Escape to Paradise: Miyanna Hotel Medan's Unforgettable Luxury
Escape to Paradise: Miyanna Hotel Medan - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from the Miyanna Hotel in Medan, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews; this is the REAL DEAL. I'm talking honest-to-goodness, warts-and-all impressions. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, because this place… well, it’s got its good points, and it’s got its “hmm, interesting” points.
First Impressions and Accessibility (the Good and the… Less Good)
Right off the bat, the Miyanna screams "LUXURY." Think shiny surfaces, gleaming marble, and staff that are almost too eager to please. (I swear, I barely blinked before someone was offering me a welcome drink – a delicious, fruity concoction, I might add.)
Accessibility: Now, here's where things get a little tricky. The hotel claims to be accessible, and they do have elevators, which is a huge plus. However, navigating the sprawling grounds in a wheelchair might be… a bit of an adventure. I saw ramps, but also some tight corners and a few areas that looked a little… uneven. I'd recommend calling ahead and asking very specific questions if accessibility is a primary concern. They do have facilities for disabled guests listed, but I'd want to confirm how well they're implemented.
Checking In and Settling In (Wi-Fi, Rooms, and the Quest for the Perfect Nap)
The check-in process? Smooth as silk. They even had contactless check-in/out, which, in these COVID times, is a massive win. The front desk is 24-hour, which is comforting, especially if you're like me and have a habit of arriving at hotels at ungodly hours. They’ve got a dedicated concierge too, which is always a bonus when you want to feel pampered.
Rooms: Oh, the rooms! They're the definition of spacious. Seriously, I could've hosted a small wedding in my suite. And the amenities? Forget about it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) Plus, you’ve got your Air conditioning (essential in Medan!), a mini-bar (a lifesaver for those midnight snack attacks), a coffee/tea maker (because caffeine is life), and even a desk for, you know, pretending to work (I may or may not have actually worked). They also have bathrobes and slippers… because luxury. The bed was an extra-long cloud of comfort, and the blackout curtains meant I could finally catch up on some seriously needed sleep. The in-room safe box was a relief to have, as well, for my valuables. They have non-smoking rooms, which is great.
The Internet: Seriously, the Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. Fast, reliable, and free. I needed that for the Internet access – wireless and to keep up with my friends and family back home. They also have Internet [LAN] if you are more old-school.
The Imperfect Nap: Okay, confession time. I’m a professional napper. And the Miyanna almost, almost, delivered the perfect nap. The bed was heavenly. The blackout curtains worked wonders. But… there was some construction noise in the morning. Not the hotel's fault, but it did slightly disrupt my slumber symphony. Still, 8/10 for nap potential.
Food Glorious Food (And My Ramen Obsession)
Let's talk food. This is where the Miyanna truly shines.
- Restaurants: They have multiple restaurants, and they're all pretty darn good. The main restaurant offers a buffet (a glorious, carb-laden paradise), Asian cuisine, International cuisine, and even a Vegetarian restaurant! (I may have spent a little too much time at the dessert bar.)
- Breakfast: The breakfast [buffet] was a highlight, featuring a dizzying array of options. From Asian breakfast staples to Western breakfast classics, there was something for everyone. You could get Breakfast in room if you wanted.
- Coffee/Tea: They've got coffee/tea in restaurant, and I might have had more cups of coffee than I care to admit.
- Room Service: They have 24-hour Room service [24-hour]! This is great for those late-night cravings.
- Snacks: The snack bar was a lifesaver for quick bites.
- Poolside Bar: The Poolside bar was great too!
- Alternative Meal Arrangement: They also have Alternative meal arrangement.
My Ramen Revelation: One evening, I had a craving for something simple. I ordered ramen from room service. And let me tell you… it was amazing. Perfectly cooked noodles, flavorful broth, and all the fixings. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. (Yes, I'm obsessed with ramen. Don't judge.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (and the Occasional Dessert Overload)
- A la carte in restaurant: You can order A la carte in restaurant, if you have any dietary needs.
- Desserts in restaurant: This is where I lost control. The desserts were too irresistible.
- Happy hour: They have a Happy hour!
- Bottle of water: You can get a Bottle of water.
- Salad in restaurant: They also have Salad in restaurant.
- Soup in restaurant: They also have Soup in restaurant.
Things to Do (Relaxation, Fitness, and the Quest for Inner Peace)
The Miyanna is designed for relaxation. Seriously, they've got everything.
- Pool: The Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor] are gorgeous, and the Pool with view is a definite plus.
- Spa: The Spa is pure bliss. Think massages, body scrubs, and all sorts of pampering.
- Sauna and Steamroom: They have a Sauna, a Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom!
- Fitness: The Fitness center is well-equipped, and I did manage to squeeze in a workout or two (mostly to offset the dessert consumption).
- Other: They offer Foot bath and Gym/fitness, too!
My Spa Story: I had a massage. It was… transcendent. I’m pretty sure I floated out of the spa. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, and the atmosphere was pure serenity. I could have stayed there all day.
Cleanliness and Safety (COVID Considerations and Beyond)
In the age of COVID, cleanliness is paramount. And the Miyanna seems to take it seriously.
- Cleanliness: They use Anti-viral cleaning products, and they have Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Safety: They have Fire extinguisher, Hand sanitizer, and First aid kit.
- Sanitation: They have Rooms sanitized between stays and Sterilizing equipment.
- Meals: They offer Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup.
- Staff: The Staff trained in safety protocol and they provide Hygiene certification.
- Other: They have Cashless payment service, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed.
They also have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], and Smoke alarms.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
The Miyanna goes above and beyond with its services.
- Conveniences: They have a Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, and a Convenience store.
- Laundry: They offer Dry cleaning, Ironing service, and Laundry service.
- Transportation: They have Airport transfer, Taxi service, and Valet parking.
- Other: They have Business facilities, Luggage storage, and Safety deposit boxes.
- For the kids: They offer Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal.
My Quirky Observation: They even have a Shrine. I’m not entirely sure what it's for, but it adds a touch of local flavor.
Getting Around (and the Airport Shuffle)
- Car Park: They have Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].
- Other: They have Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, and Car power charging station.
Areas for Improvement (Because Even Paradise Has a Few Flaws)
No hotel is perfect. And the Miyanna, while excellent, had a few minor areas for improvement.
- More detailed information on accessibility: I'd love to see more
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my potential disaster-piece of a trip to the Miyanna Hotel in Medan, Indonesia. Forget those pristine itineraries, this is gonna be a glorious, messy, and probably slightly embarrassing adventure.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Noodle Debacle
- Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ugh, the flight. Let's just say I'm not a morning person. Woke up with a face that only a mother could love, fought with my luggage (it always wins), and barely made it to the airport. The flight itself was a blur of lukewarm coffee, crying babies, and me internally screaming about the lack of legroom. Finally, LANDED! Medan. Humidity hit me like a wall of warm, delicious… air. Grabbed a taxi, haggled (badly), and finally arrived at the Miyanna Hotel. Honestly, the lobby looked pretty swanky, but I was too delirious to care. Checked in, got to my room, which was thankfully air-conditioned, and immediately collapsed on the bed.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Okay, time to explore! Or, you know, attempt to explore. First mission: FOOD. Found a little warung (small local restaurant) near the hotel, and I was determined to try the famous Mie Gomak. Ordered, and… well, let's just say my spice tolerance is apparently a joke. Tears streamed down my face. I was sweating like a pig. I looked like I was about to spontaneously combust. The noodles were fantastic, though! The flavor was incredible. I just… couldn't. Ate half, surrendered, and retreated to the hotel, vowing to find a milk-based beverage. (Why is milk so hard to find in this part of the world?!)
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Recovered from the noodle incident with a large bottle of water (the unsung hero of my trip, probably). Wandered around the hotel, got lost (multiple times), and discovered the swimming pool. Decided against swimming. Too much effort. Ended up collapsing on the bed again and watching whatever was on Indonesian TV. Absolutely no idea what was going on, but it was strangely comforting.
Day 2: The Toba Lake Temptation & Taxi Troubles
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, attempt number two at being a functional human. Breakfast at the hotel was… adequate. The coffee was strong, which was the main thing. Brainstormed a day trip to Lake Toba, the iconic crater lake. Looked up tours. Decided against tours. Too structured. I wanted freedom! (And to avoid the risk of a repeat noodle-related disaster).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Found a taxi driver, negotiated a price (I think I got ripped off, but I was too tired to argue), and off we went! The drive was… an experience. Indonesian driving is a whole other level of chaos. The scenery, though, was breathtaking. Lush green rice paddies, villages bursting with life, and the mountains in the distance. Arrived at Lake Toba, and my jaw dropped. It's HUGE! The air was fresh, the water was shimmering, and I was utterly, completely in awe. Spent hours wandering around, taking photos, and just… breathing. This place is magical. Seriously. This trip is worth it for Lake Toba alone.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): The journey back to Medan was where things got interesting. First of all, traffic was terrible. Second, the taxi driver decided to put on his own music, which was a mix of Indonesian pop songs and what sounded like a yodeling contest. I was exhausted, hungry, and just wanted to be back at the hotel. But the driver was nice, and I figured, "Hey, embrace the chaos!" Finally made it back to the hotel, collapsed on the bed, and ate some instant noodles. Best meal of the day, I tell you.
Day 3: The Maimun Palace Mishap & Shopping Spree (or Lack Thereof)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to be a tourist, and visited the Maimun Palace. The palace itself was pretty, but my attention span was rapidly depleting. Found the whole thing a bit… underwhelming, to be honest. Maybe I'm just palace-fatigued? The real highlight was watching the locals. Kids running around, families picnicking, and the general vibrant energy of the place.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Shopping! Or, at least, the attempt at shopping. Went to a local market, got completely overwhelmed by the noise, the smells, and the sheer volume of stuff. Tried to haggle for a souvenir, completely failed, and ended up buying a t-shirt that probably says something deeply embarrassing in Indonesian. Gave up on shopping, retreated to a coffee shop, and spent a glorious hour just people-watching and sipping on iced coffee.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Dinner at a restaurant recommended by the hotel. The food was good, but the waiter kept staring at me. I'm starting to think I have a giant "tourist" sign plastered on my forehead. After dinner, I just went back to the hotel, ordered room service (because I was tired of making decisions), and watched some more Indonesian TV.
Day 4: Departure & The Bitter Sweet Goodbye
- Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The dreaded packing. Always the worst part. Said goodbye to the Miyanna Hotel, which, despite its quirks and my own mishaps, had been a pretty decent base for my adventure. The staff were friendly, the air conditioning worked, and the bed was comfy.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the airport. The flight home. More crying babies. More lukewarm coffee. More internal screaming.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Bedtime): Home. Exhausted. But also… strangely happy. Medan was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, smells, and spicy noodles. It wasn't perfect, it was messy, and I probably made a fool of myself more than once. But it was my adventure, and that's what matters. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe with a slightly stronger stomach and a better grasp of the Indonesian language. And maybe, just maybe, I'll finally conquer those noodles.
Escape to Paradise: Miyanna Hotel Medan - The Unfiltered Truth (and Some Ramblings!)
Is Miyanna Hotel REALLY as luxurious as it looks in the pictures? Because, let's be honest, those photos are usually lying.
What about the food? I'm a foodie, and a picky one at that. Can Miyanna Hotel Medan actually satisfy my discerning palate?
The pool! How's the pool situation? Is it crowded? Are there enough sun loungers? (The essentials, people!)
Let's talk about the spa. Is it worth the money? Because spa treatments are usually a rip-off, aren't they?
What's the vibe like? Is it full of uptight people or is it actually fun?
Okay, so, the REAL deal? Is there ANYTHING about Miyanna Hotel Medan that you didn't like? Be honest!
