Your stay — Hotel Mesir
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The Property — Hotel Mesir
The Hotel Mesir feels like a functional, no-frills basecamp for travellers passing through Samarinda. The lobby is modest, with tiled floors and a front desk that runs on minimal fuss, and the rooms offer the basics — air-con, TV, private bathroom — without any charm. It suits budget-conscious visitors or those on a tight work itinerary who need a clean, central place to sleep and little else. The USP is location: a short walk to Mesra Indah Mall and near the river, so you can step out quickly for food or transport.
Chronicles of Samarinda
Samarinda was founded in the 17th century as a small Malay settlement on the banks of the Mahakam River, later becoming a key trading post for the Dutch East India Company. Its name comes from the phrase 'samarenda' — Malay for 'low and even', describing the riverbank terrain where the city grew. The architectural fabric is a jumble of Dutch colonial warehouses, Chinese shophouses along the river, and modern concrete blocks that shot up during the 1980s timber and coal booms. Today, Samarinda is the capital of East Kalimantan and the commercial hub for the region's extractive industries, giving it a gritty, pragmatic character rather than a tourist-friendly veneer. Its cultural identity is shaped by the Dayak and Kutai traditions, visible in the woven crafts and the annual Erau festival, but daily life is dominated by motorbikes, market stalls, and the constant movement of coal trucks.
Best Time to Visit
Full Samarinda guide →Best months
June–August (dry season proper): reliable sunny mornings for river trips or city walks, plus lower humidity than Oct–Dec.
Peak / festival surge
July (era of the Erau festival, though dates shift annually) sees a spike in domestic visitors; hotel prices in Samarinda rise by about 20–30%. Also busy around Idul Fitri (movable) when families travel.
Budget shoulder season
Late March–April and September: after the rains, before the next peak; rooms can be 15% cheaper and crowds are thin. The weather is still decent — brief showers but plenty of dry windows.
Weather & packing
Samarinda sits on the equator, so it's always hot (30–33°C) and humid, but July is the driest month — no monsoon downpours, just occasional brief thunderstorms. Pack light cotton clothing, a rain jacket (just in case), and strong insect repellent for the evenings.
Live City Briefing — Samarinda
- The Samarinda Botanic Garden (Kebun Raya) opened a new track along the Mahakam River in 2025; it's free and gives a clean riverside walk away from traffic.
- A pedestrian bridge over the Mahakam linking the city centre to the new flyover area is due for completion in mid-2026, but check — it might still be under construction during your stay.
- Coal dust warnings are occasional: air quality can dip near the port during dry spells; consider wearing a mask if you're sensitive.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Mesir, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing away from the main street. Upper floors reduce street noise and the mid-level position avoids foot traffic from the lobby and rooftop.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or the street-facing side – these pick up traffic noise and footfall from the entrance. Rooms directly above the lift shaft can also be noisy with mechanical hum.
Best views
Rooms on the higher floors overlooking Samarinda’s city skyline (likely the south or east side) offer the best view of evening lights, though this hotel’s basic location means no special scenic outlook.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are typically the quietest in a 3-star hotel of this size, as they are above the street and below any rooftop bar or plant machinery.
🔊 Noise notes
Samarinda’s main roads have heavy motorcycle traffic, especially in the mornings and evenings. The hotel’s central address means honking and engine noise from Jalan Bung Tomo or Jalan Dr. Setia Budi if it faces either.
Insider tips
Check in after 2pm to secure a quieter room before families arrive. Use the small lobby to request a top-floor back room if available – it’s worth asking politely at the desk.
- 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 Mesir
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 5 Mbps) for all guests, no login required; paid premium tier (20 Mbps) available at IDR 75,000 per day via voucher at reception.
One lift serves all three guest floors; no stairs-only sections.
No digital newsstand; complimentary physical copy of Kaltim Post available at breakfast area until 09:00. Building is a modern low-rise (3 storeys) with no notable heritage quirks.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available from 08:00. Late check-out until 13:00 costs IDR 150,000; after 13:00 charged half the nightly rate.
Free storage at front desk for day of check-out until 20:00; left past 20:00 incurs IDR 100,000 per bag overnight.
Step-free access at main entrance; wheelchair-accessible ground floor rooms available (request at booking). Lift to upper floors but doorway width may be tight for larger chairs.
Free on-site parking for 30 cars — first-come, first-served. Nearest public car park is 'Parkir Pasar Pagi' 500 m away, IDR 5,000 per hour. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no specific city tax for Samarinda; 10% service charge + 11% government tax included in quoted rate)
Deposit & card hold: Credit card pre-authorisation of IDR 200,000 at check-in for incidentals; full prepayment required for online bookings.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Langgar Miftahul Huda (297 m · ~4 min walk)
- Mosque: Musholla Khoirunnisa (337 m · ~4 min walk)
- Mosque: Mushalla Al-Fajri (370 m · ~5 min walk)
- Mosque: Masjid al-Khairiyah (391 m · ~5 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Mesra Indah Mall — 479 m · ~6 min walk
Taman Samarendah — 609 m · ~8 min walk
Museum Samarinda — 612 m · ~8 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
ATM Mandiri — 266 m · ~3 min walk
Apotek Suka Pura — 43 m · ~1 min walk
Indomaret — 564 m · ~7 min walk
Halte Lembuswana — 3.2 km · ~40 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indonesian Rupiah, IDR
Change money at banks or authorised money changers in the city centre; avoid airport counters and tourist bureaux for poor rates.
Credit and debit cards accepted at major hotels, supermarkets and some restaurants; contactless less common, cash still king for street food and small shops.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated; round up fares for taxis (e.g. 5,000-10,000 IDR), leave 5-10% at nicer restaurants, and tip hotel staff 20,000-50,000 IDR for service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of local kopi hitam (black coffee) from a warung or street vendor costs around 5,000-10,000 IDR.
A plate of nasi campur (mixed rice with sides) from a food stall costs about 15,000-25,000 IDR.
A main dish like mie goreng (fried noodles) at a simple local restaurant runs about 20,000-35,000 IDR.
Head to pasar malam (night markets) or street-side food stalls along Jalan Antasari and around Mesjid Raya for cheap eats.
Budget supermarkets like Alfamart and Indomaret are common throughout Samarinda.
Affordable clothing is found at Pasar Pagi (morning market) and local textile shops in the city centre.
The cheapest way around is angkot (shared minibus) for about 5,000-10,000 IDR per ride; from the airport, take the Damri bus into town for around 20,000 IDR.
Eat at warung or street stalls instead of restaurants; use angkot or ride-hailing apps on promo; buy water and snacks at Alfamart/Indomaret, not hotel minibars.
Good to know — Samarinda
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ IDR 18097.75 · IDR
Emergency Contacts
SamarindaWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Samarinda, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Mesir
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · ATM Mandiri — 266 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Apotek Suka Pura — 43 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto Airport (AAP) → Hotel Crystal (Jalan Bung Tomo)
💡 Ignore touts inside the terminal. Walk to the official AP I counter just past baggage claim. The fare is fixed—no haggling. For a cheaper ride, step outside the airport gate and flag a passing 'angkot' (public minibus) to Loa Janan, then switch to another angkot toward the city centre; total cost under 15,000 IDR but expect 60–90 minutes.
Anywhere in Samarinda (including Hotel Crystal gate) → Anywhere in Samarinda (airport, mall, port)
💡 Gojek is more available than Grab in Samarinda. For the airport, book a 'GoCar' and the app shows the fare—drivers often ask for extra cash at the gate; refuse politely. If your phone signal is weak, use the hotel's WiFi to book.
Terminal Sungai Dama → Jalan Bung Tomo (near Hotel Crystal)
💡 Yellow angkot route runs along Jalan Bung Tomo. Wave it down, don't expect stops. Hand your fare to the driver through passengers—they pass it forward. The ride is cramped but safe. Great for short hops; avoid during rain as windows stay open.
Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto Airport (AAP) → Samarinda Central Bus Terminal (Terminal Sungai Dama)
💡 Damri drops you at the bus terminal, not the hotel. From Terminal Sungai Dama, take an angkot (yellow route) to Jalan Bung Tomo—tell the driver 'Hotel Crystal'. Last angkot leaves around 21:00. Have small change ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Mesir?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor facing away from the main street. Upper floors reduce street noise and the mid-level position avoids foot traffic from the lobby and rooftop.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Mesir?
Avoid ground-floor rooms near the reception or the street-facing side – these pick up traffic noise and footfall from the entrance. Rooms directly above the lift shaft can also be noisy with mechanical hum.
Is Hotel Mesir noisy?
Samarinda’s main roads have heavy motorcycle traffic, especially in the mornings and evenings. The hotel’s central address means honking and engine noise from Jalan Bung Tomo or Jalan Dr. Setia Budi if it faces either.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Mesir?
Rooms on the higher floors overlooking Samarinda’s city skyline (likely the south or east side) offer the best view of evening lights, though this hotel’s basic location means no special scenic outlook.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Mesir?
Check in after 2pm to secure a quieter room before families arrive. Use the small lobby to request a top-floor back room if available – it’s worth asking politely at the desk.
What time is check-in at Hotel Mesir?
Check-in at Hotel Mesir is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Mesir have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (up to 5 Mbps) for all guests, no login required; paid premium tier (20 Mbps) available at IDR 75,000 per day via voucher at reception.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Mesir?
None (no specific city tax for Samarinda; 10% service charge + 11% government tax included in quoted rate)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Mesir?
A plate of nasi campur (mixed rice with sides) from a food stall costs about 15,000-25,000 IDR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Mesir?
The cheapest way around is angkot (shared minibus) for about 5,000-10,000 IDR per ride; from the airport, take the Damri bus into town for around 20,000 IDR.
When is the best time to visit Samarinda?
June–August (dry season proper): reliable sunny mornings for river trips or city walks, plus lower humidity than Oct–Dec.
Top Attractions in Samarinda
💡 Visit on a Sunday morning when local musicians often busk near the fountain. Avoid midday heat; shade is limited.
💡 Go early morning (6-7am) to see the floating fruit sellers. Bring water and sun protection; no shade for long stretches.
💡 Try the pisang goreng (fried banana) from the stall near the main entrance. Arrive by 7am to see the market at its most active. Watch for uneven floors and wet patches.
💡 Go at sunset for the view from the minaret. Wear a headscarf and long sleeves; modest clothing is required. Bring ID for the elevator to the top.
💡 It takes about 45 minutes to see everything. Ask the guard to turn on the lights in the less-visited rooms. Closed for lunch 12-1pm.