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Where to Stay in Mataram

Where to Stay in Mataram

Mataram West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dormitories and private rooms, with communal spaces. Often found in Senggigi or Gili Islands, limited in Mataram city center. Find options on Hostelworld.

  • Guesthouses (Penginapan/Homestay)

    Locally run, affordable rooms, often with breakfast. A more personal experience with local hosts.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Comfort with amenities like pools, restaurants, air-conditioning. Many options within Mataram city. Discover more on Booking.com.

  • Luxury Hotels & Resorts

    High-end services and facilities. Fewer true luxury options in Mataram city, more resort-style luxury in nearby Senggigi or Kuta. Explore on Booking.com or IHG Hotels.

Unique & Alternative Stays

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish hotels with unique designs and personalized service for a distinctive stay.

  • Homestays (Cultural Immersion)

    Experience Sasak culture by staying with a local family, more common in rural areas.

  • Villas and Apartments

    More space and privacy, often with self-catering. Suitable for families or longer stays. Available via Vrbo or Booking.com.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Mainly during Mount Rinjani treks, organized through tour operators. Designated campsites exist within the national park.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area is a distinct character and proximity to different attractions.

Ampenan

Highlights
  • Historical charm and cultural insights
  • Proximity to old town attractions like Ampenan Beach
  • Unique, nostalgic atmosphere
Considerations
  • Limited modern tourist amenities
  • Quieter nightlife options
  • Some areas appear less developed

Cakranegara

Highlights
  • Central location, good access to shopping
  • Diverse local food options and cultural sites
  • Lively atmosphere during the day
Considerations
  • Can be noisy and busy due to commercial activity
  • Traffic jams, especially during peak hours
  • Less authentic local feel compared to Mataram itself

Senggigi Nearby Tourist Hub

Highlights
  • Beachfront accommodation and beautiful sunset views
  • Wide range of international restaurants and bars
  • Established tourist facilities
Considerations
  • Further from Mataram city attractions
  • Generally more expensive
  • Less authentic local feel compared to Mataram itself

Additional Neighborhood Insights

Sweta

A central commercial area with markets plus near to the main Mandalika bus terminal, making it practical for inter-city travel.

Pagesangan/Jempong

Primarily residential areas within Mataram, offering local insight into daily life away from the main commercial centers. These areas have a quieter atmosphere.

Booking Strategies

Consider seasonal demand and reliable booking platforms.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (July-August, Dec-Jan): Booking several months ahead is best, notably for popular hotels.
  • Shoulder Season (April-June, Sept-Nov): Booking 1-2 months ahead is a good idea, especially for preferred options.
  • Low Season (Feb-March, Nov-early Dec): More flexibility for last-minute bookings, but a few weeks ahead is still better for choices.
  • Availability and reasonable prices are better with advance planning.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia offer wireless internetde selections, reviews, and secure payments.
  • Local Platforms: Traveloka is an Indonesian site with local deals and a comprehensive list of properties, including smaller guesthouses.
  • Direct Booking: Smaller guesthouses may offer better rates for direct bookings or walk-ins, especially in low season.
  • For unique experiences, consider TrustedHousesitters for house/pet sitting exchanges.

Additional Considerations

Negotiation Customs (Walk-in Rates)
  • For smaller guesthouses, especially during the off-season, polite negotiation on walk-in rates is sometimes possible.
  • This typically does not apply to established hotels or during high demand periods.
  • Always approach negotiations with respect.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Prices for accommodation increase by 20-50% during high season and major holidays.
  • Better deals are available in the off-season.
  • Factor these fluctuations into your budget.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Policy Variance

Policies differ significantly by property and booking platform. Always check specific specifics before confirming a reservation.

Flexibility

Many platforms provide free cancellation up to a certain period, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Read Carefully

Careful review of terms prevents unexpected charges or issues.

Accommodation Recommendations

Mataram offers diverse accommodation choices to suit various different budgets and ways of traveling.

Accommodation by Budget & Style

Budget-Friendly Stays

Look for hostels and basic guesthouses. Options provide simple, clean rooms with basic amenities.

  • Hostels around Mataram city center
  • Basic guesthouses in Ampenan
  • Local "Penginapan" for good value
Mid-Range Comfort

Consider properties with comfortable rooms, air-conditioning, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.

  • Aston Inn Mataram
  • Golden Palace Hotel Lombok
  • Similar mid-tier hotels in Mataram

Traveler-Specific Stays

Family-Friendly Options

Hotels with swimming pools, larger rooms or suites. Many are good for families.

  • Connecting rooms and child-friendly dining
  • Properties with gardens or open spaces
  • Resorts (more common in Senggigi)
Solo Traveler Picks

Hostels provide social interaction; budget guesthouses offer privacy at reasonable prices.

  • Hostels for meeting other travelers
  • Budget inns for affordable privacy
  • Locations with easy access to attractions

Long-Stay Options

  • Serviced Apartments

    Available for monthly rentals, offering more space and self-catering facilities. Good for a number of weeks or months.

  • Villas

    Found through local real estate agents or online platforms like Airbnb.

  • Long-Term Benefits

    Suit travelers planning extended stays, offering a "home away from home" experience.

  • Flexible Stays

    Options for weekly or monthly rates often bring savings.

Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

  • Ampenan Guesthouses

    Some guesthouses in Ampenan reside in renovated colonial buildings.

  • Historical Ambiance

    Offer a historical ambiance, an unique opportunity to stay within the city's old trading quarter.

  • Immersive Experience

    Immerse yourself in Mataram's past and cultural heritage.

  • Research Options

    Careful research helps locate these special, often smaller and more rustic, properties.

Luxury Accommodation

Mataram City Luxury

While fewer true high-end choices exist within Mataram city, properties like Lombok Astoria Hotel provide upscale comfort and services.

  • Lombok Astoria Lodging
  • Premium services and comfort
  • Good base for city exploration
Resort Luxury Senggigi

For resort luxury with beach access, Senggigi is a popular choice, approximately a 30-45 minute drive from Mataram.

  • Katamaran Resort
  • Sudamala Resort
  • Extensive facilities and beach access

Accommodation Considerations

Best Value

Mid-range hotels in Mataram offer a balance of amenities and affordability.

Unique Stay

Consider a guesthouse or homestay for an authentic cultural experience.

Location Insight

Cakranegara offers central access to shopping and local food.