Makassar (officially Ujung Pandang until 1999, and still referred to by that name by older Indonesians) is the largest city in eastern Indonesia and the main hub for South Sulawesi. It’s a busy port city and commercial centre - not a typical tourist destination, but an important transit point for those heading to Toraja, Wakatobi, or the Sulawesi interior, and a city with a genuine food culture and an underrated historical centre.
If you are travelling solo or on a tight budget, compare hostels in Makassar on Hostelworld for dorm beds and private rooms.
The Losari waterfront is the city’s social focal point - a long promenade along the Makassar Strait where the daily sunset is a communal event and the seafood restaurants along Jalan Penghibur serve some of the best coto Makassar and grilled fish in South Sulawesi.
Losari waterfront: the best base
The Losari area - roughly between Fort Rotterdam and the Losari Beach promenade - combines the city’s most atmospheric district with a concentration of hotels at all price tiers. Evening walks along the waterfront, proximity to Fort Rotterdam, and easy access to the floating seafood restaurants make this the preferred area for most visitors.
Prefer an area-by-area breakdown? Our Makassar area and neighbourhood guide explains which part to stay in and why.
Budget (IDR 200,000–400,000 / USD 12–25 per night)
- Budget guesthouses near Losari, Makassar - Budget hotels and simple guesthouses in the streets around Losari and the central market area from IDR 200,000–380,000 per night. Air-conditioning and private bathrooms are standard at this price point. Good locations for walking to Fort Rotterdam and the seafood strip.
Mid-range (IDR 450,000–1,000,000 / USD 28–62 per night)
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Aston Makassar Hotel & Convention Center - Reliable four-star property near the Losari waterfront with a pool, multiple restaurants, and consistent service. Rates vary by date; check live prices. Well-suited for business travellers and those using Makassar as a base for Sulawesi exploration.
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Ibis Makassar City Center - Predictable Accor mid-range quality in the city centre, conveniently placed for transit and business. Rates from IDR 450,000–700,000 per night. A safe choice when you need a reliable room rather than an experience.
Luxury (IDR 1,100,000+ / USD 69+ per night)
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Aryaduta Makassar - The city’s most established luxury hotel, directly on the Losari waterfront with sea-view rooms. Outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre and multiple dining options, with some sea-view rooms and the best location in the city. Rates vary widely by date and room, so check live rates.
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Claro Makassar - Large upscale hotel inland from the waterfront, with a spa and several restaurants. Popular with business groups and convention guests. Rates vary by date, so check live prices.
City centre: Jalan Ratulangi corridor
The area around Jalan Ratulangi and Jalan Somba Opu - the city’s main shopping and commercial strip - has a dense concentration of mid-range hotels, restaurants, and shops. Less atmospheric than Losari but more convenient for transport connections and practical errands.
- Mid-range hotels on Jalan Ratulangi - Several solid mid-range properties in the Ratulangi/Somba Opu area from IDR 450,000–900,000 per night. Convenient for the Trans Studio Mall, Central Market, and the bus terminals for Toraja and other Sulawesi destinations.
Near the airport: transit convenience
Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport is about 22 km northeast of the city centre - 40–60 minutes in normal traffic, longer during peak hours. If you have a very early morning flight or late arrival, staying near the airport in the Mandai or Marros area makes sense.
- Hotels near Sultan Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar - Budget to mid-range hotels near the airport from IDR 250,000–700,000 per night. Practical for transit; limited character.
Compare prices and availability across all Makassar hotels - Search hotels in Makassar.
Which Makassar area suits you?
Losari waterfront: Best all-round base. The city’s most attractive district, within walking distance of Fort Rotterdam and the seafood strip, and the area with the most interesting hotel options. Right for first-time visitors and leisure travellers.
City centre (Ratulangi): Better for practical transit stays and business visits where transport connections matter more than atmosphere. Slightly better value than comparable Losari properties.
Near the airport: Only for genuine transit requirements - early flights or late arrivals where a city-centre hotel adds unnecessary travel time.
Most visitors spend one to two nights in Makassar as part of a broader Sulawesi itinerary - using the city as the gateway for Toraja, Wakatobi, or the Spermonde Islands. Budget enough time for one evening at the waterfront seafood strip and a morning walk through Fort Rotterdam before moving on.