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Where to Stay in Makassar

Where to Stay in Makassar

Makassar South Sulawesi, Indonesia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

  • Hostels:

    Budget-friendly shared rooms and private rooms, often with shared areas. A solid choice for solo travelers or those seeking social interaction.

  • Guesthouses:

    Simple, family-operated accommodations offering basic rooms. They provide a more local feel and are generally affordable.

  • Mid-range Hotels:

    Includes chain hotels (e.g., Swiss-Belhotel, Aston, Ibis) and independent establishments. They come with comfortable rooms, pools, restaurants, and dependable Wi-Fi.

  • Luxury Hotels:

    International chains (e.g., The Rinra, Claro Makassar) offer extensive facilities, multiple dining venues, spas, and high service standards.

Vacation Rentals

  • Private Homes & Apartments:

    Platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo feature apartments, rooms in seclusion homes, or entire houses.

  • Longer Stays:

    These selections suit longer stays or families wanting more space and a home-like setting.

  • House Sitting:

    For unique arrangements, TrustedHousesitters can link pet owners with sitters for lodging exchanges.

  • Local Feel:

    Such rentals often immerse travelers in the neighborhoods around beyond traditional hotels.

Neighborhood Guide

Consider proximity to attractions, transport, and local atmosphere.

Losari Beach Area

Character & Benefits
  • Lively, with a popular promenade offering sunset views. A hub for evening activities and street food.
  • Central setting, close to attractions, and good dining choices.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy and crowded, especially in the evenings.
  • Direct swimming access is not available.

City Center

Character & Benefits
  • A commercial core with historical buildings, modern shopping malls, and business hotels.
  • Near Fort Rotterdam, museums, and shopping venues. Transport links are excellent.
Considerations
  • Expect busy traffic.
  • The area has a more commercial feel, less local ambiance.

Panakkukang Area

Character & Benefits
  • More residential and commercial, with multiple shopping malls and contemporary facilities.
  • Convenient for shopping, dining, and modern services.
Considerations
  • Located further from historical sites and the waterfront, requiring transport.

Practical Considerations

Safety Aspects

Most main tourist and commercial areas in Makassar maintain a secure environment. Apply standard precautions against petty theft, notably in crowded places or late at night. Remain aware of your surroundings.

Attraction and Transport Access

Losari Beach and the City Center offer excellent nearness to Fort Rotterdam, Paotere Harbour, and public transport. Panakkukang provides convenient access to malls, but necessitates transport for more mature city attractions.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices ensure you find the best accommodation at good value.

Advance Booking Timelines

  • High Season (June-September, December, public holidays): Book accommodation well in advance (1-3 months) for the widest selection and best value. Popular properties fill quickly.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: More flexibility exists during these periods. Nevertheless, booking a few weeks ahead is still advisable for popular properties to prevent disappointment.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International: Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia enjoy wide use and reliability.
  • Regional/Local: Traveloka holds popularity in Indonesia and frequently has good deals.
  • Branded Hotels: IHG Hotels for global brand options.
  • Budget Stays: Hostelworld for hostel bookings.

Additional Booking Insights

Negotiation & Prices
  • Walk-in rates can be subject to negotiation at little guesthouses or independent hotels during the low season.
  • This practice is less usual at larger hotels, where online rates often present better value.
Price Movements
  • Prices typically reach their peak during high season and major public holidays.
  • They are generally lower during the low or rainy season, creating possibilities for more budget-friendly travel.

Policy Details

Deposit and Cancellation

Policies differ by platform and hotel. Review them carefully before booking.

Flexibility

Many platforms and appropriateties provide cancellable for free until a specific point, offering flexibility.

Confirmation

Always confirm specific terms directly with the provider if concerns exist.

Accommodation Recommendations

These examples define a starting point for finding suitable lodging in Makassar, meeting different budgets and preferences.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

Budget-Friendly Hostels

Ideal for solo travelers or those seeking social interaction.

  • Pod House Makassar
  • RedDoorz near Panakkukang Mall
Value-driven Guesthouses

For a more local feel and affordable private rooms.

  • OYO 2055 Hotel Makmur
  • (Additional local guesthouses may exist, inquire locally)

Luxury & Family-Friendly Stays

Mid-Range Hotels

Comfortable amenities and widespread presence.

  • Aston Makassar Hotel & Convention Center
  • Swiss-Belhotel Makassar
  • Ibis Makassar City Center
Luxury Hotels

High-end facilities and exclusive service.

  • The Rinra Makassar
  • Claro Makassar

Specialized Stays

  • Family-Friendly Options:

    Look for hotels with pools and family rooms, like Aston Makassar or The Rinra. Vacation rentals frequently provide more space and amenities suited for families.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations:

    Hostels present excellent opportunities for social interaction and meeting other travelers. Well-located budget or mid-range hotels offer safety and convenience.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations:

    Serviced apartments or vacation rentals often present better rates and amenities for extended stays. Explore platforms like Airbnb for these options.

  • Culturally Significant Properties:

    While hotels generally have modern lodging, staying near Fort Rotterdam places you close to historical sites, immersing you in the city's past.

Other Accommodation Types

  • Unique Local Options:

    Makassar city itself does not feature many unique local accommodation types beyond typical guesthouses. Traditional Bugis/Makassar houses are mainly found in rural areas or serve as cultural attractions rather than typical tourist lodging.

  • Homestay Opportunities:

    Homestays are limited in Makassar city for typical tourist stays. However, you can find them in surrounding rural or cultural areas, like Tana Toraja, for a more immersive experience.

  • Camping & Outdoors:

    Camping is not available within Makassar city. It is possible in natural parks outside the city, like Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, but requires prior arrangement.

  • Rural Cultural Stays:

    For an immersive cultural stay outside the city, consider venturing into rural South Sulawesi where more traditional options may exist.

Considerations

Availability of Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are present and provide amenities suitable for extended visits, often at advantageous rates.

  • Ideal for professionals on business trips.
  • Good for families seeking more space.
  • Commonly found on platforms like Airbnb.
  • Longer stays often reduce the per-night rate.
Booking Flexibility

Look for options with no-cost cancellation to retain adaptability for your travel plans.

  • Review cancellation policies carefully.
  • Many online platforms indicate flexibility options.
  • Changes in travel plans remain a possibility.
  • Booking flexible rates usually costs slightly more but pays off if plans shift.

Location Highlights

Losari Beach

A lively promenade perfect for sunset views and street food, a social hub in the evenings.

City Center

Near historical sites like Fort Rotterdam, museums, and shopping, with excellent transport links.

Panakkukang

A modern commercial area with shopping malls and amenities, suitable for contemporary conveniences.