Smiley's Homestay

We stayed at Smiley's homestay for three nights and we easily would have stayed longer. The family is incredibly nice, the room was super cosy, the bed really comfortable, the bathroom big enough that not everything was wet after a shower and we had a big balcony for ourselves. Cecilia's food - breakfast and dinner - was some of the best food we had in our 10 months traveling around Asia. We also did a tour (volcano and hot springs) with Smiley and his nephew which we also enjoyed a lot:) But even if you just stay at their place, it's nice to see their harmonious family dynamic and - of course - to cuddle their furry family members :)

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The family room is spacious and while beds are simple it has a private bathroom with warm shower. Cecilia, our host as Smiley was away, was amazing! She took us on a hike for a sunrise view of surroundings and the volcanoes. Plus she cooked one of the best meals of our vacation! Would stay again anytime!!!

Smiley and Cecilia are the nicest hosts we had in Indonesia. We felt really much at home and they cared a lot after our 2 girls for 3 days. He guided us to the volcano for the sunrise and he took us to very secret spots in the crater. She is an excellent cook so I really recommend to have dinner and breakfast there too. We could even cook dinner with her. They are both very happy to share about their culture and country, we learned a lot about Batak people with them.

We can hear a bit the road but the traffic is low

This was one of the best homestays we have encountered during our South-East Asia trip. Cecilia and Smiley are so welcoming and friendly. There are comfortable beds in the room, and a nice hot shower. But this is not why the accomodation is so great: Smiley is a great tour guide and will happily take you around Berastagi and the surrounding area, showing you off the beaten path-villages and sights. He is very knowledgable about local culture and nature. Besides this, the food cooked by Cecilia is absolutely phenomenal, she is a fantastic chef and uses many of the local ingredients that Berestagi has to offer, except from flour, which she buys from abroad and bakes the most delicious home made bread with. Can't recommend this place enough!!! If you stay here, stay at least a couple of nights.

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By far the best Homestay I've used during a month travelling Indonesia. The owner Smiley is such a character, fantastic conversation and such an experiences, knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide for our trek up Gunung Sibayak and surrounding areas. And the food was quite simply the best I've had in Indinesi. Home-coojed, varied and eat as much as you like. Wonderful. Super thick comfy mattress, warm blanket (which you need in Berastagi). Hot shower. Friendly pet dogs. And chess set too. Buy a very long measure, the best and friendliest accommodation I've had in Indonesia. Thank you so much.

More expensive than my budget usually allows, but sometimes you need to appreciate quality over the cost, and this was one of those occasions. The Volcano trek was amazing, Smiley had so much knowledge, which I really don't think you'd get from other guides.

Great care and very friendly people teaching me a lot about Berestagi and the surrounding area.

Great location, very clean, motorbike rental, laundry service, breakfast. But most of all the kindness and devotion of the host. She help us organise our bus trip from Berastagi to Toba Lake, called the taxi for us, booked for us a very nice accommodation in Tuk Tuk. Perfect Host!

Hosts are very lovely. Full of stories. They are also very musical. So do not hesitate to start making music together. They also know they way around Berastagi very well and can provide you with transportation if needed. Our girl turned 10 while we were there and due to the homemade birthday cake this day will never be forgotten :)

I had the best time at Smileys Home Stay. Smiley and his wife Sevilla are very friendly and helpful. The room is all that you need: spacious beds with clean sheets and bathroom with hot water. In the mornings, Secilia made delicious breakfast: pancakes and toast with avocado and eggs. Note that Secilia also offers cooking classes which are very fun to do!! You learn about the fresh ingredients, cook several dishes together and afterwards we ate with the whole family together. An amazing experience! As most people visit berastagi for the Vulcano, it’s good to know that Smiley is the best tour guide there is to take you on the hike. He knows a lot about the nature and can show you all the beautiful places of the vulcano. Next to the vulcano, you go to the local market, fruit market and hike around in the area of the home stay. Smiley and Secilia gave me good advice and helped me arrange transport to my next restaurant. I would definitely recommend a visit to the home stay, to do the cooking class and to visit the vulcano. All in all a wonderful experience!

Nothing to dislike. Good price-quality ratio as well!