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Peaceful getaway in north Yogyakarta
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One of the rooms at Marriott Yogyakarta Hotel. (Marriott Yogyakarta Hotel/-)
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ocated in Sleman regency, Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel is a newcomer in the province’s hotel scene. However, it provides facilities and services that should not be underestimated.
The overview
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Established in October last year, the hotel is designed to cater to both business and leisure. Offering 347 guestrooms with pools and city views, it is said to be the first Marriott branded hotel in Indonesia.
It is situated at Jl. Ringroad Utara, Condong Catur, about 20 minutes from Adisutjipto International Airport, which is known as a student area as it is relatively near to some universities, including Gajah Mada University (UGM), National Development University (UPN) Veteran and Yogyakarta State University (UNY).
Despite being mostly designed in a modern style, it also incorporates Indonesian culture into the interior, including the use of kawung batik patterns. The hotel's facilities include: a workstation, swimming pools for adults as well as kids, meeting rooms and a ballroom.
The room
Recently I had the opportunity to stay in the hotel’s deluxe room with a pool view. I especially enjoyed the room’s large space and the facilities provided, from the hair dryer to the ironing board. It also has an open bathroom that can be closed using a partition, therefore privacy should not be a problem.
Although the sound from outside the room could still be slightly heard, such as the sound of doors closing, I did not have any difficulty sleeping.
The spa
The hotel boasts a Traditional Javanese Massage service, where you can get a massage for your arms, feet, back and head (by request).
I was escorted to one of the therapy rooms, which had low lighting, with candles place in the corners. The room’s aroma was relaxing and the music was not too loud.
After changing into a brown kimono and having my feet bathed in salted hot water, I was ready to be pampered by my masseuse, Mbak Devi. I was afraid I would not enjoy the process, but Mbak Devi always asked me my preferred pressure level whenever she started massaging each body part. She also did not try to start a conversation and sometimes we enjoyed the comfortable silence.
The one-hour treatment ended with a cup of warm tea.
Read also: Where to dine like a royal in Yogyakarta, Surakarta
The cuisine
The hotel has three dining places: Yogyakarta Kitchen, Taman Sari Bar & Grill with an outdoor seating area overlooking the city of Yogyakarta, and The Lounge.
When I first arrived at the hotel, executive chef Muhammad Kamal Setiawan suggested that I try their “Steak and Egg” for breakfast at the Yogyakarta Kitchen. As the name suggests, “Steak and Egg” consists of wagyu beef steak with sauce, fried eggs, a slice of toasted bread and caramelized onion on top. The portion was enough for one person and the eggs could be cooked just how you like them. I ordered it twice during my stay there and it didn't disappoint.
The service
All of the staff at the hotel were kind, fast and helpful. They also paid attention to detail, such as putting an extra chocolate bar in my room and never hesitating to add more.
The upside
The hotel’s spa, spacious space and service were three memorable experiences I very much enjoyed during the stay.
The downside
The hotel is located in the north side of Yogyakarta, which is a little bit far from popular destinations such as Jl. Malioboro and the Kraton, although it is also close to Monumen Jogja Kembali (Jogja Returns Monument). (kes)
