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The variety of hotels and their accommodations that are available in Jakarta is as diverse as the city itself. Visitors to the city can choose from a simple losman, or moderate-priced 2, 3 or 4 star hotel. For the elite traveler or businessman , there are 35, five-star hotels, some of which are ranked amongst the leading hotels in the world.

When considering the hotel you're going to stay in you'll undoubtedly consider location, cost, facilities, services and the hotel's reputation. Another important factor is the overall experience the hotel has to offer, its services and stylish décor – Rooms with Style!

The Meaning of Diamonds and Stars in Jakarta hotel ratings

We know that hotels are ranked with a star system, however most people do not realize exactly what those stars actually mean. Star ratings represent the level of service, range of facilities, and quality of guest care that guests can expect. Hotels are required to meet progressively higher standards as they move up the scale from one to five stars. Normally, the star rating of a hotel is reviewed every four years.

There is no worldwide association that issues stars. Different countries are ranked by different organizations. American hotels, for example, are ranked by the American Automobile Association, as well as other tourist and travel bureaus. Hotels in European countries, on the other hand, are ranked by various groups, organizations, governments and in some cases, as in Switzerland, a volunteer organization.

A star rating is normally a quantitative measure used to determine the price range (and sometimes the tax obligation) of a hotel. The ranges will overlap, so the star rating does not really determine much consistency in price; a three-star hotel may be more expensive than a four-star, even in the same city. A four-star hotel may offer the same service and quality as a five-star, however, because they lack a particular facility, they may not qualify for a five-star rating.

This variety of star issuing bodies leads to just as a wide variety of hotel ratings. Generally, however, ratings are based on an objective facilities and services provided assessment. Factors related to ambiance, charm or other subjective criteria are not considered in the rating. A traveler that is willing to do a bit of research regarding a hotel prior to a trip, can often get five-star services at four-star prices.

Basically star and diamond hotel ratings are very much the same as both ratings have been awarded through similar evaluation processes and guided by similar physical and service standards. Diamond ratings, however, tend to be slightly more focused on service and quality. Rating criteria are based on industry standards and reflect guests’ expectations. That aside, one must also remember that inspectors’ rating decisions are always influenced by personal factors despite clearly defined guidelines and criteria. This will be true as long as stars and diamonds are awarded by people.

Within the industry, concerns have arisen recently with luxury hotels that are upgrading their services. They are asking that the ratings bodies to also upgrade their rating requirements as due to advances in technology, and the devices that go with it, some of the rating requirements are becoming outdated. An example of this is the requirement that a five-star hotel must have the television placed within an armoire to maintain the beauty and elegance of the room while the TV is not in use. Many of the upscale hotels are planning on installing plasma televisions that are generally wall mounted. If the rating boards do not revise their requirements, hotel managers are worried that by making an upgrade of the televisions in the rooms, they will no longer meet their five-star requirements. Hotels are also urging that new technologic features such as Hi Fi access within the hotel and internet access in the rooms should now also be included in the rating and increase the industry standards.

Indonesian Hotel Rating System

Indonesian hotels are rated by the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA), known locally as Perhimpunan Hotel dan Restoran Indonesia (PHRI). PHRI has over 6,000 member hotels and restaurants as well as associate members. Their goal is to promoting the hotels and restaurants of Indonesia, not only locally but also to the global market.

Losman or Guest House

This type of accommodation is for the budget traveler. An average cost of accommodation at this level ranges from Rp. 50,000 – Rp 300,000. per day. Normally Losman or Guest Houses are privately owned houses or a small bungalow type hotel that rents out rooms. Typically there are no other facilities available at this type of accommodation. Sometimes a simple breakfast is included the package, and will be served in a communal dining area. In Jakarta, many Losman or Guest Houses can be found on Jalan Jaksa, which is a tourist-oriented street packed with hostels, guest houses, bars, and restaurants.

Jl. Jaksa became a tourist center by originally serving International Youth Hostel Federation members. It was chosen as a good location to open a Hostel as it was located in Central Jakarta and near many of the city’s tourist attractions. It is no longer serving this association as the rules of the Federation have changed and Jalan Jaksa no longer qualifies. The name of the area originates from colonial times. During this time the Rechts Hogeschool (the Law College) was located near the current National Museum. Many students of this institution stayed in student hostels on Jalan Jaksa. Jaksa when translated means prosecuting attorney. Although Jalan Jaksa is well known for budget accommodation, losman can be found in many other areas of the city as well.

Hotels in Jakarta

There are many one-star hotels located through Jakarta. A one-star hotel normally meets a budget-traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience. For example, they would have a fan in the room, not an air conditioner. More popular hotels at this level tend to be located near major attractions or public transportation facilities. Most provide basic guest rooms. Many properties do not have a restaurant on site but are usually located within walking distance of eating establishments.

Two-star hotels normally meet a traveler's basic needs for comfort and convenience while offering moderate aesthetic enhancements in the property grounds, room decor, and quality of furnishings. Some may offer limited restaurant service, however room service is usually not provided. Many local budget tour agencies may use this level of hotel; therefore most of the guests will be the lower and middle class Indonesians.

Three-star hotels offer a higher level of service with additional amenities, features, and facilities. This class of hotel is considered mid-scale with convenience plus comfort. The style of service is often more formal. A receptionist should be on duty and the staff of the hotel responds well to the guests request and needs. Often they offer more spacious public areas and guest rooms. The property grounds, decor, and quality of furnishings are a noticeable upgrade in terms of style and class. Most properties in this category feature restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service availability may vary. Valet parking, pools, and fitness centers are often provided.

Four-star hotels are considered superior properties that distinguish themselves with a high level of service, hospitality, and quality. They offer a wide variety of amenities and upscale facilities, as well as well-integrated design, stylized room decor, excellent restaurant facilities, and landscaped grounds. Often the hotels have a business center and target the local and international business traveler. The comfort and convenience of the guests is the staff's prevailing concern. Often a four-star hotel can offer the same quality and service as a five-star hotel. Often the difference is that the hotel lacks large banquet facilities or a sports facility that is required for a five-star rating. Staying in this type of hotel benefits the travelers or guests that do not require these facilities but can still enjoy the accommodation and service of a five-star hotel with four-star prices.

Five-star hotels are luxury properties that are members of an elite group of hotels that exhibit an exceptionally high degree of service and hospitality. They are luxurious with first-class services and well equipped with state of the art facilities such as a pool, gym, business center, banquet and conference rooms, shops, and salons all with an air of luxury and exceptional comfort and attention to detail. These properties display original designs, elegant large room decor, exceptional dining, and meticulous grounds. The flawless execution of guest services is the staff's prevailing concern, without being intrusive. There will be a range of restaurants onsite and they will demonstrate a high level of skill in producing dishes to the highest international standards. Many of Jakarta’s most popular restaurants, discos and lounges are located within five-star hotels.

Hotels and the Expat Lifestyle

Hotels become a focal point for many expatriate community activities. Their ballroom facilities host a variety of community groups’ meetings and special events. Women’s groups hold monthly meetings, dinners and bazaars at the major hotels. National chambers of commerce hold meetings and embassies hold receptions in hotel facilities as well.

Conference facilities at major hotels provide rooms for business meetings, workshops, seminars, and regional and international conferences. Hotels are the home for frequent business travelers and offer a variety of amenities so that businessmen and women can feel comfortable operating from business centers and executive suite facilities.

Some hotels in the city cater to expats that comminute within the Asian Pacific area and require longer stays than the average guest. In some cases business people will be required to spend two weeks in Singapore and two weeks in Jakarta during a month. These expats may prefer to live in a more home-like environment, however are not in Jakarta long enough to justify signing a long-term lease with an apartment. This need has created a market for serviced suites within hotels. Some of the suites are equipped with a kitchenette so that guests can prepare a simple meal in the room. Often the hotel will offer a much better rate to a guest that promises a long term stay. Ask what packages are available to fit your needs.

As guests are entertained at hotels and visiting family members often stay in a nearby hotel in Jakarta, hotels are often a big part of expatriate family life as well.

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