Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel

Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel stands out boldly on its low-key side street, and is one of the fresher and more modern options in the Prawirotaman area. The sleek marble lobby is brightened with colorful paintings and greenery, which continues in the restaurant and out to the lush gardens and pool area. It's a busy hotel set in the heart of buzzy Prawirotaman, but there's a laid-back feel inside. Families are drawn the cooling outdoor pool, though you'll spot guests of all stripes most often kicking back on the rooftop terrace with superb views over the city and Mount Merapi. The top floor also houses a small art gallery, with a collection of large paintings and a calm, soothing atmosphere. 

Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel is in southern Yogyakarta, in a popular tourist and business district. There are a few shops and eateries along the street, and it's an easy walk to the main road -- Jalan Parangtritis -- which is a busy spot for shopping and dining. It's a 10-minute drive to the Palace of Yogyakarta, and around 15 minutes to city-center shopping on Jalan Malioboro. It's a city packed with historical and natural phenomenons both in the center and farther out. The 60-meter deep Jomblang Cave is a 45-minute drive, and Prambanan Temple -- with its spectacular Ramayana Dance show -- is about the same. Borodudur takes around 90 minutes to reach by car, and there are numerous sandy beaches around two hours south of the city. The international airport is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and shuttles can be arranged with hotel staff.

Rooms are modern, with gleaming tile floors and natural color scheme of brown and cream. They are spacious, with a minimalist look. Decorative touches are kept to a single piece of colorful artwork and a vase of flowers. Beds have oversized upholstered headboards, and rooms all have pretty, furnished, balconies -- many overlooking the pool. Suites offer larger living spaces with seating areas. Standard features include air-conditioning, kettles, minibars, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have a simple look, with counter-top sinks, large rainfall showers, bathrobes and slippers, and hairdryers. Suites feature shower/tub combos and windows into the sleeping area with blinds for privacy. 

Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel has a large, secluded outdoor pool, with a separate children's pool and sun loungers arranged around it. The main buffet restaurant has outdoor poolside seating too, and serves a range of international dishes for all meals, including breakfast. Up on the top floor, there's an art gallery and cafe -- with a rooftop terrace that has far-reaching city views to Mount Merapi in the distance. There's an attractive spa for treatments and massages, and a fitness room with a good collection of equipment and free weights, plus floor workout space. A ballroom and two meeting rooms cater to business travelers, and Wi-Fi is free -- if a bit patchy.