Ming Garden Hotel in Kota Kinabalu Review
The Ming Garden Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is one of the latest hotels opened since December 2011.
Located in the main city area and nearby the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), this 600 room hotel and residences is currently the largest in Sabah, North Borneo.
When I checked in here on Christmas eve, the ever polite staff were very welcoming on my arrival as I was on route back to KL and had decided to spend Xmas in KK.
Therefore, I stayed at the Ming Garden Hotel after I had done some serious scuba diving in Mabul and Sipadan islands.
Ming Garden Hotel in Kota Kinabalu Review
Main lobby at Ming Garden Hotel and Residences Sabah
Pat from Equator Adventure Tours had dropped me at the entrance and as I walked in, a very modern look and feel made the place distinctive and stand out.
Red seemed to be the chosen colour as it was prominently seen throughout the lobby. The main reception was fully decked in red while doormen and bellboys sported a full white outfit.
This was the new generation of hospitality I thought to myself and it gave a very clean and pleasant welcome to guest arriving. Immediately after checking in, I went straight to my superior room to call it a night as I had a long evening with friends in town.
The following day, it was a full day out and went down to the main restaurant called Golden Dew Bistro for some breakfast and to my surprise, everything moved in clockwork fashion considering the hotel was still new.
The service was pretty good while the food selections were the conventional hotel breakfast style but neatly displayed.
They did have some local delicacies apart from the usual continental breakfast which made it easy for the locals or foreigners wanting to sample some local taste.
For those seeking some privacy, they have a divided area against the glass wall while several tables are located just outside for smokers.
Lobby Bar at the Ming Garden
While waiting for Pat to come to pick me up after breakfast, I went exploring around the hotel to pass time. Seeing how new the place was, every prominent corner was cleverly decorated for the festive season.
Christmas was just over while New Years was around the corner. A bar at the Rosewood Lounge area was tastefully laid with colourful bottles of liquor while symmetrically arranged tall black and chrome bar chairs laid on one side.
Having a word with the bartender, she mentioned that it was even more beautiful at night with the lights on here. Mind you I absolutely missed trying some of the cocktails here and would do so on my next visit here.
Rosewood Lounge area
The main lounge area was simple but tastefully designed with tall glass panels draped with sheer curtains while the modern carpeting managed to steal my attention as I walked in.
Comfortable lounge chairs made sitting here a pleasure while I waited for my ride to come. The lounge area connects the main lobby with the restaurant so you are bound to see this place as you walk past.
For those who enjoy a little bit of shopping and sightseeing, the Ming Garden offers a free shuttle service into KK town. You can check with the reception or concierge about this.
Rooms at Ming Garden Hotel in Sabah
My superior room (top right and left picture) was spacious and had a view of KK Times Square. An LCD TV was fastened to the wall making it easy to view from any angle in the room.
Furniture was simple but with a modern feel which gave the room a slightly boutique look. The bed?
Well, all I can say is that it has been a while since I had such a good sleep. I also want to stress the bathroom here as the showers were amazing. Two styles await guest with the conventional mobile shower head and the rain shower unit from up top.
The water pressure was ten out of ten for me as I love strong shower units. Other than that, everything else was the standard bathroom issue.
Ming Garden Hotel bathroom and toilet
Spa at Ming Garden Hotel Sabah
To complete your stay here, the hotel offers a spa, gym, outdoor swimming pool, business centre, and kids room.
There is also a 24-hour on-call doctor service if you are not feeling up to the weather. For MICE travellers, there are 5 Meeting & Events rooms with one grand ballroom that can easily accommodate 660 pax with theatre-style seating.
The Grand Ballroom also caters to large weddings, events and many other functions.
Currently, entertainment is the big thing at the hotel as they recently opened Sparks Live, an entertainment club and lounge with live bands and also deejay music with a ton of promotions daily.
A pool bar located on the 4th floor was recently opened offering patrons a choice of mocktails, cocktails and ice cream.
Very soon, the hotel will be opening a unique Rainforest Atrium where one can sit and enjoy coffee and desserts amidst a makeshift rainforest.
Swimming Pool at Ming Garden Hotel and Residencies
Ming Garden Hotel & Residences
Lorong Ming Garden, Jalan Coastal,
88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 88 528 888
Facsimile: +60 88 528 889
E-mail: enquire@minggardenhotel.com
Conclusion
I would personally rate this hotel as one of the updated and new accommodations in KK that has a fresh feel. Great for overall business and leisure therefore it works out for all kinds of travellers.
For Internet lovers, there is complimentary High-Speed Internet at all rooms in the hotel. Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby area of the hotel and for free too!
Finally, the hotel offers all sorts of promotions every month so do call or visit their website to find out what is being offered during the month that you plan to stay.
For families or large groups, you would be pleased to know that the residences are the perfect place as it does feel like you are at home, except with exceptional hotel service.
Overall, if you are looking for something different for your future hotel stay in KK, you can check out their catchy tag line “Come as a guest and return as a friend” at the Ming Garden Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Share this content:
0 comments