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Where to Stay in Samarinda

Where to Stay in Samarinda

Samarinda East Kalimantan, Indonesia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Luxury Hotels (4-5 Star)

    International and national hotel chains (Mercure, HARRIS, Aston). Full amenities, high comfort, and service.

  • Mid-Range Hotels (3-Star)

    Abundant options with comfortable rooms, air conditioning, private bathrooms, often including breakfast.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses

    Simpler, often family-run accommodations. No-frills accommodations, air conditioning, sometimes shared bathrooms.

  • Hostels

    Dedicated backpacker hostels are limited; some guesthouses offer dorm-style or basic private rooms.

Unique Lodging & Alternative Stays

  • Homestays

    Opportunities to stay with local families, especially in rural areas or traditional villages outside central Samarinda.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Limited options compared to major tourist destinations. Some serviced apartments for longer stays. Airbnb may list a few properties.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    No designated campgrounds in Samarinda city. Possible in surrounding natural areas like Kutai National Park with permits and local guides.

  • Community-Based Tourism

    Opportunities for cultural immersion through homestays in nearby Dayak cultural villages (e.g., Pampang) or upstream along the Mahakam River.

Neighborhood Guide

Choose a neighborhood that corresponds with your travel style and preferences, for a visit that complements your Samarinda exploration.

City Center Pusat Kota

Pros
  • Easy access to amenities, dining, and main attractions.
  • Good transportation links around the city.
  • Main commercial and administrative hub.
Cons
  • Can be noisy due to urban activity and traffic.
  • Accommodation prices might be slightly higher.
  • Can appear very busy at peak times.

Samarinda Seberang

Pros
  • Authentic local experience with traditional markets.
  • Proximity to river-based recreation and from an earlier time neighborhoods.
  • A more traditional and authentic vibe.
Cons
  • Requires crossing the Mahakam River to reach main city center.
  • Fewer modern amenities are available.
  • Access to central attractions needs additional travel.

North Samarinda

Pros
  • Features newer developments and more peaceful sections.
  • Convenient for visiting the Islamic Center Mosque.
  • Often less congested than the very city center.
Cons
  • Further from the main city center and riverfront activities.
  • More travel time time for some central attractions.
  • Dining options may be less diverse.

General Neighborhood Insights

Safety Notes

Samarinda is generally safe. Exercise standard precautions against petty crime in crowded markets or isolated spots at night, regardless of the area.

Ambiance & Proximity

City Center: higher noise due to urban activity. Residential Areas: quieter. Near Mosques: expect calls to prayer five times daily.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking practices secure your chosen accommodation and offer value.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (May-October) & Major Holidays: Book 1-2 months ahead for availability, especially for desired rooms or locations.
  • Low Season (November-April): Booking 2-4 weeks ahead is typically sufficient. Online booking often provides better deals and more alternatives.
  • General Tip: Online booking frequently provides better options and rates than walk-in inquiries.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Use Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, and Traveloka for wide selection.
  • Local Platforms: Tiket.com and PegiPegi are popular local Indonesian options.
  • Hotel Websites: Consider direct booking through specific hotel websites for exclusive offers or loyalty benefits.
  • Tip: Compare rates across platforms and direct hotel sites for the best value.

Other Booking Information

Pricing Insight
  • Smaller guesthouses might allow polite rate inquiries during low season.
  • Larger, established hotels typically possess fixed, non-negotiable rates.
  • Accommodation prices typically ascend during peak domestic travel.
  • Promotional rates or discounts are sometimes available during low season.
Policy Notes
  • Check specific deposit requirements before confirming.
  • Review cancellation policies carefully.
  • Most major platforms offer flexible cancellation options.
  • Read terms carefully to avoid unexpected charges.

Affiliate Partner Spotlight

Variety of Stays

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Asian Focus

Find competitive rates and great deals on hotels across Asia, including Samarinda, on Agoda.

Longer Stays & Unique Rentals

For vacation rentals or longer-term options, consider checking listings on Vrbo or TrustedHousesitters for special encounters.

Accommodation Recommendations

Find top picks tailored to various preferences and budgets.

Top Picks: Luxury & Mid-Range

Luxury Hotels 4-5 Star

For comprehensive services, modern facilities, and an enjoyable stay.

  • Mercure Samarinda: Offers modern amenities, a swimming pool, and good dining.
  • Aston Samarinda Hotel & Convention Center: Provides comprehensive services, including meeting facilities and a pool.
Mid-Range Hotels 3-Star

For comfort and good value in a relaxed environment.

  • Swiss-Belhotel Borneo Samarinda: Reputable option with comfortable rooms and good service.
  • Favehotel Samarinda: Offers clean, modern rooms at a good value.
  • Midtown Hotel Samarinda: Provides comfortable stays in a convenient location.

Top Picks: Budget & Specialty

Budget Hotels

For simple, clean, and affordable stays.

  • Hotel MJ: A popular local choice offering basic, clean rooms.
  • RedDoorz properties: Various locations offer standardized, budget-friendly rooms.
  • Local Guesthouses: Numerous independent guesthouses provide simple, affordable accommodation.
Long-Stay Accommodations

Ideal for extended visits, offering more space and facilities.

  • Serviced Apartments: If available, these are suitable for longer terms.
  • Hotels with Weekly/Monthly Rates: Inquire for special long-term rates.
  • Airbnb: Some listings might be suitable for extended visits.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Hotels with Pools

    Properties like Mercure and Aston with swimming pools often are often preferred for families.

  • Larger Rooms/Suites

    Look for properties offering rooms with more space, suites, or connecting rooms to accommodate families comfortably.

  • Family Packages

    Some hotels may provide family packages with additional amenities or services.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • City Center Stays

    Opt for well-reviewed budget guesthouses or reputable 3-star hotels in the city center for convenience and safety.

  • Ride-Sharing Apps

    Utilize ride-sharing apps for transport, for safer and more trustworthy movement around the city.

  • Dining & Exploration

    The city center offers numerous dining options and access to main attractions, suitable for solo exploration.

Cultural & Historical Interest

Within Samarinda City

Few hotels within Samarinda itself possess significant historical or cultural importance. Most focus on modern convenience.

  • Modern establishments prioritize guest comfort.
  • Historical buildings often serve other purposes.
Outside Samarinda for Immersion

For a cultural immersion, consider homestays in cultural villages outside the city.

  • Pampang Ethnic Village provides authentic experiences.
  • River upstream homestays allow for deep cultural connections.
  • These experiences are historically connected.

Affiliate Partner Spotlight

IHG Hotels

Discover premium accommodations and loyalty benefits with IHG Hotels, offering reliable quality for your stay.

Hostelworld

For budget-conscious travelers, Hostelworld offers a wide array of affordable and social accommodation options.

TrustedHousesitters

Experience local living and connect with communities through TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.