Keraton at the Plaza
A Keraton is the royal abode of sultans in Java and while there are no ancient palaces in erstwhile Batavia, a hotel channeling their opulence and glamour was raised a few years back on a prime spot next to Plaza Indonesia.
The Keraton Spa is a calming oasis of warmth and grand treatments. Bengawan serves a really sumptuous breakfast with an a la carte menu that includes hearty entrees like steak and eggs. Guests with club access are invited to full lunches and dinners where inspired western and local fares are served.
Grand, especially the service staff at the restaurant who are always attentive and quick with orders.
Whilst the inspiration is cultural and antiquated, Keraton at the Plaza is an elegant property imbued with contemporary sensibilities and modern zest, its lobby bright and cheerful and its rooms mellow and striking. With a good dose of avantgarde chic and an appropriate dash of cultural accents, this hotel has done well with a design philosophy that takes one step back and three steps forward.