17 Best Hotels in Indonesia

All the must-have elements of a Balinese getaway come together at one of the island's most lauded—and lavish—properties, a cliff-top resort in the heart of upscale Jimbaran Bay on 190 acres, with several swimming pools, an award-winning spa, and a private beach. Formerly a Ritz-Carlton, this hotel was re-launched as the AYANA in 2009. Despite the size and swank, the place manages to feel down-to-earth thanks in large part to the legendarily warm Balinese service. Local flourishes abound in the design, from staff uniforms by Indonesian designer Ghea Panggabean to the use of batik textiles and village-made handicrafts in the rooms. The 290 guest rooms and suites are categorized based on view (ocean, bay, or grounds); upgrade to one of the 71 renovated Club rooms for perks like a dedicated concierge and all-day drinks and eats in the Club Lounge. Dotted along the cliff tops, the 78 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas mimic traditional Balinese residences, with indoor/outdoor living spaces plus private gardens and plunge pools. The vast grounds also house several swimming pools (including an adults-only pool), Kids Club, tennis courts, golf course, and water sports area. The award-winning thermal spa features hydrotherapy circuits, a seawater therapy pool, al fresco spa cabanas, and 24 treatments rooms. Note that it's a steep 197 steps down to—and back up from—the private beach. Seven dining outlets serving everything from French and Italian to pan-Asian entice guests to stay on property, as does Rock Bar, for drinks, music (often from big name artists), and 360-degree water views.

For something with more character than the big chain hotels all over Surabaya, try this centrally located boutique hotel, decorated with contemporary art by local Indonesian artists. The sleek lobby is filled with sculptures and paintings, and modern rooms include flat-screen TVs, iPhone docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Hang out at the hotel's cheekily named Restaurant of Contemporary Art (RoCA) to enjoy classic international and Indonesian dishes while surrounded by frequently changing art exhibits.

Set amid idyllic gardens, D'Omah has 10 two-bedroom cottages with lofts and verandahs; your rate gets you a bedroom and a share of the rest. Don't worry about the concept, simply revel in the affordable extravagance. Spacious, bright, and completely private bedrooms boast luxurious four-poster beds with mosquito nets and a bevy of fine artworks and local handicrafts. Suites also have refrigerators and satellite TVs. The lushly landscaped grounds and two swimming pools provide a hilltop escape from Ubud's crowds, though the center of the village is just a 15-minute walk away.

As Semarang's only five-star hotel, if you need a little pampering this is a good choice. The centrally located 17-story building, smack in the center of the business and shopping district, is also the city's tallest, meaning unobstructed views from every angle and gorgeous sunsets from the chic Skyline lounge on the hotel's top floor. Other luxury touches include an outdoor pool and sunbathing terrace, a well-equpped spa and fitness center, and three luxurious restaurants. The hotel's 259 light-filled rooms are large, as are the deluxe bathrooms with both bath and shower, and are handsomely furnished, if slightly nondescript.

One of the most historic hotels in Indonesia, this beautifully preserved grand colonial hotel built in 1910 offers a high level of service for a reasonable price. From the moment you enter the elegant art deco lobby, you'll be impressed by the level of detail throughout the property; for instance, the extra-large guest rooms are decorated with traditional Indonesian wood furnishings and the bathrooms feature polished marble floors. Choose from two well-regarded restaurants, the Western–Indonesian fusion Indigo and Sarkies Seafood Restaurant, some of the best Chinese dining in town. Be sure to stroll the grounds to check out the lush gardens and courtyards.

You'll discover a verdant tropical retreat at Segara Agung, tucked down a wide lane lined with villas. Each guest room's private terrace faces manicured lawns edged with tropical flowering bushes. The standard rooms could easily cost double elsewhere, with straightforward furnishings including TVs with international channels, built-in closets, spacious desks, and simple bathrooms, all as well kept as the grass. Wi-Fi access is free. There's an inviting pool area, and and breakfast can be served in the garden pavilion. It's a three-minute walk to a stretch of beach brimming with restaurants and water-sports outlets.

Many consider this Medan branch of the high-end JW Marriott brand to be the best hotel in town. The expansive tone is set when you enter the elegant lobby with its sweeping high ceilings. The modern, spacious rooms feature comfy beds and flat-screen TVs; corner rooms are even larger and offer wonderful city views. Guests have three in-hotel restaurants to choose from, including a steakhouse and one serving Chinese food, plus a more casual coffeehouse, and there's a well-appointed fitness center and swimming pool.

This two-story hotel—the "cottage" in its name is poetic license—has generously sized minimalist rooms with glass sliding doors leading to private terraces with views of the swimming pool and rice paddies. Kamandhani is quite peaceful despite being five minutes from the center of Ubud. The obliging staff can arrange private yoga sessions, in-room body treatments, and local tours.

A beautiful beach and bargain prices are what you'll find at the Lovina Beach Hotel, the self-proclaimed "original place" in Lovina. The local tourism industry has grown up around the hotel since its 1979 debut, so everything you need is within easy walking distance. The hotel is professionally run, and the staff can arrange tours offer helpful local advice. The accommodations are spartan but spotless, as is the massive swimming pool. A simple breakfast is served in the restaurant, also open for lunch and dinner.

Designed as a quirky grouping of adjoined "villas," along with standard rooms in the main building, this new beachfront hotel is set on the edge of the small but rapidly growing resort town of Labuan Bajo, with easy access to the airport and restaurants in town. Rooms are large and sparklingly clean, with high ceilings, attractive furnishings, modern bathrooms, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. Villas have balconies and a private entrance leading to the pool and beach—a big plus that gives them the feel of a resort rather than a hotel.

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.

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.

You can't stay any closer to Bali's famed rice fields than at Tegal Sari, where paths wind through impossibly green paddies and gardens hung heavy with orchid and lotus blossoms. Bright, airy rooms have Balinese furnishings and modern bathroom with tub. Free services include Wi-Fi access, drinking water dispensers to refill your bottles, and three-hour bicycle rentals. Add-ons like beer and massages come cheap. The location is an outer hub of Ubud that's loaded with restaurants, and it's a 15- to 20-minute walk or short ride via a free shuttle to the village center.

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).