The fascination with Indonesia is high in the Netherlands. In addition to the countless Indonesian restaurants, Amsterdam has now gotten its own 4-star hotel inspired by mixing the two cultures. And very appropriately, the hotel is set at the IJ river, where ships used to leave for Jakarta.
At first look, there might be nothing distinctly Indonesian about the building, but that changes the moment you walk in. The lobby has been turned into a subtropical garden with some plants that are several stories high, making for a grand first impression. Rooms also have an Indonesian twist: you’ll find Indonesian wood carvings, bamboo elements, and warm, earthy colors. You might even think you’re in a resort in Bali until the sweeping views over cold Amsterdam bring you back to reality. If you want a panoramic 180° view of the city, let them wow you with the WOW suite.
The in-house restaurant, Café Jakarta, is all about the “West meets East” theme, serving a fusion of Dutch and Indonesian cuisines. Malabar bar also stays on-brand with spectacular cocktails inspired by different cities and regions of Indonesia. They taste particularly great served on the 9th floor with views over Amsterdam.
With a location a little bit out of the tourist center, Hotel Jakarta can easily sustain the illusion of being an exotic resort somewhere on an Indonesian island. But don’t worry, Amsterdam’s attractions are just a short bike ride away.
Javakade 766, 1019 SH Amsterdam, Netherlands
