Medan Banda Aceh

It's okay for one night, but I wouldn't stay longer. The outside needs a refresh, and the rooms need refurbishing. The linens were old, worn, and stained. The toilet needs an upgrade too: much of the plumbing and fittings were faulty, and the long bath wasn't practical anymore. There were roaches running around freely, so they really need to tackle the pests.

With its long history, this hotel is a familiar budget choice for tourists. It's in Banda Aceh's business center, just a short walk from food stalls and souvenir shops, and works well for either a quick stop or a longer city visit. Recommended!

The staff were warm and friendly. They even walked us around the corner to see the Riverboat Independence Day celebrations, which felt like genuine hospitality rather than a way to make money. Thanks to them. Breakfast was okay, and the Wi-Fi worked once logged in, though I had to repeat the login several times. The room was a different story. The guidebook says Banda Aceh has limited accommodation, and this seemed the best of a mediocre bunch, but even though we booked the most expensive room short of a suite, it was in poor, dilapidated shape. The river view was pleasant, though we had to keep the curtains shut against the heat. The air conditioner barely worked and couldn't cool the room properly, even at night with the curtains closed. The toilet cistern was broken despite a botched repair, there was no shower curtain, and a mystery overflow pipe in the bathroom dripped constantly onto the floor. The heat wasn't the hotel's fault. We could have asked for another room, but figured we'd just trade these problems for different ones and could manage around them. It didn't look like the issues had only just cropped up in an otherwise well-kept hotel. I wouldn't be in a hurry to stay again, but thank you to the friendly staff.

It's a budget hotel near Banda Aceh's city center, souvenir shops, and food area. Rooms come in several categories, from standard to VIP. The restaurant is too small, and breakfast isn't very good. There's plenty of parking, but it's always crowded.