Monday, December 22, 2014

The Grand Margherita Kuching

Last November I was in Kuching to attend a dear friend's wedding at Grand Margherita Hotel. Since the wedding reception was at night and I reached Kuching in the evening after work, I decided to stay at the hotel itself for convenience sake.

Located along Kuching Waterfront and right smack in the heart of Kuching city, the hotel's strategic location ensures that it remains one of the most sought after accommodation among tourists. The famous Cat Statues were just opposite the hotel, and the famous seafood eatery, TopSpot within walking distance away. Conveniently, Sarawak Plaza Shopping Complex is just adjacent to the hotel.

Through Booking.com, I booked the twin deluxe room at RM300++ for two nights. For a four-star hotel, this is certainly a good deal.  

Since the wedding dinner ended late and my kids and mom were getting tired, I sent them to the room before joining them half an hour later. So please pardon the messy room photos because I was too tired to put them away for decent photos, LOL!

Our room was appointed with two queen size beds, facing a car park outside the window. If you want a room facing the river, the rate might be different, since that is how they price their rooms. The work desk is adjoined to the vanity desk. The room is also equipped with flat screen plasma TV which is mounted on the wall.

I regretted not getting the Superior room though, because when I checked their website, their Superior rooms have undergone renovation and looks really new and modern. Maybe the hotel is renovating its rooms by stages so hopefully if I stayed here again, the deluxe room will spot a brand new look. During our stay, it still looks pretty old and tired:

A pair of settees, a standing reading lamp and side table agains the window

The beds were quite comfortable despite its rather outdated look (no lumpy mattresses!)

The vanity area (please ignore the mess!)

TV and work desk. The electrical plugs were sadly in not so good condition

Entry walkway

Other amenities in the room is pretty standard. You'll find the coffee / tea maker, mini fridge, IDD telephone, safe box, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and bathrobes (albeit very thin bathrobes!) in the room.

Iron and ironing board

Safe box

Coffee / tea making amenities

The usual available options of instant coffee & tea!

Mini fridge is empty though

As usual, my kids love the hotel bathroom that comes with a bathtub, regardless of the condition of the bathroom. 

This bathroom has never been updated since the '70s, maybe?

The hair dryer needs to be put in the museum, it's so obsolete!

The highlight of any hotel stays for my kids!

Toiletries are so... pathetic.

Thankfully, where the hotel lacks in terms of rejuvenating their tired and old-looking room, they make up with delicious breakfast. I love their rice congee (perfect condiments) and nasi lemak. Their pastry selection is not too bad either.

Something modern looking at last, their cafe was packed with guests enjoying the breakfast selection

Overall, if you are looking for a staycation, this hotel is not meant to cater to that expectation. This hotel is however highly recommended for tourists because of its location in the middle of tourist sightseeing attractions. 

Rating: 8/10

P/S: I would like to take this opportunity to wish my blog readers who are celebrating Christmas, a very Merry Christmas! Have a good holidays! ^_^