Gaya Centre Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its unparalleled central location, directly opposite a major shopping mall and within easy walking distance to key city attractions and transport hubs. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the overall cleanliness, and the comfortable accommodations, all offering excellent value. It is an ideal choice for sightseers and shoppers due to its proximity to retail and dining options, while island hoppers will appreciate the short walk to the ferry terminal. Solo travelers often feel safe and well-cared for, and its convenience makes it suitable for transit travelers, couples, and families exploring the city. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor or with a sea view to mitigate potential street noise, and be mindful of the limited and paid parking options if you are driving.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, including reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, though some guests on higher floors noted it could be weak. Each room is equipped with an iron and hairdryer, along with a mini fridge for convenience. The elevators are described as spacious and bright, contributing to a pleasant experience. However, some guests expressed disappointment regarding the absence of a swimming pool and a gymnasium. While mineral water is provided, some found the quantity limited. A few guests mentioned that the TVs are somewhat dated, and some bathrooms lack an exhaust fan, bathtub, or sufficient hooks for towels. Additionally, some found the provision of only one key card to be inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many praising the comfortable beds that ensure a restful sleep. Several rooms offer appealing sea views or town views, enhancing the overall ambiance. However, a recurring comment is about the lighting in the rooms, which many found to be too dark, particularly near the bed, lacking sufficient illumination for reading or working. Despite the hotel being described as old or dated in its interior design, most guests accept this given the value. Noise can be an issue, with reports of street noise, motorbikes, and even planes flying over, especially on lower floors or street-facing rooms. Some bathrooms showed signs of mildew, rusting in the shower area, or had a persistent damp smell, with occasional issues like a clogged shower floor trap or flooding during use.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast offered at the hotel consistently receives positive feedback, described as simple yet satisfying, with a good variety of options. Guests appreciate the pleasant view from the dining area. The buffet typically includes a mix of Western and Asian dishes, such as noodles, fried rice, salads, porridge, bread, fresh fruits, and desserts. A selection of coffee, tea, and other beverages is also available. While some dishes were noted as average, many were found to be delicious, and the rotating menu helps keep the experience fresh throughout longer stays. The seating area is spacious and comfortable, providing a pleasant start to the day. However, some guests mentioned the breakfast menu could feel repetitive over several days, and a few noted a lack of dedicated vegetarian or vegan options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's strategic location is its most celebrated feature, placing guests directly opposite Suria Sabah Mall, which offers extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It is also conveniently located near Jesselton Terminal, making it ideal for those planning island hopping excursions. Guests can easily walk to Gaya Street for its vibrant morning and night markets, and the waterfront is nearby for scenic views. Numerous restaurants, food areas (including seafood and local stalls), and souvenir shops are within easy reach, making exploration effortless. While the central position is a major advantage, the surrounding area can experience traffic jams. Parking is a common concern, as it is limited, often requires a daily fee, and can be difficult to find, with some guests reporting issues with street parking fines.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional hospitality provided, noting that staff members are often seen smiling and are very approachable. The bellman service is particularly commended for being very attentive, assisting with luggage and even helping to manage the limited parking spaces. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and smooth, contributing to a hassle-free experience. Staff are often willing to accommodate requests, such as providing extra toiletries or facilitating early check-in when rooms are ready. The housekeeping staff and F&B staff also receive positive mentions for their service, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay for guests.

Additional Information
Despite being an old hotel, guests frequently note that it is remarkably well-maintained and offers good value for money. A specific policy mentioned by some guests is the provision of only one key card per room, which can be inconvenient for multiple occupants. The standard 3 PM check-in time was noted by some as being late, though early check-in is sometimes accommodated if a room is available. The hotel does not require a deposit upon arrival, which is appreciated by guests. It also promotes a sustainable living concept, encouraging guests to reuse towels rather than having them changed daily. However, some guests reported issues with the laundry service, where promised same-day delivery was not fulfilled, leading to inconvenience.