It was early December 2011, wet season in central Java most afternoons, but that only made the vacation "Kool" ! Joglo Plawang is the perfect escape for someone who wants peace and quiet amidst tradions of the local people. And you experience it the moment you step into the gentle surrounds filled with classic Javanese architecture and charm- that also includes the staff who are ever ready to be of help no matter how small a task. We stayed 5 nights in the Royal villa.Literally a huge tradional house complete with all the luxurious fittings you'll love- especially the bathroom! We were the only one's there in the first few days so that was perfect! Just like being in your own home-Javanese Royalty style!
It was 20 years since our last trip to Jogja, so this time around we wanted to just relax, experience a bit of tradional gamelan with the friendly kampong people, enjoy the delicious food and not do the usual tourist rounds of temples and kratons but shopping was a must!But if it's your first time, plan your schedule ahead and don't miss the Ramayana ballet at night under the stars at the Prambanan complex. Simply breathtaking!Camera's fully charged or you'll kick yourself!
We like that it's not in the heart of town about 30 minutes away, but easily accessible with the friendly hotel drivers who will also share the local stories with you.

The hotel is located half an hour from the city, not very convenient for night life, but can avoid terrible traffic in downtown when you go to Borobudur and other places of interest. The traditional deco is quite nice. Staff are extremely friendly. The standard rooms are very far from the main mansion, although they do provide 24 hours guard and servants and car transfer all the time. You still can find insects here and there but even the ants are friendly enough and normally avoid your shoes when they go out. Overall very relaxing and good value.

Visiting the site on the new year's eve day. we chose the villa because of its considerate price and location (secluded area away from the hustle and bustle of the city). The place was within our imagination, with nice details of a joglo house, friendly staffs and beautiful scenery.
The only setbacks were 1)the foods they served on the new year's nowhere within the Rp150,000/ person they charged per guest 2)Breakfast was nowehere near a 5star hotel standard.
It was a nice experience considering the price we paid, but they should not list it as a 5 star hotel.

The Joglo Plawang made our holiday to Java totally worthwhile. This hotel is for the discerning traveller who can appreciate traditional Javanese interior decoration and authentic Javanese cuisine. The hotel is situated on the outskirts of Yogyakarta but is easily accessible by a taxi (arrange it yourself and the journey is not expensive). The staff are mild-mannered and don't appear interested in your money (as you see in many hotels) but satisfying clients instead. There is a beautifully-decorated restaurant serving traditional Java dishes. Each one is immaculately prepared and exquisite in taste. At lunchtime you can also sit on a terrace which overlooks a scenic river flowing through the hotel complex. The rooms are very clean and rather luxurious - wonderful soft clean, jet-white bedding, dark Javanese furniture, fruit, soft ambient lighting etc The hotel is like a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of Yogyakarta. The hotel owner clearly knows something about high-class decor and high standards of service. All the staff were delightful. We stayed here for six nights and it soon felt like home for us. The staff would make regular kind gestures such as occasionally washing and pressing our clothes for free (as a token of appreciation). We hired a driver and guide and travelled from this hotel to various locations on a daily basis - Borobudur, Prambanan, Solo, Dieng temple, Mount Merapi etc It was always a pleasure to return back to the Joglo Plawang. This is a hotel where one can really relax. The pool is beautiful and clean. I would recommend that guests take a walk around the hotel complex as we made so many lovely discoveries by doing so. The large, impersonal hotels of Yogyakarta are no comparison. In fact, we had a terrible stay at the supposedly good hotel called "The Phoenix" (see my review). I really hope many more travellers read this review and discover what a gem of a boutique hotel the Joglo Plawang is. We are planning to return next year. Thank you to all the staff for making us feel at home.