After an amazing 24 Hours in Singapore, it was time to hop on a flight to the Indonesian city of Yogykarta, known for the ancient ruins of Borobudur, where I’s be staying at the Hyatt Regency Yogykarta.
Review: Hyatt Regency Yogykarta (Yogykarta, Indonesia)
The entrance with the iconic stupas of Borobudur classic design
About The Hyatt Regency Yogykarta
This is the official informational blurb from the official Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta page on Hyatt.com.Â
Location & Getting There
The Hyatt Regency Yogykarta is strategically located on the North side of the city, about an hour from the main tourist attractions of Boroburdur and the twin volcanos of Merapi and Merbabu.
From JOG Airport, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the hotel (depending on traffic).
FHOP Tip: As the airport is very small, I recommend just taking a taxi from the official taxi line vs. trying to negotiate with a freelance driver or even Grab. Save yourself some time and headache.
The Redemption
The Hyatt Regency Yogykarta is one of those rare unicorns in the Hyatt portfolio, a 5-Star luxury hotel which is also a Category 1 Hotel redeemable for only 5,000 points.
FHOP Tip: You can redeem for only 5,000 points, but should you? This hotel is also very inexpensive by western standards on many nights, sometimes going for around $60 USD. On the dates I was there, this hotel went for around $145 USD so I used points. Check your dates and see if cash or points is better for you.
The Grand Entrance
Traditional Indonesian instrumentsÂ
The Check-In
I arrived at the front desk ready to check-in with my credit card and passport in hand. After pulling my information up, the representative quickly informed me that I was invited to check-in at the Regency Club due to my Explorist status.
She pointed me in the right direction toward the end of the hallway leading into the hotel.
The front desk lobby
Indonesian warrior figurines adorned the front desk area (there was also a mini-museum exhibit to the left of the front desk)
Javan Art
The Regency Club Check-In
I arrived at the end of the corridor to find a double-staffed front desk at the entrance to the Regency Club. Both attendants greeted me very warmly before one got up to get me a welcome drink. The other thanked me for my loyalty and engaged me in small talk about my travels and what brought me to Indonesia.
As she checked me in, she handed me a Regency Club welcome letter and an Explorist welcome letter (see both below), before handing me a key and a map of Yogykarta. She also explained a little about the Hotel and its amenities, the Regency Club, and the tours available for booking in the front of the hotel.
Click here for the full review of the Regency Club at Hyatt Regency Yogykarta.
The interior of the Regency Club
The Regency Club welcome letter
The refreshing dragon-fruit welcome drink
Javan lei necklace
The room key
The Explorist Welcome Letter
Yogykarta City Map
The Hallway Fountains
The interior of the hotel was handsome, with interesting art pieces decorating the halls, and fountains and flowers adorning the hallway near the elevators.
The Bedroom
The room was a bit basic and bland when compared to other [newer] Hyatt Regency properties in the world, but it was still nice by most island standards.
It was comfortable and cozy.
Photo of the nearby Boroburdur Temple
Room Amenities
Inside the cabinet in the room entrance
Coffee and tea set
Complimentary water
Welcome fruit slices tray – not sure about that dipping sauce though
The best ginger candy ever! Beware – they are addictive
The Bathroom
Complimentary water in the bathroom (means use it to brush your teeth)
Bidet toilet
Just in case
The Room Patio
The room patio led to the grounds of the jungle-like courtyard.
The icon of “Jog-ja”
Walking The Property
The property itself was quite large. The pool was the obvious centerpiece of a courtyard which straddled the fine line between lush and overgrown.
Property gardens
The Swimming Pool
The swimming pools was, in a word, glorious. You can’t tell from these pictures, but the pool was packed most of the time.
It’s all fun and games…
Various Recreational Activities
There is no shortage of things to do at this Hyatt Regency, that’s for sure.
Need proof? Check out this activity board.
The Boutique Shops
Bogey’s Bar
The Fitness Center
The Gardens At Night
Special Dinner For Ramadan
Dining
FHOP Tip: If you find yourself at this Hyatt Regency during Ramadan, the dining hall is open as early as 4:00 am. This means you can grab a breakfast even if you are planning on catching the sunrise at Borobudur.
The Bottom-Line Review: Hyatt Regency Yogykarta (Yogykarta, Indonesia)
Overall, I really enjoyed the Hyatt Regency Yogykarta. So much so, that I wish I had spent some more days there. Even at just 2 nights, it was a fantastic redemption in the Hyatt portfolio (a Category 1 hotel at just 5,000 points!).
I really enjoyed the Regency Club here, I found the food there both substantial and delicious – and what an awesome drink menu!
Final Rating 7.5 out of 10.
Cheers!
