Indonesian Paradise Found: Unbeatable Deals at Medan's Grand Darussalam Hotel!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to dive headfirst into a review of the Grand Darussalam Hotel in Medan, Indonesia. Forget the cookie-cutter, polished prose; this is the real deal, warts and all. Let's see if this "Indonesian Paradise Found" lives up to the hype (and if my bank account can handle it).
First Impressions & Accessibility - A Few Bumps in the Road
Okay, getting to Medan itself was a journey. Seriously, I'm not sure if I'd rather wrestle a crocodile or fly through rush hour traffic again. But hey, we made it! The Grand Darussalam, from the outside, looked… well, like a hotel. Classic Indonesian architecture, a bit imposing, and a lot of glass. My first concern? Accessibility. I'm not exactly bouncing around on pogo sticks these days, and I need to know if I can navigate the place.
Accessibility (The Good & the "Meh"):
- Elevator: YES! Thank goodness. Made getting to my room (a higher floor, thank you very much) a breeze.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Now, this is where things get a little "meh." The main areas seemed accessible, but navigating some of the smaller hallways felt like a delicate dance. Definitely some areas that could have been more spacious.
- Facilities for disabled guests: I didn't see a dedicated list of those but there was a ramped entrance and the elevator.
Rooms & Amenities: Wi-Fi Woes & Comforting Touches
Alright, let's talk about the room. The Available in all rooms are: additional toilet, air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
- The Wi-Fi Saga: Okay, this was a rollercoaster. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the brochure screamed. And, technically, it was. BUT… it was patchy. Like, "disappear for twenty minutes while I'm trying to upload Instagram selfies" patchy. Internet access – LAN, however, worked like a charm. So bring your own cable, people! That's my pro tip. Still, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! should really mean… reliable.
- Comfort is King: That Extra long bed was a godsend after a long day of exploring. The bathrobes were fluffy and inviting. And the Blackout curtains were essential for sleeping off the jet lag. complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were also nice to have.
- The "Little Things": The refrigerator to keep my Bintang cold was a must. The in-room safe box was a relief. The Seating area and Sofa were actually quite comfy for just lounging.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Sigh of Relief
This is a big one for me, especially these days. I want to feel safe, and I want things to look clean.
- Hygiene Certification & Commitment: There was a clear emphasis on cleanliness. Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services were all prominently displayed.
- Safety Features: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and 24-hour security definitely gave me peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Adventures & Indonesian Flavours
Okay, the food! This is where things got seriously interesting. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant were my focus.
- Breakfast Buffet Bonanza: The breakfast buffet? A masterpiece of gluttony. I'm talking mountains of nasi goreng, fresh fruit that tasted like sunshine, fluffy pancakes, and the best coffee I've had in ages. It was a Breakfast [buffet] to remember! The Asian breakfast specifically was incredible.
- The Poolside Bar Life: Ah, the Poolside bar. This is where I spent a considerable amount of time, sipping on a Bintang while watching the sunset. The staff were friendly, the drinks were cold, and the vibe was pure relaxation.
- Dinner Delights: I had dinner at the Restaurants a few times, trying both Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. The Indonesian dishes were, of course, outstanding. I'm dreaming of the rendang as I write this. They also had Salad in restaurant and Soup in restaurant options.
- Room Service & Late-Night Snacking: The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of sightseeing. The Snack bar came in clutch.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Dreams and Fitness Fears
Things to do
- Pool with view
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
- Swimming pool
Ways to relax
Body scrub
Body wrap
Foot bath
Massage
Sauna
Spa
Spa/sauna
Steamroom
The Pool: A Little Slice of Paradise: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a glorious oasis. The Pool with view was fantastic, and I spent hours just floating around, soaking up the sun, and pretending I was a glamorous movie star.
Spa Day (Or Two): Oh. My. Goodness. The spa. This is where I went all in! The Spa/sauna was fantastic, the Body scrub was invigorating, and the Massage? That massage was pure, unadulterated bliss. Honestly, I could have moved in. The Foot bath was also a great way to relax.
Fitness Center Fiasco: I did attempt to visit the Fitness center. Let's just say, my willpower wasn't quite as strong as the equipment. I lasted about five minutes. But the equipment looked decent!
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things that Matter
- Convenience is Key: Concierge was incredibly helpful with local recommendations and booking tours. The Daily housekeeping kept the room spotless.
- Business is Business (Sort Of): I didn't use the Business facilities, but I noticed a Elevator and Meeting/banquet facilities. But that I can't attest to the quality.
- Other Useful Stuff: The Currency exchange was handy. The Luggage storage was perfect for my early departure.
For the Kids – A Note (Because I Don’t Have Any!)
- Family/child friendly
- Babysitting service
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
I noticed they had Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal, so seems like they welcome families.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]
- Airport transfer
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
- Bicycle parking
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
Overall - The Verdict:
Look, the Grand Darussalam wasn't perfect. The Wi-Fi could be better, and it wasn't the most accessible place ever. BUT… the pros FAR outweighed the cons. The staff were lovely, the food was amazing, the spa was heavenly, and the overall experience was incredibly relaxing.
SEO-Friendly Summary (and a Call to Action!)
If you're looking for a relaxing getaway in Medan, Indonesia, with a strong focus on comfort, cleanliness, and delicious food, the Grand Darussalam Hotel is absolutely worth considering. Its Unbeatable Deals really come through! From their stunning Swimming pool [outdoor] and heavenly Spa to the delectable Asian cuisine in restaurant, and impeccable cleanliness, you are going to have a fantastic time .
My Recommendation: Book it. Now! Especially if you need to unwind, indulge, and escape the daily grind. You won't regret it!
**Indonesian Paradise Found: Unbeatable Deals at Medan's Grand Daruss
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Alpechiara's Unforgettable Italian Alps Retreat
Alright, hold onto your hats (or your ridiculously oversized sun visors, like the lady I saw at the airport!), because we're about to dive headfirst into my chaotic, opinionated, and hopefully hilariously relatable adventure at Hotel Grand Darussalam in Medan, Indonesia. Forget the pristine itineraries – this is real life, baby!
Day 1: Arrival…and Existential Dread
- 14:00 – Landfall! (Medan Kualanamu International Airport): Ugh, airports. The modern-day purgatory. After a 3-hour flight (which felt like an eternity thanks to the crying baby behind me…bless her heart!), I was finally in Medan. The humidity hit me like a wet, warm hug. I sweated immediately. Instantly. My hair resembled a damp, frizz-ball. I'm pretty sure my mascara migrated south, leaving me looking like a panda who'd just lost a fight.
- 15:00 – Taxi Tango to Hotel Grand Darussalam: Finding a taxi was a sport in itself. The touts were relentless! I probably paid double what I should have, but frankly, after the flight, and the baby, my negotiation skills had evaporated. The drive was eye-opening…and a little terrifying. So. Many. Motorbikes. And the traffic rules seemed more like suggestions.
- 16:00 – Check-in: The First Impression: The lobby of the Grand Darussalam… it's… well, it's something. Think slightly faded grandeur meets a touch of "we used to be fancy." The air conditioning was blasting like it was personally offended by the humidity outside, which was a relief! The staff were friendly, albeit a little slow. My room key didn't work, twice. Twice! You could feel the frustration building. But hey, at least the (eventually) working AC cranked out cool air in the room.
- 17:00 – Room Inspection & Emotional Breakdown: My room was…okay. Cleanish. The view was of a (probably) abandoned building next door, but I'm not here for a view, am I? I'm here to conquer Southeast Asia one messy adventure at a time! The bed looked comfy. I plopped down, and the existential dread that comes with solo travel, after a long flight, set in. What am I doing here? Am I going to eat something that will make me ill? Will I get lost and die? I did a quick meditation session (very poorly) and pulled myself together. I'm alive, hydrated, and in a hotel with a working shower, which is a win!
- 18:00 – Dinner Disaster (and a Victory!): I wandered down to their hotel restaurant, feeling like a lost puppy. The menu was in a language I only vaguely understood (Indonesian, I think), and the waiter's English was… less than fluent. I pointed, I gestured, I made animal noises. I think I ended up ordering fried rice. It was… fine. A little bland. But the view from the restaurant of the busy street below was actually quite interesting. And the ice-cold Bintang beer? HEAVENLY. It was the first solid, happy, real moment of the day.
- 19:30 – Early Night (And Another Existential Crisis): I’m still running on jet lag, and the general weariness of travel. I made a mental list: tomorrow, I'm going to explore. Tomorrow, I will find some life-affirming noodle dishes. Tomorrow, maybe I'll even like Medan. But before all of that, the only thing that's on the agenda right now is getting a good night’s sleep. And hopefully, no more crying babies inside the hotel. Nighty-night, world.
Day 2: City Exploration (Or, The Day I Tried To Be Adventurous and Probably Failed Miserably)
- 08:00 – Breakfast Mishap: The hotel breakfast was… an experience. I bravely attempted the local offerings. I bravely failed to understand what half of them were. I somehow ended up with something that resembled a green jelly with what looked like shredded…something. Texture was the enemy, so I stuck to the toast and coffee. Coffee was strong. Toast was…toast. Victory!
- 09:00 – The "Let's See Some Heritage" Plan: Armed with a map (a slightly smudged, crumpled map), I ventured forth. First stop: the Maimun Palace (a beautiful sight!). I was greeted by a very enthusiastic tour guide who spoke English with a thick accent. He was very thorough. Very. Thorough. He explained the history of the palace, the sultan, the intricate carvings. He kept going! I tried to look interested, but after about 20 minutes, my eyes started to glaze over. I took a few photos, bought a rather gaudy souvenir for my mother, and escaped.
- 11:00 – The "Street Food of Dreams" Quest (and a Dramatic Twist): I was determined to find some authentic street food! I'd seen photos of delicious-looking noodles, and I wasn't going home without trying them. I wandered through a crowded market, dodging motorbikes and vendors hawking their wares. The smells were incredible! The colors were vibrant! And then… disaster struck. I tripped. Yup. Right in front of a stall selling… well, I’m not sure, but it involved a lot of chili sauce. I landed on my face, covered in some kind of red goo. People rushed to help! Everyone was amazing. The "disaster" actually led me to being offered some (delicious!) spring rolls.
- 12:00 – Lunch Rescue: After cleaning up (as best I could – the chili sauce seemed to stain everything!), I found a small, simple warung (local restaurant) and ordered a plate of Mie Goreng (fried noodles). It was… phenomenal. The perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and umami. I ate fast, and I ate a lot. The best meal, so far.
- 14:00 – Trying to Shop…and Failing Spectacularly: I thought I'd venture into a mall to get away from the sun, but the bustling and bright interior made my eyes immediately hurt. I ended up wandering aimlessly through a shopping mall, getting lost in the labyrinth of shops and being completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of… stuff. After an hour, I gave up and retreated back to the hotel.
- 16:00 – Poolside Contemplation (Or Trying to Relax After the Chili Incident!): The hotel pool! Hallelujah! I had visions of myself lounging in the sun, sipping a cocktail, and living the good life. The reality? The water was slightly green, a couple of children were using it as a personal splash zone, and the sun was intense. Still, I tried to relax. I read my book (until the sun glare made it impossible), and I did some more thinking. I need to embrace the chaos. I have to accept that things won't always go to plan. I'm not going to be a perfect tourist. And that's okay.
- 18:00 – Dinner Revisited (and, a Quiet Moment): Wandered back to the hotel restaurant. This time I knew what to expect. I ordered a simple chicken and rice dish. It was quiet, peaceful, and I had the place to myself. I spent the evening pondering my day, the "chili incident", and how glad I was that I had decided to get out of my comfort zone.
- 20:00 – Bedtime Rituals: Again, early night beckons. Must get sleep before another day!
Day 3: The Lake Toba Odyssey (and Total Exhaustion)
- 07:00 – Breakfast: A Second Attempt: Cautiously approached the breakfast buffet. Opted for something that looked relatively safe and familiar: plain toast and coffee. Still not feeling terribly adventurous on the cuisine front. But I have my sights set on authentic, real food, and I'll get there!
- 08:00 – The Lake Toba Tour From Somewhere: I had booked a day trip to Lake Toba, a massive volcanic lake a few hours outside of Medan. The minibus was packed, the air conditioning was broken, and I'm fairly sure the driver was trying to set some sort of land speed record.
- 12:00 – Parapat and the Ferry: Arrived in Parapat, the gateway to Lake Toba. It was crowded, chaotic, and utterly charming. I boarded a rickety ferry that felt like it was held together with duct tape.
- 13:00 – Samosir Island: The island where the hotel was located (I think!). The lake itself was stunning! Crystal-clear water, lush green hills, all the elements of natural design! The beauty was so powerful that I forgot my slight fear for the ferry. We made our way to Tuk Tuk, a village on Samosir Island.
- 14:00 – Exploring Samosir (and More Sensory Overload!): I rented a scooter (I know, I know, it was a terrible idea, especially with the traffic, but I wanted to be independent!). The roads were bumpy. The views were breathtaking. I visited a traditional Batak village,
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