Must-see hotels in Java

  • Kalibaru Cottages

    East Java

    A large, well-run resort boasting expansive, manicured grounds with a T-shaped pool fringed by palm trees. Faux-traditional cottages are spacious and have…

  • Dewi Homestay

    Yogyakarta

    This attractive, long-running homestay has lots of character, with a shady garden decorated with driftwood and dotted with interesting mementos collected…

  • Andrea Hotel

    Yogyakarta

    The Andrea is a charming little guesthouse with tasteful rooms fitted with stylish fixtures and good-quality beds. Even the rooms without en suite have a…

  • Swiss-Belinn Tunjungan

    Surabaya

    In a city with as many identikit business chain hotels as Surabaya, it's hard to stand out from the pack. Through the use of soothing tones, carefully…

  • 101

    Bandung

    Part of a small national chain; the 101's reclaimed wood-panelled facade dripping with vines is cool, as is the Sino-Portuguese tile in the lobby and…

  • Rahayu Homestay

    East Java

    One of Bromo's cleanest and best-value options is this attractive guesthouse with modern, spacious rooms – the pick of which look out to sublime valley…

  • Hotel El Royale Kartika Wijaya

    East Java

    An imposing colonial residence in sweeping grounds dotted with palms, lawns and tennis courts. The rooms are bright, spacious and filled with wicker…

  • Krowi Inn

    Surabaya

    With unusually comfortable beds, and a surgical approach to cleanliness, this hostel, down in the southern part of the city, gets all the basics right,…

  • See You Soon! Hostel

    Yogyakarta

    Along a side street in an appealing local neighbourhood, this delightful hostel is run by a young, friendly team. It's a compact setup with a six-bed dorm…

  • Hotel Kenari Asri

    Central Java

    This decent, two-storey hotel sports a rather grand entrance and has serviceable and clean (if rather small) rooms with functioning air-con. Some rooms…

  • Cimaja Square

    West Java

    Attractive thatched roof, brick and wood cottages, all of good size and built over the rice paddies make this a tranquil and endearing choice. It's a five…

  • Sunda Jaya Homestay

    West Java

    This Tamanjaya guesthouse was orginially built by the World Wildlife Fund and has four simple, clean rooms, each with two single beds and mosquito nets…

  • Royal Joglo

    Central Java

    This smart little joglo-style guesthouse, with a polished front step, is within walking distance of Krakal Beach. Accommodation is in attractive cabins…

  • Chez Bon

    Bandung

    In the heart of the action is this popular but institutional-feeling hostel, located up a flight of scruffy marble stairs from Jl Braga. Bunks are set up…

  • Tjiang Residence

    Semarang

    In the heart of Chinatown, a short stroll from the Tay Kak Sie temple, this budget hotel is a character-filled choice with a red facade and Chinese…

  • Hotel Surya Asia

    Central Java

    Not the most elegant of hotels perhaps, but this competent business hotel is one of several similar no-nonsense accommodation options in the centre of…

  • Novotel Jakarta Gajah Mada

    Jakarta

    A reasonably priced business-style four-star hotel near the old sites of Chinatown and Kota. Rooms are well finished, with neutral tones and the touches…

  • Novotel Solo

    Solo

    In the heart of the city, with most attractions within walking distance, the Novotel has an enviable location, and its four-star amenities are a welcome…

  • Red Planet

    Solo

    Part of a well-priced, three-star chain with branches in a handful of Indonesian cities, this modern hotel offers wood-floored rooms with high ceilings,…

  • Bumi Surabaya

    Surabaya

    A self-styled 'city resort'; the rooms at this former Hyatt are all conservative stately elegance, but the gardens are an explosion of tropical vegetation…

  • Gumaya Tower Hotel

    Semarang

    Towering over the city, this luxury hotel offers understated, well-designed rooms at good-value prices. Rooms come with large LCD TVs, fast wi-fi and…

  • Aston Jember Hotel

    East Java

    Wooden floors, funky wallpaper, floor-to-ceiling windows, thick mattresses and an impressive swimming pool that nearly encircles half the hotel. This…

  • Pulau Handeuleum Lodge

    West Java

    Set in a coconut grove, this lodge has been recently renovated and has six simple double rooms with fans. There's a kitchen, but you must bring your own…

  • Kendi Villas

    East Java

    A small and modern resort-style place with friendly management and tile-floored individual cottages lined up alongside an inviting pool. Rooms have…

  • Pawon Luwak B&B

    Borobudur

    Accommodation is offered in a couple of simple, traditional rooms in the garden of this coffee shop. Hot water is available and there's delicious luwak…

  • Delta Homestay

    Yogyakarta

    This sunny backstreet guesthouse has a selection of small but perfectly formed rooms built from natural materials, each with a porch, grouped around a…

  • Watukarung Prapto Homestay

    East Java

    Behind a terracotta-roofed family house is a series of wooden cabin rooms, which, though spartan, are polished clean and have good mattresses and attached…

  • Bonsai Bungalow

    West Java

    An upgrade from the other beach bungalows is this laid-back choice across the road from the beach, with spartan rooms with attached bathroom, a porch to…

  • Rumah Dharma

    Borobudur

    This recommended guesthouse comprises neat cottages with teak ceilings in a delightful location amid the rice fields. Helpful staff can help arrange…

  • Hotel C-1

    East Java

    The smartest place in town, this modern hotel has a good selection of simple rooms decorated with hand-carved wooden furniture. It's clean, mattresses are…

  • Tiffa

    Yogyakarta

    A tidy little losmen owned by a hospitable family, with a handful of smallish, quirky and charming rooms, each with private mandi (Indonesian bath). There…

  • Bayfront Villa

    Central Java

    This attractive hotel on a clean, narrow stretch of beach offers a handful of homely rooms, set around a delightful pool. The upper rooms open onto a…

  • Cimaja Homestay

    West Java

    Set in the rice fields a short way back from the main surf break is this sky-blue, concrete-block homestay, tended by lovely English-speaking staff who…

  • Pasir Putih

    East Java

    One of the best homestays in the village, Pasir Putih offers modern rooms with private bathrooms and patios overlooking the beach. Chuck in a royal…

  • Gondia International Guesthouse

    Jakarta

    This modest-looking guesthouse, with hostel-esque signage, occupies a leafy garden plot on a quiet suburban street and has 12 spacious tiled rooms. It's a…

  • Hotel Ibis Surabaya City Centre

    Surabaya

    Following the classic Ibis style, the entire place, from the reception to the rooms, is modern and businesslike, and the city centre positioning is spot…

  • favehotel Braga

    Bandung

    Part of a reliable national chain, this bright and bold design hotel is a good central choice where you can expect a stylish, air-conditioned room with…

  • Novotel

    Bandung

    A worthy splurge. Rooms are stylish and service standards are very high. Although the pool is tiny, it has a great gym and a spa. Online discounts are…

  • Arabika Homestay

    East Java

    This dated, chilly mountain lodge is managed by the Kebun Kalisat coffee plantation, which is a short walk away. While it could be cleaner and better…

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