VERLOOKING Jalan Thamrin in the heart of Jakarta’s business district, the Keraton at The Plaza arrives early 2012 well positioned to entertain both leisure travellers and pin-stripers, with complimentary WiFi just one of many carrots. Keraton is Javanese for “palace” and the hotel, unsurprisingly, offers an engaging mix of ultramodern clean lines married with traditional Indonesian décor, proudly attesting to its Royal roots.

This is a versatile address, with business bustle and gracious service, an oasis of calm with high ceilings, a contemporary feel, soaring glass windows and uncluttered minimalism. Pale wood and white marble provide an airy contrast to the hubbub outside, slowing the pace – and the heart rate. Rooms, bathed in natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows,

don’t skimp on amenities. Expect everything from Blu-ray DVDs and 42-inch flat-screen TVs to iPod docks and a sitting area with study and a separate 25" LCD TV and PC hook-up. With a central location, free WiFi throughout, and an elegant boardroom, the 140-room Keraton at The Plaza is positioned among the top Jakarta business hotels. Add to this, butlers, a spa for leisure trippers, The Luxury Collection Concierge and an indoor infinity pool. Venture farther afield to the Museum Nasional for a closer look at history. Best of all, the hotel is attached at the hip to the Plaza Indonesia Shopping Mall.

Foodies will find two outlets catering to varied tastes, from casual to eclectic, and cocktails to coffee. Flavourful Indonesian cuisine – which makes a change from the de rigueur Italian – will not be hard to come by. Welcome to the palace.