47 Best Hotels in Indonesia

The only way is up at the 101 Legian: the rooftop pool takes sunbathing to new heights, and the lounge encourages partying with your fellow stylish sophisticates. Enjoy the sunsets over Kuta, or catch up on people watching by eyeing the masses on busy Jalan Legian. Later you can follow those crowds across the urban landscape to nearby nightspots. The interiors employ a "smart design" concept that's modern and minimalist. Rooms provides the calm necessary to sleep off any excesses of the previous evening.

Tucked into an exclusive residential neighborhood just off major boulevards, Pomelotel Patra Kuningan provides a comfortable refuge for business travelers. Opened in early 2012 and managed by Swiss-based Core Hospitality International, the hotel has two wings—one no-smoking—that resemble rows of whitewashed modern townhouses. Green-hued rooms and suites share those clean, contemporary lines and have key features for road warriors: in-room Wi-Fi and safe deposit, desk, comfortable sofa, plus 24-hour room service. Pomelo Café serves buffet breakfast included in standard rates, plus Asian and international meals.

Big on concept, this hotel packs a lot into a compact space just a short walk from the beach. Look for TVs with international channels, in-room safes, and day beds that make the rooms tailor-made for parties of three. Bathrooms with stall showers feel cramped. True to its Indonesian roots, breakfast is nasi jingo, a fistful of rice sprinkled with flavorful side dishes. The chain hotel's no-smoking policy fits its hip, modern pitch.

This full-service resort presents manicured lawns along a quarter mile of beachfront and a glorious seaside pool at Lovina's eastern edge. The bright, generous rooms have full indoor baths, plus inviting outdoor showers. Unobtrusive Balinese accents include carved doors and local artworks. But why stay inside when there are the lounging platforms at the ocean's edge that overlook this prime spot for swimming and snorkeling? Kids can romp safely in the grass. The resort has its own boat for cruises, an open-air spa, and arranges hillside treks and romantic dinners on the beach.

Balinese charm and a lush garden thrive at Puri Cendana, just a short walk from the beach and nightlife. The duplex cottages sit in a courtyard shaded by mature trees, with thick grass and bright native flowers. Each room has a terrace to enjoy the greenery, but the best views are from the upstairs units. Through elaborately carved, multicolored Balinese doors you'll discover high-ceilinged, whitewashed rooms furnished in traditional local style, including four-poster beds with mosquito nets. The pleasant pool has cushioned sun lounges and a bar serving drinks and snacks.

The views that made Munduk famous are what you'll find at Puri Lumbung. The basic accommodations are modeled on lumbung, the Indonesian rice barns built on stilts. The interiors use local materials like rattan, which fits hotel founder Nyoman Bagiarta's goal of preserving local traditions while fostering economic development in his hometown. Each room has a terrace overlooking the nearby rice fields and the green mountains to the north. Beds are swathed with mosquito nets, so you can leave the windows open at night to catch the cool breezes. The hotel hosts daily cultural events and offers a choice of outdoor activities.

Expect amazing sunset views from one of the most luxurious hotels in low-key Lombok, filled with original local artwork, on picturesque Mangsit Beach. The romantic Qunci Villas boasts well-manicured grounds with gardens and three outdoor infinity pools, each with an abundance of sunbeds; guests appreciate the free ice water always on offer. Most villa rooms have private outdoor garden bathrooms with rainfall showers, and some come with private pools. The hotel's three restaurants specialize in Thai, Mediterranean, and Asian/seafood choices.

Close to the beach but removed from the scene, Raja Gardens is a tranquil haven in hectic Seminyak. Whitewashed brick bungalows provide modern accommodations, with nice touches like air-conditioning. The big attractions here are the vast grassy garden and sparkling pool, suitable for lounging or laps. The beach beckons just 100 meters down the lane, and some of the island's hippest bars are at the far end of the street, but you'd never know it from all the pace and quiet. Raja Garden is a friendly, family-run retreat, so if you're planning bacchanalia in Bali, head elsewhere.

Directly on the sands of Senggigi Beach, every room at this classic beach hotel boasts an ocean view. Though overall the hotel is in need of a refresh, the spacious rooms offer private balconies or terraces and the location is excellent, only about a 15-minute walk to the center of town and down the beach from a market and several restaurants. Extensive lush gardens and a beautiful pool area add to the feeling of tropical indulgence. The hotel spa gets high marks from guests, who also appreciate the 24-hour fitness center.

With a very central Surabaya location and connected to the large Tunjungan Plaza shopping mall, the biggest selling point of the Sheraton is its convenience. Hotel staffers are generally friendly and helpful, and the spacious rooms are decorated in neutral tones and equipped with standard Sheraton amenities, including flat-screen TV and a large desk—perfect if you're there on business.

Ask for a room on a higher floor for a better city view.

Head and shoulders above Bedugul's other mid-range accommodations, Strawberry Hill has cleverly designed, comfortably furnished mountain cabins for enjoying the cool air and green vistas. Bright interiors include wood floors, high ceilings, snug sofas, and hidden bunk beds for the kids, along with TVs with international channels and Wi-Fi access. Enjoy Bedugul's great outdoors from your private porch or the hotel's garden terrace near the strawberry patch, where you are free to forage for fruit. The restaurant offers very reasonably priced Western and Indonesian food, along with games of darts and pool. Lake Bratan is a short walk away.

Down the road from the area's original surfer hangout, Su's Cottages II offers more rooms and a bit more comfort while matching the friendly feel and strategic location of Su's Cottages I. Standard rooms have TVs with international channels, refrigerators, and balconies overlooking the inviting swimming pool. The hotel is a short walk to the beach and within easy reach of shops, restaurants, and nightspots. Su's retains its helpful, hospitable vibe.

If you're looking for a smaller, modern hotel with personalized service, Sudamala Suites more than fits the bill, and it's in the lovely Mangsit Beach area (right next door to the larger Qunci Villas). The new hotel features spacious rooms decorated with local Lombok prints and pottery and large outdoor bathrooms with showers. Enjoy a cocktail on the beachside deck while watching the amazing sunsets over Mount Agung on Bali.

Old school Balinese hospitality thrives at Tamukami, built in classic style around a pool. The quaint hotel feels like it's been around a lot longer than it has; it was built in 1999. Spacious rooms are generously appointed with Balinese touches and ample creature comforts, including a couch, flat screen TV, and Wi-Fi access. The energetic staff and creative management provide large resort services without the pretense. Comfortable, casual Alise's Restaurant offers a nightly set menu that combines local favorites with fusion creations; there's live entertainment four nights a week, and Balinese dances every full moon.

Tendean Residences has the friendly heart of a guest house with the amenities of a three-star hotel. This combination hotel and serviced-apartment property offers all guests use of a fitness center, rooftop terraces, a gazebo, common pantries, elevator service—plus a balcony, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi in every room. Hotel decor is modern and furnishings are new, but rooms feel small with basic designs. Smoking is permitted on balconies only. Tendean Residences is meticulously maintained and located near the business district and embassy row (Kuningan), nightlife hub (Kemang), and city center (Jalan Sudirman).

For a no-frills, clean, centrally located hotel, Tune Hotel Pasar Baru plays your song. Affiliated with budget carrier Air Asia, Tune shares its solid-value business DNA and its no smoking policy. Bathed in company colors white and red, this branch of the chain features quality spring mattresses and bedding plus private bathrooms with high-pressure, hot-water showers—not too shabby for a room that, all in, costs less than US$25. Pasar Baru is an older area of Jakarta, near historic retail areas and national monuments.

If you want to be part of the in-crowd in Bali, the W Seminyak is the place to make your entrance. This regal resort features beachfront lounges and bars where international DJs entertain the beautiful people caught up in the act of being themselves. The see-and-be-scene theme extends to rooms, where the glass-walled showers are perfect for exhibitionists. Expect all the latest gadegets, from 40-inch flat-screen TVs to docks for your electronics to theater-style sound systems. The resort's sleek, modern buildings are laid out around a series of lagoon-style pools.