At home with an Icon

Jakarta seems hectic and intense, with a honking, everlasting traffic jam and ultra-busy lives. And despite the country’s resourcefulness and cultural attractions, travellers don’t get a lot of choice in accommodation" it’s mostly corporate chain hotels and mundane four-star lodgings.

But Jakarta has a hidden sanctuary, right on its most vibrant street.

Office arcade by day and clubbing-and-dining zone by night, Kemang Road in South Jakarta never fails to lure tourists and locals alike.

Here’s where you’ll find the four-year-old boutique hotel Kemang Icon by Alila, a place to rest in style.

You wouldn’t realise there’s a hotel in the Octagon building without knowing it. The first and second floors house production companies, an art gallery and designer fashion shops, and there’s just a small sign for the hotel.

Hotel reception is on the third floor, amid contemporary decor with a balanced interplay of space and intimacy.

Sardjono Sani, one of Indonesia’s foremost modernist architects, with 20 years’ experience, came up with the concept.

Water elements, walls of glass, art-deco paintings and artefacts are set against a palette of soothing tones and textures of granite, marble, onyx, glass, metal and wood to create the shifting moods.

No wonder Kemang Icon was named in Conde Nast Traveler magazine several years ago “one of the scene-stealing hotels in Indonesia”.

Each of the 12 guestrooms has its own concept, design and tone. They have names instead of numbers, and they all begin with “I” - signifying a unique personalisation.

Spacious and open, each one-bedroom unit is individually designed with living area, bedroom and en-suite bathroom. They have big-screen TVs with cable, DVD players, iPods and mini-home theatres, broadband and Wi-fi, coffee and tea and branded amenities such as the luxurious Ploh goose-down duvets and pillows.

Give them at least two weeks’ advance notice and the hotel will further personalise your room they way you want it.

The bathrooms aren’t partitioned, so you might feel exposed, and some rooms have mirrored walls, so your suite mate can monitor your every move. This might be charming for couples.

The views from the rooms are hardly stunning view - you get a close look at the adjacent buildings - but head up to the fifth floor, where there’s an infinity pool and restaurant.

From there you can see pretty much the whole stretch of Kemang Road, and it’s quite a romantic setting at sunset.

Most people might just want to relax and unwind in their spacious, comfortable rooms. But if you’re an explorer, there’s a lot to do and see on Kemang. Thanks to the hotel’s location, you don’t have to sweat Jakarta’s notorious traffic along this one-way road. It’s easily explored on foot.

AT A GLANCE

High points: Prime location within walking distance to decent clubs and restaurants, attentive staff with personalised service, spacious rooms with privacy, great pool, free in-room Wi-fi and hearty breakfast.

Low points: The hotel is a bit too close to the neighbouring edifice, all rooms are non-smoking, there is no spa or gym, and the hotel is not suitable for children or families.

Find it: Jalan Kemang Raya 1, Jakarta, Indonesia

Pay for it: From US$185+ until December 31, and Nation readers get a 10-per-cent discount on the best available rate on the website.

Browse it: www.AlilaHotels.com/KemangIcon

Phone it: (+62) 21 719 7989