Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

Located amid 22 hectares (55 acres) of landscaped gardens with palm trees and statues, this upscale hotel is designed in an attractive, traditional style reminiscent of Borobudur Temple. A wooden entrance, complete with local details such as a rickshaw and bell-shaped mini stupas, leads to an opulent marble lobby dominated by white and brown hues. A similar look extends to other areas, though the lounge is more casual with wicker seating. Live music is atmospheric, and poolside dining under lantern-adorned trees is particularly romantic. Grounds are lovely and packed with amenities -- a multi-level pool and nine-hole golf course, for example -- which is convenient since there's little of interest in walking distance. Unfortunately, the property is showing its age and could do with a revamp. Families are the most popular guests here, but couples and business travelers also frequent the hotel.

The hotel is located a 15- to 20-minute drive north of the center of Yogyakarta. While that means the property is quiet, a car or taxi is required to reach most tourist attractions. Fortunately, the hotel is strategically located near a highway, making sightseeing relatively easy. Additionally, a number of eateries are within walking distance. Adisutjipto International Airport can be reached in 20 minutes by car, and both Borobudur and Prambanan temples are around an hour away by car. The hotel offers free parking and can arrange airport transfers.

The 269 rooms and suites are done in a traditional style that is pleasant, though starting to feel more dated than classically elegant. Design varies a bit by room category, but expect old-fashioned wood furniture, neutral linens and carpet, and few decorative elements aside from framed artworks and some patterned drapes or upholstery. Upgraded units do have more upscale touches. However, furniture is showing wear and some past guests have complained of musty odors. All rooms and suites come with flat-screen TVs with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, desks, and wardrobes with electronic safes, ironing facilities, and silk robes. Suites add sitting areas, espresso machines, balconies, and/or kitchenettes. Marble bathrooms feature shower/tub combos and toiletries, or separate walk-in showers and bathtubs in more expensive units. 

Features are extensive here, allowing travelers of all types to find something to do while on-site. The multi-level swimming pool is pleasant and big, fringed by rocks, tropical greenery, and a sundeck with loungers and umbrellas. The freeform pool comes with a long waterslide, decorative bridges, and a kids’ section with a basketball hoop (other pool activities for kids include water polo and snorkeling). A poolside hot tub and stage for cultural performances are also in this area. 

The spa offers a long list of body and beauty treatments, ranging from reflexology and massages to hair styling, as well as a sauna and cold plunge pool. Treatments can be administered either indoors or at a poolside gazebo. Those looking for a workout can stop by the small fitness center or hit the jogging trail that snakes through the grounds. Additionally, there are two tennis courts and a nine-hole golf course, with lessons, golf clubs, and shoes available.

For little ones, the hotel offers the Camp Hyatt program with a kids’ pool, playroom, and napping area. Some of the activities on offer include garden tours, fish feeding, drawing and coloring, and storytelling. A big ballroom for events and functions can accommodate up to 1000 people for cocktail parties and 400 for sit-down dinners, or be divided into six smaller event spaces. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

Named after Indonesian basil, the hotel’s main restaurant, Kemangi Bistro, features lofty ceilings and an appealing lantern- and greenery-filled outdoor area by the swimming pool. The all-day restaurant serves buffet-style meals with Western and Asian options. Overlooking the golf course, the all-day, open-air Bogey’s Teras offers an extensive list of drinks and a la carte dishes, plus live performances every weekend. Meanwhile, Paseban Lobby Lounge serves afternoon tea, coffee, cocktails, and desserts, and has live piano entertainment at times. 

Unique dining experiences include Merapi barbecue with a spread of grilled satays, steaks, and fish, backed by a country band. Meanwhile, Sunday brunches feature musicians and a buffet. Last but not least, the poolside "Ramayana Night Market" features Indonesian and Javanese dishes served from traditional-style food stations, accompanied by a Ramayana ballet performance.