Big Banana Hotel, Sg Petani

The hotel offers a memorable stay, particularly noted for its unique pantry area on each floor, providing complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits, which many guests found to be a thoughtful and convenient amenity. Its strategic location in the heart of a vibrant area, surrounded by numerous eateries and shops, makes it an excellent choice for food enthusiasts and sightseers eager to explore local culinary delights and attractions. The hotel is also well-suited for families due to its often spacious rooms and for budget travelers seeking affordable yet comfortable accommodation with added value. Guests frequently highlight the overall cleanliness and the friendly demeanor of the staff. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to check the room's air conditioning and TV functionality upon arrival, as some guests experienced minor issues, and be mindful that certain areas can be noisy at night.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently appreciate the convenience of the pantry area located on each floor, which offers free tea, coffee, and biscuits, along with a water dispenser and a shared fridge for guest use. This thoughtful amenity is a recurring positive point. An ironing board and iron are also available in this common area, adding to guest convenience. While some guests found the TV in their rooms to have many clear channels, others reported issues with no signal or limited channels during their stay. Feedback on lighting was mixed, with some finding the general areas, particularly near the lift, to be too dim, while others found the room lighting sufficient. Similarly, the air conditioning received varied comments, with some rooms reported as not cooling effectively, though many found it adequate.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be spacious, particularly suitable for families, and praised the comfortable beds and soft pillows which contributed to a restful sleep. The towels were generally described as clean, and basic toiletries like bottled water, soap, shampoo, and toothbrushes were provided. However, some reviews noted issues with cleanliness, mentioning dirty or dusty toilet tiles, oily floors, and even stained bedsheets. The bathroom itself received mixed comments, often described as small, old-looking, or lacking space for hanging clothes, with some specific issues like a malfunctioning bidet or a door that couldn't lock. Noise levels were a concern for some, with reports of thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms, outside motorcycles, or even air conditioning compressors to be heard, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast offerings received mixed but generally positive feedback, often described as simple yet delicious, featuring local dishes like nasi lemak, roti canai, eggs, and bread. Guests appreciated the availability of free tea, coffee, and biscuits in the pantry area, which supplemented the breakfast. However, some guests noted that the breakfast options were limited, and occasionally the food, such as the roti canai, was served cold. Concerns were raised by a few guests regarding the cleanliness of the cafeteria, with reports of unkempt serving areas, dirty utensils, and messy tables, which detracted from the dining experience. Despite these points, many found the breakfast to be good value and suitable for the price, providing a convenient start to the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly strategic location, consistently highlighted by guests as a major advantage. It is conveniently situated near a plethora of cafes and eateries, offering abundant food choices, including many Chinese food options. Guests appreciate its proximity to local shopping areas, a night market, and even a cinema within walking distance, making it easy to explore the surroundings. While some rooms offer a river view, a few guests noted that tall trees now obstruct this scenic outlook. Parking is a significant positive, with free parking available, though it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and the main lot can sometimes be full. There were mentions of a less secure, farther parking option. Some guests noted the surrounding area could be noisy at night due to local activity.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the staff as superb, attentive, and accommodating. The check-in and check-out processes are frequently described as fast and efficient, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to address concerns, such as promptly changing bedsheets upon request. One notable instance of exceptional service included an ancillary staff member driving a guest to the station when taxis were difficult to contact, demonstrating a commitment to guest satisfaction. Overall, the staff's polite and welcoming demeanor is a recurring theme, making guests feel valued and well-cared for throughout their stay.

Additional Information
The hotel is often described as having a unique boutique concept and design, which many guests find appealing and aesthetically pleasing, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere, particularly in the lobby area which is noted for its fresh scent. It is consistently noted for its affordable price, offering good value for the amenities and strategic location provided, making it a popular choice for repeat stays. A specific policy mentioned is that ironing needs to be done outside the room in the common pantry area, which some guests found to be a minor inconvenience, though the availability of the facility was appreciated. The hotel also offers a late check-out option for an hourly charge, providing flexibility for guests' travel plans. While the hotel provides basic toiletries, some guests noted the bath soap provided was quite small. The presence of an ECO Shop downstairs is a convenient feature for quick shopping needs, adding to the overall convenience of the stay.