Yogyakarta
Where to lay your head
Where to lay your head
Yogyakarta offers myriad choice when it comes to finding a place to sleep, from hostels to fancy five-star establishments. What it does particularly well though is small guesthouse-style accommodation — we found some of the funkiest and friendliest we’ve seen in Indonesia.
When tourism first developed in Yogya, foreign visitors were drawn to two primary areas: one centred around Jalan Sosrowijayan off Jalan Malioboro in the city centre, and the other south of the city in the vicinity of Jalan Prawirotaman. Although both areas are still busy, decent choices are now more widespread, with a newer area developed to the north near many of Yogya’s universities, mostly catering to students. We have focused our coverage on an expanded area based around the original (and still popular) spots, using the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) as a division. Both are easily walkable or a short becak ride to the major inner-city sites.
Additionally, we’ve included a couple of special places, one near Borobudur and one near Kota Gede. Be warned that the high season months of July and August may see you forking out a little extra for a bed, and it’s wise to book at this time too.
Jalan Malioboro is Yogyakarta’s vibrant and hectic main thoroughfare. The street and its surrounds are chock-a-block with hotels, many targeted at the growing middle-class domestic market. At the northern end of town, Jalan Sosrowijayan, once backpacker central, still offers many options, but most haven’t changed since we first stepped inside them in the early ’90s. However don’t despair, some excellent new (and some long-running) options will have you comfortably rested. Nearby food choices are plentiful, and predominantly of the local variety, providing an excellent opportunity to explore Yogya’s culinary culture.
Want to experience the lifestyle of a Javanese Sultan? The five-star Phoenix Hotel oozes historic charm and luxury and although its history is not of royal lineage, it is rather palatial. Originally built in 1918 by a successful spice trader, the building has had a colourful history, including at one time being the residence of President Sukarno, Indonesia’s first president. Assuredly... Read our full review of The Phoenix Hotel.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
If a modern chain hotel is more your style (hey we get it and won’t judge), Hotel Neo Malioboro is smart, spotless, and ticks all the boxes for mid-range comfort. An excellent city location means you couldn’t get closer to the railway station if you were on the train. As well as the rooms having a lot more charm than a standard air-con box, the reception staff are some of the friendliest... Read our full review of Hotel Neo Malioboro.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Within the labyrinth of Gang 1 off Jalan Sosrowijayan, Pawon Cokelat Guesthouse is hard to find but like chocolate, is well worth seeking out, as it’s the best-value and most stylish flashpacker in the centre of town. Towards the northern end of the tiny lane, look up to find the easily missable, modern post-brutalist concrete-slab building, softened with a curtain of hanging... Read our full review of Pawon Cokelat Guesthouse.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
Smart, spotless and well packaged, The Packer Lodge is an excellent choice for a hostel in central Yogya, albeit a little on the pricey side. You won’t miss the large four-storey building with its screaming orange awnings and white facade conveniently situated near the centre of the action just 50 metres from Jalan Malioboro, close to the train station and Beringharjo market. ###7342 The... Read our full review of The Packer Lodge.
( Read more on Booking.com )
Yogyakarta BnB has a special kind of charm. This sweet funky heritage home is well hidden in a back street just 300 metres from Jalan Malioboro, and is run by a bunch of local folk just like you — a ’fixer’ for the BBC, a travel writer, and a graphic designer. It’s not a hotel, but their home, and they share it with travellers. Opened in December 2015, it was still looking smart and... Read our full review of Yogyakarta BnB.
( Read more on Booking.com )
We were drawn to Ameera Boutique Hotel by its joglo entrance and enchanting classical Javanese design. The foyer and public areas are indeed lovely with heritage-style decor featuring pattered cement tiled floors. The hotel was fully booked when we visited, and we were only able to view one standard room, which although tiny, was comfortable and clean, however windowless. Rooms with windows... Read our full review of Ameera Boutique Hotel.
( Read more on Agoda.com )
Amid the tangle of passageways in Sosrowijayan, tucked into the side street that runs alongside Rama Hotel, a patch of green hides Dewi Homestay from the street. The guesthouse offers a handful of rooms that are bursting with character and charm. Mosaic floors, carved teak panelling, antiques and bric-a-brac add homely touches to the appealing rooms. Mozzie-netted four-poster beds in some... Read our full review of Dewi Homestay.
Clean, simple and friendly, Wake Up Homestay is not really a homestay, but a modern hostel offering pod-style dorms. Select from a choice of 10-bed mixed dorms, four-bed mixed or female dorms or a family room, which is set up in the same pod style with double-sized bunk beds. The “Ikea-style” air-con rooms are light and bright with white walls, pale wood and chartreuse curtained pods.... Read our full review of Wake Up Homestay.
( Read more on Agoda.com or Booking.com )
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