North Maluku
The Tiara is a little tarnished these days – rooms are functional and bathrooms can smell a little – but it's clean and the air-con works well enough. No…
Must-see hotels in Indonesia
Kalimantan
The 26 rooms on three floors are all air-con at this slightly bland budget place on the main riverfront street. Rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors come with…
Manado
An actual hostel, with four-bed dorms (bunks) and lockers, clean shared bathrooms and a (tiny) communal kitchen. The best value for solo travellers at…
Sumba
Tasteful wood cottages on the beach, with pebbled baths. It's also close to the traditional Prai Liang and Prai Natang villages, which are just 15 minutes…
Ubud
Stroll the thickly planted grounds and enjoy views across Ubud and the rice fields from the elevated pool. The 12 rooms (some fan-cooled) are basic but…
North Sulawesi
Three sparkling new rooms above the creek are a steal, the rest... not so much. That being said, the place is super-friendly, and the food portions are…
Banda Islands
The Gamalama offers functional, relatively large rooms with OK beds beyond a lobby decked out in concrete trees. Bathrooms are mandi only. Staff are…
Kalimantan
The fanciest of the central hotels, this guesthouse-style place offers a few extra comforts, including reliable hot showers. Just up the block from the…
Sulawesi
Clean and simple rooms right on the water within walking distance of the boat dock. The place is run by a helpful couple who can help arrange diving and…
Sulawesi
Sparkling new, white-tiled rooms are clean and comfortable, and popular with tour buses. Note that some don't have windows – criminal in this part of the…
North Bali
Four good basic rooms (some with air-con) in a homestay located on the mountain side of the main road at the east end of the strip. Patios overlook the…
West Java
The first guesthouse in town, Australian-owned Pondok Kencana enjoys a hilltop location at the entrance to the village, but is otherwise rundown and…
Semarang
This green-and-white no-frills hotel offers competitive rates for its 148 sharp, slightly cramped but comfortable rooms. Breakfast is basic, as is the…
West Papua
Guide Zeth Wonggor offers tourist accommodation in three well-built wooden houses at the top of a steep road in Syobri.
Central Java
This lovely family home with a cared-for garden offers quaint, simple rooms with wood furnishings, private bathrooms and hot water. Meals are also…
Seminyak
While its standards have slipped, Ned's remains a good budget choice with 16 rooms, some basic and others more plush. Wi-fi is only available in reception.
East Java
Simple, fan-cooled tiled rooms come with high slanted ceilings and friendly management. It's on the inland road and just a moment's walk from the beach.
West Java
Twelve fairly average rooms with high ceilings, flat-screen TV and good beds. Those at the rear have views over a garden, where breakfast is served.
North Maluku
The newest and best of the three Archies; the most expensive rooms come with sea views. All are spacious, comfortable, clean and reasonably modern.
Papua
This government-run hotel has clean rooms with comfy beds and almost-tasteful plastic flowers. Due to an earthquake, the floors slant considerably.
West Java
A nondescript modern hotel featuring floating beds, high ceilings and flat-screens in wood-panelled rooms. It all looks like it's seen better days.
North Maluku
Old-fashioned rooms at the original of the Archie empire, but for the price they are good enough and well-maintained, if not very exciting.
Nusa Penida
Crushed-coral pathways running between animal statuary link the 10 very basic rooms here. Turn on Jl Nusa Indah just east of the centre.
West Sumatra
The seven rooms at this friendly but very basic homestay come with Indonesian bathrooms and creaky beds. Owner Yanna is good for a chat.
Papua
A solid choice just a few minutes walk from the waterfront, with sizable rooms, comfy beds and mandi (cold-water ladle bath).
North Sumatra
One of Parapat's upmarket choices, the Atsari Hotel is close to the lakefront and has clean, spacious rooms, a cafe and a pool.
Pendolo
About 1km east of the village centre, this rustic place has detached bungalows and gets good marks for service and ambience.
East Bali
Basic choice that offers cheap-ish accommodation and a warung. Its biggest drawcard is the beachfront location.
West Papua
A fair deal with small but clean rooms, with thick mattresses on the beds and pleasant staff at reception.
Kalimantan
This low-key dive operator has a handful of tidy overwater bungalows along the jetty in front of its shop.
Kalimantan
Very modern, clean and efficiently run, Neotel feels a bit generic but it's great value for a night.
Kalimantan
Four rooms in a small signless home, 90m upstream of the Sungai Baroh bridge. No phone.
North Maluku
The least desirable of the Archies, with small, functional rooms. But all are clean.
South Sulawesi
Clean, modern, soulless hotel in prime position for those on a Pelni ferry mission.
Gili Trawangan
A decent compound of four wooden cottages with stylish outdoor bathrooms.
Tulamben
Attached to the French-run dive shop of the same name, this extremely basic hostel offers rooms with fan and cold-water bathroom, as well as marginally…
Danau Toba
Samosir Cottages has undergone a dramatic transformation from backpacker guesthouse into one of the more upmarket resorts on the Toba lakefront. Rooms are…
East Bali
With a stolidly suburban ambiance – there's not a skerrick of Bali chic or hideway charm discernible – this isn't a compelling choice. Rooms are large,…
North Sulawesi
Lorenso’s is an excellent choice for backpackers who like to pretend they've been shipwrecked. Rooms are very basic, and a bit run down, tucked around an…
