Your stay — Novotel
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 Manado.
The Property — Novotel
The Novotel Manado sits right on the Boulevard, facing the harbour with clear views of Bunaken National Park. The lobby feels cool and modern, with polished concrete floors and a touch of tropical greenery, but the real draw is the rooftop infinity pool that blends into the sea horizon. It's a reliable, business-like three-star that works best for divers needing a clean base or travellers wanting a safe, central spot without paying resort prices.
Chronicles of Manado
Manado was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century as a trading post, later passing to the Dutch who built the old port area and churches like the 18th-century Ban Hin Kiong temple. Its architecture mixes colonial-era warehouses with Chinese shop-houses and Brutalist government blocks from the 1970s. Today it's a fast-growing regional hub, famous for its Christian-Minahasan culture, spicy cuisine, and as the jumping-off point for world-class dive sites.
Best Time to Visit
Full Manado guide →Best months
June to September — dry season with calm seas, visibility up to 30 metres for diving, and low humidity. July is especially clear.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are peak due to school holidays and ideal diving conditions; hotel prices jump about 40% above shoulder rates. The Manado Fiesta cultural parade in mid-August also drives demand.
Budget shoulder season
May and October offer still-good weather but 30% lower room rates and far fewer tourists; the sea can still be very calm.
Weather & packing
Manado has a short wet season from November to April but can still see sudden downpours in July. Pack a lightweight, quick-dry rain shell even in the dry season — it's the one thing you'll actually need.
Live City Briefing — Manado
- The coastal road (Boulevard) is undergoing major repairs near the Sam Ratulangi statue through late 2026; expect traffic delays especially at weekends.
- The renovated Mega Mall Manado opened a new food court in May 2026 with better Halal options and a direct shuttle to the airport.
- Dive operators on the Boulevard are reporting stricter park entry quotas for Bunaken from July 2026 — book your slot at least 48 hours ahead.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Novotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 5-7, facing away from the main road (Jl. Piere Tendean or the coastal highway) to minimize traffic noise. These upper floors also get better sea views if north-facing.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 1-3, especially those at the front of the building: street-level noise from motorbikes and trucks is constant. Rooms near the lift shaft on any floor can also be noisy due to mechanical hum.
Best views
Ask for a north-facing room on floor 5 or above for a partial view across Manado Bay – you can see Bunaken island on a clear day. The pool or garden view is less interesting but calmer.
Quietest floors
Floors 5-7 are the quietest, away from ground-level bustle and with less lift traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel sits on a main coastal road in Manado city centre, so early morning traffic and occasional honking are constant until late. On weekends, a nearby karaoke bar can add low-frequency noise – earplugs recommended.
Insider tips
1) Check in after 3pm to request a quieter upper floor – front desk may accommodate if you ask politely. 2) The hotel has a small but functional gym; go early (6-7am) to avoid the post-breakfast crowd.
- 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 — Novotel
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 2 Mbps) for all guests; premium tier (up to 10 Mbps) available at IDR 50,000 per day; no login constraints
Two lifts serve all guest floors (4 storeys); no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital newspapers via PressReader; no physical papers delivered
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available at no charge; late check-out until 14:00 for half-day fee (approx IDR 350,000), subject to availability
Free of charge at bell desk, open 24 hours
Step-free main entrance with ramp; lifts to all floors; wheelchair-accessible rooms available (limited); no special beach/pool access
On-site open parking free of charge for hotel guests (limited spaces); nearest public car park is at Mega Mall Manado, approx IDR 5,000 per hour; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment may be required for some rates; IDR 200,000 incidental hold per night at check-in
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah, IDR
Exchange money at authorised money changers in Manado city centre or malls; avoid airport and tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Credit/debit cards are accepted at mid-range to upscale hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; smaller warungs and markets are cash-only. Contactless is limited.
Not expected but appreciated: leave small change (a few thousand IDR) for good service in restaurants; round up taxi fares; tip hotel staff about 10,000-20,000 IDR for carrying bags.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of local 'kopi tubruk' or sachet coffee at a roadside warung costs around 5,000-10,000 IDR.
A filling nasi campur (rice with side dishes) at a local eatery costs about 20,000-35,000 IDR.
A simple main dish like mie goreng or ikan bakar at a pasar malam or neighbourhood restaurant: 25,000-50,000 IDR.
Look for street food clusters near the Manado Town Square (Megamas) area or along Jalan Pierre Tendean in the evenings.
Hypermart and Transmart are common in malls; smaller minimarkets like Alfamart and Indomaret are everywhere for basics.
Pasar 45 and Pasar Bersehati markets sell cheap local clothes and textiles; Manado Town Square and Mari Tondo Plaza have affordable chain stores.
Angkot (shared minibus) is cheapest at about 5,000-10,000 IDR per ride; from Sam Ratulangi Airport, take a DAMRI bus to Manado city for around 25,000 IDR.
Eat at local warungs instead of tourist restaurants; haggle gently at traditional markets; use ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab for fixed rates rather than taxis.
Good to know — Manado
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 18080.3 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
ManadoWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Manado, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Novotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Sam Ratulangi International Airport → M. C. Cottage Bunaken (Bunaken Island jetty, Manado)
💡 Pre-book through hotel for fixed rate; local taxis at arrivals often hike prices. Bargain if paying cash.
Anywhere in Manado city → Bunaken jetty (Pasar 45 area)
💡 Can pay cash or app. Works best in city centre; airport pickups often rejected by drivers. Use with local SIM for reliable data.
Bunaken terminal (Manado) → Kawangkoan (regional routes)
💡 Only useful for out-of-city trips, not for hotel. Single route covers main road. Air-conditioned and reliable, but stops before 6pm. Don't use for jetty runs.
Terminal Malalayang → Pasar 45 (Manado city centre near Bunaken jetty)
💡 Route code 'B' or 'T' covers city centre. Confusing if you don't know Manado—ask driver to drop at 'Pasar 45' for jetty. Expect squashed seating.
About Manado
Wikipedia ↗
Manado (Indonesian pronunciation: [maˈnado], Minahasan: Wenang) is the capital city of the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi. It is the second largest city in Sulawesi after Makassar, with the 2020 census giving a population of 451,916, and the official estimates for mid 2025 showing 462,658 in...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Novotel?
Request a room on floors 5-7, facing away from the main road (Jl. Piere Tendean or the coastal highway) to minimize traffic noise. These upper floors also get better sea views if north-facing.
Which rooms should I avoid at Novotel?
Avoid rooms on floors 1-3, especially those at the front of the building: street-level noise from motorbikes and trucks is constant. Rooms near the lift shaft on any floor can also be noisy due to mechanical hum.
Is Novotel noisy?
The hotel sits on a main coastal road in Manado city centre, so early morning traffic and occasional honking are constant until late. On weekends, a nearby karaoke bar can add low-frequency noise – earplugs recommended.
Which rooms have the best views at Novotel?
Ask for a north-facing room on floor 5 or above for a partial view across Manado Bay – you can see Bunaken island on a clear day. The pool or garden view is less interesting but calmer.
What are insider tips for staying at Novotel?
1) Check in after 3pm to request a quieter upper floor – front desk may accommodate if you ask politely. 2) The hotel has a small but functional gym; go early (6-7am) to avoid the post-breakfast crowd.
What time is check-in at Novotel?
Check-in at Novotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Novotel have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 2 Mbps) for all guests; premium tier (up to 10 Mbps) available at IDR 50,000 per day; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Novotel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Novotel?
A filling nasi campur (rice with side dishes) at a local eatery costs about 20,000-35,000 IDR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Novotel?
Angkot (shared minibus) is cheapest at about 5,000-10,000 IDR per ride; from Sam Ratulangi Airport, take a DAMRI bus to Manado city for around 25,000 IDR.
When is the best time to visit Manado?
June to September — dry season with calm seas, visibility up to 30 metres for diving, and low humidity. July is especially clear.
Top Attractions in Manado
💡 Come at sunrise (around 5:30 AM) to see local joggers and the sun rise behind the mountains. Avoid after 8 AM as it gets hot and crowded.
💡 Visit late afternoon when fishermen return with their catch. The light is good for photos, and you can buy grilled fish cheaply from street vendors.
💡 The statue is better viewed from a distance. Combine it with a walk through the nearby Kampung Jawa market, where you can buy cheap fried bananas.
💡 The hike to the crater rim takes about 2 hours. Bring water and sturdy shoes; the trail is steep and muddy after rain.
💡 Bring your own snorkel gear from town; rental on site is poor quality. Go early morning to avoid crowds and spot dugongs.