Indonesian Paradise Found: Ratu Residence Medan's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the messy, magnificent world of Ratu Residence Medan! Hold on, let me grab a coffee… rummages around, finds a slightly stale instant coffee packet… Alright, let's do this. Is it paradise? Well, let's dissect this hidden gem and see if it cleans up nice.
SEO-tastic Title: Ratu Residence Medan Review: Unveiling Medan's Hidden Paradise (Accessibility, Amenities & Honest Verdict!)
First Impressions (and Maybe a Messy Bathroom Anecdote):
So, first things first: getting to Ratu Residence is a bit of an adventure. Medan traffic? Let's just say it's a character-building experience. But, hey, that airport transfer they offer? Fantastic. Seriously, after navigating that chaos, the friendly driver was a lifesaver. And the entrance? It's… well, it's a little unassuming. But sometimes the best treasures are hidden, right? I walked in with an open mind, ready to be wowed.
Accessibility: Okay, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s get practical. They DO have elevators. Phew. I didn’t check on the specific wheelchair stuff but the elevators mean it's at least better than some of the competition.
Check-in/out [Express] and [Private]: Honestly, the check-in was quick and painless – major kudos after the airport drama. And they offered something like… private check-in? Which felt special. They really made an effort to welcome you warmly.
The Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly) and Maybe a Slightly Dodgy Shower…
The Good Stuff: My room? Pretty darn comfy. I had one of the… checks notes… "non-smoking" rooms (whew!). Air conditioning? Glorious, absolutely vital in Medan's heat. Free Wi-Fi [Free] in all rooms! Yes! And it actually WORKED! The bed was big, the sheets were clean, and the blackout curtains saved me from the harsh Medan sun.
The, um, Less-Good Stuff: Okay, now for the real talk. Bathroom. Picture this: I get into the shower, primed and ready to cleanse the travel grime. And… the water pressure? Let's just say it was a suggestion of water pressure. And the drain? Well, let's just say I had a brief, intimate relationship with my feet and the shower water. But. They have slippers. Which saved the day. (See? I'm learning to love the imperfections)
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub (yay!), Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping (needed!), Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (yay!), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Phew, that's a ton!
The Eats: From Buffet Bonanza to Asian Flavors (And My Quest for the Perfect Coffee)
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
Restaurants: They have a few! Coffee shop The coffee? Hmmm. Coffee/tea in restaurant It was… okay. Nothing to write home about, but at least it was available! (I’m a coffee snob, I admit it.) Buffet in restaurant The breakfast buffet, though… Breakfast [buffet] was impressive! A whole spread!! Asian breakfast Western breakfast Asian cuisine in restaurant International cuisine in restaurant You name it, they probably had it! From the usual suspects (eggs, toast, cereal) to noodles, and even some more exotic (to me) Indonesian dishes. The juice bar was a welcome sight! Breakfast service A la carte in restaurant Alternative meal arrangement Desserts in restaurant Happy hour Poolside bar Nice! Room service [24-hour] Bless them! Salad in restaurant Snack bar Soup in restaurant Vegetarian restaurant Western cuisine in restaurant
Anecdote Alert: One morning, I overdid it on the nasi goreng and nearly burst my buttons. (Too much deliciousness!) But hey, that's the price of a good buffet, right?
The Relaxing Bits: Spa Days and… Well, Just Relaxing
Ways to relax:
Sauna Spa Spa/sauna Body scrub Body wrap Foot bath Massage I didn’t get a massage, but I saw the spa and it looks really decent! Steamroom Pool with view The outdoor pool? Swimming pool [outdoor] Swimming pool Absolutely stunning. And it had a genuinely peaceful vibe. Perfect for a dip after a day of Medan madness.
Okay, here I got into the pool. Here’s the thing: It was hot. Bloody hot. I hopped in, and it definitely provided some chill time. But honestly, a cocktail or two by that pool… HEAVEN.
Fitness center Didn't get to the gym. Maybe next time!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sanitized (Mostly)
Cleanliness and safety: They were definitely taking things seriously. Lots of hand sanitizer everywhere. Anti-viral cleaning products Daily disinfection in common areas Hand sanitizer Hygiene certification Physical distancing of at least 1 meter Professional-grade sanitizing services Rooms sanitized between stays Staff trained in safety protocol Sterilizing equipment Safe dining setup Sanitized kitchen and tableware items *Staff were very helpful.
More cleanliness stuff: They took the usual precautions. And the staff? Super friendly. Always smiling, even when the language barrier was a bit of a hurdle. That sort of graciousness makes a big difference.
Safety/security feature Security [24-hour] Smoke alarms Exterior corridor Fire extinguisher CCTV in common areas CCTV outside property Front desk [24-hour]
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Services and conveniences:
Air conditioning in public area Business facilities Cash withdrawal Concierge Daily housekeeping Dry cleaning Elevator Facilities for disabled guests Gift/souvenir shop Indoor venue for special events Invoice provided Ironing service Laundry service Luggage storage Meeting/banquet facilities Meeting stationery On-site event hosting Outdoor venue for special events Projector/LED display Safety deposit boxes Smoking area Terrace Xerox/fax in business center Door man Car park [free of charge] Car park [on-site]
Anecdote: I needed to get some laundry done. The service was quick and efficient. No complaints there!
For the Kids (and the Babysitters):
Babysitting service Family/child friendly Kids facilities Kids meal
I don’t have kids, but it did look like they catered to families.
Getting Around (and That Car Park):
Getting around:
Airport transfer - Book it! It's a lifesaver. Car park [free of charge] - Another win. Parking is gold in Medan. Car park [on-site] Taxi service
The Verdict: Is Ratu Residence a Paradise?
So, is Ratu Residence a true paradise? Look, it's not perfect. The shower might test your patience, and the coffee could use a pep-up. BUT… the staff are lovely, the rooms are comfortable, the pool is gorgeous, and the breakfast buffet is a winner. It’s a solid option!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially if you’re looking for a comfortable, well-located base to explore Medan, and want a little bit of luxury without breaking the bank.
The Quirky Observation: The shrine. Who knew? It was a nice touch.
Final Score: 4 Stars (with a small asterisk for that shower!)
Now, the Persuasive Offer - Ready to Make Your Booking?
Stop scrolling! Escape to Medan & Discover Ratu Residence: Your Gateway to Indonesian Paradise!
Tired of the same old, same old? Craving an adventure
Drury Inn Terre Haute: Unbeatable Deals & Free Perks Await!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're building an itinerary for OYO 3334 Ratu Residence in Medan, Indonesia, that's gonna be less "perfectly planned" and more "hold on to your sarongs, it's gonna be a bumpy ride."
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Luggage Debacle of '24)
- Morning (ish): Land in Medan's Kualanamu International Airport. Okay, "early morning" is a lie. We almost missed our flight. The scramble involved a passport chase worthy of a Jason Bourne movie (turns out I'd shoved it in my sock… don't judge). Now, customs? Smooth sailing. Getting the luggage? HA! That’s where the chaos started. One suitcase vanished into the Indonesian airport ether. I can picture it now, probably vacationing in Bali, sipping tropical cocktails. We're blaming the airline, clearly.
- Mid-Morning/Lunch: Grab a Blue Bird taxi (thank GOD for those) and head to OYO 3334 Ratu Residence. En route, soak it in. The sheer vibrancy of Medan hits you like a wave. Seriously, the colors, the smells… it's sensory overload in the best possible way. Lunch? Street food, baby! I got some delicious nasi goreng – perfect after the luggage drama. My friend, bless her heart, ordered something with "mystery meat." Let's just say her face was a picture.
- Afternoon: Check-in, finally! OYO Ratu Residence is… well, it’s functional. Clean, yes. Luxurious? Nah. But hey, it's cheap, and we're adventurous! The room is a bit basic, really, but a bed is a bed. And the air conditioning blasted like a hurricane. We spent the better part of the afternoon catching up on our sleep and a little bit of unpacking. It was a much needed break from all the travel.
- Evening: We decided to head out to downtown Medan to find some food. The traffic was chaos, I'm not gonna lie. It was like a giant, organized mess, but we somehow made it. Found a bustling restaurant and ordered all the things! This would be the first time of many that we would try Indonesian food and be very happy with ourselves! The fried chicken was delicious and the atmosphere was buzzing. A perfect first day of exploring!
Day 2: Exploring the City (and My Ongoing Obsession with Batik fabric)
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel was simple. It was the equivalent of a toast and butter experience. But it was enough to get us going. We explored the heart of Medan. The Maimun Palace (Sultan's Palace) was amazing! So ornate and beautiful. We got incredibly hot, but it was worth it.
- Mid-Morning: We dove headfirst into the Medan market. This is where the real fun began—and where my wallet started weeping softly. I am NOW OBSESSED WITH BATIK. Seriously, I'm buying all the batik. Scarves, shirts, fabric… They’re so vibrant, so beautiful, and so… cheap! "I'm just looking," I kept telling the vendors, fully intending to purchase everything in sight. I’m pretty sure I charmed a few shopkeepers, which led to discounts. So, win-win!
- Lunch: We found a small local warung (small restaurant) and ate a delicious bowl of noodles. I don’t even remember the name, but it was amazing. So good.
- Afternoon: The Great Mosque of Medan. I was blown away. The architecture is stunning, a mix of styles, and the overall feeling is one of immense peace. It’s just… something you need to experience.
- Evening: Tried to go to a rooftop bar for sunset cocktails. "Tried" is the operative word. Got hopelessly lost, ended up in a neighborhood where we were definitely the only tourists, and retreated back to the relative safety of a street food stall. Hey, the sate ayam was amazing!
Day 3: Toba Lake/Samosir Island (The Epic Hike to the Waterfall – AKA My Knees Scream)
- Morning: This was supposed to be a day trip to Lake Toba, one of the largest volcanic lakes in the world.
- Mid-Morning: We started our trek to Sipiso-piso Waterfall. The hike was supposed to be "moderate." Liars! My knees and ankles are now protesting every single step. The view? Absolutely phenomenal. The mist from the waterfall kissed my face, and I even spotted a rainbow. Completely worth the agonizing climb down and (more agonizing) climb back up.
- Lunch: Refueling with more nasi goreng and some kind of Indonesian snack I didn't understand but that, somehow was delicious.
- Afternoon: Headed to Samosir Island by ferry. Explored a local village, and got some Batik fabric. I could buy it all.
- Evening: Back to the hotel, utterly exhausted. I think I’m going to sleep for at least 12 hours.
Day 4: The Lost Luggage Mystery & Last Memories
- Morning: Spent hours calling the airline about my missing luggage. Still no luck. Ugh. Seriously, I am thinking of starting a support group for victims of lost luggage. We are not alone. Just as I felt my rage turn to despair, a knock at the door! A small box from my friend's family with some Indonesian tea. A simple gesture, but it truly warmed my heart.
- Mid-Morning: Breakfast was a bit sad this morning. But, we decided to push through and go to one of the outdoor markets nearby the hotel. Everything was very colorful, and fragrant. I bought way too many souvenirs.
- Lunch: Decided to try a new street food vendor. This one was amazing, and I went back for seconds.
- Afternoon: Just wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere. This is when I realized that I have fallen in love with Medan.
- Evening: Our last dinner here. The last tastes, the last smells, the last view of the city lights. It all makes me want even more as I go back to the old life.
Day 5: Departure (And a Promise to Return)
- Morning: Check out of OYO 3334 Ratu Residence. This place, while basic, has been a comfortable sort of home base. Say a heartfelt goodbye to the staff, who were unfailing friendly. A taxi back to the airport. The airport chaos… well, the airport chaos remains. Praying our flights are on time.
- The Journey: The flight was smooth. And as I looked outside the window, I promised myself to return to Indonesia, to explore more.
- Final Thoughts: Medan, you were a chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, wonderful experience. I loved the food, the people, the colors, and the constant feeling of adventure. I’ll be back, baggage be damned. I'm already looking forward to it. And I'll stock up on more batik too.
Indonesian Paradise Found: Ratu Residence Medan's Hidden Gem! (Or Maybe Not…)
So, Ratu Residence... Is it actually *paradise*? Because I’ve seen some Instagram filters…
Alright, let's be real. Instagram? That's a highlight reel. Ratu Residence... well, it's trying. It *definitely* has its moments. Remember that time I accidentally wandered into the wrong pool? Totally thought I was in the adults-only area. Turned out, just a really, REALLY big family gathering going on. Awkward doesn't even cover it. But the pool *was* lovely, even if I felt like a giant, slightly confused, westerner in a tiny swimsuit.
Is it perfect? No way. The breakfast buffet is… variable. Some days, the nasi goreng is a gift from the gods. Other days, it tastes like it's been sitting out since, well, the last time I tried to get up early. But when it's good? Oh man. Worth the potential food coma. And the staff? Bless their hearts, they're lovely, but sometimes it feels like they're still learning the ropes of the whole "westerner with complicated requests" game. "More chilli, please?" Can sometimes translate to "Here's a volcano, enjoy!"
So, paradise? With a healthy dose of Indonesian charm and a sprinkle of "you gotta roll with the punches." Definitely worth it overall, just don't expect the perfect, Instagram-filtered existence. Come prepared for a bit of adventure, some surprising delights, and maybe a few moments where you question your life choices - but that's part of the fun, right?
The Rooms - Are they actually nice? Because I saw some pictures… they looked a bit… dated?
Okay, the rooms. Let's be honest. They're not the Four Seasons, and they're not trying to be. Think… comfortable Indonesian grandma's guest room, crossed with a slightly tired, but well-loved, beach shack. Picture it: clean, but with a slightly musty smell that dissipates after a good airing. The air conditioning? A lifesaver in the Medan heat. The bed? Surprisingly comfortable, after I got used to the slightly firm mattress. (Which, honestly, is better than the sinking sand mattresses you get at *some* places, right?)
There ARE those weird, faded floral bedspreads, yeah. My inner interior designer cringed a little. But once you're under them, after a long day of haggling at the Medan market (which is an experience in itself!), they work their magic. They wrapped me in a cocoon of sleep. It's all about managing expectations really! And hey, the water pressure in the shower was actually decent which is a win!
Okay, so the food… what's it like? Is there anything besides Nasi Goreng?
Right, the food. Now, this is where things get interesting. Breakfast, as I mentioned, a real gamble. But the *other* stuff? Oh, the other stuff. They have a little restaurant on site, and I discovered the most AMAZING *gado-gado*. Seriously. Better than anything I had on the street, and I ate *a lot* of street food. (Don’t judge, it’s practically a requirement).
They do Indonesian classics, obviously, but they also had a few western options that were… well, let's say they were "interpreted" in a very Indonesian way. Like the spaghetti. Don't expect al dente. Expect… something else. But hey, it was fun. It's the kind of place where you can order a club sandwich and it comes with... well, a lot of other things. Embrace the unexpected. Just be adventurous with your taste buds. And try the gado-gado. Seriously, the gado-gado.
What is the best thing about Ratu Residence?
Hands down, the staff. Even when they don’t quite understand your broken Indonesian mixed with frantic hand gestures (which was often), their smiles are genuine. They remembered my coffee order after a couple of days, even though I'm pretty sure I was butchering the Indonesian pronunciation. They were constantly cleaning, always making sure the pool was refreshing, always trying to help. Their kindness made the stay. One day, after a particularly disastrous attempt to navigate the local bus system, I arrived back at the hotel looking like a drowned rat, completely overwhelmed. The woman behind the front desk just calmly handed me a cup of hot tea and a towel. That simple act of kindness? Priceless. That's the real gem of Ratu Residence. Not the fancy rooms (although they are fine!), not the award-winning chef (though the gado-gado...), but the people. They made it feel like home, a (slightly chaotic, slightly quirky) home, but home nonetheless, I think that's the major thing that defines Ratu Residence.
Seriously, is it safe? Medan can seem a little… intense.
Medan IS intense. Let's not sugarcoat it. Chaotic traffic, bustling markets, the sensory overload is *real*. But Ratu Residence? Felt perfectly safe. There were security guards, the grounds felt secure, and I never felt threatened. Obviously, be smart; don't flash enormous amounts of cash, and don't wander alone in poorly lit areas at night. But the hotel itself? Definitely safe. I felt more worried about my personal safety when I was trying to cross the street than at the Ratu!
Is it easy to get to the attractions in Medan from Ratu Residence?
Getting around Medan is an adventure in itself! Ratu Residence is a bit outside the immediate city center, which is a good thing, really, because it provides a bit of peace at night. You'll mostly use taxis (Grab is your friend!) or ride-hailing apps. The hotel can also help arrange drivers. The main attractions, like the Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque, are relatively easy to reach by taxi. Traffic can be a nightmare, though, so plan accordingly! I once spent two hours stuck in a jam trying to get to a museum. Learn from my mistakes: factor in extra travel time, especially during peak hours.
Okay, the pool. Is it as good as it looks in the photos?
The pool... is a mixed bag. The pictures make it look glorious, and on a sunny day, with a cold drink in hand, it *is* pretty darn good. The water is clean, and they have a decent number of sun loungers. But let's be honest, it's not huge, and it does get a bit crowded at times. And sometimes, kids. So. Many. Kids. That's part of the charm, though, right? The place attracts families. If you're afterStay Collective
