Hotel CIQ @ Wong Ah Fook

The hotel's most notable feature is its strategic location, offering unparalleled access to downtown attractions and transit hubs, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and transit travelers seeking convenience. Its proximity to the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) checkpoint is a significant advantage for those traveling to and from Singapore, while its position directly opposite a police station provides a sense of security. The hotel primarily caters to budget-conscious travelers and those looking for a short stay or a quick rest, often for one or two people. While guests appreciate the hotel's value, recurring feedback highlights issues with room cleanliness and noise. To ensure a smoother experience, guests are advised to document room conditions upon check-in and be prepared for a cash security deposit and a non-refundable tourist tax.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides basic amenities for a no-frills stay, including toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, and toothbrushes with toothpaste. Guests will find drinking water and a kettle in their rooms, with an iron available upon request. An elevator is present for convenience, and free Wi-Fi is offered, though its reliability is mixed, with some guests reporting spotty connections or inability to connect. However, many common hotel features are absent; there is no hair dryer, refrigerator, or wardrobe in the rooms. Storage is limited, as there are no hangers or proper places to put luggage. The television experience is often disappointing, with reports of only one channel, blurry pictures, or non-functional sets, and a lack of English channels.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly mixed, with many guests expressing significant dissatisfaction. While some found their rooms to be surprisingly clean and well-maintained for a budget hotel, a substantial number reported issues such as smelly rooms and towels, stained bedsheets and towels, and general dirtiness in the rooms and bathrooms, including mouldy toilets and dusty surfaces. Several alarming reviews mentioned the presence of mites, bed bugs, insects, and cockroaches, leading to uncomfortable and itchy nights. Room size is generally described as small, and soundproofing is a major concern, with noise levels from adjacent rooms, neighbors, and ongoing construction being highly disruptive. Other issues include slow water pressure, non-functional or noisy air conditioning, uneven mattresses, soft pillows, and a lack of hot water or difficulty calibrating its temperature in the shower.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, offering exceptional accessibility to numerous points of interest. It is ideally situated within walking distance of major attractions such as City Square shopping mall, Komtar, and the vibrant Pasar Karat night market. Its close proximity to the Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) checkpoint and JB Sentral train station makes it highly convenient for travelers commuting to and from Singapore. Guests also appreciate the abundance of eateries and hipster cafes in the immediate vicinity, providing diverse dining options. While the location is praised for its convenience, some guests noted that the surrounding area can be noisy due to ongoing road repair works and nearby nightlife. Parking is not directly provided by the hotel but is available at nearby lots for a fee, typically around RM15-RM20 per day.

Staff & Service
Guest feedback regarding staff and service is notably polarized, with a significant number of negative experiences reported. While some guests found the staff friendly, helpful, and accommodating, particularly during check-in or when addressing specific requests like providing an iron, many reviews describe the reception staff as rude, unhelpful, and lacking basic manners. Instances of unprofessional service include staff being absent from the counter, making inappropriate comments, or being dismissive of guest concerns. The check-in process itself can be inconsistent, with some guests experiencing quick service while others faced delays or issues with room readiness. There are also reports of staff being unwilling to provide basic amenities like mineral water without extra payment or refusing to acknowledge pre-booked late check-out requests, leading to considerable frustration among guests.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important hotel policies and unique aspects that impact their stay. A security deposit of RM100 is required in cash upon check-in, which is refundable upon departure, though some guests reported difficulties in getting it back due to alleged room damages. Additionally, a non-refundable tourist tax of RM10 per night is collected. The official check-in time is 3 PM, which can be rigid even if the hotel's advertising states an earlier time. While late check-out is sometimes available for an extra fee, its availability is not guaranteed. Some rooms are connecting rooms, which can lead to significant noise transfer and a feeling of insecurity due to unsecured doors. Guests have also reported issues with power outages and leaking ceilings in certain areas, as well as the unusual practice of bedsheets being stored in bags outside the lift area.