Room with a view at Pan Pacific Jakarta

[JAKARTA] Time stands still in Jakarta. Actually, no. You stand still in your car, while the rest of the city whizzes by.

Here, being stuck in traffic is a national pastime – a legally accepted excuse for chronic tardiness. Even as you marvel at how fast it’s transformed over the past few years, you wonder how anybody gets any transformation done when they spend so much time not moving. 

Even so, if you need any convincing about how far (or high) the city has come, just look up. Soaring to at least 90 and 100 floors respectively, the twin towers of Thamrin Nine are the newest skyscrapers in town – the tallest in Jakarta, Indonesia and the Southern Hemisphere.

The taller sibling, Autograph Tower, stands at 385 metres – edging out New Zealand’s Sky Tower for the top spot in the Southern Hemisphere. Next door, the 304-metre Luminary Tower has its own claim to fame – it houses Pan Pacific Jakarta, the tallest hotel in Indonesia.

From its Pacific Club lounge perched on the 90th floor, even “panoramic” doesn’t do justice to the surreal view of the city it looks out over. On a clear day you can see mountains on the horizon, but even when clouded by grey skies or haze, the landscape is still next-level.

In a city littered with long-standing established hotels, Pan Pacific Jakarta comes across as a refreshing new kid on the block – full of energy, a modern vibe and a different perspective.

Affordable luxury

Its understated luxury, lifestyle-centric DNA fits right in with the city’s push to be known as a fun destination, not just a place for business. Just ask Alasdair Davidson, cluster general manager of Pan Pacific Jakarta, who has lived in Indonesia for the past 13 years and seen the capital city’s hip quotient rise over the past six.

“While it’s still very much the heart of commerce, there are areas like Sudirman Central Business District and Senopati, which have turned into lifestyle hubs known for fine dining and nightlife,” he says. “At the same time, you have cultural landmarks such as Kota Tua in the city’s old quarter – perfect for heritage and art lovers.”

The hotel’s guest list still skews business, with only 20 per cent being leisure guests, “but we are seeing more bleisure travellers,” Davidson notes.

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That number is likely to grow, especially among travellers who are seeing less value-for-money in popular spots like Bangkok – where hotel rates and fine dining are increasingly expensive. Five-star luxury is a comparative bargain in Jakarta, where room rates start from just S$130 before taxes at Pan Pacific Jakarta.

A Pacific Club room starts from S$180 – and is well worth the “splurge”. You get complimentary access to the club lounge with all the snacks (breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktails in between) you can eat.

Not to mention a dedicated lounge team to check you in and see to every need – from dedicated car services to shopping and dining recommendations. Ask, and they’ll even hunt down a specific brand of Indonesian keropok – complete with store names and directions.

Interior design by Hirsh Bedner & Associates hints at luxury more than shouts it out loud. Clean lines and soft hues dominate the rooms from the 71st floor upwards, as if not to distract from the high-rise view. You can even look down on the famous Bundaran HI roundabout from some rooms, with cars circling like little Matchbox toys in the distance.

If the incessant traffic frightens you, stay in. A massive indoor pool is designed for tropical lounging. Its signature restaurant Keyaki on the top floor lets you indulge in Nobu-style unagi truffle maki or a full-on traditional teppanyaki. Book an in-room massage where a therapist sets up your personal spa experience, and finish off with a warm bubble bath specially drawn for you.

Even if you must step out, you don’t have to go far for some retail therapy. Major malls like Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia are within walking distance, and there’s a subway station just steps away for easy commuting.

If it’s your first time in Jakarta, get your thrills next door at UP at Thamrin Nine, a 360-degree observatory tower on the top floor of Autograph Tower. Be warned if you’re afraid of heights, because the see-through glass at your feet looks 100 floors down and will give you immediate vertigo.

But if you’re up for the thrill, the evening skyline is worth it. Test your limits further on the reinforced swing that literally pushes you over the ledge.

Something for everyone

While Pan Pacific Jakarta offers top-tier luxury for business and bleisure travellers, Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta and the upcoming Parkroyal Hotel Jakarta cap a trio of hospitality offerings under the same roof. 

They all form an ecosystem crafted by the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, each catering to different market segments but still complementing each other, explains Davidson. The serviced suites – located on levels 73 to 82 – cater more to long-staying residents but also appeal to families and those who like the idea of having a full-sized kitchenette complete with cooking hob and washing machine.

The low-key vibe and communal areas give the serviced suites a neighbourly feel, while shared facilities give guests access to Pan Pacific’s pool and Keyaki restaurant. When the 180-room Parkroyal opens in 2027, it will share a similar brand philosophy with its focus on social living, says Davidson.

Whatever your travel purpose, you’ll feel right at home at Pan Pacific Jakarta. Chalk that up to the service level – Jessen from the Pacific Club and Yoka from the concierge team stand out in particular – and the comforting familiarity that acts as a balm to Jakarta’s chaotic energy. But once you’re over the initial culture shock, you’ll find more to the city than meets the eye – and all the more reason to stick around longer.