JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya Review: A Cultural Family Escape in East Java's Heart

Looking for a unique family holiday from Singapore that blends luxury, culture, shopping, and culinary adventure? JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya, a premier five-star hotel in the Tunjungan area, masterfully blends contemporary elegance with family-friendly indulgence. It’s the ideal base for exploring Surabaya with kids, savouring iconic local dishes like Rawon, Soto, Sate Klopo, and Lontong Balap, and unwinding in style at the Health Club & Spa.

Surabaya is quickly gaining recognition as one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated family destinations, recently named Agoda’s “Most Budget-Friendly Asian Destination 2025.” For Singaporean families, it’s a perfect match: just over two hours away via direct flights from Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and Malaysia Airlines, the city offers an easy escape with minimal travel stress. While destinations like Bali, Phuket, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur have long been favourites for their beaches, shopping, and food scenes, Surabaya offers a refreshing alternative—less crowded, more affordable, and deeply rooted in East Javanese culture. Once you arrive, you’ll find a lifestyle that mirrors Singapore’s love for shopping, luxury, and diverse food culture—but with a uniquely Javanese twist. From exploring Surabaya’s colonial heritage and indulging in Surabaya street food to relaxing at the Health Club & Spa at JW Marriott Surabaya or browsing high-end boutiques at Tunjungan Plaza, the city delivers a rich and rewarding experience for every member of the family.

5-star Hotel in Tunjungan Area: JW Marriot Surabaya

A Cultural Stay in the Heart of Surabaya

Nestled in the bustling Tunjungan district, JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya is a sanctuary of five-star luxury where the charm of East Java's capital meets JW Marriott's signature service style. With interiors adorned by Chinese antique ceramics and Dutch blue porcelain, the hotel elegantly embodies East-meets-West sophistication while maintaining a refined modern touch. Its strategic location provides direct access to Surabaya’s prime attractions, including the iconic Tunjungan Plaza and the city’s rich colonial heritage, making it the ideal base for both exploration and relaxation.

What truly sets the hotel apart is its heartfelt service—the team doesn’t just welcome families, it celebrates them. More than a hotel, it’s a destination that crafts authentic and lasting memories.

Family by JW™, Thoughtful Experiences for All Ages

At JW Marriott Surabaya, families are more than welcome—they’re celebrated. The hotel’s Family by JW™ programme is designed to engage and pamper guests of every generation.

Children can enjoy the charming JW Tent experience with in-room toys and complimentary hot chocolate, while the vibrant Kids Club offers creative garden activities like pot painting. Parents can unwind at the Health Club & Spa, with traditional Javanese massages from IDR 500k, organic facials, and poolside yoga sessions during the Saturday Wellness Retreat.

Don’t miss the fourth-floor family pool with sweeping city views, or upgrade to the Executive Lounge (Level 21) for private check-in, exclusive breakfast, and sunset cocktails.

Dining Heaven for the Whole Family

Food takes centre stage at JW Marriott Surabaya, where four award-winning restaurants and boutique venues deliver a dazzling range of flavours—from Indonesian street food and refined Cantonese dim sum to premium steaks and authentic Japanese omakase. Each space is curated to excite the senses and welcome every member of the family. Dining highlights at JW Marriott Surabaya are:

Pavilion Restaurant, A Breakfast Wonderland 

Widely regarded as one of Surabaya’s best breakfast spots, Pavilion Restaurant offers an indulgent morning spread inside a stunning glasshouse setting. This isn’t your typical hotel buffet—each day promises a culinary journey through East Java and beyond. From kampong-style fried rice and noodles, rujak and pecel, to freshly made sambals and paratha, the local flavours are rich and generous. International options like pizza, sushi, and a miso soup station provide additional variety, while the fluffy French toast and homemade ice cream remain firm favourites with children. A dedicated pastry section tempts with buttery croissants and sweet treats, complemented by fresh tropical juices, barista-style coffee, kombucha, and the traditional jamu cart. Live cooking stations ensure everything is served at its freshest, and the selection is so vast, families could enjoy a different breakfast every day of the week.

Uppercut Steakhouse, Grill Mastery with a Twist 

Uppercut Steakhouse delivers a modern yet relaxed setting where premium cuts take center stage. Offering Australian Wagyu including Oyster Blade MB3+, Cube MB5+, Tenderloin MB7+ and Angus steaks, each dish is expertly grilled in a Josper oven for unrivalled flavour and texture. Guests can personalise their meal with rich sauces—from red wine jus to mushroom truffle and vibrant chimichurri. A playful touch of luxury comes in the form of steak knife selection, allowing diners to choose their own blade for the ultimate experience. Don’t miss the Nutella pudding, a creamy and indulgent finale loved by guests of all ages.

Tang Palace, Cantonese Elegance Reimagined 

Tang Palace Chinese Restaurant fuses timeless Cantonese tradition with contemporary flair under the guidance of Chef Simon Li. Surabaya’s go-to for luxurious Chinese dining, the venue blends elegance with authenticity. Chef Chong Loong Fatt’s legendary dim sum brunch is a must, delicate parcels of flavour, including both classic favourites and newly inspired creations, make it a standout family treat. The refined atmosphere ensures a memorable experience, whether for Sunday brunch or celebratory dinners.

Imari, A Fine Dining Icon in Surabaya

Imari Japanese Restaurant stands out as one of Surabaya’s premier Japanese fine dining destinations, celebrated for its exquisite culinary precision and refined ambience. The newly introduced Omakase experience, curated by the esteemed Chef Takashi Murayama, offers a masterfully crafted tasting journey—an essential for sushi connoisseurs seeking authentic artistry.

The restaurant also features elegant private dining rooms, perfect for intimate gatherings and special occasions, while its teppanyaki live stations add a theatrical touch to your dining experience. Imari is where traditional flavours meet sophisticated presentation, creating unforgettable moments with every bite.

Surabaya Baking Company and Wine & Co, Gourmet Convenience by the Hotel Lobby

Surabaya Baking Company offers a delicious fusion of heritage baking and global flavours. This artisanal bakery near the lobby showcases beloved Indonesian treats like spiku—a fragrant layered pandan cake—and lapis legit, a rich spiced thousand-layer dessert. Guests can also enjoy buttery French croissants, delicate patisserie, and seasonal cakes—ideal for an afternoon snack, café-style break, or gourmet takeaway.

Next door, Wine & Co features a curated selection of international wines and premium spirits. With labels from France, Italy, Australia, and more, it’s the perfect wine bar to unwind after a day of travel. 

Exploring Surabaya: Culture, History, Shopping & Street Food

Surabaya’s charm unfolds through its colonial architecture, street food stalls and vibrant culture—all easily explored with help from the hotel’s concierge. A curated walking tour reveals Jalan Tunjungan’s historical gems and the heritage-rich Surabaya Old Town. Tunjungan Plaza, one of Southeast Asia’s largest shopping complexes, connects six malls, brimming with international brands, arcades, and play zones for children.

For street food enthusiasts, Surabaya offers bold and exciting flavours—from the famed Rawon (black beef soup), Soto, Sate Klopo (coconut beef satay), to hearty Lontong Balap. It’s a city that rewards curiosity with culinary joy.

Would We Recommend JW Marriott Surabaya for a Family Stay? Absolutely.

More than just a luxury hotel, JW Marriott Surabaya creates meaningful family memories. Every experience—from spa treatments and playtime to gourmet dining and cultural exploration—is handled with care and thoughtfulness. The staff exemplify East Javanese warmth and the refined hospitality of the JW Marriott brand.

Surabaya isn’t just affordable—it’s inspiring. And JW Marriott Surabaya is the perfect gateway to everything the city has to offer.

Pro Tip: Ask for the Family by JW™” package when booking to enjoy enhanced family amenities and curated experiences.

JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya is located at Jalan Embong Malang No. 85-89, Kedungdoro, Tegalsari, Surabaya, East Java, 60261, Indonesia. Phone: +62 31-545-8888. Website & Online Reservations: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/subjw-jw-marriott-hotel-surabaya

For more family-friendly holiday options in Indonesia, read our review of the Holiday Inn Bali Canggu, an ideal family home base in Bali's most fashionable district.