The decision of where to stay in Yogyakarta isn’t as easy as one first might think. During my week in the city, I tried three distinctly, different properties. Sheraton (2 separate nights) a Hyatt and a Marriott. Each has their own merits. This review will cover my experience at the Marriott Yogyakarta.
The Marriott Yogyakarta is situated next to the new and upscale, Hartono mall. The entrance was tricky to find, taking my driver 3 attempts to find where to drop me. The property has been open less than a year and in certain areas, this shows.
Marriott Yogyakarta Check-in and Platinum Benefits
The bell staff took my bags which they promptly delivered to my room. I was shown past the main desk and the small enclosed Lobby bar, to the M Club. There Angelina registered me telling me I was upgraded to an M Club King, on the top floor. She then explained all of the Platinum benefits.
Platinum benefits at Marriott Yogyakarta included the M Club lounge, serving tea and soft drinks throughout the day then canapés and alcohol from 17:30-19:30. A complimentary breakfast, available either in the M Club or the main dining room and the pressing of up to 2 garments per night. She mentioned that room service was available 24 hours a day.
Marriott Yogyakarta Club Room
I walked into a very open, comfortable and spacious room. The mattress was less firm than most I’ve experienced in SE Asia and the pillows were delightfully soft.
Platinum recognition was solid. The bottle of orange liquid was chilled and the contents indescribably different. It was a local herbal medication and had so many flavors that were totally new to me. I enjoyed every last drop.
I’m still not sure about the open plan format. However, this bathroom could be fully enclosed with glass sliding doors.
Marriott Yogyakarta Pool and Spa
I didn’t use the pool area and it remained empty until early evening. Then its popularity increased tremendously.
The spa is on the same floor and I tried to book a massage. Sadly all the services were completely booked.
Marriott Yogyakarta Kitchen
The Yogyakarta Kitchen is the main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I tried the evening buffet. It was very comprehensive and diners were spoilt for choice. Most of the dishes were not as warm as they should have been. The dessert selections were dangerously excellent.
Being the day after Ramadan and the hotel being full, breakfast was served in the main ballroom. Other than pancakes, waffles and the egg station, all other foods were teetering on warm. A shame as there was a tremendous selection.
Mall Adjoining Marriott Yogyakarta
The impressive, adjoining mall was spread over 5 floors. Numerous high-end stores, a cineplex and several dining options were available, along with a spa.
Final Thoughts on the Marriott Yogyakarta
I have mixed feelings about the Marriott Yogyakarta. The hotel staff was friendly, but something felt wrong. My belief is that the hotel was understaffed and they were overworked during the holiday. The room, while very comfortable, was too modern for its location. I was hoping for something that was more in keeping with Indonesia. This could have been anywhere.
I would stay here again if I wanted a central location. This was closest to most of the must-see sights and off-site dining options.
Pros: Large comfortable room. Very modern. Convenient for shopping. Local sites nearby.
Cons: Other than the traffic being bumper to bumper in this area, I’m not sure there really are any otherwise. My belief is I just caught the hotel during a bad time and management had erred in their planning.
Have you stayed at the Marriott Yogyakarta? What do you think of the hotel?
Tim Pressman is a retired PGA Tour caddie. Architecture nut and fine food fanatic. Turns left and abhors economy. Husband to a declared hotel snob.
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