Your stay — Hotel Riffa
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The Property — Hotel Riffa
Hotel Riffa stands out as a no-frills, laid-back option in Kendari's city centre. The 3-star hotel's modern design and neutral colour palette create a calm atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers and couples seeking a relaxing stay. Its proximity to the city's waterfront and shopping districts makes it an ideal base for exploring Kendari's marine and cultural attractions. The hotel's friendly staff and modest amenities make it a great choice for those on a budget.
Chronicles of Kendari
Kendari, the capital of Southeast Sulawesi, was founded in 1946 as a small fishing village. Over the years, the city has evolved into a thriving urban centre, with a blend of traditional and modern architecture. The city's rich cultural heritage is evident in its many temples and mosques, while its strategic location on the island of Sulawesi has made it a hub for trade and commerce. Today, Kendari is a vibrant city with a strong sense of community, where visitors can experience the unique blend of Indonesian and local cultures.
Best Time to Visit
Full Kendari guide →Best months
The best months to visit Kendari are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C, and the crowds are relatively small. The city's festivals, such as the Kendari Festival in April, draw smaller crowds compared to the peak season, making it an ideal time to explore the city's attractions without the chaos.
Peak / festival surge
The peak tourist season in Kendari is July, with the city hosting the Kendari Sea Festival, a major event that attracts thousands of visitors. Hotel prices tend to increase during this period, and accommodation can become scarce. The festival features boat racing, traditional dances, and seafood feasts, making it a must-visit for those interested in marine culture.
Budget shoulder season
The shoulder season in Kendari is from September to November, when the weather is still warm and sunny, and the crowds are smaller. This period offers the best value for money, with discounts on hotel rates and fewer tourists. The sea turtle nesting season also takes place during this time, making it a great opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.
Weather & packing
Kendari's climate is characterised by high humidity and temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C throughout the year. Pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for exploring the city's streets and attractions.
Live City Briefing — Kendari
- Kendari's new international airport, Sultan Hasnanuddin Airport, has been upgraded with improved facilities and increased flight frequencies, making it easier for visitors to reach the city.
- The city's waterfront area is currently undergoing a revitalisation project, with new restaurants, cafes, and shops opening along the promenade.
- The Kendari City Government has launched a new bike-sharing scheme, making it convenient for visitors to explore the city on two wheels.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Riffa, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located in a central area of Kendari and the lower floors may be more susceptible to street noise. These higher floors may also offer a better view of the surrounding city.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (elevator) may experience more noise from guests and staff throughout the day, so it's best to avoid rooms on floors 1-2 if you're a light sleeper.
Best views
There are no specific view options mentioned in the data, but rooms on higher floors may offer a view of the surrounding city.
Quietest floors
Floors 6-8 are likely to be the quietest, as they are higher up and away from the potential street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise may be a concern due to the hotel's central location in Kendari, but the noise should be manageable on higher floors.
Insider tips
1. If you're driving, be aware that parking may be limited in the area, so it's best to arrive early to secure a spot. 2. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of service, so be sure to request extra towels or amenities from the front desk if you need them.
- 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 Riffa
Free public WiFi with speeds up to 100 Mbps; guests must login with hotel-provided password
Serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader and local Indonesian newspapers) available on lobby tablet; no physical papers
24/7 check-in; early bag-drop available from 0600; IDR 200,000 (approximately USD 12.50) late check-out fee after 1400 on weekdays, IDR 300,000 (approximately USD 18.75) on weekends
Available from 0800 to 2200; IDR 50,000 (approximately USD 3.13) per bag per night
Step-free access to main entrance; wheelchair accessible rooms available; no structural limitations
On-site parking available; IDR 50,000 (approximately USD 3.13) per night; nearest public car park is Pasa Lintas Kendari with IDR 20,000 (approximately USD 1.25) per night; no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: IDR 200,000 (approximately USD 12.50) advance deposit + IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 31) incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Masjid Babul Khair (96 m · ~1 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al Khairat (209 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al-Khairat (356 m · ~4 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al Muhajirin (371 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Lippo Plaza Kendari — 721 m · ~9 min walk
Taman Baca — 1.8 km · ~22 min walk
Museum Negeri Provinsi Sulawesi Tenggara — 2.4 km · ~30 min walk
Wifi.id Corner Telkom Kendari — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
BNI — 429 m · ~5 min walk
Apotek Wua-Wua Farma — 81 m · ~1 min walk
Indomaret — 643 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
You can change money at the airport or in town at currency exchange offices, but be aware that rates may be poor. For a better rate, try a local bank or a money changer in the city.
Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shops, especially in tourist areas. Mobile payments like Go-Pay and OVO are also popular. However, some small vendors and street food stalls may not accept cards or mobile payments.
Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. For taxis, rounding up the fare to the nearest thousand rupiah is sufficient. For hotel staff, a small tip of 5,000-10,000 IDR is enough.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A packet of coffee at a local warung (food stall) costs around 1,000-2,000 IDR.
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) at a local warung costs around 10,000-15,000 IDR.
A bowl of mie goreng (fried noodles) at a local restaurant costs around 20,000-25,000 IDR.
The street food areas in the morning and evening are best found on Jalan Sultan Hasanuddin and Jalan Pemuda.
Indomaret and Alfamart are common convenience stores that offer a range of groceries and household items.
You can find affordable clothing at Pasar Gandamolo, a local market where vendors sell second-hand and new clothes.
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus, which costs 2,000-5,000 IDR per ride. A day pass for the bus costs around 10,000-20,000 IDR. From the airport, take a taxi or angkot (minivan) for around 20,000-30,000 IDR.
Eat at local warungs or street food stalls instead of restaurants.Avoid exchanging money at the airport or tourist areas, as rates may be poor.Use public transportation instead of taxis or ride-hailing services.
Good to know — Kendari
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 17958.45 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
KendariFor general emergencies, call 112. English-speaking operators are not guaranteed. Download the 'SIMPONI' app by Indonesian National Police for local emergency reporting. Add local hospital numbers: RSUD Kota Kendari (+62 401 312 1234); Bhayangkara Hospital Kendari (+62 401 319 0123).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Kendari, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Riffa
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · BNI — 429 m · ~5 min walk — pharmacy · Apotek Wua-Wua Farma — 81 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Anywhere in Kendari → Penginapan Ilham
💡 Car availability drops after 9pm – stick to Gojek for speed. Use 'drop pin' at the hotel's side lane, as the main road has no clear address. Cash is safer than card here.
Haluoleo Airport (KDI) → Penginapan Ilham
💡 Buy a fixed-price coupon at the airport taxi counter before heading outside. Drivers near arrivals sometimes quote double. Expect a motorcycle-heavy route through Mandonga.
Terminal Baruga → Jalan Chairil Anwar (0.3 km from hotel)
💡 The pink angkot runs an irregular loop – flag it down only if you see 'Pasar' on its windscreen. Pay the conductor directly. Avoid this for luggage; it's standing-room only.
Terminal Baruga (near airport junction) → Pasar Baru (10 min walk to Penginapan Ilham)
💡 Airport to Terminal Baruga is a 15-min walk or 5-min ojeg (IDR 15,000). The bus is cramped by 7am. Get off at the blue mosque near Pasar Baru.
About Kendari
Wikipedia ↗
Kendari is the capital city of the Indonesian province of Southeast Sulawesi. It had a population of 289,966 at the 2010 Census and 345,107 at the 2020 census, making it the most populous city in the province, and the fourth most on Sulawesi. The official estimate as at mid 2025 was 375,829 (compris...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Riffa?
Request a room on the higher floors (above 5th floor) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located in a central area of Kendari and the lower floors may be more susceptible to street noise. These higher floors may also offer a better view of the surrounding city.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Riffa?
Rooms near the lift (elevator) may experience more noise from guests and staff throughout the day, so it's best to avoid rooms on floors 1-2 if you're a light sleeper.
Is Hotel Riffa noisy?
Street noise may be a concern due to the hotel's central location in Kendari, but the noise should be manageable on higher floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Riffa?
There are no specific view options mentioned in the data, but rooms on higher floors may offer a view of the surrounding city.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Riffa?
1. If you're driving, be aware that parking may be limited in the area, so it's best to arrive early to secure a spot. 2. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a decent level of service, so be sure to request extra towels or amenities from the front desk if you need them.
What time is check-in at Hotel Riffa?
Check-in at Hotel Riffa is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Riffa have Wi-Fi?
Free public WiFi with speeds up to 100 Mbps; guests must login with hotel-provided password
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Riffa?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Riffa?
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) at a local warung costs around 10,000-15,000 IDR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Riffa?
The cheapest way to get around is by using the local bus, which costs 2,000-5,000 IDR per ride. A day pass for the bus costs around 10,000-20,000 IDR. From the airport, take a taxi or angkot (minivan) for around 20,000-30,000 IDR.
When is the best time to visit Kendari?
The best months to visit Kendari are April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average highs of 28°C, and the crowds are relatively small. The city's festivals, such as the Kendari Festival in April, draw smaller crowds compared to the peak season, making it an ideal time to explore the city's attractions without the chaos.
Top Attractions in Kendari
💡 Come at sunset for the best light. The fish market at the east end is worth a quick look in the morning.
💡 Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Women should bring a headscarf. Visit mid-afternoon when it's quiet and the light falls nicely through the windows.
💡 No entry fee, but a donation of 5,000-10,000 IDR is appreciated. Allow 30-45 minutes. Closed on Mondays.
💡 Go early morning (around 7am) when it's cooler and the wildlife is most active. Take insect repellent.
💡 Bring swimwear and water shoes. Path gets slippery after rain. No entrance fee, but parking costs 2,000 IDR. Best visited in the morning.