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Jakarta is a capital city of Indonesia, an expansive series of many 100's of islands. Comprised of regions including Java, Sumatra, and Bali, Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation incorporating many different populations, cultures and languages. All of these different facets come together in Jakarta and effect a seamless blend which is at once vibrant, attractive and commercially and financially successful.
A wealth of natural, cultural, historical and commercial attractions lies in store for visitors and there is a fine selection of Jakarta hotels which make the ideal base in the city.
Like many major world cities, Jakarta had humbled origins. Once a small harbour town dating from the 16th century, the old town was defined by Dutch and Portuguese influences. Much of the old town remains and there has been a concerted effort to preserve and renovate the historic colonial buildings and cultural elements introduced by early settlers.
The heritage architecture of the city now largely hosts living museums dedicated to the diverse and appealing history of the city and these form popular visitor attractions.
Like everything else in Jakarta which is an eclectic mix, the old buildings sit comfortably with all the ultra modern architecture of one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities. Seat of the government of Indonesia and its financial and commercial heart, the city has many areas dedicated to business, industry finance and commerce.
As such the transport infrastructure is excellent and the city forms the gateway for visitors to all the other parts and diverse attractions of Indonesia. Road and rail networks emanate from the city and sea routes and air travel too, the latter via the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
If the colonial sights and Indonesian influences offer opportunities to explore some of the dynamic cultural history of the city, the skyline comprised of modern developments and structures typically display a contemporary big city as would be found with most modern capitals.
Certainly more metropolitan in style than many others in this region of the world, big business is the order of the day in much of the city and combined with all the offshoots of financial success such as entertainment, dining, and shopping options, Jakarta has much to offer visitors whether for a leisure or work related stay.
Jakarta hotels are mindful of the need to do business in the city and many have a full complement of business oriented facilities and services. These will generally include internet access throughout and a dedicated hotel business centre, in which guests will find work desks with computers, print, copy and fax facilities, and also often secretarial, courier and translation services.
Guest rooms within hotels will often have a range of business ready functions too, such as international direct dial telephones, work desks, and satellite televisions with international news and finance channels.
Certainly many of the modern hotels in the city will have more features to attract the business traveller, particular in the high end luxury hotels, which often have executive club rooms and floors which offer exclusive access to social and business features, as well as express check-in and check-out facilities.
All other business oriented features are common too, such as meeting rooms and conference spaces, and airport pick up and drop off. Function spaces can also be used for private celebrations and weddings.
The luxury hotels of Jakarta will have all the additional leisure features found in any top luxury hotel. Almost certainly this will include a swimming pool and usually also an extensive spa facility, steam rooms, sauna, and fitness suite containing a range of state of the art fitness equipment.
The larger hotels will also offer a selection of sports facilities such as tennis and squash and often have extensive gardens and grounds in which enjoy sports and recreational activities.
The boutique hotel concept is certainly not lost on Jakarta and its rich cultural heritage makes for some excellent boutique hotel environments. Often incorporating colonial influences, traditional Indonesian elements, or both, the boutique hotels of the city represent perhaps the best way to experience the diversity of the country and city and enjoy the unique hospitality on offer.
Within these establishments, style and service are the key ingredients and guests will want for nothing in terms of personal service and will have elegant spaces in which to retreat from the busier elements of city life.
While luxury and boutique hotels will have a certain exclusivity which forms part of the appeal there are many other hotels in the city to suit every taste and budget. Some of the cheaper hotels can be a delight in themselves and in the vast majority of places the service will make any guest feel welcome and comfortable.
A small basic family run establishment may give the visitor a more personal experience of the city and an authentic taste of life in Jakarta. The choice may depend on many factors such as location, with hotels in the city centre, near the airport or towards the outer lying areas. Add to this the cost and personal tastes and there will always be the right hotel choice for any visitor.
Most Jakarta hotels will have at least one dining facility and in the case of the luxury hotel developments there will be an extensive selection. There may also be lounge areas and live or recorded entertainment. For business, for pleasure or for both, the hotels in the city are well equipped to meet the demands of contemporary travellers.
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