HOTEL CIQ, JALAN TRUS

This hotel is primarily recognized for its prime location, offering unparalleled convenience for travelers due to its direct proximity to the customs checkpoint and major shopping centers. It is an ideal choice for short-term travelers and budget-conscious individuals seeking affordability and easy access to the city's attractions. Sightseers and shoppers will find the hotel's position highly advantageous for exploring the area. While many guests appreciate the friendly staff and the hotel's overall value, feedback is notably mixed regarding room cleanliness and noise levels. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests who are light sleepers should consider requesting a room that faces the hotel's interior rather than the street, and bringing earplugs is highly recommended.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential facilities for a convenient stay, including a water dispenser located in the corridor for guests to refill their water bottles. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests have reported it to be weak or intermittent, often requiring frequent re-login. Rooms are equipped with an electric kettle and a mini fridge, though the latter is frequently noted as not being cold. Guests should be aware that hairdryers are not standard in rooms and must be requested from the front desk. The hotel's lobby features a modernized design with a vintage feel, including unique decor like a retro trishaw and antique furniture, contributing to a cozy ambiance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied. Many guests have reported significant issues, including stains on quilts, pillows, and towels, a pervasive mouldy smell, and visible black stains in bathrooms and on walls. Some reviews also mention the presence of ants or even small cockroaches. Rooms are generally described as small or tiny, though some find them sufficient for short stays. While some guests praise the comfortable beds and firm mattresses, others find them hard. A major recurring concern is noise, with many guests experiencing disturbances from thin walls, allowing sounds from conversations, footsteps, door slamming, and street noise to penetrate rooms. The air conditioning is generally effective but can be noisy or emit dust. Bathrooms often lack a shower screen or partition, leading to wet floors after showering.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most significant advantage, making it highly convenient for guests. It is within easy walking distance of the customs checkpoint (CIQ), City Square Mall, Komtar JBCC, and Zenith Mall, providing immediate access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel is also close to various eateries and the vibrant Jalan Dhoby area. Its proximity to public transport hubs further enhances accessibility. However, guests should note that parking is not free and can be expensive, with charges typically applied per day. Some guests have also mentioned that the immediate surrounding area can be noisy due to traffic and nearby establishments.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives positive feedback for their friendliness, helpfulness, and courteous demeanor. Many guests appreciate the quick check-in and check-out processes, as well as the staff's willingness to assist with requests, such as providing hairdryers or helping with Grab bookings. Some specific instances of exceptional service, like staff assisting guests with mobility challenges, have been highlighted. However, a few guests have reported isolated negative experiences, including issues with staff attitude when handling complaints or specific requests, and concerns regarding the handling of personal belongings during room cleaning.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that a refundable cash deposit of RM100 is required upon check-in. The hotel charges a surcharge for early check-in or late check-out, typically RM10 per hour. There is also a charge for extra towels. A significant recurring issue mentioned by guests is the hotel's policy of charging for bed sheet stains, with fees ranging from RM30 to RM50, which has caused considerable dissatisfaction. Rooms are not cleaned daily unless specifically requested at the front desk. Some rooms, particularly those in the basement, lack windows, and some rooms have windows that face the corridor, potentially impacting privacy. The hotel's interior features a distinct vintage and cultural decor, which many guests find appealing.