At its heart, Hotel Tentrem Semarang delivers something timeless.
Hotel Tentrem has been a prominent establishment in Yogyakarta for over a decade. Expanding on its success, Hotel Tentrem Semarang has more recently opened in Semarang. Guests from Yogyakarta may notice familiar features in the Semarang property, from attentive, friendly staff to its conveniently central location. While the original hotel highlighted the rich culture of Yogyakarta and its surroundings, Hotel Tentrem Semarang draws inspiration from the unique local culture of the city and its nearby areas, particularly the distinctive Peranakan Chinese heritage.
In essence, exceptional hospitality is exceptional hospitality, and Hotel Tentrem Semarang embodies this with a refined elegance that draws directly from local traditions and heritage. This is evident in numerous ways, from the selection of artworks, staff uniform designs, and greetings, to the focus on local cuisine. The Sido Muncul Gallery & Shop in the lobby features a variety of local artisanal crafts, including pieces that showcase the vibrant Peranakan Chinese culture, renowned for its intricate craftsmanship and lively aesthetics.
While high-end hotels typically highlight their local cuisine, Hotel Tentrem Semarang has elevated this experience in a remarkable manner. Its extensive breakfast buffet features a diverse selection of local dishes crafted in partnership with local vendors, bringing the taste of street food into the relaxed environment of a luxury hotel restaurant. This seamless blend of flavours enhances the sophisticated ambience, complemented by stunning pool and city views from both indoor and outdoor seating.
The hotel exudes a tranquil ambience throughout, owing to its muted colour palette and aesthetic design that together promote a sense of relaxation. Although local culture shapes the decor, it maintains a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels contemporary and vibrant. My room was well-furnished, and I had a wonderful night’s sleep on the spacious, comfortable bed. In the morning, I was lucky enough to open the balcony doors and step out onto a large terrace with views of the city at both ends of the building, overlooking the glass-walled pool below.
Most rooms do not have a balcony, but the large pool is a real asset for the hotel, whether for swimming or simply lounging with a cool drink from the nearby poolside bar. There is also a covered outdoor dining area beside it, making it possible to enjoy food both indoors and outdoors. On the other side, the pool is overlooked by a gym facility with a variety of machines and weights, large enough that it did not feel crowded even when a few other guests were using it.
Beside the gym sits the Gaharu Spa, which offers an extensive menu of options. I chose a one-hour Javanese massage, lay down, and let the talented masseuse work away the knots with a vigorous but uplifting therapy.
When it comes to food, the authentic Semarang offerings are just one of the choices available. Another option is the Summer Palace Chinese Restaurant. Situated in the adjacent Tentrem Mall Semarang (directly accessible from the main hotel entrance —despite the restaurant is located in the mall, it is part of the hotel), the eatery pays homage to the ongoing Chinese contribution to local food culture, particularly the Peranakan Chinese influence, which blends Chinese and local culinary traditions. Its light hues, pastel shades, and mirrored corridor create a highly Instagram-worthy atmosphere. The meal I enjoyed showcased innovation in delivering classic Cantonese dishes, with a prime example being the spherical ball of fried noodles served atop a broth, which would soften once submerged.
Another memorable dish at the Summer Palace Chinese Restaurant featured a layered blue glaze covering half the plate, with star anise mimicking a starfish to evoke the sea. A sign of the attentive staff was that as soon as I lifted the star anise, a waiter rushed over to ensure I was not about to try eating it. He was one of several long-serving staff members who have transferred from the Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta.
Summer Palace Chinese Restaurant is just one of the venue options at Hotel Tentrem Semarang for business meetings or social events, including weddings. With its grand ballroom, seven meeting rooms, and a spacious outdoor garden house with floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel offers a variety of spaces suitable for varying group sizes. This modern high-rise development beautifully incorporates local cultural heritage, bringing it to life in a vibrant way, though it does not position itself as a traditional heritage hotel. The innovative buttonless elevators add a sleek, futuristic touch that some may find intriguing.
Many guests I spoke with appreciated the modern and contemporary design elements, showcasing a range of tastes. Additionally, the switchable glass shower wall is a striking feature that enhances the overall experience and is rarely seen in hotels.
Some of those modern aspects appealed to me: being situated immediately beside a mall, the useful facilities or services, from a cinema to a supermarket, were easily accessible, which can be convenient for guests who prefer not to stray too far from their accommodation. For those who want to explore Semarang, though, the hotel’s central location is undoubtedly a plus.
At its heart, Hotel Tentrem Semarang delivers something timeless: authentic hospitality, offered from the heart, intertwined with the vibrant threads of Peranakan Chinese culture that enrich the guest experience.
Hotel Tentrem Semarang
- Address: Jalan Gajahmada 123, Semarang 50134
- Tel: (024) 86005555
- Website: https://semarang.hoteltentrem.com/
- Instagram: @hoteltentrem.semarang