THE SERAYA HOTEL was my friend’s choice for our next three nights in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For the second part of our Labuan-Kota Kinabalu trip, we took a direct flight from Labuan Airport to Kota Kinabalu. The flight was short, lasting only about 35 minutes.
From Kota Kinabalu International Airport, it took us around 25 minutes by Maxin ride to reach THE SERAYA HOTEL in the city centre.
THE SERAYA Hotel and Room Review
THE SERAYA HOTEL is a two-star hotel, so I did not expect much in terms of facilities. The lobby was small but had a cosy, homely feel. After completing our check-in, we headed upstairs to settle into our room.
The twin bedroom had neutral grey walls and dark furnishings. It gave the room a basic look and the overall design was rather simple. The space was reasonably furnished for a short stay, with the basic essentials covered. However, it was not quite the kind of hotel room I would choose if I wanted a more relaxing getaway.
The bathroom featured grey tiled walls, a washbasin, and a shower area separated by a glass partition. A shower curtain provided additional coverage near the toilet. Unfortunately, our bathroom experience was less than ideal. The lights would occasionally flicker, which was rather annoying and creepy. Even more frustrating was the slow drainage. Every time we showered, water would accumulate on the bathroom floor, leaving it flooded.
Thankfully, a small, raised step at the bathroom entrance prevented the water from spilling into the main room. Still, having to deal with these issues was disappointing, and I felt that the hotel could have maintained its facilities better.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth Staying At?
Overall, THE SERAYA HOTEL was a fairly basic accommodation option for our three-night stay in Kota Kinabalu. Its central location made it convenient for shopping, finding food, and getting around the city. However, the flickering bathroom lights and poor drainage were drawbacks that affected my overall experience.
That said, if you are looking for a simple place to sleep while spending most of your time exploring Kota Kinabalu, THE SERAYA HOTEL may be worth considering for its location. Just keep your expectations in check, especially when it comes to the facilities.
We headed up to Kundasang on our second day to explore its mountain scenery, giving us a break from the city and a chance to enjoy a different side of Sabah. Stay tuned for more updates! For more accommodation recommendations and travel experiences, be sure to read my other hotel reviews.