Borneo Royale Hotel

The hotel's most notable feature is its strategic location, directly connected to a shopping mall and within easy reach of the city center and local eateries. This makes it a convenient choice for business travelers and those on a short trip or vacation who prioritize accessibility to amenities and dining options. While many guests appreciate the friendly staff and the tasty breakfast, a significant recurring theme is the hotel's age and the pressing need for refurbishment and improved cleanliness. The property is often described as dated, with many facilities showing signs of wear. For guests considering a stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding the hotel's current condition and be prepared for potential inconsistencies in room quality. Utilizing the direct mall access for shopping and dining is a key advantage.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find some of the hotel's facilities convenient, including a 24-hour convenience store located in the lobby, which is useful for quick purchases. The hotel also features a gym, jacuzzi, and sauna, though some reviews indicate these wellness facilities may occasionally be out of order or in need of maintenance. While Wi-Fi is available, many guests report issues with its speed and reliability, making it challenging for work or streaming. In-room amenities generally include a fridge, and guests often praise the good water pressure in the showers. However, a common complaint is the lack of an iron in the room, requiring guests to request one and sometimes face long waits. The overall sentiment suggests that while some basic amenities are present, many are showing their age or are not consistently functional.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed, though predominantly negative. While some guests describe their rooms as spacious and appreciate the comfortable beds and hot water, a significant number report issues with the overall upkeep. Common complaints include stained carpets, worn bed sheets that appear yellowish or greyish, and the presence of odors, sometimes masked by strong perfumes. Many bathrooms are described as poorly maintained, with issues such as leaking showers, clogged sinks, broken flushes, and visible mold. In-room amenities like televisions are frequently cited as old, non-functional, or lacking channels, and air conditioning can be inconsistent, sometimes not cooling effectively or having visible moss. Guests also note the absence of standard items like slippers, face towels, or working in-room phones, often requiring requests for basic necessities.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast generally receives positive remarks, with many guests highlighting its variety and food quality. The spread often includes a good selection of local, oriental, and English options, making it a satisfying start to the day for most visitors. Guests appreciate the taste and the range of choices available at the hotel's restaurant, often finding the food to be tasty and reasonably priced. However, some reviews mention that the breakfast offerings have seen a decline in variety compared to previous visits, with a few noting limited choices or issues with food seasoning. Despite these occasional criticisms, the overall sentiment regarding the dining experience, particularly breakfast, remains largely favorable, with many finding the food to be enjoyable and a good value.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's strategic location is consistently praised as one of its strongest assets. Situated in the town center, it offers direct access to a shopping mall, making it highly convenient for guests. Many eateries are within walking distance, and a night market is also easily accessible nearby. This central position allows for easy exploration of the city and provides ample dining and shopping opportunities without needing to travel far. While the hotel's proximity to key areas is a major draw, parking is frequently cited as a significant challenge. Guests report limited and risky parking options, with many spaces reserved or poorly lit, and some finding valet services to be expensive. Despite the parking concerns, the hotel's prime location remains a key factor for many choosing to stay.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Many guests highlight the welcoming and pleasant demeanor of the team, noting their efforts to provide good customer service. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient. Staff are generally seen as attentive and willing to accommodate requests, contributing positively to the guest experience. However, while the staff's attitude is commendable, their responsiveness to issues is sometimes a point of concern. Guests report delays in receiving requested items like irons or towels, and slow responses to maintenance requests for issues such as non-functional air conditioning or broken in-room phones. Despite these operational challenges, the staff's positive attitude is a recurring highlight in guest feedback.

Additional Information
A pervasive theme across reviews is that the hotel is an old property in significant need of refurbishment and comprehensive maintenance. Many guests feel the hotel has been poorly maintained over the years, leading to a decline in its perceived star rating. Specific issues related to its age include limited lift functionality, with reports of only one or two lifts working at a time and concerns about their safety. Guests also frequently mention the absence of certain in-room amenities as standard, such as slippers, face towels, or functional in-room phones, requiring constant requests from the front desk. The overall impression is that while the hotel has potential due to its location and staff, its aging infrastructure significantly impacts the guest experience.