I love staying at The Dharmawangsa. For me, it is my oasis in Jakarta, a spot of class, serenity, good food and great ambience and service. It is probably my favorite hotel ever, anywhere.

I write this review because of the reviews on best pools, all of which were resorts. But for a business traveler like me who needs his exercise and looks for a good swim, Dharmawangsa has it. Their outdoor pool is lengthy and offers a unique environment, situated under trees, between the hotel and the related club next door, the Bimasena.

I've done this a few times, but my favorite is the heated indoor pool at the Bimasena, next to the well equipped and laid out gym. It's not as lengthy as the outdoor pool, but you can get several decent laps in. To top it off is a hot jacuzzi that one can (slowly) get into after a good long swim, and lay back, stretch once back (w/c I need to regularly), and actually look out at that outdoor pool and the area between the two buildings. The jacuzzi actually juts out slightly from the 4th floor into fresh air, so you are actually lying in it while enjoying the scenery,

A great way to start the day.

Quickly on everything else...(w/c won't do it justice)... the rooms are spacious, service is efficient and friendly, the Jakarta Restaurant has great offerings including an outdoor buffet/barbecue on Thursday nights (not sure if that is still there). The lounge areas are in the middle of the ground floor, consisting of the bar area, a library, and small lounges for quiet meetings or get-togethers, while Indonesian gamelan music softly plays from the main lobby area.

Have stayed in this hotel over 10 times, for a total of probably 10 weeks. One of my favourite hotels in the world. The rooms are excellent, service fantastic, and decor stunning. The gym is very good as well, and the pool lovely.

Even if not staying here, well worth coming to the bar for a chocolate martini. And i don't even like martinis normally.

Food also good, the fancy restaurant always serves an excellent meal. The outdoor "epicurean night" in the main restaurant (one night of the week; not sure if they still have it) is also fantastic.

The place to stay in Jakarta. Very classy and different to your usual identikit 5-star with a low rise approach and gorgeous outdoor pool with overhanging trees. Also the standard butler service is fantastic.
It's about 20mins away from the central business district but close to Kemang.
It's certainly not a night spot - the bar is very low key - but if you want to treat yourself or have a secure, quiet stay away from the centre this is the place. Try a chocolate martini (if you can afford one!)
Review based on an 8 week stay with family during relocation to Jakarta. Only down side may be they are building high rise just next door as part of the same complex. I hope it does not spoil the ambience or tranquility.

The Dharmawangsa is a boutique 5* hotel in a quiet residential suburb close to Blok M. The hotel itself has an air of calmness in this crazy city and although the location is off the beaten track, it is worth it if you are looking for somewhere quiet to put your feet up.

Hotel style is 'traditional Indonesian' but with a modern feel. Staff are exceptional and always willing to help. Rooms are very spacious - more like a suite in a regular hotel. Bathrooms have shower and a bath for those that like a soak.

For the business traveller, broadband is in the room for $15 a day and is very good for Indonesia. The 24hr butler service is great for getting shirts pressed etc.

The food in the restaurant was excellent although the fine dining restaurant is trying to hard with their menu (lobster thermidor) and the prices are very high. The Jakarta restaurant is more mixed menu and prices are reasonable.

The hotel is very quiet which is good but also bad as it feels like you're the only guest at times.

Fantastic service, amazing rooms, great food but just a bit out of the way.