Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching Review

This is my review of Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching, a hotel I’ve stayed at several times whenever I visit Cat City, Sarawak. Over the years, it has become one of my preferred places to stay in Kuching, and I’ll explain why below.

The hotel itself is simple and no-frills, but its biggest strength is its location. It’s ideal for travellers who enjoy exploring the city on foot. Strategically located in the heart of Kuching, the Imperial Riverbank Hotel offers convenient access to both the historic old town and the lively Padungan area, making it easy to get around without relying heavily on transport.

The standard room suits my needs perfectly and is more than adequate for a comfortable stay. I prefer to keep my reviews honest and practical, rather than overselling a property with excessive photos and exaggerated praise. What you see is what you get.

Wide-angle shots help give a clear sense of the room layout. The common area is functional, with space for amenities and luggage, while the bathroom is thoughtfully designed and relatively modern. Amenities are basic but sufficient, and the view from my room includes a partial look at the Kuching Waterfront and the Riverside Shopping Mall.

Verdict

Overall, the hotel’s simplicity makes it an easy and stress-free place to stay, especially if you don’t have high expectations. Rates are very budget-friendly, often starting from RM100+ per night during non-peak periods.

If you’re not a fussy traveller, the Imperial Riverbank Hotel is a solid and recommended option. It caters well to solo travellers, couples, families, and business visitors alike. Facilities are minimal, but that’s not a deal-breaker for me.

I usually skip the hotel breakfast and head to Padungan instead, where you’ll find a wide variety of Sarawakian hawker food, with both Halal and non-Halal options available. Must-tries include Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee—absolute essentials for anyone visiting Kuching. For something familiar, there’s also a McDonald’s directly across the street.

Photos of the Imperial Riverbank Hotel, Kuching

Here’s a wide-angle shot of the entire room from the TV’s location.

I love sharing wide-angle shots to give readers a full sense of the room.

The common area is where the amenities and luggage area are.

The bathroom is cleverly planned for guests and relatively modern.

Basic amenities in the hotel room.

The view from my room shows part of the Kuching Waterfront and the Riverside Shopping Mall.

Just to Add

All photos in this review were taken using my Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus. I prefer using a smartphone for general web images since they’re more than sufficient for online use. I’ve been using the Galaxy S22 Ultra for everyday photography since 2022, while my mirrorless Fujifilm camera is mainly reserved for bird photography around Sarawak.

Location of Imperial Riverbank Hotel in Kuching

The location of the Imperial Riverbank Hotel in Kuching is one of its strongest selling points, especially for travellers who enjoy walking and exploring the city at a relaxed pace. Please refer to the map below, and you will see how centrally located the property is.

Conclusion

I hope you found this Imperial Riverbank Hotel Kuching review helpful, especially if you were curious about what the hotel looks like inside. On some trips, I arrive a few days early to attend the famous Rainforest World Music Festival, and I usually stay here to explore the city before heading to Santubong for the event.

There are plenty of hotels in this area, and the right choice ultimately depends on what you’re looking for. For me, Kuching is a walkable, enjoyable city, and that’s why I often choose to stay here whenever I visit.