Medan's BEST Budget Hotel? Wisma Sederhana Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Wisma Sederhana Medan: My Surprisingly Awesome (and Affordable!) Adventure - Seriously, You Won't Believe This!
Okay, so I'm back from Medan, Indonesia, and my wallet (and spirit!) are thanking me. I stayed at Wisma Sederhana, and let me tell you, for a budget hotel, wow. Forget fancy, forget pretentious, this place is about charm, value, and a genuine experience. Let's be honest, I went in with LOW expectations. Like, "expect a cockroach, prepare for lukewarm water" low. I was completely wrong. This review? It's gonna get messy, trust me.
First, the Basics (and the Good Stuff):
- Accessibility: This is important, right? Okay, so, accessibility wasn't perfect, but definitely WAY better than I expected. They have an elevator, which is a huge win. I didn't see a ton of ramps, but I'm also not in a wheelchair, so I can't fully assess that. The front desk staff were super helpful, and I'm imagining they'd bend over backwards to help if accessibility was a real issue.
- Internet: FREEEEE WIFI! Everywhere! In my room? Check! In the lobby, waiting for a taxi? Check! Even… whispers… in the tiny gym? Check! (More on that later). They also have those old-school Internet [LAN] connections in the rooms. Honestly, who even uses those anymore? But hey, options are good.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Ah, the current elephant in the room, right? Absolutely spot on. This place was meticulous. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were constantly cleaning. I even saw them using anti-viral cleaning products. They even offered room sanitization opt-out which I thought was great. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Big check! I felt safer here than I do walking down my own street, honestly.
- Amenities (The Overachievers): This is where Wisma Sederhana really surprised me. Forget the basic "hotel" vibe. They have:
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Okay, it's not Olympic-sized. It's modest, but it's clean, and for a budget hotel? Major bonus points! I spent a glorious afternoon there, escaping the Medan heat. Pool with a View? Nope, just a pool. But hey, it’s still a pool!
- Fitness Center: Don’t get excited. It’s small. Two treadmills, a weight bench (missing a bolt, I think), and a stationary bike that squeaks. But it EXISTS! AND it's air-conditioned. I actually used it one morning. Guilty confession: I think I spent more time marveling at the sheer audacity of having a gym in a budget hotel, than actually working out.
- Spa/Sauna: Okay, I didn't see a full spa. There was a small room labeled with "Spa". I wasn't keen on the looks so I skipped the spa.
Food, Glorious Food (And My Stomach's Adventures):
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: I knew this was important. Was it good? Yes! Amazing? Maybe not. But the prices??? Stunning.
- Restaurants: They have a restaurant! The menu is a mix of Asian Cuisine in restaurant and International Cuisine in restaurant . I tried a few things. The Asian breakfast was delicious (and included free coffee!)
- Room Service [24-hour]: Amazing. Need fried noodles at 3 AM? They’ve got you. It’s not Michelin star, but hey, it's 3 AM!
- Coffee/Tea in restaurant: Plenty. It always hit the spot.
- Poolside Bar: Nope, there wasn't exactly a poolside bar. But you could order drinks and snacks to the pool, which is pretty darn close.
- Happy hour: I'm not sure there's an official one, or maybe I slept through it.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Well, it was a buffet, yes… but it was more like a "buffetette." You'd be lucky to fill a plate. I skipped the buffet the last day and picked a breakfast item from the menu.
- Alternative Meal Arrangement: Yes, you can make requests.
The Room: My Little Medan Sanctuary:
- Available in all rooms: The rooms are simple, but comfortable. I had:
- Air conditioning: ESSENTIAL in Medan!
- Air conditioning in public area: Good!
- Free bottled water: Always a nice touch!
- Complimentary tea: Very nice
- Bathrobes: Nope.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes.
- Free Wi-Fi: Essential!
- Internet access – wireless: Excellent!
- Hair dryer: Yup!
- Private bathroom: Yep (and it was sparkling!).
- Shower: Standard.
- Non-smoking: Yes, thankfully, but they have a smoking area.
- TV with Satellite/cable channels: Not a lot of choices, but at least you have channels.
- Soundproofing: Honestly? Pretty darn good. I slept like a baby.
- Wake-up service: Yes!
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless. Every day.
- Reading Light.
- Slippers:
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Made a Difference):
- Air conditioning in public area - Thank god!
- Business facilities:
- Meeting/banquet facilities exist, but are basic
- Xerox/fax in business center: I think.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes!
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly.
- Currency exchange: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Always great.
- Elevator: Amazing!
- Facilities for disabled guests: I'm guessing.
- Food delivery: Yes.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Transportation:
- Airport transfer
- Car park [free of charge]
- Taxi service: The staff were brilliant at organizing taxi's.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (Beyond the Obvious):
- Honestly, my relaxation plan consisted of: pool, sleep, eat, repeat. But the hotel is a good base for exploring Medan. They can organizing trips, or you can just go out wandering!
My Honest Final Verdict:
Look, Wisma Sederhana isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It’s rough around the edges, but that's part of its charm. It's clean, safe, and surprisingly comfortable. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. For the price? It’s an absolute steal. If you're looking for a budget hotel in Medan that's not a disaster, book this place. Don't expect luxury, expect a great value, a safe haven, and a genuine taste of Medan hospitality. I’d go back in a heartbeat. I'm already planning my next trip! And I'll absolutely be recommending it. This isn't just a good budget hotel, it's a genuinely good hotel.
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- Title: Wisma Sederhana Medan: My Surprisingly Awesome (and Affordable!) Adventure - Seriously, You Won't Believe This!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of my Medan, Indonesia, experience – specifically, based out of the glorious, slightly-worn-around-the-edges, yet strangely charming, Wisma Sederhana Budget Hotel. Prepare for a bumpy ride, both literally and figuratively.
Medan Mayhem: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary for the Budget Traveler
(Note: This is NOT a recommendation. It's a reflection. And I'm still debating if I actually enjoyed it… )
Day 1: Arrival and the Embrace of Unfiltered Medan
- 08:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). Deplane after a flight that felt like a cattle car. The humidity hits you like a warm, sweaty hug. Or a slap, depending on your mood. Finding a Grab is a heroic feat. After some intense bargaining and a near-miss with a rogue motorcycle, FINALLY, I'm in a rickety car, heading towards the city.
- 09:30 AM: Check-in at Wisma Sederhana. The receptionist is friendly but seems permanently bewildered. The room… well, let's just say it perfectly embodied the "budget" part of the hotel's name. The aircon sounds like a dying walrus and the view from the window? A brick wall adorned with a questionable water stain. But hey, it's a roof over my head!
- 10:30 AM: Coffee time! Found a local warung (small eatery) nearby. The coffee is STRONG. Like, heart-palpitatingly strong. But delicious. I’m already sweating, profusely. I think I’m addicted to the aroma of spices in the air itself. And there’s a cat, a very nonchalant cat, judging my every move. I wonder if he likes the coffee too.
- 12:00 PM: First foray into the chaotic, glorious streets of Medan. Holy cow. Seriously. You're bombarded with sights, sounds, smells (some of which are best avoided). This city is loud. Loud with traffic, loud with people, loud with life. I'm simultaneously fascinated and slightly terrified.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch: Tried Mie Gomak - thick noodles in a spicy broth. My tongue is on fire, but I can't stop eating it. This is when I first truly started embracing the chaos.
- 3:30 PM: Wandered aimlessly. Got slightly lost. Met a grinning street vendor selling what I think were durian pancakes. Didn't dare try them. Too soon.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The aircon is now officially a lost cause. Decide to embrace the heat and collapse on the bed. Stared at the brick wall. Contemplated the meaning of life. Actually, mostly just thought about a cold shower.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: Tasted Pecel Lele, fried catfish with spicy chili sauce. The sauce is even hotter than the Mie Gomak. Is this a competition? My tastebuds are in full retreat.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted to watch some TV. The channels are mostly static. Gave up and passed out. Exhaustion is a great travel companion.
Day 2: Delving Deeper… or Just Getting Lost?
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, drenched in sweat. The walrus aircon has died completely. This is gonna be fun.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast – More strong coffee and some local sweet bread. This is where I realize, the whole hotel is a bit grubby. But I am already so engrossed in the life that I don't care anymore. I sort of love it.
- 10:00 AM: Attempted to find the Great Mosque of Medan. Got spectacularly lost. Ended up in a crowded market, the smell of spices and fish assaulting my senses. I could feel the eyes on me – a pale, confused foreigner. But the people were mostly friendly, even if they didn't speak English.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch: Another warung. Chicken satay. Delicious, but with a side of mild stomach upset. This is the risk we take, people, for the good food!
- 1:00 PM: MORE wandering. This is where Medan truly starts to sink in. You become one with the chaos. I’m walking down streets where cars were honking, rickshaws were whizzing past, and the air swirled with a mixture of exhaust fumes and tantalizing food aromas. I saw everything from grand colonial buildings to crumbling shacks. It was a fascinating study in contrasts.
- 3:00 PM: A near-miss. Almost got run over by a motorbike. My heart stopped. Made a mental note to look both ways, even when crossing one-way streets. Lesson learned (probably).
- 5:00 PM: Checked out a street vendor selling weird fruit again. Still resisted the durian pancakes. One day…
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: Went to a recommended restaurant for Gulai Kepala Ikan (fish head curry). The head. The whole head. Eyes staring back at me from the plate. Okay, it was actually delicious, but the visual, the visual! I swear, I could feel my arteries hardening with every bite of fatty deliciousness.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. The walrus is silent. My face is flushed. I’m exhausted. Feeling a strange sort of contentment, a feeling that I can only classify as "Medan-induced madness."
Day 3: Farewell… or Maybe Just See You Later?
- 8:00 AM: Last attempt at a decent breakfast. The coffee is still strong. I am starting to like the hotel!
- 9:00 AM: One last chaotic walk through the streets. This time, I'm not quite as bewildered. I’m starting to understand the rhythm of Medan, the ebb and flow of the traffic, the subtle nods of acknowledgment from the locals. I'm feeling like I'm somewhat a part of it now.
- 11:00 AM: Back to Wisma Sederhana. A final glance at the brick wall. A pang of something… nostalgia? Maybe it's Stockholm Syndrome. Either way, I'm sad to leave.
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. The drive is its own adventure, dodging motorbikes and overloaded trucks.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in, and depart. On the plane, feeling a mixture of relief and… well, a strange longing for the mayhem.
Reflections (or Ramblings):
So, would I recommend the Wisma Sederhana? Maybe. It's not luxurious. It's not "clean" in the traditional sense. But it was real. It was a window into the heart of Medan, a city that's rough around the edges but brimming with life, energy, and a surprising amount of charm. And hey, the bed was… a bed. The shower… well, it sprayed water. What more could you ask for, on a budget? Medan is a place that gets under your skin, and the Wisma Sederhana, somehow, contributed to that. I’m still not sure if I'd go back. But if I did, I'd probably stay there again. And buy those durian pancakes. For sure.
Unbelievable Kampung Stay Near Kinabalu Park! (OYO 90284)
Wisma Sederhana: My Medan Budget Hotel Diary (Spoiler: It's a Rollercoaster)
Okay, first things first: Is Wisma Sederhana REALLY as cheap as everyone says?
Alright, let's get this out of the way. Yes. YES, it's gloriously, wallet-grabbingly cheap. I mean, we’re talking *ridiculously* cheap. I waffled for days over the cost of a good *nasi goreng* versus a room here (okay, maybe I exaggerate a little... or a lot). But you're looking at rates that make you wonder if they accidentally forgot a zero. My bank account actually breathed a sigh of relief. It's the kind of budget that allows you to splurge on, well, *anything* else. And that, my friends, is the initial draw. Pure, unadulterated cost savings.
What's the "vibe" like at Wisma Sederhana? Is it… clean?
"Clean." Ah, the eternal traveller's question. Look, let’s be real. We’re not talking Ritz-Carlton gleaming here. The word "rustic" comes to mind. Think “charm” meets “slightly worn.” My room, for example... let's just say it sported a certain *character*. One slightly wonky door (which I probably contributed to, honestly), and a mysterious stain on the (thankfully clean) sheets. The floor? Ah, the floor. It was... there. It did its job! It wasn't pristine, but it also wasn't covered in actual... things. The housekeeping staff are super sweet though, and try hard, bless their hearts. They always smiled and made the bed. That's what's important, right? Right? Okay, maybe the cleanliness isn't five stars. But it's *livable*. And for the price, I’d forgive a lot.
The internet! How's the Wi-Fi!? That's crucial! I need to work, people!
Ah, the digital lifeblood of the modern traveller. Here’s the truth about the Wi-Fi: It’s… temperamental. Picture a mischievous little gremlin, constantly tinkering with the signal. Sometimes it's blazing fast, and you're downloading movies in seconds. Other times… you’re staring at a spinning wheel of death, praying to the internet gods. I actually found myself wandering the halls at 3 AM because it seemed to work better in the stairwell. (Don't judge me; deadlines, people!) It was a running joke between me and some other guests. Honestly, pack your patience, and maybe download maps offline.
Are there any amenities? Like, anything at all?
Amenities? Well, that's a relative term, isn’t it? You get the bare essentials, folks. A bed (of varying levels of comfort, depending on your room), a fan (or air conditioning, if you're willing to pay a bit more), and a… well, a bathroom. Let me dwell on the bathroom for a second. It featured a cold-water shower, and the water pressure was... gentle. Like a kindly old auntie whispering encouragement. Don't expect a luxurious spa experience. But it gets the job done. Soap is provided, sometimes very small. Bring your own towel, and possibly a sense of humour!
The LOCATION. Is it convenient? I want to be where the action is!
Location is a definite win! Wisma Sederhana is pretty central – close to a lot of the important stuff and, crucially, delicious street food! You can easily walk to some great markets, and public transport is readily available. I remember getting lost one evening (a common occurrence for me), and stumbling upon an amazing local *warung* (small eatery) just a few blocks away. The location *really* made exploring Medan a breeze. Seriously, I'm still dreaming about that *soto medan*… Oh, and it was easy to get to and from the airport. Bonus!
Okay, you mentioned street food... Is the food good around there? I live to eat!
Oh, the food! The food in Medan is a revelation! And yes, *definitely* yes, the area around Wisma Sederhana is a goldmine for street food aficionados. Seriously, I gained a pound or two. Or three. Or maybe four. But WORTH IT. You can find everything from cheap and cheerful noodles to spicy curries that will make your taste buds sing. You'll encounter smells you've never smelled before, eat things you can't pronounce, and have an absolutely *fantastic* time. Just... maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol, just in case? But honestly, the food is half the reason to go to Medan.
Tell me about the staff! Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they speak English?
The staff? Ah, *the staff*. They are the unsung heroes of Wisma Sederhana. They are SUPER friendly. They're genuinely kind and helpful, even when I was being a total tourist-y mess. Their English skills varied, but they always tried their best to understand and assist. I remember one time, I locked myself out of my room (because I'm a genius). They were incredibly patient and came to my rescue with a smile. They even helped me order a taxi. Seriously, their friendliness is what makes the place special. They really make you feel welcome.
So, overall, is Wisma Sederhana a good choice? Would you stay there again?
Okay, here's the verdict. Wisma Sederhana? It’s… complicated. It's not glamorous. It's not luxurious. It's not always perfect. But if you can handle a little bit of… "character," if you're on a tight budget, if you appreciate friendly staff and a killer location, and especially if you value a hot meal over pristine marble, then YES. Absolutely, a resounding YES! I'd stay there again in a heartbeat. It's a truly unique experience, a real taste of Medan, warts and all. Sure, the shower might be weak and the Wi-Fi might be a troll. But the memories? Priceless. And the price? Practically free! Go for it. Just pack some earplugs (sometimes the roosters are loud!) and embrace the adventure. You won't regret it (probably). Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to look up flight prices…
Any Tips or Warnings? Anything I should know before booking?
