MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide Medan

Accommodation Guide Medan

Sumatra, Indonesia

Accommodation Types in Medan

Exploring Accommodation Choices

  • Hostels and Guesthouses

    Budget-friendly choices, popular among backpackers and solo travelers, often with communal areas.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    A large selection of 3-star and 4-star hotels, balancing comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels

    International chain hotels and upscale local establishments with premium services and extensive facilities.

  • Unique Local Accommodation Types

    Some guesthouses or boutique hotels feature traditional Indonesian or Chinese-Peranakan decor.

Additional Lodging Styles

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Platforms like Vrbo offer apartments or entire homes, suitable for families or longer stays.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    No designated camping sites exist within Medan city. Camping is an option for exploring natural areas outside the city.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    Platforms like TrustedHousesitters facilitate exchanges for those seeking extended stays.

  • Hotel Chains

    International hotel chains like IHG Hotels have properties throughout the city.

Neighborhood Guide for Accommodation

A detailed look at areas and their unique character.

Medan City Center

Benefits
  • Central location
  • Easy access to attractions (Maimun Palace, Great Mosque, Chong A Fie Mansion)
  • Close to major landmarks
  • Generally safe
Considerations
  • Can be noisy due to heavy traffic
  • Constant activity
  • Limited green spaces
  • Urban precautions for pickpocketing apply

Medan Petisah

Benefits
  • Good for shopping
  • Local food experiences
  • Less tourist-centric
  • Slightly less congested than the city center
Considerations
  • Fewer direct tourist attractions
  • More reliance on ride-sharing apps for historical sites
  • Mixed residential and commercial zones
  • May be busy during peak hours

Medan Polonia / Medan Baru

Benefits
  • Generally quieter ambiance
  • Cleaner streets
  • Good choice for longer stays
  • Close to modern amenities and international restaurants
Considerations
  • Further from historical attractions
  • More reliance on transport to reach sites
  • Upscale and residential focus
  • Fewer local warungs

Considerations by Area

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation

Staying in the Medan City Center presents the best proximity to historical sites and the main train station. Areas like Polonia or Petisah rely more on ride-sharing services (Grab/Gojek) or local buses (angkots) to reach attractions.

Noise Levels and Ambiance

The City Center is lively and can be quite noisy. Polonia and Medan Baru offer a generally quieter and more relaxed ambiance, suitable for those who prefer a calmer environment.

Booking Strategies for Accommodation

Effective approaches for securing your stay.

Planning Ahead

  • High Season (June-August, December-January): Booking several weeks to a few months in advance secures preferred options and often competitive rates.
  • Shoulder and Low Seasons: Booking a few weeks in advance usually suffices. More availability and flexibility are common.
  • Walk-in Rates: For smaller guesthouses, some negotiation might be possible, especially during low season. Online rates often remain more competitive.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices increase by 20-50% during peak seasons and major public holidays. Budget accordingly and book early during these times.

Booking Platforms and Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are widely used and reliable. Hostelworld is a specialist for budget options.
  • Southeast Asian Platforms: Traveloka is a popular choice for competitive deals on hotels and flights.
  • Direct Booking: Many hotels present online booking via their websites, sometimes with exclusive deals or packages.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Policies vary by property and platform. Review specific deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your reservation.

Important Notes on Booking

Negotiation
  • For most established mid-range or luxury properties, rates remain fixed.
  • Always check online rates first; they are often more competitive.
  • Small guesthouses might offer minor negotiation on walk-in rates during off-peak times.
Flexibility
  • Many platforms allow free cancellation up to a certain point, allowing flexibility for plans.
  • Always confirm policies at the time of booking.
  • Changes to travel plans can incur fees without flexible policies.

High Season Travel Considerations

Popularity

Peak seasons (June-August, December-January) and major holidays lead to higher demand.

Price Hikes

Expect accommodation prices to surge during these busy periods.

Early Booking

Booking well in advance is highly advisable to secure your preferred choices and better rates.

Accommodation Recommendations in Medan

Top picks for various budget levels and specific traveler needs.

Budget-Friendly Options

Gandhi Hostel

Offers dormitories and private rooms. Its central location makes it popular with backpackers looking for affordable stays.

  • Dormitories & Private Rooms
  • Central Location
  • Social Atmosphere
  • Cost-effective
OYO Hotels / RedDoorz

Widely available budget chain hotels. They deliver consistent basic amenities and clean rooms.

  • Consistent Basic Amenities
  • Clean Rooms
  • Reliable Option
  • Cost-conscious Travel

Mid-range Hotels

Cambridge Hotel Medan

Located above a shopping mall, presenting convenience for shopping and dining. It features good facilities, including a swimming pool, close to the city center.

  • Shopping Mall Access
  • Swimming Pool
  • City Center Proximity
  • Convenient Location
Aryaduta Medan

Boasts an excellent location near Merdeka Walk, allowing easy access to dining and entertainment. It features comfortable rooms and amenities.

  • Merdeka Walk Proximity
  • Comfortable Rooms
  • Dining & Entertainment Access
  • Excellent Location

Luxury Hotels

  • Adimulia Hotel Medan

    Known for its large, well-appointed rooms, extensive facilities (including multiple swimming pools), and high standard of service. It presents a complete luxury experience. (Adimulia Hotel Medan)

  • JW Marriott Hotel Medan

    An international luxury chain, known for its high-end amenities, reputable service, and location near shopping and business districts. It caters to discerning travelers. (JW Marriott Hotel Medan)

  • Emerald Garden Hotel Medan

    Presents a resort-like feel within the city, featuring lush gardens and good facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.

Specific Traveler Needs

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Mid-range and luxury hotels like JW Marriott and Adimulia Hotel offer family rooms and swimming pools. Vacation rentals also serve as good options for families needing more space.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels like Gandhi Hostel allow opportunities to meet other travelers. Well-located mid-range hotels in the city center present convenience and safety.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments often attach to larger hotels. Some hotels present special discounted rates for longer durations. Vacation rentals are also suitable.

  • Properties with Cultural Significance

Considerations for Your Stay

Important Amenities

Choose accommodation with good reviews regarding cleanliness, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi.

  • Cleanliness impacts comfort.
  • Air conditioning is essential in Medan's climate.
  • Reliable Wi-Fi is widely expected.
  • Review guest feedback before booking.
Impact on Comfort

These factors significantly influence your comfort level during your visit to Medan.

  • A comfortable stay enhances your travel experience.
  • Poor conditions reduce enjoyment.
  • A well-chosen hotel supports a pleasant trip.

Other Options

Airport Hotels

The area around Kualanamu Airport mainly serves airport transits, offering limited tourism infrastructure beyond airport hotels.

Transit Convenience

These hotels are convenient for early morning flights or late-night arrivals but are isolated from city attractions.

City Exploration

Guests staying near the airport travel into Medan for sightseeing, dining, or shopping.