Hands up—who loves Jakarta? It’s a cosmopolitan, bustling metropolis, big and sprawling, with much to see, do and love, and yes, the traffic jams are legendary. So, you can imagine my excitement when I was invited to stay at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue —a luxurious getaway just 15 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
Located in the vibrant PIK Avenue district in North Jakarta, this area felt refreshingly different from my previous stays in the city’s fast-paced downtown area. I enjoyed exploring this trendy, modern part of Jakarta, and after a day packed with activities, sightseeing, and poolside relaxation, retreating to my spacious suite was pure bliss. Who knew Jakarta could offer such a serene sanctuary in The Big Durian? Not I!
This was my first stay at a Swissôtel, and I quickly appreciated their signature Swiss hospitality and efficient service. The hotel feels undeniably “smart.” A banner of clocks from New York, Zurich, Jakarta, Sydney, and Shanghai greets guests at the entrance, highlighting Swissôtel’s global presence. Below it, a sleek design of two black cogs showcases images of Jakarta—a fitting tribute to the brand’s first hotel in Indonesia, where everything runs like clockwork.
As my stay went on, I kept discovering more design details to admire. I have to say, it was spot on for an elegant city break. Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, one of the city’s largest 5-star hotels with 412 rooms and suites, has lots to admire. Read on for my full review.
My arrival
After a seamless, calm and easy immigration process, I stepped straight into Jakarta’s arrivals area and it’s sweltering, chaotic energy. Even for a Little Wren constantly in and out of airports it was full on.
I rather rashly decided to withdraw money from a beckoning row of ATM booths. Behind me, I amassed quite a queue of Air Crew, less than amused with my fumbling attempts, stalling as I try and work out how many million IDR I needed. When my bank card was finally spat out, with a “no can do message” on the screen, it was to the welcome relief of those waiting for me to push the right buttons!
Wren’s Tip: For future reference, when you arrive at the Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue, it is joined to PIK Avenue Mall, and the whole money withdrawal experience is super easy and air-conditioned!
Airport Transfer
Happily, at this point Yori arrives smartly dressed in a black shirt, beige waistcoat and the discrete red Swissotel logo to whisk me off to the hotel’s exclusive limousine comfort. Phew! The best reason for having an airport pick-up is that from the moment I’m in the car, I’m having fun. I feel it’s less hardcore travel and more Disney Princess.
It’s a pretty drive to the North Jakarta hotel, the roadsides covered with pretty bougainvillaea blossoms. It immediately felt as if Jakarta had had a bit of a spruce up since my last pre-Covid visit.
This was the start of a very happy three-night stay in Jakarta. Maybe my brush with the masses in the Arrival Hall was an unintentional masterstroke because, by the time I reached Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, I truly appreciated the calm and luxury that awaited me!
Why Jakarta?
We used to hop in and out of Jakarta regularly before Mr Wren retired. Indonesia’s largest city, is the country’s leading commercial and financial hub. I was always happy to tag along to wander the streets of Southeast East Asia’s multicultural mega-city.
I have always appreciated Jakarta for its mix of cultures. From Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European, whether you’re eating or admiring the architecture, all have left their mark on Jakarta and are worth exploring.
Jakarta is a fascinating hotchpot; in previous visits, we especially liked visiting Glodok (Jakarta’s Chinatown) and the old port of Sunda Kelapa, where traditional wooden schooners dock; my days were spent exploring the historic old town, mosques and museums, Chinatown and mega malls. Jakarta is never boring.
For this visit, I was eager to wander the new PIK areas a short car ride from the hotel.
Why PIK (Pantai Indah Kapuk) Avenue?
Here, you’ll find amongst the reclaimed land and new developments, some very snazzy homes and wonderful hotels. This is an off-the-regular beaten path for me, known by the locals as being enticing for entertainment and eateries.
Why Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue?
The Hotel.
This may be one of the largest hotels in the city, but it’s been cleverly designed. Between it’s layout and the efficiency of service, it never feels too big. You never feel lost or just one of the masses.
What I liked most about this hotel?
This is a top-notch Swiss hotel in more ways than one. Highlights are the stylish rooms, dining at any one of a number of elegant eateries, a really good Executive Lounge, the PIK Avenue location and close proximity to the airport and the staff. This is a really well-run hotel.
Who is the hotel suited for?
Whether you are a business traveller (the hotel has one of the city’s largest conference centres), a family looking for a great staycation, or a Little Wren on her solo city break, the Swissotel PIK Avenue Jakarta has much to offer.
The Rooms
My Suite, room 1056, is found at the end of the corridor. As I wander towards my room, I notice several doors have laundry pressed and ready on their door handles—just one of the perks of the Executive Floor.
Suite room 1056
I’m all grins, seeing my beyond lovely, gorgeous suite and singing its praises at every turn. From the moment you step in, it’s all about comfort and style for your perfect city escape, whether you are a business, leisure, or bleisure guest.
My corner suite was so inviting I could easily move in! The spacious sitting area has a TV and a drinks bar with a coffee machine and fridge, yet my eye is drawn to the interior design, which offers a spot-on combination of feeling right at home with an ‘oh, this is so lovely’ (and nothing like my home! Pops of orange from the cushions and a funky grey carpet with hints of red added a stylish flair. Whoever has been their lighting technician has done a fabulous job.
Wandering on, the Guest Relations team have had fun with their Little Wandering Wren ‘Welcome to Swissotel’ drawing on the mirror. I hear they are a dab hand for all celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Bathroom:
The bathroom is super luxurious, with a huge bath and a walk-in shower. Huge black-capped bottles, which match the bath styling, contain body washes, shampoos, and conditioners appealingly labelled with the words Vitalise, Awaken, and Invigorate.
Then you walk into the bedroom to find a desk, TV and the smartest crisp-looking bed you’ll ever come across, with linen you’ll adore.
Wren’s tip for the best rooms
There are many room categories distinguished by height and views. For the best rooms, ask for a room above the 15th floor facing the pool or bay.
Executive Lounge
The Executive Lounge, on the 20th Floor, has great views of Jakarta Bay. It’s a spacious lounge, and the staff is attentive, interested in your stay and helpful. I enjoyed my buffet breakfast here on my last morning, offering a good selection. I enjoyed stopping by throughout the day for their light refreshment service and good coffee.
Evening Cocktails from 6-8 pm were always popular, with a seriously good spread of canapes, which changed daily. The dress code is business attire and smart casual – no shorts or flip-flops.
Restaurants and Bars
Food at the Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue was a highlight of my stay. It seems they are continually looking for the latest and best foodie trends. Spot on trend, I enjoyed how much of the food offered came with culinary live performances – check out the Beef Wellington arrival or the Bombe Alaska serving at The Chinese National restaurant! Dining at the Swissotel PIK Avenue Jakarta is always an experience and more than the food itself.
There are so many choices for eating and drinking that you need never leave the hotel, whether you are after a poolside meal, afternoon tea in style, an all-you-can-eat buffet, or an evening cocktail at the wonderful Paperpress Bar.
The Chinese National
Solo dining at the Chinese National gave me the opportunity not only to savour every mouthful as it arrived without being distracted by conversation but also to admire the 1920’s ‘Shanghai in a glance‘ design and wallow in the experience. Once your attention is turned to the elegant interior, you can’t help but notice all the details.
I dined here on several occasions during my stay, admiring the layout which caters for large numbers but remains intimate. Every meal was both a culinary delight and an experience – whether it was the servers’ costumes or the floor show on offer.
Paperduck
Dining at Paperduck is a wow of an experience, designed to be like entering a Shanghai Railway station; it’s an elegant Chinese restaurant with no hint of red colour as you find in most Chinese restaurants. There again, this is not at all like most Chinese restaurants! The design of the restaurant made me smile. On one hand it is super elegant on the other hand you could be in a market with the roasted ducks hanging up. In my humble opinion, they’ve again really nailed the ambience.
They aim to serve the best Peking Duck in town, and who am I to disagree? From the crispy skin to the tender meat, it was exceptional. Their Dim Sum was pretty amazing, too; all in all, it was an unforgettable dining experience.
Lunch at The Chinese National
Lunch was fun! We ordered from the a la carte menu, and at the same time, there was an all-you-can-eat buffet menu. The dining room was full, I bumped into a smartly dressed group of Indonesian ladies who were going all out enjoying their lunch; this is no ordinary hotel buffet. You know, when the locals choose a hotel restaurant, it has to be good.
Back at our table, there was no bouncy up and down to refill our plates as a succession of beautifully presented plates arrived in more ways than one, some with their own floor show. Not only were they brilliantly presented, but they also tasted amazing. The Beef Wellington was enormous, the pavlova, gigantic!
Breakfast at The Chinese National
Breakfast was a real treat and worth planning a long lingering breakfast if you can. There is a real smorgasbord of breakfast treats, from the local Indonesian delights to the full continental options and egg stations. You can enjoy wandering around being served from differing live stations; it’s worth taking the time to explore the diverse offerings.
I especially enjoyed the Jamu section, which showcased traditional Indonesian herbal tonics made from roots, bark, flowers, and seeds. Each was labelled with health benefits like antioxidants and increased stamina. The Swiss Vitality Smoothie station was another highlight; I even found Swiss chocolate smoothies and a playful Morning Rainbow shot made with raspberry and mango purée layered over fresh milk.
Every station offered a thoughtful spread—at the salad bar, you can mix your own Caesar salad inside a giant Parmesan cheese wheel!
Letter Press
This cocktail lounge is worth a visit. If you love a hidden speakeasy bar with a Shanghai vibe and Chinese-inspired cocktails, seek out Letter Press on the 7th floor. The cocktails look as pretty as a picture; they are as exquisite as the setting is memorable.
Letter Press is a tea house by day, where if Geisha Blossom tea is your thing, it’s here!
Summers By The Pool
Summers By The Pool was the perfect combination of being poolside to grab a quick snack, ice cream or cocktail and also being a restaurant destination in its own right. As with all the hotel dining, the food is of a high standard. Their Swim and Brunch menu offers a selection of canapes and a la carte choices. This contemporary grill is definitely a cut above your regular pool dining. I can recommend the lobster!
Brownmilk
Brownmilk Deli is a hotel cafe located on the ground floor. It is open 24/7, offering pastries and signature Swiss beverages.
Health and Wellness
Daily Classes
The hotel offers a daily wellness class at 8 am, from beginner yoga to fun boxing, morning stretching, flex class, strength core, and an early bike tour at 6.30 am. I joined a fabulous yoga class with Rhama. The exercise studio is light, with a lovely setting overlooking the swimming pool.
I returned for a fabulous and soothing sound bath with Rhama. The room was filled with sounds created by gongs, Tibetan bowls and more, this ancient meditative practice is such a brilliant way to relax and unwind. Highly recommended.
The sound bath experience was being trialled as a potential new addition to the wellness program. The way the Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue continuously develops and changes its guest experiences is commendable.
Swimming pool
Whilst not an enormous swimming pool, you’ll find it such a tranquil and pleasant area to rest and unwind; there is so much greenery, trees and shrubs poolside. There is also a children’s pool with plenty of floaties to enjoy.
The Gym
There is an extensive and well-equipped gym with panoramic views from your treadmill or bicycle. Along with more thoughtful touches in the form of seasonal vitality fruits, chilled water, and lovely-smelling ice cold towels.
Purovel Spa
The Purovel Spa has five treatment rooms and offers a range of massage therapies, hair treatments, manicures, and pedicures.
I treated myself to a refreshing, relaxing massage. The spa had more of a sports spa vibe than a mega luxurious spa; it was functional with everything you needed but without a significant wow factor in the ambience of the rooms that you often find in top-class hotels, possibly due to the chocolate brown decor. The experienced therapist, however, was excellent and helped me find my inner calm as promised!
What to see, do and love close to Swissotel Jakarta PIK Avenue
PIK Avenue Mall
The hotel is adjoined by PIK Avenue Mall, a swanky mall that is great for shopping and dining options and caters to locals and international visitors. They often hold pop-up events. When I visited, it was Belle Fleur, a fun, family-friendly event filled with shopping and exciting activities for little ones. You can also catch up with all the latest movies at the state-of-the-art Flix cinema.
For the latest programs and events, see www.pikavenue.com/whats-on
Golf Island PIK 2
Golf Island is home to a luxurious waterfront development on reclaimed land. It is a seven-minute drive from the hotel and is popular for its scenic coastal views. This is the place to come if you’re after trendy beach clubs, seafood restaurants, and stylish cafés.
Visitors can enjoy recreational activities like cycling along picturesque seaside promenades and relaxing at beachside lounges. Here, you will find Pantjoran Chinatown PIK, a popular photo location that is great for a wander.
Pantjoran Chinatown PIK
Pantjoran Chinatown PIK is where ‘Chinese-inspired architecture meets a buzzing, modern vibe’, as the blurb says. It’s got a bit of a theme park feel, but we’ll let that slide because it delivers a fantastic open-air heritage experience. Think traditional Chinese culture, stunning design, and mouthwatering street food—all wrapped up in a lively setting perfect for a wander!
Batavia PIK
Batavia PIK is the world’s first over-water retail, dining and entertainment complex. You can hire a buggy or a boat to explore further. As with everywhere in Indonesia, you’ll find food is central to all activities here.
Lands End PIK 2
Did you ever think you’d find an aloha-style beach hangout in Jakarta? Me, neither. There is a grassy area with a lighthouse overlooking some fine, powdery sand. The sunsets are pretty nice here too.
Mangrove Ecotourism Centre PIK
This mangrove ecotourism centre, which is open to the public, sounds lovely. You can walk along the boardwalks or even hire a boat to float through the calm waters, enjoying the bird life. Do check with the concierge team. The optimal time to visit depends on the water levels.
Travel to Jakarta
Entry into Indonesia
To check the latest entry requirements with your travel provider or an Embassy/Consulate of Indonesia before travel. At the time of my arrival (Late 2024), the following was required:
- An electronic health declaration form called the SATUSEHAT Health Pass needs to be completed before arrival
- An e-customs declaration before arrival. You can complete this within 3 days of departure to Indonesia.
- 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹: 500 IDR (available for most nationalities) – cash or card.
- Just ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity and you arrive with a confirmed return ticket.
Final thoughts
I had a great stay; I enjoyed exploring the new and different Pantai Indah Kapuk, PIK area of Jakarta. Never before have I experienced such a serene stay in The Big Durian. This luxurious stay at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue had many highlights. The food and my dining experiences were a standout, together with my beautiful suite. I enjoyed the spa, yoga, sound bath, and swimming pool area.
Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue details
Address: PIK AVENUE MALL, PANTAI INDAH KAPUK BOULEVARD, 14470 NORTH JAKARTA, INDONESIA
Website: www.swissotel.com/hotels/jakarta
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren was a guest of Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A massive thank you to the staff who went out of their way to show me the best of their hotel and the surrounding areas; I left feeling impressed with my stay at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue and determined to seek out other global Swissôtel locations.
𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗜𝗞 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹 𝗮 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁!
If you haven’t already done so, I would love for you to support my work by following my blog. Find more photos of my travels and stories on Instagram: @littlewanderingwren
For more in Indonesia, see: The Ultimate Guide to Wellness at the Grand Hyatt Bali and An In-depth Review of the Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua below.
1 comment
Hello,
I doubt if I will ever get to visit Jakarta. I did enjoy your trip report and all the lovely photos. It looks beautiful. Have a happy day and great week ahead.