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Where to Stay in Pekanbaru

Where to Stay in Pekanbaru

Pekanbaru Riau, Indonesia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Hotel Categories

  • Luxury Hotels

    International chains like Novotel, Swiss-Belhotel, and The Zuri, alongside upscale local properties. These establishments have swimming pools, culinary selections, and business facilities.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    AN assortment of 3-star and 4-star hotels for comfortable stays, often with pools, restaurants, and meeting facilities. They balance comfort and value.

  • Budget Hotels & Guesthouses

    Numerous smaller hotels, guesthouses, and homestays cater to plan your spending travelers, offering basic but clean accommodation with good value and a local experience.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Found through platforms like Airbnb or local agencies, these suit longer stays or larger groups requiring more space.

Unique Considerations

  • Traditional Riau Houses

    Not commonly available as tourist accommodation within the urban area.

  • Camping

    No dedicated camping grounds within Pekanbaru city. Possible in some natural parks outside the town with prior arrangement.

  • Backpacker Hostels

    Dedicated backpacker hostels are limited. Some guesthouses have dorm-style rooms with space for solo travelers.

  • Community-Based Tourism

    Limited within Pekanbaru city. Opportunities exist in rural or cultural villages in the surrounding Riau province.

Neighborhood Guide

Pekanbaru operates as a commercial and administrative hub. Neighborhood distinctions often are connected to proximity to main roads, shopping centers, or government offices.

City Center Jenderal Sudirman Area

Benefits
  • Central location near major shopping malls.
  • Close to government buildings and hotels.
  • Many dining options.
  • Good for people traveling for work and general tourism.
Considerations
  • Can be busy.
  • May be pricier for accommodation.
  • Potential for noise due to traffic.

Senapelan & Siak River Area

Benefits
  • Near historical sites like Pasar Bawah.
  • Close to the Siak River.
  • A glimpse into older Pekanbaru.
  • Mix of neighborhood shops and eateries.
Considerations
  • Fewer modern amenities.
  • Less nightlife compared to the city center.

Arengka & Tuanku Tambusai Area

Benefits
  • More residential plus retail area.
  • Various eateries and local businesses.
  • Good value for mid-range and budget accommodation.
Considerations
  • May require more reliance on ride-sharing for attractions.
  • Less proximity to main popular sights.

General Advice

Safety & Security

Pekanbaru generally is a safe environment. Standard precautions against petty crime remain prudent, notably in crowded market areas or at night. Well-lit and dense areas are choices for accommodation.

Transportation & Noise

The City Center has good access to attractions and transportation hubs. Different zones rely more on ride-sharing or Trans Metro Pekanbaru buses. City center areas may have traffic noise, residential areas are quieter. The mosques' call to prayer is audible throughout.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking of accommodation is recommended during peak local holiday seasons to secure availability and favorable rates. During other periods, booking a few weeks in advance usually suffices.

Platform Options

  • Utilize trusted booking platforms such as Booking.com, Agoda, and Online travel agencies like expedia.
  • Local platforms like Traveloka and Tiket.com are widely used in Indonesia and may have particular local deals.
  • Consider checking hotel websites directly for potential offers or loyalty program benefits.
  • For vacation rentals, Vrbo is a popular resource.

Specialized Platforms

  • IHG Hotels is an option for specific chain preferences.
  • Budget accommodation seekers can explore Hostelworld, although options in Pekanbaru are few.
  • For a unique stay exchange, TrustedHousesitters connects pet and house sitters with homeowners.
  • Always confirm deposit and cancellation policies, as they vary by property and booking platform.

Pricing & Negotiation

Walk-in Rates
  • Negotiation for walk-in rates is generally limited.
  • For budget guesthouses, a slight negotiation may happen, especially during off-peak times.
  • Branded hotels generally possess set prices.
Seasonal Fluctuations
  • Prices increase during national holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year) and major events.
  • Booking ahead during these periods is essential for better rates.

Important Information

Peak Seasons

Book well in advance for local holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, New Year, and breaks from school.

Off-Peak Booking

A few weeks in advance typically secures satisfactory accommodation in less busy periods.

Policy Checks

Always review deposit and cancellation terms specific to each property and booking method.

Accommodation Recommendations

Pekanbaru features different accommodation options tailored to different what travelers require, from high-end luxury to budget-conscious stays.

Luxury & Mid-Range Stays

Luxury Hotels

For high-end amenities and services:

  • The Zuri Hotel Pekanbaru
  • Swiss-Belhotel Pekanbaru
Mid-Range Options

Comfortable options with good for the price and facilities:

  • Novotel Pekanbaru
  • Grand Jatra Lodging Pekanbaru

Budget & Solo Travelers

Budget-Friendly Stays

Clean, affordable rooms:

  • Whiz Prime Hotel Sudirman Pekanbaru
  • Ameera Hotel Pekanbaru
Solo Traveler Advice

Affordable hotels or guesthouses suit solo travelers. Location with good safety and easy transport is recommended.

  • Prioritize protection and accessibility.
  • Consider b&bs for local experience.

Family-Friendly Options

  • Hotels featuring Pools

    Many mid-range to luxury hotels include pools, a popular amenity for families.

  • Larger Rooms / Connecting Rooms

    Properties with these configurations better serve families, offering space and convenience.

  • Catering to Children

    A lot of hotels have amenities and services family-friendly, making stays comfortable.

  • Family Suitability

    Mid-range to luxury establishments generally fit families well, balancing comfort and services.

Long-Stay & Unique Stays

  • Serviced Apartments & Vacation Rentals

    These alternatives deliver more space and home-like amenities for extended visits.

  • Long-Stay Rates

    Some hotels make available long-stay rates for extended visits, checking directly is an option.

  • Cultural/Historical Significance

    Few specific hotels in Pekanbaru are noted for exceptional cultural or historical significance; the emphasis is on modern comfort.

  • Modern Comfort

    Accommodation mostly focuses on contemporary amenities and convenience.

Visual Highlight

Siak River Bridge

A prominent landmark over the Siak River, connecting parts of Pekanbaru and offering scenic views.

Accommodation Location Strategy

Many city center lodgings are located near the bridge, making it a good reference point for central accommodation.

  • Proximity to key thoroughfares.
  • Views of the river.
  • Central to commercial areas.

Overall Recommendation

Comfort

Pekanbaru's hotels cater to modern comfort, typically having facilities such as pools and various dining settings.

Convenience

Choosing accommodation in the City Center places visitors near significant landmarks and transportation hubs.

Value

Mid-range and budget options outside the immediate city center frequently present good value without compromising cleanliness.