Your stay — Hotel 61
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Banda Aceh.
The Property — Hotel 61
Hotel 61 is a laid-back, no-frills 3-star hotel in Banda Aceh, perfect for budget-conscious travellers who want a simple, clean base in the city centre. Its lobby's warm colour scheme and eclectic artwork give it a welcoming, neighbourhood feel. This hotel suits solo adventurers and couples who want to experience the real Banda Aceh, rather than a high-end resort. Expect a friendly, family-run vibe and a solid breakfast spread to start your day.
Chronicles of Banda Aceh
Banda Aceh, the northernmost city in Indonesia, has a rich history dating back to the 7th century, when it was a major trading post in the Srivijaya Empire. The city was rebuilt after the devastating 2004 tsunami, with many modern buildings, including the iconic Grand Mosque, rising from the rubble. Today, Banda Aceh is a hub for Islamic culture and learning, with the University of Islamic Syariah and the Aceh State Museum showcasing the region's unique blend of Malay, Islamic, and Dutch influences. The city's architecture reflects its history, with old Dutch colonial buildings standing alongside modern mosques and government offices. Visitors can experience the city's warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage at the many traditional markets and festivals throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit
Full Banda Aceh guide →Best months
The best time to visit Banda Aceh is from March to May, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). The crowds are smaller than during peak tourist season, and hotel prices are lower, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Banda Aceh is July, with the Idul Fitri festival drawing large crowds and higher hotel prices. The festival, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a significant event in the city, with processions, markets, and traditional performances taking place throughout the city. Expect higher prices and larger crowds during this time, but it's a unique and unforgettable experience.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Banda Aceh is from June to September, when the weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller and hotel prices are lower. This is an excellent time for budget-conscious travellers to explore the city and its surroundings without breaking the bank.
Weather & packing
Banda Aceh's climate is tropical monsoon, with high humidity and occasional rain showers. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket to be prepared for sudden rain showers.
Live City Briefing — Banda Aceh
- The Banda Aceh International Airport has been upgraded with a new terminal, making it easier for international visitors to arrive and depart. The city's main bus station has also been renovated, with improved facilities and more frequent services. The Aceh State Museum has launched a new exhibition on the history of the 2004 tsunami, providing a poignant reminder of the city's resilience and determination.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel 61, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) at the back of the hotel to avoid street noise from Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda, a main road in Banda Aceh. This will also get you away from the lift noise and service entrance activity.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) near the lift and service entrance may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential generator noise from the service area.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address doesn't provide information on specific views. However, rooms on higher floors might offer better views of the surrounding area.
Quietest floors
5th floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for occasional generator noise from the service area, and possible street noise from Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda. Keep in mind that the hotel is located in the city centre, so some noise is to be expected.
Insider tips
If you're driving, take note that the hotel is within walking distance to the city centre, but parking might be limited. Consider asking the hotel about parking options beforehand. Request a room with a refrigerator if you plan to stay for an extended period, as the hotel doesn't have a minibar service.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel 61
Free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, including historic sections on the upper wings
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical papers in the lobby
14:00-02:00, early bag-drop from 06:00, late check-out until 16:00 with fee of Rp 200,000
Available for a fee of Rp 20,000 per day, limited to 3 days
Step-free access, wheelchair entries at main entrance, but no elevator access to the rooftop bar
On-site parking available for Rp 50,000 per night, nearest public car park at Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro for Rp 20,000 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rp 10,000 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: Rp 500,000 credit card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Vihara Darma Bakti (222 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Iskandar Muda (412 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Gereja Katolik Hati Kudus (442 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Gereja Methodist Indonesia (545 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mall Aceh — 642 m · ~8 min walk
Taman Bustanussalatin — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
Museum Negeri Aceh — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Panin — 29 m · ~1 min walk
Apotek Berkat — 79 m · ~1 min walk
Indomaret — 640 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Change money at local banks or currency exchange offices (BRI, BCA, Mandiri) to get a fair rate. Avoid exchanging at airports or tourist areas, as rates may be poor.
Most ATMs accept international cards, and some larger shops and restaurants accept contactless payments. Mobile payments like GrabPay and Go-Pay are also widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change (1,000-5,000 IDR) is appreciated. For taxi drivers, round up the fare or add 1,000-2,000 IDR. Hotel staff may receive 5,000-10,000 IDR per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cup of coffee costs around 5,000-10,000 IDR at a local warung or street vendor.
Nasi goreng (fried rice) or martabak (stuffed pancake) costs around 10,000-20,000 IDR at a street food stall.
A meal at a local restaurant, like a Padang-style eatery, will cost around 20,000-40,000 IDR for a main course.
Street food areas are concentrated around the old town and near the Grand Mosque.
Local supermarkets like Alfamart and Indomaret are common in the area.
Affordable shopping can be found at traditional markets like Pasar Aceh or Pasar Terapung.
A day pass for public transportation costs around 10,000 IDR. From the airport, take a taxi or Grab for around 50,000-70,000 IDR.
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, opt for local eateries instead. Buy bottled water instead of mineral water. Use public transportation or walk/bike when possible.
Good to know — Banda Aceh
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 17966.85 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
Banda AcehWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Banda Aceh, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel 61
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Panin — 29 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Apotek Berkat — 79 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Anywhere in Banda Aceh → Wisma Unsyiah or anywhere in city
💡 Set pickup to a landmark like 'Masjid Raya Baiturrahman' to avoid confusion. Cash is preferred over card in Aceh.
Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport (BTJ) → Wisma Unsyiah (Jalan Krueng Raya, Darussalam)
💡 Buy a voucher at the taxi counter inside the arrivals hall—avoid drivers who approach you; they'll overcharge. Bargaining is possible, but fixed price saves time.
Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport (BTJ) → City centre (terminates at Banda Aceh Terminal)
💡 Only useful if you're near the terminal—Wisma Unsyiah is 4 km north, so you'll need a taxi from the terminal. Skip this unless you're on a very tight budget.
Terminal Batoh or Simpang Lima → Koridor 1: Unsyiah Campus stop (near Wisma)
💡 Use the 'Teman Bus' app for real-time tracking. Bus shelters aren't always marked—just flag it down near a blue sign. Pay with a QR code or cash to the driver.
About Banda Aceh
Wikipedia ↗
Banda Aceh ( BUN-duh-AH-cheh; Acehnese: Banda Acèh, Jawoe: بند اچيه) is the capital and largest city in the province of Aceh, Indonesia. It is located on the island of Sumatra and has an elevation of 35 metres (115 ft). The city covers an area of 61.36 square kilometers (23.69 sq mi) and had a popul...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel 61?
Request a room on a higher floor (above 5th floor) at the back of the hotel to avoid street noise from Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda, a main road in Banda Aceh. This will also get you away from the lift noise and service entrance activity.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel 61?
Rooms on the lower floors (1st-3rd) near the lift and service entrance may be noisier due to foot traffic and potential generator noise from the service area.
Is Hotel 61 noisy?
Be prepared for occasional generator noise from the service area, and possible street noise from Jalan Sultan Iskandar Muda. Keep in mind that the hotel is located in the city centre, so some noise is to be expected.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel 61?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address doesn't provide information on specific views. However, rooms on higher floors might offer better views of the surrounding area.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel 61?
If you're driving, take note that the hotel is within walking distance to the city centre, but parking might be limited. Consider asking the hotel about parking options beforehand. Request a room with a refrigerator if you plan to stay for an extended period, as the hotel doesn't have a minibar service.
What time is check-in at Hotel 61?
Check-in at Hotel 61 is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel 61 have Wi-Fi?
Free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel 61?
Rp 10,000 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel 61?
Nasi goreng (fried rice) or martabak (stuffed pancake) costs around 10,000-20,000 IDR at a street food stall.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel 61?
A day pass for public transportation costs around 10,000 IDR. From the airport, take a taxi or Grab for around 50,000-70,000 IDR.
When is the best time to visit Banda Aceh?
The best time to visit Banda Aceh is from March to May, when the weather is dry and sunny, with average highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). The crowds are smaller than during peak tourist season, and hotel prices are lower, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.
Top Attractions in Banda Aceh
💡 Visit late afternoon when locals come to fly kites and street food vendors set up near the gates. Try the kue pukis cakes.
💡 Go early in the morning to avoid school groups. The rooftop gives a good view of the city.
💡 Non-Muslims can enter the main prayer hall outside prayer times. Borrow a robe and headscarf for free from the entrance booth.
💡 The caretaker has a small book with a map. Ask him to point out the grave of the first Dutch general killed here.
💡 Combine this with a walk to the nearby mass grave site at Ulee Lheue beach. Bring water and sun protection.