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As I made my way to Jakarta’s newest swanky hotel, I was mentally preparing myself to be underwhelmed.
I’d previously attended a small event on the first floor of 25hours Hotel The Oddbird. Though charming, it felt cramped, with too many people squeezed into one space. I snagged a couple of cute postcards and enjoyed two delectable cocktails, but the experience left me feeling a bit stifled.
At this point in my life, I should’ve known better: A hotel’s first floor is not its lobby, and it shouldn’t be judged as such.
The Jakarta branch of the 25hours (25h) Hotel is located inside a mall, which would typically be a deal breaker for me, but I was excited for a midweek staycation.
After all, it was just one night.
Although the stay was complimentary, this review reflects my honest, unfiltered take.
A warm welcome
As soon as the elevator doors opened on the eighth floor, my mood lifted. The lobby, a lounge with three birdcage-like spaces, greeted me with a blend of ease and groove.
I’d stepped into a different world: retro S-shaped sofas, a desk with a typewriter and bird statues. The theme unmistakably reflected the hotel’s name, The Oddbird, tying the eclectic decor together.
Reflecting originality and creativity, The Oddbird’s design showcases urban greenery with a side of retro. The philosophy of the 25h Hotel chain is “come as you are”, and celebrates the individuality of people who want to be at ease in their flock. In a way, it’s a safe nest to come home to.
It seemed almost inevitable that a 25h Hotel would eventually open in Jakarta. The brand prides itself on being located in “the most vibrant cities in the world”, including Berlin, Paris, Zurich and Copenhagen, and the grand opening on Nov. 22 officially added Jakarta to that coveted list.
While “quirky and elaborate” defines the brand’s design ethos, each property is tailored to its host city. As a native Jakartan, I couldn’t help but marvel at the beautiful chaos of the lobby.
Settling in
Check-in was a breeze. With The Parent Trap soundtrack playing in the background, the front desk staff handed me a key card that read “almost home”.
I couldn’t help but laugh. My apartment is less than 100 steps from the hotel entrance, so in a way, I was home.
Though I’d planned to explore the outdoor pool, spa, gym and meeting rooms on the ninth floor the weather had other plans. With rain pouring down in sheets, I went straight to my room on the 10th floor and stayed put.
The XL Urban Suite transported me to a 1960s fever dream. Eccentric patterns covered every inch of the suite, which had a living room, a bedroom and a spacious bathroom.
The living room featured a brown half-moon sofa set against the window, a wooden bean-shaped table, a slipper chair and a large TV. It was roomy enough for four or more people.
The decor felt thoughtfully curated, with framed photos of Jakarta, coffee table books and bottles of East Indies Gin on display. It was clear I was here to be pampered.
The bathroom was standard luxury fare, with a marble finish, a bathtub, a walk-in shower and a double vanity. Like a true Indonesian, I pocketed the shower cap and loofah before moving on to the bedroom.
What stopped me in my tracks wasn’t the eccentric decor or the plush bed, but the old-fashioned radio and rotary dial phone on the bedside tables.
Surrounded by tall windows, the bed seemed like the perfect spot to get some writing done. And if I happened to doze off, I’d blame the cushy bed with its high-thread-count sheets and cozy weather.
Food, glorious food
For dinner, I opted to stay in bed and use the hotel phone to order room service: spaghetti Bolognese, Caesar salad and charred broccolini.
Unfortunately, the broccolini was out of stock. Though disappointed, I couldn’t hold a grudge: The spaghetti more than made up for it.
I debated revisiting the menu before room service closed at 9:30 p.m., especially the ice cream section. But a cough held me back, and I reluctantly let go of the chance to indulge.
Breakfast the next morning was at COPA, the in-house restaurant. As someone who rarely eats before noon, I invited my friend Vivian, a regular in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), to join me.
The breakfast spread was solid: eggs, bacon, hummus and yogurt with an unexpected twist–-it tasted like bika ambon (honeycomb cake).
COPA offers a mix of Indonesian and international cuisines, but the real showstopper is the bar on the other side of the restaurant. Suspended multicolor bird installations hang above, stealing the spotlight from anything on the plate.
Always home
It’s safe to say that my 24 hours at 25hours Hotel The Oddbird was one of the best staycations I’ve had in Jakarta.
The grand, urban retro design, delicious food and seamless blend of luxury and comfort transported me to another dimension, one still rooted in Jakarta but marked with the unique 25h stamp.
Whether it’s to mix business with pleasure or just for a unique getaway, The Oddbird delivers. Its SCBD location makes it easy to access high-end shopping, supermarkets for quick grocery runs and a variety of bars for a perfect nightcap.
I’ll definitely be back, and next time I’ll make sure to check out the pool and spa, rain or shine.
