I almost did not push through with my last trip to Kota Kinabalu, since I had already gone earlier in the year for an impromptu trip. But rather than being bored at home, I decided to push through at the last minute and planned to have a light itinerary—like just going around the city to shop and eat. I knew I’d be spending lots of time in the hotel, so I went with the five-star Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.
Located by Kota Kinabalu’s famous waterfront, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is right smack in the middle of action—it’s near the city’s highlights like the Filipino Market, the Sinsuran Night Market, Gaya Street, and Jesselton Point (for trips going to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park). For places further afield, Uber and GrabCar are easy to summon and affordable too.
As I saw the hotel’s ostentations lobby and furnishing, I thought it was a classic—but by no means do I mean that it seemed old. Actually, I thought the hotel was maintained well.
I stayed in a Regency Club Room, which had a splendid view of the waterfront. It was spacious and smartly laid out, and its color scheme and décor were easy on the eyes.
The room, as expected of a five-star Hyatt Regency property, covered everything every business and leisure traveler would need—from the cozy king bed with a luxurious duvet and feather pillows to the media hub and LED TV. The immaculate bathroom had an awesome rain shower and toiletries by Portico Spa.
Since again, I was staying in a Regency Club Room, I had access to the hotel’s executive lounge, an elegantly-appointed space that serves breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and all-day refreshments. During the evening cocktails, I definitely enjoyed the spread, which consisted of hot and cold dishes, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a great selection of beverages.
I also tried the breakfast at Tanjung Ria Kitchen, an open-kitchen buffet restaurant with an attractive contemporary design. The five-star morning spread consisted of an extensive variety of Malaysian, Asian, and Western dishes.
Although I spent most of my time at the hotel in my room, I was able to check out the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool, fully-equipped fitness center, spa, and state-of-the-art MICE facilities.
WHY STAY THERE?
- Its location in Kota Kinabalu’s downtown is unbeatable.
- Rooms are well-maintained, well-appointed, and attractively decorated.
- Nightly rates at the hotel are surprisingly affordable for a five-star hotel.
HYATT REGENCY KINABALU
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 88 22 1234
Email: kinabalu.regency@hyatt.com
Website: kinabalu.regency.hyatt.com
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