FEATURED Jakarta hotels

Indonesia's capital is one of the biggest cities on earth. It ranks tenth on the list in terms of size, making it also the biggest in South-East Asia. If you factor in the Jabodetabek, the wider urban area, it's the second largest such area in the world. Although it is not traditionally know for its tourism, much local planning has been put into to effect to cater for the increasing number of leisure visitors, many of whom come to peruse the beautiful colonial architecture which is found mainly in Old Town.

Yet it's the business, political and culture epicenter of the nation, as well as that of South-East Asia and, as such, it has long been a major destination for executives and those in the political sphere. The city is divided into municipalities and many of those in town on business need to be located in Central Jakarta. This is the area of politics and government concerns and although it's the smallest of the municipalities, it is one of the most beautiful areas of the city with its old Dutch buildings and beautiful parks and monuments.

Naturally, those with diplomatic duties and those in the political arena require the very best of accommodations. There are some exceptional hotels in the Central District which are geared toward prestigious guests. Expect pitch-perfect service and a wide range of facilities as well as some of the finest restaurants in a city which has too many good restaurants to count. Of course, there will be a comprehensive business center wherever you stay, with staff on-hand to assist with any details. These establishments will certainly offer private and stylish meeting rooms, not to forget the conference and banqueting facilities. But Central is not far from the Jakarta Convention Center, so those in town for an important gathering might be less likely to require the in-house conferencing services than they will be to require a limo service from the hotel and back again. The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is also nearby, about three-quarters of an hour away by car, and your hotel will arrange airport transfers if you have need.

Like the Central district, South Jakarta, known as the Golden Triangle District, is another vital destination for those in town on business. This is considered the beating heart of the contemporary city and the main center of business. Here is also where you'll want to begin your shopping spree, and it's a shopping spree which never has to come to an end. In South Jakarta you'll find grand, modern hotels with the full five stars. Expect much the same set of services as those found in the Central area and, just like those establishments, these will offer everything from comprehensive spa and fitness facilities to a number of in-house restaurants and bars.

And the food in the city is something quite special. Aside from the national love affair with food, this is a city known for its gourmet eateries. A number of the finest restaurants can be found in the hotels. The colonial heritage remains in many of the establishments and their eateries, so don't be surprised to find fine French food created by a master chef with many awards and accolades to his name. But it's not only the Europeans and the West which are represented in the hotel restaurants. There is a wonderful choice of Chinese and Japanese food and you'll find the other cuisines of Asia well represented at their most authentic.

There are good hotels all over the city, and if you want a stay which veers away from the shining bastions of modern hospitality, then you would do well to book into one with a boutique ethos. These vary considerably, but you'll find at least one with a European sensibility that reflects the colonial period and offers furnishings and style to match. Of course, there is considerable charm to be had while ensconced in a timeless heritage hotel, but that doesn't mean you'll have to sacrifice any of the mod-cons which have become de rigueur for all 21st century travelers.

If you head up to the North, the only municipality which touches on the Java sea, you'll be able to enjoy establishments with views of the water. It's not a bad idea, if you're on a holiday, to take a trip out to the Thousand Islands. Although no longer a sub-district of North Jakarta, it attracts many who hope to enjoy the pleasures of the ocean whether they experience them above or below the waterline. Here is whether to dive in the Java sea or to windsurf. Catch a ferry out or, if you're in a hurry, you can take a speed boat.

There are other types of accommodation in the city which aren't ostensibly traditional hotels. There are four and five-star apartments with all the comfort and luxury of a hotel but with the freedom to inhabit the rooms and suites as though were more like a home away from home. These typically offer large pools, as well as children's playgrounds. If you want to keep in shape for the maritime adventure, then take advantage of the generally excellent fitness centers or just work up a sweat on the tennis or squash courts. One or two establishments also offer convenience stores, if not more comprehensive shopping, which stay open late or around the clock.

No matter why you find yourself on the north-west coast of Indonesia, you'll be in for a rare treat. This a city famous for its heritage and culture and you only have to step outside your rooms to find yourself in the midst of one of the most vibrant cities in the world.