While planning our Malaysia trip we also wanted to return to Kota
Kinabalu, short KK, on the island of Borneo, where we had stayed four
years ago at the Hyatt Regency. We
thought this time around we wanted to try the Le Meridien, situated in
the heart of KK and stayed twice for two nights each - before and after
our trip to Miri, also in Borneo, in the state of Sarawak, while KK is
located in Sabah. We are members of Starwood's Preferred Guest program
and used points on both occasions.
Our flight with Malaysia
Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu was eventless. In the
arrivals hall we bought a taxi voucher to our hotel. It cost 30 MYR (ca.
6.95 Euro or ca. 9.40 USD).
At the hotel the car doors were
opened for us and we were warmly welcomed. The gentleman at reception
was friendly and efficient. He assigned us a nice room on the top floor.
It was in good condition, but showed some wear and tear.
Our
room was very large with city views. The color scheme was brown, gold,
beige and red. The furniture was comfortable and classic in style with a
large king sized bed, comfortable chairs, wardrobe
and a large writing desk. There was also a mini bar and 24 hours in
room dining available. The TV was too small. The channel selection was
good with regional and international channels.
The large bath
room had a separate bath tub and shower, a sink, a mix of Cinque Montes
& Le Meridien own branded amenities, a toilet and bidet.
We enjoyed the room very much and the bath room was also to our liking.
We
had visited the hotel for cakes and coffee, when we stayed at the Hyatt
Regency for years ago and saw some changes in the public spaces. The
Circle Restaurant is smaller now and the lobby ceiling is traditional
Malaysian. The gift shop and reception are still to the left. There is
also a tour desk in the lobby. More about that later.
The Le Meridien also has the Lounge, Flame, a steak house and the Solace Spa.
During
both our stays we used in room dining. Wines per glass started from 28
MYR (ca. 6.50 Euro or ca. 8.75
USD) or a bottle from 150 MYR (ca. 34.70 Euro or ca. 46.85 USD),
starters from 22 MYR (ca. 5.10 Euro or ca. 6.90 USD) and mains range
from 30 MYR to 90 MYR (from ca. 6.95 Euro to 20.85 Euro or ca. 9.40 USD
to 28.10 USD).
We had a la carte breakfast incl. for example
pancakes and French Toast, juice and milk for 101 MYR (ca. 23.40 Euro or
ca. 31.55 USD) or dinners, like Spaghetti Bolognese, Nasi Goreng and
Hainan Chicken. It was never more expensive than 140 MYR (ca. 32.40 Euro
or ca. 43.75 USD). The service was always prompt and friendly.
During
our first stay we were also invited to the management party. I went
alone, because my better half wasn't feeling well enough to go. I
attended very short, trying the delicious snacks and drinks. Everyone
seemed to know everyone, so I felt a bit left out and lonely. Next time
either both of us are going or I'm going to give it a pass.
When
we checked in the second time around we were
surprised we didn't hear anything like: "Welcome back." It had been
only three days earlier that we had checked out. The receptionist tried
to sell us upgrades to breakfast or club lounge access.
We refused politely. The experience left a slightly bitter taste.
Our
room on the 9th floor had roughly the same size and set up as the one
on the 12th floor. It had less storage space, showed more wear and tear,
but had a larger shower cubicle. Overall it was as comfortable as the
other room with the same view over the city.
We wanted to book a
city tour with the tour operator in the lobby. At other hotels, for
example the Miri Marriott, the Napasai Koh Samui, Thailand or Kempinski
Ajman, United Arab Emirates, we could easily charge tours to the hotel
room, but payment was immediately required here, so a bit disappointed
we went upstairs again to get cash. The city tour was 100 MYR per person
(ca. 23.15 Euro or ca. 31.25
USD).
The tour itself was great. We had a driver and a guide for
ourselves. We saw the Menara Tun Mustafa, the Atkins Clock Tower, the
Sabah Museum, a Buddhist temple, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and many
other things. We learned a lot and Jessel, our guide, was a good source
of information about the history of the island and own experiences
growing up and living in Sabah.
Check out was a pleasant experience. It was fast, efficient and friendly.
Overall
we enjoyed staying at the hotel, because the food is high quality, the
rooms comfortable and the staff friendly. We have also heard of
renovation plans.
We would have only wished we would have
received some form of recognition for staying a second time within in a
few days at the property and think it would be more convenient for other
guests as well to be able to charge any tour bookings to the room.
We would stay here again, but not during our next visit to KK, because
we would like to experience other hotels in the area and even try the Hyatt Regency KK again too.
©2014
