Your stay — GM House
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The Property — GM House
GM House is a no-fuss 3-star in central Medan, all clean lines and practical comfort. The lobby feels like an efficient welcome point – cool tiled floors, a small seating area, and staff who get you checked in fast. It suits business travellers or short-stay sightseers who want a reliable, quiet room near the city’s main drags, without paying for frills they won't use.
Chronicles of Medan
Medan began as a small Batak village before the Dutch turned it into a tobacco and rubber boomtown in the late 19th century. The colonial legacy is etched into its streetscapes, with art deco shophouses and grand mansions like the Maimun Palace mixing with Chinese shophouses and Art Deco civic buildings. After independence, rapid growth made it Indonesia’s third-largest city, a gritty, energetic hub of trade and diverse communities – Batak, Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Today it’s a gateway to North Sumatra, less visited for its own sights than for Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang, but its food and heritage districts reward a walk.
Best Time to Visit
Full Medan guide →Best months
June and July: driest months with reliable sun, lowest humidity, ideal for exploring the city and day trips to Toba. Crowds are moderate – no major festivals peak here.
Peak / festival surge
December and January: wet season peaks with heavy afternoon downpours; prices at GM House can rise 15-20%. The city gets busy with domestic travellers over Christmas and New Year, plus the annual Medan Fair (late Dec) draws locals.
Budget shoulder season
April and September: still fairly dry, with hotel rates 10-15% lower than June-July, fewer tourists, and mild weather – good for budget travellers.
Weather & packing
Medan sits near the equator, so rain can arrive without warning even in the dry season – a sudden ten-minute deluge is common. Pack a compact waterproof jacket or a travel umbrella, and carry a light long-sleeved shirt for sunburn and mosquito protection.
Live City Briefing — Medan
- The Medan-Binjai-Deli Serdang (Mebidang) road improvement project is ongoing on key arterial roads – expect lane closures and delays around Jalan Sisingamangaraja and Jalan SM Raja until late 2026.
- The restored Tjong A Fie Mansion in Kesawan district reopened its second floor in early 2026, adding new exhibits on the city's Chinese heritage.
- Heavy rain in June has caused localized flooding in low-lying areas like Kampung Baru; check forecasts before heading out, and avoid driving in deep standing water.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to GM House, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from Jalan Setia Budi. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a standard layout with floors 1-4, so floors 4 and above should have fewer rooms directly facing the street. Additionally, avoid rooms near the lift as it's located on the first floor.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those near the lift, as they may be subject to more foot traffic and noise from the service entrance.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Jalan Setia Budi does not offer impressive views, with the surrounding buildings likely blocking any notable vistas.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6 are likely the quietest, as they are higher up and away from the street and lift.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's street-facing rooms may be subject to noise from the busy Jalan Setia Budi, which can get congested during peak hours.
Insider tips
1. Parking: Be aware that parking spaces are limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. 2. Check-in: The hotel's staff is friendly, but they may not speak English fluently, so it's a good idea to learn some basic Indonesian phrases to communicate effectively.
- 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 — GM House
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) on all devices
14:00 - 22:00, early bag-drop available from 08:00, IDR 200,000 late check-out fee until 18:00, IDR 500,000 after 18:00
available at IDR 50,000 per day, limited to 24 hours
step-free access, wheelchair ramp at main entrance, accessible rooms available upon request
on-site parking available at IDR 100,000 per night, nearest public car park at Jalan Setia Budi is IDR 20,000 per day, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: IDR 10,000 per night per person (inclusive of VAT)
Deposit & card hold: IDR 200,000 cash deposit and IDR 500,000 incidental charge on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: MASJID AL HIKMAH (464 m · ~6 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al Jihad (785 m · ~10 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Al-Musabbihin (1.1 km · ~13 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid Darul Huda (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Ringroad City Walks — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
RAZ MUSEUM & GALLERY — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
Kimia Farma Setiabudi Tasbih — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Yuki (SRC) — 1.2 km · ~16 min walk
Pool Bus Kurnia Sei Sikambing B — 2.7 km · ~34 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah, IDR
You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs; be aware that airport rates are often poor and tourist bureaux may charge commission.
Major credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but cash is preferred in local markets and small shops; mobile payments like GoPay and OVO are also popular.
Tipping is not expected but 1,000 to 2,000 IDR (around $0.06 to $0.13 USD) for good service is appreciated; round up the bill for taxi fare or hotel staff
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of coffee at a local warung (food stall) costs around 3,000 to 5,000 IDR ($0.20 to $0.33 USD)
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) at a food stall costs around 10,000 to 15,000 IDR ($0.67 to $1 USD)
A bowl of bakso (meatball soup) at a food stall costs around 20,000 to 30,000 IDR ($1.33 to $2 USD)
Try the street food at Pasar Baru or Pasar Senin in the city center for affordable and delicious options
Mart 100 and Alfamart are common supermarket chains in the area
You can find affordable clothing at traditional markets like Pasar Baru or local shopping malls like Medan Mall
A day pass for the Medan Trans bus costs around 5,000 IDR ($0.33 USD); from the airport, take the Damri bus for around 50,000 IDR ($3.33 USD)
Bargain at local markets to get the best pricesUse public transport or walk instead of taking taxisEat at local food stalls for affordable and delicious meals
Good to know — Medan
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 18090.75 · IDR
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Medan, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at GM House
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk — pharmacy · Kimia Farma Setiabudi Tasbih — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) → Medan Station (Stasiun Medan)
💡 This is the fastest option from the airport. From Medan Station, the Grand Sakura Hotel is a 5-minute taxi ride (about 30,000 IDR). Don’t take the slow local economy bus from the station—spring for a metered taxi.
Grand Sakura Hotel, Medan → Local destinations (e.g. Merdeka Square, Kesawan)
💡 Use motorcycle taxis (ojek) for short hops between 2–5 km—they’ll slip through traffic. For longer evening trips or if it’s raining, book a car. Always type the hotel name exactly: 'Grand Sakura Medan'.
Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) → Grand Sakura Hotel, Medan
💡 Buy a fixed-price coupon from the official taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. Avoid unmarked drivers offering rides right outside the terminal—they can charge double.
Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) → Grand Sakura Hotel, Medan (alight at Jalan Sisingamangaraja bus stop, then 10-min walk or ojek)
💡 Get off at the Sisingamangaraja stop—it’s the closest to the hotel. You’ll need to walk or grab a scooter taxi (ojek) for the last 800 metres. Keep small bills ready for the fare.
About Medan
Wikipedia ↗
Medan ( meh-DAHN, Indonesian: [ˈmɛdan] , Batak: ᯔᯩᯑᯉ᯳) is the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra. The nearby Strait of Malacca, Port of Belawan, and Kualanamu International Airport make Medan a regional hub and multicultural metropolis, acting as a financial centre ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at GM House?
Request a room on a higher floor (above the 3rd floor) to minimize street noise from Jalan Setia Budi. The hotel's 3-star rating suggests a standard layout with floors 1-4, so floors 4 and above should have fewer rooms directly facing the street. Additionally, avoid rooms near the lift as it's located on the first floor.
Which rooms should I avoid at GM House?
Avoid rooms on the first floor, especially those near the lift, as they may be subject to more foot traffic and noise from the service entrance.
Is GM House noisy?
The hotel's street-facing rooms may be subject to noise from the busy Jalan Setia Budi, which can get congested during peak hours.
Which rooms have the best views at GM House?
Unfortunately, the hotel's address on Jalan Setia Budi does not offer impressive views, with the surrounding buildings likely blocking any notable vistas.
What are insider tips for staying at GM House?
1. Parking: Be aware that parking spaces are limited, so it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot. 2. Check-in: The hotel's staff is friendly, but they may not speak English fluently, so it's a good idea to learn some basic Indonesian phrases to communicate effectively.
What time is check-in at GM House?
Check-in at GM House is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does GM House have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at GM House?
IDR 10,000 per night per person (inclusive of VAT)
Where can I eat cheaply near GM House?
A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) at a food stall costs around 10,000 to 15,000 IDR ($0.67 to $1 USD)
What is the cheapest way to get around from GM House?
A day pass for the Medan Trans bus costs around 5,000 IDR ($0.33 USD); from the airport, take the Damri bus for around 50,000 IDR ($3.33 USD)
When is the best time to visit Medan?
June and July: driest months with reliable sun, lowest humidity, ideal for exploring the city and day trips to Toba. Crowds are moderate – no major festivals peak here.
Top Attractions in Medan
💡 Best at dusk when the food stalls open. Try the local martabak (stuffed pancake) from a stall near the fountain – about 15,000 IDR.
💡 Non-Muslim visitors welcome outside prayer times. Remove shoes and cover shoulders; robes are provided. Combine with Maimun Palace as they are 10 minutes apart on foot.
💡 Free to enter the grounds and main hall, but donations accepted. Wear long trousers or a sarong; they lend them at the entrance.
💡 Entry is 35,000 IDR (about £2). Go early to avoid crowds and check the upstairs balcony for quiet views.
💡 Entry 5,000 IDR (about 30p). The keris (ceremonial dagger) collection on the upper floor is the highlight. Allow 1 hour.