The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

This hotel offers a truly transformative experience, having undergone extensive renovations that have imbued it with a fresh, elegant, and almost regal ambiance, making it a memorable stay for many. Its signature feature is this blend of modern comfort with a classic, "palace" feel, all set within a peaceful, natural environment. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's exceptional cleanliness, the comfort of its rooms, and the genuinely friendly and attentive staff. It is an ideal choice for families seeking a relaxing getaway with excellent pool facilities, couples desiring a serene and romantic escape, and leisure travelers looking for a tranquil retreat from city life. To maximize your enjoyment, consider utilizing ride-sharing services for convenient city access, and be sure to explore the newly refurbished areas of the hotel.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts a range of well-received facilities designed for guest comfort and enjoyment. The swimming pool is a major highlight, consistently praised as large, clean, and particularly popular with children, often featuring floaters, pool towels, sun chairs, and umbrellas. A dedicated kids' pool is also available, and a pool bar offers refreshments. For fitness enthusiasts, the gym is well-equipped and spacious, providing everything needed for a good workout. Guests can also indulge at the spa, which offers a relaxing experience with massages and discounts for in-house guests. Complimentary parking is ample and easily accessible, providing peace of mind for those with vehicles. While Wi-Fi is generally good, some guests experienced intermittent connectivity, particularly on higher floors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently commend the hotel's commitment to cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless, immaculately clean, and well-maintained. The rooms themselves are frequently praised for being spacious, comfortable, and beautifully designed, reflecting the recent renovations with modern, stylish decor and bright, fresh aesthetics. Many appreciate the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that ensure a restful night's sleep. In-room amenities include smart TVs with streaming access, mini bars, and distilled water. The bathrooms are modern and well-designed, though some isolated comments mentioned minor staining or slippery floors. A recurring issue noted by several guests is the intermittent hot water and low water pressure, sometimes attributed to the hot water tank's location. While generally quiet, some reviews mentioned soundproofing could be improved, with occasional noise from adjacent rooms or external air-conditioning units.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience receives largely positive feedback, with the breakfast buffet being a particular highlight. Guests describe it as delicious, varied, and offering a broad selection of options, though some found the choices to be basic or noted slow refilling of hot food items. The Tangerine Restaurant is frequently mentioned for its tasty and beautifully presented food, including local dishes, and its cozy atmosphere. Many guests enjoyed the Ramadan buffet, which was highly recommended for its quality and variety. While the main restaurant was undergoing renovations during some stays, a temporary location was provided. The bar area also offers a pleasant spot for drinks and snacks. Overall, the food quality is considered good, contributing positively to the guest experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is characterized by its unique blend of tranquility and accessibility. Situated on a hill, it offers a peaceful and quiet retreat, surrounded by lush greenery and providing a serene escape from the city's hustle. Despite its secluded feel, it remains conveniently close to the city centre, typically a 10 to 20-minute walk or a short drive away. Guests find it easy to access popular attractions like Gaya Street and shopping malls such as Imago and Suria Shopping Mall via ride-sharing services, which are readily available and affordable. The hotel also benefits from ample and complimentary parking, a significant advantage for those with their own transportation. Furthermore, it is only a 15 to 20-minute drive from the airport, making arrivals and departures convenient.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their exceptional service, frequently described as incredibly friendly, warm, welcoming, and attentive. Guests highlight their professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay. The check-in process is noted as quick, efficient, and smooth, with staff often accommodating early arrivals when rooms are ready. Housekeeping is commended for its promptness and for maintaining clean rooms. Specific mentions include helpful bellboys, friendly security personnel, and attentive restaurant staff who contribute to a positive dining experience. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated comments mentioned minor communication issues or slow responses to specific requests. Overall, the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction is a recurring theme in reviews.

Additional Information
The hotel is undergoing an incremental renovation process, with various areas like the lobby, rooms, and restaurant being updated in stages. While this occasionally impacts amenities like elevator availability (with only one lift sometimes in operation), guests generally report minimal disruption from construction noise. The hotel offers private event rooms, including a beautifully refurbished Gold Room, suitable for gatherings. Guests appreciate the hotel's value for money, finding it affordable given the quality of the accommodations and services. Many reviews express a strong desire to return, with some guests being loyal patrons for over a decade, underscoring the hotel's ability to foster long-term satisfaction.