. The staff are just so friendly and chatty, willing to go the extra mile in all they did, and could not have done more to make us feel welcome. We had many a special drink or food item brought to us, without even asking. Special attention was paid to our favorites too, and remembered the next day. We couldn't have felt more special!


We made some good friends that we are still in touch with and whom we are looking forward to seeing again next time! Jimmy, one of the head Chef's, even gave Jenn a box of chocolates at the end of our stay as a gift. Just pure class!




 
 

Holiday Inn & Suites Features & Facilities


⪢ Swimming Pool

The swimming pool is located on the 8th floor, on the same level as the Gym. The views of the city here are fantastic, and there are plenty of tables, loungers and even a small bar area. It is a really nice place to relax, and a nice outdoor space to enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the ground floor spots.


A large swimming pool overlooking Jakarta city

⪢ Meeting & Event Spaces

With its state-of-the-art facilities and versatile event spaces, Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta is an ideal choice for conferences, meetings, and social gatherings. Whether you're hosting a small business meeting or planning a grand celebration, the hotel's dedicated events team is committed to ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.


⪢ Gym & Spa

Guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation can indulge in the hotel's wellness facilities, including a fully equipped fitness center and a luxurious spa. Take a dip in the sparkling swimming pool, work up a sweat in the gym, or pamper yourself with a range of therapeutic treatments designed to soothe the body and mind.




⪢ The Duta Lounge

The Duta Lounge, located within Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta, is a sophisticated, stylish and inviting space that offers a relaxed atmosphere for guests to unwind and socialize. With tasteful decor and cozy seating, the lounge provides a comfortable environment for both business meetings and casual gatherings.


The lobby of the Holiday Inn and Suites with a large glass window
The Duta Lounge

You can enjoy a good selection of beverages here, including coffee, tea, mocktails, and shakes. There is no alcohol available however. Also, and rather surprisingly, this is a smoking area, although only in the front part, with the back seating area no smoking.


The dedicated staff here ensure a personalized service and a hospitable experience. There is an a la carte food service here too, and we did enjoy that a few times! Prices are a little high, but the portion sizes are generous and the quality is great.


A modern bar with stools and a glass rack at the Duta Lounge in the Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel Jakarta

⪢ Citywalk Mall

Citywalk Mall, conveniently located next to Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta and accessible directly from the hotel lobby, is a new shopping and entertainment complex. This vibrant destination offers a few fashion outlets and ATM's, and seems to have many units which are on their way to being opened.


A poster with the words citywalk uptown food & leisure.

The key feature of the mall is its wide selection of dining options, from local Indonesian cuisine to international flavors, ensuring a delightful (and very affordable) culinary experience. Open from 9am to 9pm, you can enjoy the ambiance of the well air-conditioned indoor space and relax in the array of seating areas. We came here for food several times, and will share more details of our experience in an upcoming blog post.


A modern shopping mall with marble floors and an escalator

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How to get to Holiday Inn & Suites Hotel in Jakarta


To reach Holiday Inn & Suites in Jakarta, Indonesia, you have a few transportation options depending on your starting point:


⪢ By Air

If you are arriving from an international destination, the most convenient way is to fly into Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, which serves Jakarta. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or arrange for a hotel transfer to Holiday Inn & Suites. The hotel is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the airport, and the journey usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. You can expect to pay around 200-250,000 IDR.


⪢ By Train

If you are traveling within Indonesia or from nearby cities, you can consider taking a train to Jakarta. The city is well-connected by rail, and the main train station is Gambir Station. From Gambir Station, you can hire a taxi or use ride-hailing services to reach the hotel.


⪢ By Car

If you are traveling by car, you can use GPS or navigation apps to guide you to the hotel's address. Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta is situated in the city's central business district, specifically at Jl. Gajah Mada No. 211, Jakarta 11120, Indonesia. It is advisable to plan your route in advance and consider the traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.


⪢ Public Transportation

Jakarta has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, the TransJakarta Bus Rapid Transit system, and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). You can utilize these modes of transportation to reach a nearby station or bus stop close to the hotel. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to Holiday Inn & Suites.


We recommended checking the hotel's website (link below map) or contact their concierge in advance to inquire about any specific transportation options or assistance they may provide for guests arriving at Jakarta.




Address: Jl. Gajah Mada No.211, RT.14/RW.1, Glodok, Kec. Taman Sari, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11120, Indonesia


Phone: +62 21 29776800




 
 

Things to do in the area near Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta


⪢ See the National Monument

The National Monument (Monumen Nasional / Monas) is a 132-meter-tall obelisk that is a symbol of Indonesian independence. It is located in the center of Merdeka Square, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.



A bronze flame on top of a tall the tall obelisk Indonesian National Monument

⪢ Explore Jakarta History Museum (Fatahillah Square)

Jakarta History Museum is housed in a beautiful colonial building that was once the city's town hall. The museum exhibits artifacts that tell the story of Jakarta from its founding to the present day.




⪢ Shop at Grand Indonesia

Grand Indonesia is a luxury shopping mall that is home to over 600 stores, including international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in the mall. We had a great time here, finding Arsenal shirts, getting a hair cut and doing some general clothes shopping. Prices are actually not bad given it is a major shopping hub.




⪢ Visit the Chinatown Market

The Chinatown Market is a great place to buy souvenirs, clothes, and food. The market is located in the heart of Jakarta's Chinatown district, and it is open from morning to night. It is just a short walk away from the hotel. At time of writing the pedestrian walkways and roads are undergoing significant reconstruction, so be aware that it might be difficult to get around at busy times.



A street with a wooden gate entrance and a building in the background
The entrance to Glodok Chinatown Market in Jakarta


 

Indonesia plans to relocate its capital to nusantara by 2024, illustrated by images depicting a bustling urban area and a cultural ceremony.


So why is Indonesia making such a drastic decision? We dive into the chronic problems facing a sinking Jakarta and look into the new capital


 
 

Our Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta experience rating


A Holiday Inn logo on a wall with 'welcome' in English and Chinese next to it

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5


Holiday Inn & Suites Jakarta offers a captivating blend of comfort, convenience, and warm hospitality. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Jakarta. Immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture and enjoy the impeccable service, modern amenities, and a truly remarkable experience that only Holiday Inn & Suites can provide.


✓ Cleanliness: 5/5

A key element of any hotel ranking, whilst we are not fussy, we do find this very important. And Holiday Inn delivers on this with aplomb. The rooms were spotless, as was the lobby area, corridors and dining spaces. The Gym was also very clean, and the pool area well maintained. Hand sanitizer was also available by every elevator and in the restaurants. Top marks!

Cost & Value for money: 5/5

✓ Food & Drink: 5/5

✓ Location: 5/5

✓ Service: 5/5



 
 

How to follow our Blog


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Your FREE interactive map of Indonesia


Check out all of the places we visited in Indonesia courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.



Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!



 

Explore Jakarta with special offers from Klook


Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Jakarta. Whether you're looking to go on a city, enjoy a massage and spa, or even experience a trip to the famed Taman Mini Indonesia, Klook has it all. In addition to their wide selection of tours, Klook also offers great deals on transportation, accommodation, and even sim cards.



All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Indonesia. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!


 

Your GUIDE to visiting Indonesia


First time in Indonesia? Check out our comprehensive guide with all you need to know including our latest posts, must-see places, and key information about health & safety, transport, local customs, connectivity, visa information, useful links and much more!


Your guide to visiting Indonesia.



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