THE HIPPEST HOTEL IN JAKARTA
THE RECENTLY OPENED KOSENDA HOTEL IN JAKARTA IS THE FIRST TO SUCCESSFULLY PULL OFF THE DESIGN-CENTRIC APPROACH TO BOUTIQUE ACCOMODATIONS IN THE INDONESIAN CAPITAL.
In terms of hotels in Jakarta, there is little variation in the spectrum between bland business accomodations and luxurious five stars. But in other areas around the world, including places like Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, boutique hotels that focus on fun, quirky designs that appeal to hip travelers are becoming increasingly popular. This trend has finally made its appearance in the Indonesian Capital in the form of Kosenda hotel.
The hotel is the passion project of its founder, Ruben Kosenda, an entrepreneur and veteran traveller. “For many years I dreamt of opening a design hotel in the heart of Jakarta,” Ruben says. “A hotel filled with character and individuality, that was understated and relaxed with a modern edge.”
Ruben has seen his vision realised in the recently opened hotel, which is housed in a modernist eight-story building, designed by internationally recognised architects TonTon Studio, with sharp angular embellishments and an off-kilter diamond motif inspired by the architectural details found in the homes of Jakarta’s native Betawi tribes.
That off-centre diamond motif can be found again and again throughout the hotel, from the outlines of picture frames to the patterns on the stylish kimonos, providing an aesthetic throughline that ties together all of the hotels’ other eclectic design details.
And there are indeed many details. Santi Alaysius and Hamphrey Tedja, from celebrated design firm Domisilium Studio, have created a look that is bespoke without being too cutesy, utilising recycled elements such as refurbished barrels to create a look that reflects urban renewal.
The hotel is full of similarly unique touches that set it apart from other accomodations in the city. An eight-story feature wall made entirely from solid teak offcuts runs through the centre of the hotel. A charming mural by local artist Sanchia T. Hamidjaja, depicting life in present day Jakarta, can be viewed through towering windows on the lower levels.
Just as much attention has been paid to the rooms as to the public spaces, with lots of well thought out touches in every corner of the cosy rooms. The wardrobe spaces are fitted with luggage racks and a lengthy kitchenette bench that doubles as a workspace, with concealed international power points to power all of your gadgets. The bedside tables feature a digital alarm and an iPod dock for your music (if you don’t have your own, you can borrow an iPod with a curated playlist from the front desk).
The kimonos, laundry bags, and batik sandals that can be found in each room are not just stylish, they were handmade using scraps from textile manufacturers and produced by Precious One, a foundation empowering disabled people. The crisp 300 thread count bed sheets and premium toiletries from Kiehls add another touch of luxury to the well designed rooms.
Also of note are the F&B outlets at Kosenda, both highly-worthy of a visit even if you aren’t staying at the hotel. On the ground level you’ll find Waha Kitchen, which specialises in Peranakan cuisine. Headed up by Sydney and Melbourne restaurateur Stewart Gan, it features authentic Nyonya (Chinese-Malaysian) dishes such as a rich, full-bodied laksa curry soup that is amongst the best in the city. Coffee lovers will want to check out 127 Café, located alongside the hotel’s reception, where silky smooth coffee is brewed with a La Marzocco machine.
On the top of Kosenda Hotel, you’ll find the Awan Lounge which encompasses a rooftop bar nestled amongst an idyllic garden setting. The cool space, with an excellent sound system, is destined to become one of those hidden gems that Jakarta insiders tell their visiting friends about. The same could be said of the whole hotel, although it’s doubtful this hip hotel will remain a secret for very long.
