Hotel Medan

Best value for money

In the city centre, on the east bank of Aceh River there are at least seven medium priced hotels at walking distance from each other. It is a good location including restaurants, banks and the night food market. After arrival we checked in at Hotel Medan, later made a quick survey of the other hotels, but concluded that Hotel Medan is indeed the best value for money.

These are the other hotels (so no fear of not finding a place):
Next door to Hotel Medan:
Hotel Prapat (Rp 100,000 .. 250.000) and Hotel Wisata
In the adjoining streets:
Hotel 61 (Rp 360,000 .. 500,000)
Hotel Sulthan (USD 34..58)
Hotel Palembang
Hotel Cakra Donya

At Hotel Medan we had a spacious twin room with fridge looking out on the river for Rp 275,000 (rooms prices start at Rp 200,000). No discount “because we have not raised prices for four years now”. Price includes a modest buffet breakfast and WiFi in the lobby only. Compared with the higher priced rooms in Hotel 61 and Hotel Sulthan (windowless, oldish) we were thankful to the man in the plane who recommended Hotel Medan. It being year-end holidays a lot of local visitors had made the same choice. A few negative points: one has to try several rooms to find one not smelling of smoke; and it took a veeery long time for the hot water to arrive in the bathroom after opening the faucet.
The receptionists were helpful; taxi's and motor-becaks are waiting outside for customers.

(All quoted prices: January 2011).

Unique Quality: The history of Hotel Medan goes back to 1948, when it was built to serve merchants from Medan. The 2004 tsunami left a boat landed in the parking in front, as is shown on photographs in the lobby. Since then the hotel has been renovated.

• Opinion of Price: about average
• Related to: Budget Travel
• Written January 17, 2011

Hotel Medan Photo: Hotel Medan in Banda Aceh

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