Medan's Hidden Gem: Anara Residence & Guest House (SUPER OYO 90457) - Unbeatable Rates!
Anara Residence & Guest House (SUPER OYO 90457) – Medan: A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so you're looking for a cheap stay in Medan? And you stumble across Anara Residence & Guest House (SUPER OYO 90457), boasting "Unbeatable Rates!" Well, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to spill the tea – the lukewarm, potentially instant coffee tea, that is. This isn't a pristine, sanitized review. This is real life.
Let's Dive In, Because Let's Be Honest, We're All Short on Time, Right?
Accessibility: Let's be clear, if you're expecting a fully ADA-compliant paradise, you're probably in the wrong city, and definitely the wrong budget. I didn't see a ton of clear-cut wheelchair accessibility. There is an elevator, which is a huge plus, but the details get fuzzy from there. Check with the hotel directly if accessibility is a major concern. It's a crapshoot, honestly.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Hmm, not sure. The restaurant situation had me confused (more on that later). Honestly, accessibility details felt more like a whisper than a shout.
Wheelchair accessible : As above.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi, LAN, and the Great Connectivity Conundrum
Right, so the internet. The holy grail of travel. It's listed as "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – LAN." Okay, great! But… the reality? Let’s just say it was… patchy. Like, "sometimes you get it, sometimes the Wi-Fi is convinced it's a mime" kind of patchy. I’d recommend bringing a backup plan – a good book, maybe. Or, you know, staring dramatically out the window (which, admittedly, is a very Medan experience). The LAN? Didn't even bother trying. The Wi-Fi was enough of a headache.
Things to Do (and Ways to Sort Of Relax, Maybe?)
Alright, buckle up, because the “relaxing” options are… let's call them “aspirational.”
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Nope. Don't get your hopes up.
- Swimming pool, Pool with view, Poolside bar: There's a small outdoor pool, though it's not exactly a shimmering infinity oasis. The "poolside bar" seemed to be a slightly under-stocked serving area. I saw a few people trying to relax there… they looked like they’d just escaped a long commute.
- Fitness Center: Nope. Nada. Zero. If you're looking for a workout, maybe embrace the Medan heat and walk around a lot. You'll get a workout, trust me.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Not on offer. Consider yourself warned!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Mixed Bag (as it usually is with these budget places)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol: They say all these things. I can't verify every single one, obviously. The room did feel clean enough, but let's be realistic, it’s still Medan.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Listed, another thing I didn't test.
- First aid kit, Hand sanitizer: Probably there (didn't need 'em, thankfully!).
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They claim this. Hope so.
- Shared stationery removed: That's a good one.
- Sterilizing equipment: I'm guessing they had some.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried, but the hallways were pretty narrow.
- Food delivery: Yay for this!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Maybe!)
This is where it gets interesting.
- Breakfast [buffet] / Asian breakfast / Breakfast service: Okay, so the breakfast part was… let's just say it was "included." It was a buffet consisting of a random assortment of things. I got a plate and just went for it. It was probably the most "buffet" feeling I had in a while and I won't lie, the instant coffee was pretty potent. Don't expect gourmet, expect sustenance.
- Restaurant/Coffee/Snack Bar: There's a restaurant. It was open sometimes. The coffee shop was… well, it had coffee. The snack bar… hmm. I found a few snacks and thought I hit the jackpot.
- A la carte in restaurant/Buffet in restaurant/Asian cuisine/International cuisine: It's all up in the air.
- Room service, Bottle of water: Yes and yes.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects (with a Few Surprises)
- Business Facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: These are available, and they probably work.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Meeting stationery, Outdoor venue for special events: The usual stuff.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank goodness!
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: They have options. The car park looked safe, which is always a plus in Medan parking.
- Smoking area: Yep.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a win.
- Laundry service and Dry Cleaning: available, but I'm not sure how fast.
For the Kids (and Those Who Are Just Kids at Heart)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal: Mentioned, though I cannot confirm (I don’t have kids!).
Access, Security, and Getting Around (Your Safety is… Relatively Assured)
- CCTV in common areas/outside property, Check-in/out [express/private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour]: The standards are covered.
- CCTV: present.
- Check out: I didn't pay attention to how speedy the checkout experience was, to be honest, I was probably busy searching for a good restaurant to eat at.
Available in all Rooms: What Your Room Comes With (and My Personal Room Experience)
Okay, here's the nitty-gritty of what you can expect to find in a room at Anara Residence (SUPER OYO 90457).
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathrobes, 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.
I'm gonna be honest. My room… was fine. It had an extra long bed (which was nice, as I am quite tall). The air conditioning blasted cold air which I was happy about, because it was HOT outside. The internet was unreliable, the TV had a limited selection of channels, and the decor was… minimalist. The shower had hot water, which is a blessing. I also got a complimentary tea which I didn't touch.
And Now for the Rambling Opinion, the Honest Truth, Wrapped in a Tiny, Unremarkable Bow…
Look, Anara Residence isn't a luxury experience. It's not. It’s the kind of place you crash in when you need a bed and a roof over your head and your wallet is weeping. It’s a place to start, not a destination in itself. It's the travel equivalent of instant noodles: it gets the job done, it's cheap, and sometimes, in the right moment of hunger and exhaustion, it tastes amazing.
The Verdict:
If you're on a tight budget, don't have sky-high standards, and just need a base from which to explore Medan, Anara Residence & Guest House could work. Just manage your expectations. Remember the Wi-Fi might fail you, the pool is pretty basic and the food will fill you up. But hey, for the price? It could
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking Medan, Indonesia, at the SUPER OYO 90457 Anara Residence & Guest House, and let me tell you, it’s going to be a wild ride. Brace yourselves for a messy, honest, and wonderfully imperfect look at my upcoming Indonesian adventure.
Day 1: Medan Mayhem Begins (or, How I Became Best Friends with My Mosquito Net)
- Morning (ish): Arrival at Kualanamu International Airport (KNO). Okay, the airport was… well, it was an airport. I have to admit, I had this romantic vision of arriving to a throng of people gracefully presenting me with floral garlands, and instead, I got a sweaty mass of humanity trying to navigate the baggage claim. Sigh. Finding the driver arranged by the Anara Residence was a minor triumph. I'd booked through Agoda and hoped for the best. Turns out, the best was a guy named "Budi" who spoke just enough English to understand "Anara Residence?" and "Baggage?". Good enough for me!
- Afternoon: The drive to Anara Residence. Oh. My. God. The traffic. It makes the LA freeways look like a Sunday stroll. Scooters, cars, trucks seemingly all vying for the same inch of road. Budi navigated it like it was second nature. I gripped the door handle and prayed to the gods of good driving. Finally, we arrived! The Anara Residence looked… promising. It had a slightly faded charm, but it felt clean and welcoming after the chaos of the road. The check-in was smooth (thank goodness!), and I collapsed into my surprisingly comfortable bed. It was a hard-won battle.
- Evening: Settling in. The AC was a godsend. And the little mosquito net? Oh, the mosquito net. It's my new best friend, and I'm not letting it go. Dinner was a mission. I was starving. Walked down the street to a local Warung, and the food was so good! I only felt a little embarrassed at my lack of eating with chopsticks. Then back to the room. And. Sleep.
Day 2: A Taste of Medan & Maybe Some Regrets (Mostly Delicious, Though)
- Morning: Breakfast at the Anara Residence. I think they had a coffee machine. It was acceptable. Then the adventure. The mission: explore. Walked the surrounding streets. Wow, the smells! Everything from delicious spices to… well, let's just say the air is vibrant. The market nearby was a feast for the senses – mountains of fruit (mangoes, dragon fruit – gorgeous!), spices, and things I couldn't even begin to identify.
- Afternoon: Medan's grand mosque of the area. It was stunning. Seriously, the architecture was breathtaking, and the overall atmosphere was so peaceful. I stumbled in. I was a little anxious that I didn't dress appropriately. Not to worry, there was a friendly woman who graciously lent me a scarf. Then I spent hours wandering around and the whole experience was deeply emotional.
- Evening: Dinner was a serious culinary adventure. I asked a local what to try and they recommended the traditional dishes. And it was fiery, and salty, and rich, and I can't even remember the names of half of the things I ate, but the food was good! I may have, perhaps, ordered an extra portion of something that was clearly not good for me. No regrets. The only regret, maybe, was not being able to eat everything.
Day 3: Double Down – The Lake Toba Disaster (Kidding! Mostly)
- Morning: Okay, this is the day I committed to Lake Toba. I'd heard incredible things. I hired a driver through the Anara Residence (again, Budi to the rescue!). The drive was long. Honestly, it felt forever. I was the only one in the car. The views were spectacular, but the actual road was… less so. Let's just say there were moments when I questioned the stability of the vehicle. But Budi was unphased. He was the MVP.
- Afternoon: Lake Toba! And it was everything I'd hoped for. The sheer scale of the lake, the volcanic caldera… stunning! We took a boat to Samosir Island, and I was in awe. The local culture was so rich, but I ended up there at the wrong time. A lot of the local places were shut, as it was a religious day. I think they should have warned me.
- Evening: The ride back. The only thing I could think about was food. I'd skipped lunch at the lake. The last thing I wanted was another adventure. So I caved and ate at the first place I found. Did not disappoint! Ordered a whole bunch of food and ate it. Then, more sleep.
Day 4: Farewell to Medan (But Not the Memories!)
- Morning: One last breakfast at Anara Residence. A very early wake up. The trip was amazing but it was time to go.
- Afternoon: I took a final, lingering look at Medan, and I felt a wave of something. Sadness? Contentment? A weird combination of both? Then the driver took me to KNO. Another crowded airport. Another goodbye.
- Evening: Departure. The flight was thankfully uneventful. Back home. I wanted to come back!
Final Thoughts (and a few unasked-for opinions):
The SUPER OYO 90457 Anara Residence & Guest House wasn't perfect (you know, little things like the Wi-Fi sometimes giving up the ghost). But it was clean, well located, and had a certain charm. The staff were friendly and helpful. And Budi? He deserves a medal.
Medan itself? It’s messy, vibrant, and chaotic, but also unexpectedly beautiful and deeply enriching. The food is incredible. The people are friendly (even if I didn't speak the language!). The air is thick with the scent of spices and adventure.
I came expecting an ordinary trip. I left with a heart full of memories, a slightly upset stomach (from all the amazing food), and a new appreciation for good mosquito nets. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. But next time, I’m definitely bringing a better phrasebook and maybe, just maybe, some antacids.
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Anara Residence & Guest House (SUPER OYO 90457): FAQ - Because Let's Be Real, We Need Answers (and Maybe a Laugh)
Okay, so "Hidden Gem." Is Anara *actually* hidden or just...kinda out of the way? Because I've walked into "hidden gems" that felt like I'd stumbled into a minefield of mosquitos.
Alright, let's be real about the "hidden gem" label. It *is* a bit tucked away. Think less "secret lair" and more "charming, slightly less crowded" than some of the behemoth hotels in Medan. It's not *difficult* to find – I saw a Grab driver practically teleport there (bless technology) – but it's not exactly on the main drag either. So, yeah, consider it a win for escaping the chaos, unless you count traffic in Medan's always chaotic, then you are on your own!
"Unbeatable Rates!" – Is that code for "creepy-looking room with questionable plumbing"? I'm on a budget, but I value my sanity (and running water).
Look, the rates *are* genuinely good. And YES, I'm still alive and haven't contracted anything mysterious from the plumbing. But here's the truth: It *is* SUPER OYO, which, let's be honest, comes with a certain… reputation. You are absolutely correct, that can be a bad sign. Think of it as a budget-friendly hotel with a dash of "you get what you pay for" sprinkled in. My first thought when I got there was "Huh... it's clean!" I even saw a cleaner. Now, was the water pressure perfect? No. Did the AC *always* work flawlessly? Also no. But was it a dealbreaker? Absolutely not. Because seriously, those rates. I was practically doing a happy dance in my (perfectly adequate) bed.
What's the vibe like? Is it a backpacker hostel with questionable hygiene, or a family-friendly place where parents can be found screaming after their kids?
The vibe is… chill. Honestly, it’s what I would describe as... "quietly functional". It's not a party place. I saw a few other travelers, a couple of families, and someone who I think was there to check their work. It definitely wasn't a rowdy backpacker scene, which, honestly, was a relief. I was exhausted after a long day trip and just wanted a quiet time. The staff seemed pretty chill too, although one of them looked like he'd seen some things. It was just nice enough. I'm not going to lie, it's not a place to make best friends.
The location. Is it near… anything? Or am I going to be spending my entire trip hailing Grab rides?
It’s… near things, but not *right on top* of them. There are restaurants and shops within walking distance. But, yes, you'll probably be using Grab or a local taxi to get to the main attractions, like Maimun Palace. This is Medan, after all. Walking can be an *adventure* in itself. But hey, Grab in Medan is relatively cheap, so it wouldn’t break the bank. It’s a trade-off: Peace and quiet versus instant access to the city's bustle. Consider how much you value your sanity!
What about the rooms themselves? Are they truly as simple as the photos suggest or is it all a grand illusion?
The photos… are fairly accurate. The rooms are simple, but functional. My room had a bed, a desk, a TV (which I never turned on), and an en-suite bathroom. The decor isn't exactly five-star, but it was clean and that's the most important thing. The bed was comfortable enough. I’ve slept on worse. The shower was a little… temperamental. But after a long day of battling Medan heat and traffic, I couldn't care less.
The breakfast situation? Is it a sad, solitary piece of toast and instant coffee, or something that will at least get me going in the morning?
Okay, breakfast is… basic. Don't go expecting a buffet with all the trimmings. It's nothing to write home about, but it's edible. There were some options - eggs, toast, maybe some fruit, and of course, coffee. It's more of a "fuel up and get out" kind of breakfast. It's not a highlight, but it does the job.
Any major downsides/things I should be aware of? Give it to me straight!
Okay, here's the truth: The internet wasn't super-reliable, but it was working, the noise insulation isn't amazing, you might hear some street noise and also a few dogs. Also, the location, while offering peace, can be a little far from some of the more interesting parts of Medan. But honestly, for the price, and if you're not expecting luxury, it's manageable. The worst thing that happened to me was that my AC didn't work perfectly at first, took about some time, then it was all good. It wasn’t a deal breaker. It's a budget hotel, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Would you actually recommend it? Give me the honest truth!
Honestly? Yes. If you're on a budget, looking for a clean, quiet place to crash, and don't mind a little bit of "budget" charm, then absolutely. It's not perfect, but for the price, it's surprisingly decent. I'd stay there again. Just don't expect the Ritz. Expect a solid place to rest your head at unbeatable rates and a starting point to explore Medan!
