Solo (also known as Surakarta) is not a difficult city to explore, but choosing the right area to stay can make your visit much easier. Some places are better if you arrive by train, some are more convenient for markets and heritage sites, and others work well if you want a quieter stay or plan to use Solo as a base for trips around Central Java.
When we recently explored Solo, we stayed in a different accommodation each night and moved between several parts of the city. It helped us compare not only the hotels themselves, but also the areas around them — how easy it was to get food, reach the main sights, move around by Grab, or continue our trip the next morning.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on where to stay in Solo, which areas make the most sense, and which hotels are worth considering depending on your travel style and budget.
Best Areas to Stay in Solo
Historic Center / Central Solo
For most travelers, the historic center is the easiest and most useful area to stay in Solo. This includes the area around Slamet Riyadi Street, Pasar Gede, Keraton Surakarta, Vastenburg Fort and the older neighborhoods around Pasar Kliwon.
It works well if it’s your first time in Solo and you want to stay close to markets, heritage sites, local food and the main sights. You’ll still probably use Grab or a taxi to move around, but distances are short and the area gives you a good balance of convenience and local atmosphere.
Solo Balapan Station Area
The area around Solo Balapan Station is a practical choice if you arrive or leave by train. It saves time before departure and makes the trip easier if you’re only staying one night or continuing to Yogyakarta, Surabaya or another city in Java.
You can still reach the historic center easily from here, so it doesn’t feel isolated. This area is best for short stays, early trains, late arrivals or travelers who want simple logistics more than atmosphere.
West Solo / Laweyan, Kerten and Purwosari Area
West Solo is a good option if you want a more comfortable hotel, easier access to modern facilities or a slightly quieter base outside the historic core. This area includes Laweyan, Kerten and the wider Purwosari side of the city.
It can work well for longer stays, families, business travelers or anyone using Solo as a base for trips around Central Java. You won’t be right next to the Keraton or Pasar Gede, but Grab is easy to use and some of Solo’s better-known hotels are located on this side of the city.
Top Accommodation Picks in Surakarta
Budget-Friendly Stays
Alsalam Syariah Guesthouse Solo (Historic Center)
Alsalam Syariah Guesthouse is a budget-friendly stay in Pasar Kliwon, close to the older part of Solo. The location works well if you want to explore Keraton Surakarta, Pasar Gede and Kampung Batik Kauman without spending too much time on the road.
We stayed here during our recent Solo trip. The rooms are basic, but the place felt homey and the location was useful for exploring the historic center. Since this is a syariah guesthouse, only married couples are allowed to stay here.
Backindo Tip: This is a very simple place, but it feels homey. We enjoyed the pancake breakfast, and you can also order traditional Arabic food through the reception.
House of Asiyah Syariah (West Solo)
House of Asiyah Syariah is located on the Laweyan side of Solo, in a quieter residential area. It suits travelers who don’t need to be right in the historic center and prefer a calmer place to return to after exploring the city.
We stayed here during our Solo research. The rooms were clean and the atmosphere felt quiet, with a guesthouse-style setup rather than a busy hotel feel. As with other syariah accommodation, check the rules before booking.
Doeloerkoe Homestay (Historic Center)
Doeloerkoe Homestay is a small heritage-style homestay in Pasar Kliwon, close to Gedung Djoeang 45. It is set in a traditional building and feels more personal than a standard hotel.
This is a good choice if you want a homey stay in the older part of Solo and care about character, location and a slower atmosphere.
Petit Boutique Hotel Solo (Historic Center)
Petit Boutique Hotel Solo is located in Kedung Lumbu, Pasar Kliwon, close to Gedung Djoeang 45 and the old city area. It can be a practical base if you want to stay near Solo’s historic center but prefer a place with more visual character.
The hotel has a decorative European-inspired design and is often praised for its location and cleanliness. Some rooms may feel compact, so it works best for short stays or travelers who care more about location and atmosphere than extra space.
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Sahid Jaya Solo (Solo Balapan Station Area)
Hotel Sahid Jaya Solo can be a very practical choice if you want to stay near Solo Balapan Station but still within easy reach of the city center. We chose this hotel after arriving by train from Purwokerto, when the kids were tired and we wanted something nearby with proper hotel facilities, including a swimming pool.
This is one of Solo’s older large hotels, so don’t expect a new boutique-style stay. But the hotel has a strong classic atmosphere and spacious rooms. Ours had a beautiful sunrise view toward Mount Lawu, and the breakfast buffet was one of the best we have had in Java.
The Royal Surakarta Heritage (Historic Center)
The Royal Surakarta Heritage is located on Slamet Riyadi Street, close to the historic center, markets and several main sights. The location makes it easy to explore central Solo without feeling too far from restaurants, shops and transport.
The hotel has a strong Javanese-inspired design, with detailed interiors and a more traditional character. It is a good option if you want to stay centrally and still feel some of Solo’s cultural atmosphere inside the hotel itself.
MAHALAYA The Legacy Hotel (Solo Balapan Station Area)
MAHALAYA The Legacy Hotel is located in the northern part of Solo’s city center, not far from Solo Balapan Station. Its design is inspired by Indonesian-Dutch colonial style, so the hotel feels polished without being too formal.
It can work well if you want a calm stay with facilities such as a pool, restaurant and fitness area, while still being within easy reach of the historic center.
Moxy Solo (Central Solo)
Moxy Solo is a newer hotel on the Slamet Riyadi side of Solo. It has a playful design, compact rooms, a lively lobby area, a rooftop pool and fitness facilities.
This hotel suits travelers who prefer a more modern and social atmosphere. It is also convenient if you want easy access to food, shops and city transport during a short Solo stay.
Comfortable / Higher-End Hotels
The Sunan Hotel Solo (West Solo)
The Sunan Hotel Solo is a larger hotel on the western side of the city, around the Laweyan and Kerten area. It works well for travelers who want full hotel facilities, easier parking and a location outside the busiest historic center.
Our friends stayed here, so we included it as a tested recommendation through people we know personally. Their experience was very positive, and getting around Solo by Grab from the hotel was easy.
Alila Solo (West Solo)
Alila Solo is one of the most polished hotels in the city. It is located in West Solo, away from the historic core, but still easy to reach by Grab or taxi.
The hotel is known for modern rooms, city views, strong facilities and a more refined atmosphere. It suits travelers who want a comfortable base after exploring Solo or using the city as a stop on a longer Central Java route.
Ayom Java Village Solo (West Solo)
Ayom Java Village Solo feels different from a typical city hotel. It has a quiet Javanese village-style setting, with wooden elements, open spaces and a slower atmosphere.
This is a good option if you want a peaceful stay and don’t mind being farther from the main sights. It works best for travelers who plan to use private transport or Grab rather than walking around the city center.
Villas and Private Stays
Gria Kerten
Gria Kerten is a good option if you’re traveling with family or friends and want to stay together in one place. The villa has three bedrooms, a living area and a kitchen, so it gives you more privacy and flexibility during your stay.
It works well for groups who prefer a more informal setup and want space to relax together between trips around Solo.
House in Surakarta
House in Surakarta is another private-stay option for families or small groups. It has three bedrooms, air conditioning, a living area, a kitchen with a refrigerator and electric kettle, and two bathrooms.
This can be useful if you plan to prepare some of your own food or want more shared space than a regular hotel room. Just keep in mind that this place does not provide Wi-Fi.
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