Surabaya Indonesia – Best Guesthouses, Hotels and Resorts to Stay

Being a significant trade and transport hub, Indonesia’s second largest city, and a gateway to the summit of the majestic Mount Bromo means that Surabaya boasts unique and varied attributes and qualities. And, as a result of these diverse and distinct attributes and attractions, Surabaya draws in a miscellaneous bunch of assorted travellers to its streets. From wide-eyed, budget backpackers eager to conquer the mist-capped summit of Mount Bromo, to well-dressed businessmen here on important company meetings, the city has catered exceptionally well for their target audience when it comes to accommodation styles, preferences and bank balances.

Below lies a selection of our personal favourite spots to crash for the night categorized according to price.

Budget accommodation in Surabaya

Affordable accommodation can easily be found in this city but if you’ve arrived late and haven’t pre-booked anywhere, your best bet would be to head to the many budget accommodations around Jalan Peneleh, a 15-minute walk from the Gubeng Train Station. Alternatively, many of the cheap inns and guesthouses can be booked online prior to arrival.

1. Hotel Hana

Clean, well-run and dirt cheap, this place is a true find for the penny-saving backpacker. For travellers, whose main goal is to save as much Rupiah as possible rather than splash out on a room for the night, Hotel Hana is the perfect place for you. Facilities are ultra-basic with a squat toilet, cold bucket showers and an overused fan, but the bed is comfortable and at IDR 70, 000 per night this is probably as cheap as it comes.

2. Krowi Inn

Exceptionally well located in the heart of the city centre, Krowi Inn is in the business district of Darmo and Diponegoro nearby to SUTOS Mall and Ciputra World. Other than the excellent location, the boutique backpacker’s hostel boasts very inexpensive room rates which include a tasty, complimentary breakfast. Free Wi-Fi, air-con, drinking water and a common area with a cable TV and a computer for guests are all available. Rooms available include a bed in a dorm, a family room and a double room with a shared bathroom. Room rates start around IDR 150, 000 for the night.

3. Family Guesthouse Surabaya

With its affordable rooms, good Wi-Fi and business centre, Family Guesthouse in Gubeng Kertajaya 8C/15 is an absolute steal for both budget-conscious business professionals and travellers wanting to save on accommodation costs. All rooms are air-conned, have a TV, a private bathroom and are clean, comfortable and well-furnished. We found the staff to be very welcoming and helpful and especially enjoyed the good location of the guesthouse and its proximity to nearby restaurants and attractions. A delicious buffet breakfast is included in the very affordable starting price of IDR 240, 000 for a double room.

4. Kenongo Hotel

Snuggled amongst leafy greenery in Jl. Embong Kenongo no. 12, the Kenongo Hotel is a pleasant oasis of good service, attention to detail and fine amenities for a really rather surprising price. Only a short, 5-minute drive from the Gubeng Train Station and Tunjungan Plaza, the hotel is well-located and will save budget travelers a great deal of money on transport costs when staying here. Each room has its own en suite bathroom, wardrobe, cable TV, air-con and free Wi-Fi. Garden view rooms are also available for those wishing to wake up to the sound of the birds and a touch of green. Room rates start at around IDR 225,000 for a night with the option to pay an additional IDR 50,000 for a breakfast at the onsite restaurant.

Mid-range accommodation in Surabaya

5. Novotel

This unique 4-star resort is situated in the bustling business district of Surabaya and offers business professionals as well as holidaymakers an excellent place to relax and unwind during their stay in the city while still in the centre of the action. The resort offers guests a wide variety of amenities and facilities such as a fitness centre, spa and sauna, a pool with a waterslide, hot tub, basketball court, tennis court and even conferencing facilities. Rooms also include the standard TV, kettle, minifridge, complimentary toiletries, private bathrooms and air-conditioning. For those travelling with little ones, Novotel caters to their needs too with their Kids Club and Animal Conservatory. Room rates start at around IDR 600,000 for a night.

6. Surabaya Suites Hotel

This 4-star hotel in Plaza Boulevard, Jl. Pemuda 31-37, conveniently situated in the city centre surrounded by shopping opportunities, entertainment and business government premises, boasts 230 guestrooms ranging from Junior Suites to Deluxe Suites depending on your needs and preferences. Modern furnishings and stunning attention to detail gives the Surabaya Suites Hotel an elegant and functional feel from the moment you arrive. We especially enjoyed the scrumptious meals that we devoured at the three onsite restaurants and would recommend their spicy Nasi Goreng Jumbo Cak to anyone. The outdoor pool and spa facilities are also available for guests to use at their leisure. Room rates start at IDR 450,000 for a night.

7. Singgasana Hotel Surabaya

This pleasant hotel on Gunungsari Street is a great spot for travelers who long to have all their needs met without having to break the bank. The hotel comprises of 146 rooms as well as 4 private villas for those wishing for added privacy and a bigger space. All the rooms are immaculately decorated, all have Wi-Fi, cable TV, private bathrooms with a bathtub and shower, and a fully-stocked mini fridge. The facilities of the hotel itself include a spa with massage treatments, an outdoor swimming pool, a business center and banquet and meeting areas. Currency exchange, airport transfers and even car rental are all on offer too. Rooms begin at around IDR 700, 000 for the night.

8. Bumi Surabaya City Resort

Possibly our favourite of all the places to stay while in Surabaya, Bumi City Resort is any nature lover’s delight. The resort is nestled amongst lush foliage and green, leafy plants which allows you to feel as if you’ve stumbled into an enchanting tropical oasis, all the while still having the convenience of the city right on your doorstep. Exquisite food at the restaurant, a gorgeous swimming pool, relaxing spa and exceptional staff only add to the magic of this elegant resort. For those here on business, the venue is also home to a fine business centre which allows business and pleasure to blend seamlessly. Nightly rates are around IDR 2,000,000 and worth every penny.

High-end accommodation in Surabaya

9. Hotel Majapahit

Unrivalled luxury and charm cannot be found outside of Hotel Majapahit and this is undoubtedly the finest place to stay when in Surabaya. Originally constructed in 1910, the hotel is a mark of natural pride for the city of Surabaya. An immaculate fusion of elegance, romance and splendour, the colonial architecture of the hotel is a true sight to behold. The contemporary amenities, beauty spa, roof garden, outdoor pool, famous Indigo Restaurant, and immaculate gardens; make this the ideal location for the discerning traveller with a generous budget. For those who cannot afford the nightly rates, why not pop in for an afternoon and enjoy a decadent high tea at Hotel Majapahit. The lowest room rate is around IDR 1,500,000.

10. Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers

Elegant and tasteful, the facilities and rooms at the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel and Towers are some of the finest in the city. Beautifully decorated and immaculately furnished, the hotel is as luxurious as they come. Take a morning swim in the outdoor pool, have lunch at one of the four available onsite restaurants, indulge in a massage from the comfort of your own room - the freedom to relax and unwind is at the top of the list for guests of the Sheraton. Other options include shopping to your heart’s content at the connected Tunjungan Plaza Shopping Mall, playing a vigorous game of tennis at the tennis courts, or building up a sweat at the fitness centre. Rates start at IDR 1,300,000.