Best Hotels in Medan – Medan may not always be the first city that comes to mind when travelers plan their Indonesian itinerary, but those who have visited know exactly how dynamic this city can be. As the gateway to North Sumatra—home to Lake Toba, Berastagi, Bukit Lawang, and numerous cultural landmarks—Medan offers a refreshing blend of heritage, food culture, and modern urban life.
For international visitors, choosing the Best Hotels in Medan can be both exciting and overwhelming. The city offers a wide selection of accommodations—from 5-star luxury hotels suitable for business travelers to more affordable options for backpackers and family trips.
Before diving into the list, it helps to know what kind of traveler you are. Do you prefer staying right in the city center, close to shopping malls, cafés, and local attractions? Or do you want simple comfort at a reasonable price while still enjoying reliable service?
6 Best Hotels in Medan You Can Book
To help you make a confident choice, here are the 6 Best Hotels in Medan you can book—each offering a slightly different experience but all worth considering.
1. Grand Aston City Hall Best Hotel Medan
If you’re looking for convenience and comfort in the very heart of Medan, Grand Aston City Hall Hotel Medan should be one of your top choices. Its central location makes it ideal for travelers who want easy access to the city’s main attractions, food spots, and shopping centers.
Aside from its strategic position, the hotel provides a range of facilities designed for leisure and business travelers alike. Free parking and high-speed internet are available throughout the property. Its facilities include:
- Outdoor swimming pool (open all year)
- BBQ facilities
- Family rooms & bridal suites
- Snack bar
- Ironing, dry cleaning & laundry services
- Airport shuttle service (additional fee)
- Dedicated smoking area
- 24-hour front desk
With spacious rooms, warm service, and a location that minimizes travel time, Grand Aston City Hall Hotel Medan offers an ideal balance between comfort and practicality.
2. JW Marriott Best Hotel Medan
As the first and only internationally recognized five-star hotel in Medan, JW Marriott Hotel Medan sets a high standard for luxury in the city. Ideally located near DeliPark Podomoro Mall and the CBD area, it offers a refined staying experience for both business and leisure travelers.
The hotel is strategically positioned just 2.2 km from Sun Plaza and 3.2 km from the iconic Maimun Palace. Kualanamu International Airport, meanwhile, is approximately 39.8 km away.
Guests can enjoy top-class facilities, including:
- A refreshing outdoor swimming pool
- A fully equipped modern fitness center
- Luxurious rooms with in-room safes, premium minibar, and pay-per-view movies
- A relaxing spa experience
JW Marriott is also known for its outstanding dining experience. The renowned Prime Steak House is one of the city’s best steakhouses, while various local restaurants are within walking distance—including the popular “Bakso Masa Sekolah Medan,” located less than 1 km away.
The hotel also features Medan’s largest pillar-free ballroom along with nine additional function rooms, making it suitable for meetings, conferences, and weddings. With plush bedding, modern amenities, and panoramic views of the Medan skyline, a stay at JW Marriott Hotel Medan promises an unforgettable five-star escape.
3. Swiss-Belinn Medan
Located in the city’s business district, Swiss-Belinn Medan is a favorite among travelers seeking comfort at an affordable rate. Landmarks like Tjong A Fie Mansion and the Grand Mosque are within walking distance, while Kualanamu International Airport is about 35 km away.
This hotel offers:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- A well-designed, minimalist room layout
- In-room amenities such as AC, flat-screen cable TV, and coffee/tea-making facilities
- Private bathrooms with complete toiletries
Guests can enjoy daily meals at BaReLo Restaurant, Lounge, and Bar, which serves a combination of local and international cuisines. The lounge area also offers cocktails and light bites for a relaxing evening. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.
Swiss-Belinn also provides rejuvenating massage treatments, a fitness center, and a tour desk to help guests explore Medan’s attractions. With its excellent location and budget-friendly rates, it is a reliable choice for both holidaymakers and business travelers.
4. Hotel Emerald Garden
Situated in the heart of Medan’s business district, Emerald Garden International Hotel is known for its spacious rooms and family-friendly facilities. It is located 5.6 km from Maimun Palace and 4.8 km from the Grand Mosque, making it convenient for sightseeing.
Each room is equipped with:
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Coffee/tea-making facilities
- Work desk
- Private bathroom with full amenities
Dining options include Meranti Restaurant, which serves Indonesian dishes and pastries, and Palace Chinese Restaurant, a favorite for Cantonese cuisine. For a relaxing break, the lobby lounge offers cocktails, wine, and live music performances.
Guests can unwind in the sauna or enjoy rejuvenating spa services. The hotel also offers 24-hour front desk assistance, luggage storage, a business center, and an on-site pharmacy. Airport transfers via Medan Station are available for an additional fee, making this hotel both convenient and versatile.
5. Hermes Palace Hotel Medan
Located on Jalan Pemuda, Hermes Palace Hotel Medan is a 4-star accommodation with a reputation for excellent service and convenient access to many attractions. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all areas, comfortable rooms, and a relaxing spa.
Room amenities include:
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen cable TV
- Work desk
- Coffee/tea-making facilities
- Minibar and safety deposit box
- Private bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer
The hotel’s Sirocco Rooftop Bistro is one of its highlights, offering both Asian and Western dishes with an open-air dining option. Guests can also enjoy pastries and coffee at Hermes Coffee Shop, or order from the 24-hour room service menu.
With car rental services, tour arrangements, laundry service, and a friendly 24-hour front desk, Hermes Palace Hotel Medan ensures a worry-free stay. It is also conveniently close to Tjong A Fie Mansion, Medan Mall, and Maimun Palace.
6. Grand Sakura Hotels in Medan
Grand Sakura Hotel is a smart choice for travelers who want a comfortable yet budget-friendly stay. Centrally located in Medan’s business district, the hotel offers free shuttle services to both Medan Train Station and Centre Point Mall.
The hotel features spacious rooms with warm lighting, equipped with:
- Air conditioning
- Wooden furniture and marble flooring
- Flat-screen TV
- Coffee/tea-making facilities
- In-room safe
- Private bathroom with complete amenities
Guests can dine at two on-site restaurants:
- Heritage Restaurant, serving Indonesian and European cuisine
- Silk Road Café, offering light snacks, premium coffee, afternoon tea, and weekly live music
Other services include 24-hour room service, concierge assistance, ticketing and tour arrangements, laundry, and meeting-room facilities.
Grand Sakura Hotel is a convenient option for guests who want comfort without breaking their budget, especially with its easy access to key city spots like Cambridge City Square and Medan’s iconic mosques.
Read also: 6 Things To Do in Medan with Kids for a 2–3 Day Trip
Which Is the Best Medan Hotels from the Top List?
If you want the best experience possible, I would personally recommend Grand Aston City Hall Hotel or JW Marriott Hotel Medan. Both are located right in the center of Medan, offering easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions.
DeliPark Podomoro—one of the newest and largest malls in the city—is only about a 5–10 minute walk from both hotels, making it extremely convenient.
In terms of price, many international visitors still consider these two hotels affordable for the level of luxury and service they provide. But if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the remaining four hotels on the list (Swiss-Belinn Medan, Hotel Emerald Garden, Hermes Palace Hotel, or Grand Sakura Hotel) are excellent alternatives with solid facilities and comfortable rooms.
Read also: Is Medan Safe for Tourists? Avoid This Thing to Keep Yourself Safe
Looking for Authentic Medan Food? Try This Restaurant
When visiting Medan, one common question among tourists is whether the city is safe and what to avoid. If you haven’t heard this yet, here’s a simple tip: never buy food, drinks, or services from street vendors without confirming the price first. Some stalls may charge higher prices to international travelers.
To avoid any concerns, eating at proper restaurants is highly recommended—cleaner, safer, and with transparent pricing. And if you’re looking for a reliable place that offers a variety of local Medan dishes, consider:
This well-loved local restaurant has three branches across Medan and is popular among both residents and tourists. Prices are clearly listed on the menu, portions are generous, and the selection is wide.
You can come for breakfast, a hearty lunch, or even a light evening meal paired with a warm cup of Medan coffee. They open early, making it a great spot to start your day before exploring the city.
