The Best Spa Hotels in Medan, Indonesia

Relax and take in views of Medan at the citys Marriott Hotel
Relax and take in views of Medan at the city's Marriott Hotel | Courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Medan / Expedia
Emma Sparks

Medan, the gateway to North Sumatra in Indonesia, is often passed through by travellers on their way to hike Mount Sibayak, spot orangutans in Bukit Lawang and chase waterfalls near Lake Toba. But there’s more to Medan than first meets the eye. Stay a while to discover quirky museums, colonial architecture, sizzling street food and a plethora of surprisingly decadent spa hotels.

Aryaduta Medan

Boutique Hotel

Guestrooms at Aryaduta Medan overlook a central pool area with sun loungers
Courtesy of Aryaduta Medan / Expedia

Treat yourself to an in-room massage at Aryaduta, which occupies the upper levels of the Grand Palladium Mall in the city centre. Neutral-coloured rooms are cosy and offer views of the Medan skyline or the palm-lined courtyard pool. You’re just a 10-minute walk from two fascinating museums, each dedicated to a local 19th-century figure: Tjong A Fie Mansion, which showcases the home once occupied by a famed Chinese merchant; and Tjong Yong Hian Gallery, which celebrates his lesser-known philanthropist brother.

Grand Mercure Medan Angkasa

Chain Hotel

The tower block building of Grand Mercure Medan Angkasa with a pool at ground level
Courtesy of Grand Mercure Medan Angkasa / Expedia

With larger-than-average rooms and city views – plus a sauna, hot tub and spa – Grand Mercure Medan Angkasa offers all the basic comforts of a business hotel. Its location next to the oldest university in Medan (there are 13 in total) means there are plenty of cheap eats in the neighbourhood – take a 10-minute taxi to Fun Taste Street to sample some of the best street food in the city.

Cambridge Hotel Medan

Independent Hotel

A swimmer does lengths at a pool in Cambridge Hotel Medan, while another guest watches through the glass pool walls
Courtesy of Cambridge Hotel Medan / Expedia

The floor-to-ceiling windows at Cambridge Hotel provide fabulous views of Medan, but for the ultimate lookout, book a table at the rooftop restaurant, The Edge. Here to unwind? Treat yourself to a traditional Javanese massage – you’ll soon be walking on air. Back on terra firma, below the hotel, you’ll find the Cambridge City Square shopping centre. Venture south to the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum and the elaborate Taoist temple, Vihara Gunung Timur.

Four Points by Sheraton Medan

Hotel

A simple dipping pool at the Four Points by Sheraton Medan with blue loungers on one side
Courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Medan / Expedia

Topped with a Pantheon-style dome (the Sky Mansion – sadly reserved for private parties), the 10-storey Four Points is central and glamorous, but great value. Get a mani-pedi or couples’ massage at the Oceania Wellness and Spa; sweat it out in the gym while enjoying bird’s-eye city views; or sip a neon cocktail or two at The Onyx, a marble-heavy showstopper of a lobby bar.

Swiss-Belinn Medan

Independent Hotel

A snazzy lobby at Swiss-Belinn Medan with bright-orange seating, a front desk and human figures on the wall
Courtesy of Swiss-Belinn Medan / Expedia

From the soaring glass-roofed lobby to the basic double rooms, lurid orange furniture prevails at Swiss-Belinn – but don’t let that put you off. There’s a decent gym and spa, and there’s an abundance of shopping malls on your doorstep. Hungry for culture, or simply peckish? Maimun Palace Museum is a short walk south, while nearby Kesawan Square comes to life as an Indonesian food court once the sun sets.

Kama Hotel

Boutique Hotel

The front of Kama Hotel has three bikes on the wall and a sign saying Kama Hotel in a modern font
Courtesy of Kama Hotel / Expedia

This budget-friendly hotel has stylish interiors – industrial light fittings, designer wallpaper and hand-painted murals – and is on-trend with a co-working space and hip coffee shop. Spent too long with your latte and laptop? Why not book an in-room massage? Location is a big plus at Kama Hotel; some of the most popular sites in Medan are on your doorstep, from the legendary colonial-era Tip-Top (the oldest restaurant in the city) to Tjong A Fie Mansion.

Emerald Garden International Hotel

Boutique Hotel

An outdoor pool area at Emerald Garden International Hotel with loungers and palm trees
Courtesy of Emerald Garden International Hotel / Booking.com

Rooms at Emerald Garden are retro – and not in a cool way – but the mattresses are extra comfy. There’s a large pool and patio, a tennis court and fitness centre, plus a sauna and spa. Extroverts will love the karaoke lounge. Tip: take the free shuttle to Centre Point Mall – it’s ideal if you want to shop but also brings you closer to Maimun Palace and the Grand Mosque of Medan.

JW Marriott Hotel Medan

Luxury, Hotel

An indoor dipping pool at JW Marriott Hotel Medan with a piece of modern art above
Courtesy of JW Marriott Hotel Medan / Expedia

Views take centre stage at JW Marriott, where you’ll find warm-hued, well-lit rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, an executive lounge offering 180-degree views and a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city skyline. Strained your neck taking in all those panoramas? This JW Marriott has one of the top spas in Medan. Try the green tea detoxification body treatment or traditional Javanese massage. Foodie favourite Merdeka Walk and the 110-year-old City Hall are just 10 minutes away on foot.

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