Kota Kinabalu's BEST Hotel? You WON'T Believe This Eminent Gem!
Kota Kinabalu's BEST Hotel? Hold My Teh Tarik! A Review That’s Actually Honest (and Maybe a Little Crazy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Kota Kinabalu, and I'm still buzzing. Forget the postcard clichés, I'm here to tell you about this hotel. The one they claim is Kota Kinabalu's BEST. (And yes, that's the official title, or something very close to it.)
So, is it worth the hype? Well… let's just say my bank account is nursing a small wound, and I’m currently fantasizing about a sleep-in. But did I have a good time? ABSOLUTELY.
Let's dive in, shall we? Be warned, this is not your typical sterile hotel review. This is me. Prepare for tangents.
First Impressions (aka, The Accessibility Gauntlet)
Okay, accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always looking out for friends and family who are. And honestly? This hotel mostly did pretty good. The main entrance was wide and welcoming, elevators were plentiful and, crucially, worked. Public areas seemed accessible, and I spotted accessible restrooms (important!). BUT… and there's always a but… I did see a few areas with potential challenges – a slightly steep ramp here, a door that might be a tad heavy there. It’s not perfectly seamless, but it's definitely better than some places I've stayed.
Accessibility Score: 7.5/10 (Room for Improvement, But a Solid Effort)
The Room: My Little Oasis (and Where Things Got REALLY Good)
Right, the room. I'm talking about the kind of room where you can actually relax. I stayed in a room with all the trimmings:
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (THANK GOD), alarm clock, bathrobes (yes!), bathroom phone (fancy!), bathtub (essential for soaking after a day of exploring), blackout curtains (bliss!), carpeting (slightly dated, but comfy), closet (massive), coffee/tea maker (important!), complimentary tea, daily housekeeping (spotless!), desk (I actually used it!), extra-long bed (I’m tall, so this was a HUGE win), free bottled water (always appreciated), hairdryer, high floor (amazing views!), in-room safe box, internet access (wireless), ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens (crisp!), mini bar (tempting!), mirror, non-smoking (praise!), on-demand movies (classic vacation treat), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature (all the usual stuff), satellite/cable channels, scale (yikes), seating area (perfect for collapsing in), separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed (genius!), sofa (comfortable), soundproofing (essential for a light sleeper like me), telephone, toiletries (nice touch!), towels, umbrella (important!), visual alarm (good for those who need it), wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and, finally, a window that opens (fresh air is underrated!).
Listen. I'm a sucker for a good robe. This thing? Plush. I basically lived in it for two days. The bed? Like sleeping on a cloud. The view from the high floor? Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, I’d wake up to the sun rising over the South China Sea, and for a few blissful moments, I felt like a bloody millionaire.
My Room Experience Score: 9/10 (Robe score alone was a 2!)
The Internet - Wi-Fi Woes and Wins!
Free Wi-Fi? Check! And it was pretty decent in the room, too. I managed to stream a movie without too much buffering (a minor miracle!). But… the Wi-Fi in the public areas was a bit spotty at times. I had to walk to different locations to get a good signal.
Internet Access Verdict: Mostly Good, with some "signal searching" required in public areas.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - And the Food Coma of Champions!
Oh, the food, the food! This is where things get REALLY interesting. The hotel boasted a plethora of options and I tried a good sampling of these.
- Restaurants: There were several options, each with its own vibe.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was HUGE. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast – you name it, they had it. I sampled everything: the nasi lemak, the continental pastries, the fruit, the eggs. I swear I put on five pounds just looking at the buffet.
- A la carte in restaurant: I enjoyed a lovely dinner at the main restaurant. Everything was delicious.
- Poolside bar: Cocktails by the pool? Yes. Absolutely yes. Happy hour was a must.
- Coffee shop: Coffee shop was perfect for a quick caffeine hit (although, I'm obsessed with teh tarik and had to get my fix elsewhere).
- Room service [24-hour]: After a long day, it was great.
The "Incident" (and the Vegetarian Restaurant): I tried the vegetarian restaurant. The food? Delicious! The service? A bit slow. But honestly, I was so relaxed and in vacation mode that I didn't even care. But. Here’s the thing. I did order a veggie burger. And after waiting a very, very long time it arrived. The problem? The burger… was not vegetarian. It had a beef patty. The look on my face must have been priceless! They apologized profusely. They were really apologetic and immediately fixed it. It's these little imperfections which prove a hotel is really 'alive'. It wasn't a deal-breaker, and in fact, made for a great story. Honestly, they handled it well, and everyone makes mistakes.
Food Coma Factor: 9/10 (Worth it. Absolutely worth it.)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and Avoiding the Tourist Traps
This hotel seems to know that you NEED to relax. Here are the amenities provided:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool was gorgeous. The view from the pool? Even better. Pool with a view? Absolutely.
- Fitness center: I meant to use the gym. I swear I did! But I spent most of my time eating and lounging.
- Spa: Yes. Just… yes. Body scrub? Check. Massage? Check. These were the best.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: I didn't use these as I'd spent the day walking.
- For the kids: Babysitting service? Check. Kids facilities? Check. Family/child friendly? Definitely.
As for avoiding the tourist traps… the concierge was amazing. He gave me some fantastic recommendations for local restaurants and markets away from the usual overcrowded spots. He definitely saved me from some touristy disasters!
Stuff to do and Staycation Report
- Things to do: A+
- Ways to relax: A+
- For the kids: A+
Cleanliness and Safety - Because We're Living Through Interesting Times
The hotel took hygiene seriously. Here's what I saw:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Check.
- Safe dining setup: Check.
I definitely felt safe and comfortable there.
Cleanliness and Safety Score: 9.5/10 (Very Impressed)
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Concierge: Excellent! See above.
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable.
- Elevator: Plenty of elevators and they all worked.
- Laundry service: Useful, especially since I managed to spill teh tarik all over myself.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Had some cool stuff.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always helpful.
Services and Conveniences Score: 8.5/10 (Solid, Reliable)
Getting Around - Your Escape Plan from Kota Kinabalu
- Airport transfer: Super convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Nice to have.
- Taxi service: Readily available.
Getting Around Score: 8/10 (Easy Peasy)
For the Kids (and Those Who Are Young at Heart)
The hotel was incredibly family-friendly. I saw kids having a blast at the pool and there was definitely a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
For the Kids Score: 9/10 (Happy Kids, Happy Parents)
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Honest Truth…
Okay, so the vegetarian burger incident. It wasn’t ideal and I was hangry, but it actually made the whole experience more memorable. It felt… real. The service overall was fantastic, especially the head of the front desk. And the staff were always friendly.
So, back to the big question: Is it the BEST hotel in Kota
Luxury 2-Bedroom Apartment with Majlis in Medina: Your Dream Stay Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your polished, perfectly-curated travel blog. This is the unfiltered, slightly-hungover reality of trying to navigate Kota Kinabalu and the Eminent Hotel. Let's GO.
Kota Kinabalu Chaos: My Eminent Hotel & Beyond - A Semi-Coherent Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Just Kidding…Mostly)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up in Kuala Lumpur. Realize I've packed precisely zero sunscreen. Panic. Buy some at the airport, inevitably overpriced.
- 9:00 AM: Flight to Kota Kinabalu. The promised "lush, tropical" views from the plane? Clouded over. Figures. I'm already envisioning sunburns, mosquito bites, and a general aura of sweaty despair.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). The humidity hits me like a wall. Instant regret about that long-sleeved shirt I thought was chic.
- 11:30 AM: Grab a Grab (thank god for Grab). The driver is blasting some bizarre Malaysian pop music. I don't understand a word, but the rhythm is… infectious. I may or may not have started tapping my foot.
- 12:30 PM: Arrive at the Eminent Hotel. Hmm. Not quite as "eminent" as I’d imagined. The lobby is… functional. The front desk guy’s wearing a slightly too-tight polo shirt. He seems nice enough, though. Check in. The room key card – a triumph of minimalist plastic – fails on the first try. Naturally.
- 1:00 PM: Room. Small. Cleanish. The aircon is working overtime, battling the swamp outside. The view? Not much to write home about, but there is a tiny gecko clinging to the wall outside my window. I name him Kevin. My first friend.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a nearby "cafe." Basically, a stall with plastic tables and questionable hygiene standards. But the noodles? Absolutely divine. This is the moment I remember why I travel - it's the chaotic, unexpected, "did I REALLY eat that?" moments.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the area. Walked around the waterfront, almost tripped over a stray dog. Saw a beautiful sunset (FINALLY!), but it was partially obscured by some… infrastructure.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a seafood restaurant recommended by Kevin (the gecko - he subtly pointed me in the direction of the best prawns). Fantastic. Paid way too much, probably. Worth it.
- 8:00 PM: Stroll back to the hotel. Realized I'd forgotten to buy water. Immediately regretted the aforementioned prawns.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse in bed. Send Kevin a text offering him a share of my noodles (he didn't reply).
Day 2: Island Fever & Lost in Translation
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Surprisingly, no mosquito bites! Victory!
- 8:00 AM: Grab breakfast. Buffet. Standard offerings, nothing to write home about. But the coffee? Surprisingly good.
- 9:00 AM: Boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Manukan Island, in particular). HOLY CROWDED. Packed like sardines on the boat. The sea is a stunning turquoise, though, and the sand is white as a bleached bone.
- 9:00:10 AM: I forgot my sunscreen – AGAIN! Starting to think this is a conspiracy with Kevin.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Snorkeling! Water is clear, saw some beautiful fish, even a couple of (tiny, non-threatening) sharks (it was actually amazing and I could have spent all day). The coral, though… a bit bleached. Apparently, climate change is a thing. The truth hurts, you know?
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the beach. Fried anything, generally swimming in oil. Ate it all. Because, holiday. Regretting the lack of sunscreen.
- 2:00 PM: Back on the boat, back to the mainland. The sun's gotten me. I feel like a ripe tomato.
- 3:00 PM: Afternoon nap at the Eminent. The aircon is now my best friend.
- 5:00 PM: Tried to order a taxi. Ended up with a man speaking exclusively in the local dialect and a very confusing hand gesture of "is this a fish?" He then drove me to a random market. I think I accidentally hired a tour guide - but the market was amazing, so… win?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Street food! I ordered something that tasted suspiciously like chicken. Delicious, but no idea what the sauce was. I suspect MSG overload.
- 8:00 PM: Wandering back through the waterfront. Another gorgeous sunset. Actually, I found a secluded spot by the water and just sat and watched it turn the whole sky purple and orange. It was magical. For about 10 minutes. Then the mosquitoes found me.
- 9:00 PM: More collapsing into bed. Vowing to buy ALL the insect repellent tomorrow. And sunscreen. And maybe learn a few basic phrases in Malay.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion (Or, At Least, Attempting It) & The Great Durian Dilemma
- 7:00 AM: Wake. Mild sunburn. Accept my fate.
- 8:00 AM: Visit Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. Beautiful architecture. Impressed with my (borrowed) headscarf and attire. Felt slightly awkward (and as if I’ve made a huge fashion faux pas), but respectful.
- 9:00 AM: Found a street-side stall selling a thing that looked liked pancake: “Apam Balik,” it seems. So good I ate three.
- 10:00 AM: Attempted to shop for souvenirs at a local market. Negotiating is hard work! I'm pretty sure I got ripped off, but I'm too tired to care. The smiles and the laughter make it all worth it.
- 12:00 PM The Great Durian Dilemma. I'd heard the stories. Smelly, polarizing… a fruit that's either heavenly or hellish. I'd been prepared to hate this thing! A local fruit seller insists I try one. I hesitate. The smell…it's… intense. Like gym socks and rotting onions. But the seller is smiling, so… I take a bite.
- The texture? Mushy, creamy, like overripe custard.
- The taste? It's… complicated. It’s sweet, savory, and strangely, umami-rich. It definitely smells worse than it tastes.
- My Verdict: I didn't fall in love, but I also didn't recoil in horror. Curiosity satisfied. Never again, though. Definitely not in the hotel room. (Apparently, that's a big no-no.)
- 1:00 PM: Post-durian detox. Needed a long, long shower. Multiple soap applications.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at a coffee shop. Had a "Teh Tarik" a sweet tea drink. Delicious.
- 3:00 PM: Walked around the waterfront. Sat on a bench. People-watched. The city is alive and vibrant. I think I'm starting to fall in love with this place, even with the heat!
- 4:00 PM: Tried to get a massage (needed one after negotiating at the Bazaar). The spa was closed. Apparently, the massage therapists had gone on strike or something. Ended up with a foot massage from a lady in a hawker stall. It was… interesting. She kept talking to me about the life in Kota Kinabalu. Learned a lot.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner. Ate at a tiny, local restaurant. The food? The best meal of the trip. The company? Myself and a whole lotta memories.
- 9:00 PM: Packing. Packing! More packing! Realization: I need a bigger suitcase.
- 10:00 PM: Final collapse. Kevin the gecko – apparently has abandoned me for greener pastures. Leaving tomorrow. A little sad.
Day 4: Departure & The Lingering Smell of… Adventure?
- 7:00 AM: Packing continues. Sunscreen application.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. One last buffet. This time, I know the coffee is good.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. The front desk guy still has the slightly-too-tight polo. We exchange smiles. Goodbye, Eminent Hotel. (And Kevin!)
- 10:00 AM: Airport. Final glimpses of the South China Sea.
- Noon: Flight back to KL. (And then, back home).
- Conclusion: Kota Kinabalu was… everything. Messy. Amazing. Hot. Humid. Overwhelming at times. But full of beauty, delicious food
Okay, spill it: Which Kota Kinabalu hotel is "The BEST" and why am I about to believe you? You're probably just shilling for something, right?
Alright, alright, settle down, conspiracy theorists! While I *wish* I was getting paid by some fancy hotel chain (seriously, who wouldn't?), I'm just a travel junkie who's spent *way* too much time (and money) in KK. And the "best"? Well, it definitely depends on what you're after, doesn't it? For ME, and I'm sticking to my guns here, the **Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa** is practically a religious experience. Now, before you roll your eyes and think "overpriced resort", hear me out. I have been to a few resorts and no other place can match up to Rasa Ria Resort.
Rasa Ria? Isn't that, like, the super-expensive one? My wallet is currently weeping. Any alternatives for us budget travelers? Don't leave us hanging!
Okay, fair point. Rasa Ria *can* be a splurge. My heart (and bank account!) aches when I think about it, but the experience is worth it. But let's be real, not everyone can drop that kind of coin. For a more budget-friendly option, I'd reluctantly consider the **Hotel Gaya Centre** or the **Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu**. Both are decent, walkable, and good value for money. BUT...but…(and here's a crucial, reality-check moment) don't go expecting the same level of…*magic*. You'll still be in KK, close to the action, but you’re trading rainforest views for cityscapes, okay? You’re not suddenly going to find yourself face to face with an orangutan sipping a cocktail. (Although, wouldn't *that* be a story?!)
Fine, Rasa Ria it is. What makes it so special? What are we *really* paying for? Because a fancy pool doesn't justify the mortgage, does it?
Okay, the question we have all been waiting for... here’s the lowdown. First, and this is HUGE, the *location*. It's secluded. You're basically in a private jungle, with the beach and Mount Kinabalu in the backdrop. Total zen. Then there's the service. The staff are genuinely warm and attentive. They remember your name, your coffee order. It’s a different *level* of hospitality. And the spa? Oh. My. God. I had a massage there once that literally melted my worries away. I swear I floated out of there. Consider it an investment in your sanity. And the orangutans! Yes, they have a sanctuary there. You can see them! It’s incredible! (See also: "A Word of Warning" below). You're paying for the whole *experience*, the feeling of being utterly pampered and away from it all. Is it worth it? Honestly? For a special occasion, absolutely. Especially if you're like me and need to escape the daily grind and feel like you are in a different universe entirely. (If you’re not like me, maybe skip the splurge.)
Okay, sold. But what about the downsides? Nothing's perfect, right? Spill the tea, sugar!
Alright, let’s get real. The downsides:
- The price. Did I mention the price? Prepare your wallet.
- It can be a bit…isolated. If you're looking for a bustling nightlife scene, you'll need a taxi.
- The food, while generally excellent, can be a bit… predictable. The same menu at every restaurant.
- My BIGGEST gripe (and trust me, it still pains me): I once tried to book a specific room and the website was *atrocious*. I spent a full hour trying! Seriously. Just. Annoying. Had to call them. Grr.
But honestly? These are minor inconveniences compared to the overall awesomeness. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
Tell me more about the Orangutans and this "sanctuary"! Is it ethical? Is it touristy? Is it worth it? (And why am I screaming?)
Okay, so the Orangutan sanctuary is *amazing*. It's a dedicated area where the sanctuary provides a safe haven for orangutans. They're NOT in cages, people. (Calm down.) These orangutans are rescues, and the folks there are passionate about conservation. It can be a little touristy, yes, but the experience is respectful and educational. They feed the Orangutans and bring them closer to the public. If you're an animal lover, it's an *absolute must*. It's a privilege to see these magnificent creatures up close. This is not a zoo, people. It’s about rehabilitation. It's worth every penny. (Seriously: support the cause!)
Is there anything… weird… about the Rasa Ria? Like, any specific rooms I should avoid because they're haunted or something? (Asking for a friend… who might be me…)
Haunted? Hmm, not that I’ve heard! (Though, who knows, maybe I just haven't encountered the right ghost yet...). I haven't had any experiences that would suggest any supernatural activity, if that's what you mean. As for specific rooms, I’d say any room will be decent, but those facing the beach are undeniably the best, especially for the sunsets. Seriously, those sunsets... Prepare to be speechless. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Always ask for a high floor to secure a better view and avoid the noise and crowds. But, if you go and find a ghost, please let me know. I love a good ghost story!
A Word of Warning! Please tell me there is one for me!
Okay, here’s the REAL warning about the Rasa Ria… and it's a silly one, but it REALLY happened to me. So, on my first ever visit, I was SO excited to see the Orangutans. I even had my favorite Instagram filter all ready to go for the perfect photo. I raced to the sanctuary, armed with my camera, ready to capture the *perfect* shot. And… I got so caught up in the moment, in being a good tourist… that I tripped. I literally tripped over the little barrier, face-planted into the dirt, and nearly knocked over a terrified bystander. The Orangutans watched the whole thing. I have never been so utterly mortified in my life! So, the warning? Watch your step. Be present. Don't let your Instagram addiction ruin your connection with nature (and yourComfort Zone Inn
