Hotel Shangri-la Kota Kinabalu

The hotel is widely recognized for offering excellent value for money in a central location, making it a practical choice for visitors to Kota Kinabalu. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's consistent cleanliness, the comfort of its rooms, and the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff as key aspects of their positive experience. Its strategic position allows for easy access to various city attractions, contributing significantly to a convenient stay. This makes it particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers who appreciate proximity to key areas, as well as families and couples seeking a comfortable and accessible base for exploring the city. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room away from the main road if you are sensitive to noise, and explore the diverse local dining options available nearby for a broader culinary adventure.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests appreciate the hotel's practical facilities, which contribute to a convenient stay. The availability of Wi-Fi is noted, though some guests experienced inconsistent or slow connections, particularly in corner rooms. The hotel provides essential in-room amenities such as an iron and ironing board, a fridge, and a kettle, enhancing guest comfort. For added convenience, there is a launderette and an ATM on-site, along with Netflix in some rooms for entertainment. The presence of an elevator ensures easy access for all guests, including those with mobility needs. However, it is important to note that the hotel does not feature a swimming pool or an outside leisure area, which some guests mentioned as a missing amenity.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, noting that rooms are well-maintained and spotless, with housekeeping receiving frequent commendation for their thoroughness. The spacious rooms and large bathrooms, often equipped with a bathtub, contribute to a comfortable stay. While many find the beds comfortable, some reviews mention that mattresses can be either too soft or too firm, and towels are occasionally not very absorbent. A recurring issue is the air conditioning, which some guests found to be either too cold and uncontrollable, or not effective enough, with reports of older units. Noise can be a concern, particularly street noise for rooms facing the main road, and occasional corridor noise due to less-than-perfect soundproofing. Some guests also noted the dated decor and older televisions.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet is a significant highlight for many guests, often described as satisfying and offering a good variety of both local and Western dishes, including an egg station. The local coffee served at breakfast receives positive mentions. While the buffet is generally well-regarded for its selection and value, some guests found the overall food quality to be mixed, with a few suggesting that dining outside the hotel might offer better options, especially for specific items like iced Milo. There are mentions of popular items like bread and butter pudding being available. Most guests find the breakfast to be a convenient and enjoyable start to their day, despite occasional comments about slow refills during peak times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly central location, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring Kota Kinabalu. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance to numerous attractions, including the waterfront, Gaya Street, various markets (such as the night and Sunday markets), and a wide array of restaurants and convenience stores. It is also noted for its proximity to shopping malls and the mini van area for broader travel. The hotel offers its own parking area, which is generally described as ample and secure, a significant advantage for guests who drive. While the location is praised for accessibility, some guests mention that rooms facing the main road can experience street noise, and a few isolated comments touch upon the surrounding area feeling less safe at night, though this is not a widespread concern.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, significantly contributing to a positive guest experience. Guests frequently commend the quick check-in process and the staff's willingness to assist with various requests, from booking transportation to addressing room issues promptly, even late at night. Housekeeping is particularly highlighted for its exceptional service, with many guests noting the meticulous cleanliness, thoughtful touches like towel art, and handwritten notes that personalize the stay. Room service is also described as prompt and efficient, ensuring guest needs are met swiftly. The overall impression is one of warm hospitality, with staff members making guests feel welcome and valued throughout their stay, from arrival to departure.

Additional Information
While the hotel is recognized as an older establishment, guests frequently note that it is remarkably well-maintained and offers good value for money. A common point of feedback is the absence of an in-room safe, which some guests found inconvenient for securing valuables. The hotel's air conditioning system is centrally controlled, meaning guests cannot adjust the temperature directly from their rooms, often leading to rooms being too cold or requiring staff intervention for adjustments. Some guests experienced issues with the Wi-Fi connection being unreliable or slow, particularly in certain areas of the hotel. There were also isolated comments regarding the hotel's deposit policy, with some guests reporting delays in receiving refunds after checkout.