Kota Kinabalu Travel Forum

Hi guys! Any suggestions/recommendations at all about KK would be hugely appreciated :) My better half and I are off there for 5 days in June for our anniversary! Can't wait!

So far, thinking of staying at the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort. Anyone who has been there - is this a good idea? Or are there slightly cheaper, still beautiful hotels in the same central location?

We are active people who enjoy getting out and about and experiencing the activities and culture.

Thanks heaps
Shen

Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu is a very nice hotel located in downtown Kota Kinabalu. Go to http://www.starwoodhotels.com to get the rate.

I've been both to Hyatt and Le Meridien, Hyatt is a little bit cheaper and much much much much better in many mnay mnay many ways, it does not mean anything the building of Le Meridien is newer, the matter is who is working inside and more of all, HOW.
To Hyatt I've been back again last Xmas and I will go again anytime I'll go to KK, to Le Meridien I would never go back even if it would be for free (I've got good reasons for writing so, also my stomach has a few).

Hi Shen !
I really envy you for your planned trip to KK!
The Tanjung Aru is a very nice place (see my tip at
http://tinyurl.com/2xcuob ); if a free day left,fly over to Sandakan and visit
the Orang rehabilitation center! An unique experience!
Have fun!

Hi. be carteful !
Le Meridien and Hyatt are downtown hotels !
The Tanjung Aru Beach Resort lies on the
peninsula, directly opposite KK, with short access to the small islands in the bay !

Well, at least my experience was excellent at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu. Maybe it was an isolated incident?

The difference between resort and business hotels need to be taken into account. In the city there are 3 five star resort hotels-STAR (which you're thinking off), Sutera Harbour and the Sutera Pacific. The last 2 are next to each other and share facilities. Hyatt and Le Meridien are more business hotels and lack the 'niceties' of a resort hotel. A bit further out are 2 more 5 star resorts, Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort and Nexus Karambunai (not in the city area so more isloated-maybe 30-40 minutes by bus).

STAR is a very good idea, but also Sutera Harbour-the latter is closer to the city but really the difference is minute. In both cases you're just minutes away from the islands. Both hotels have their own jetty to take you there. Also, if $$$ is a consideration these 2 (and the Sutera Pacific) are a better bet than Rasa Ria and Nexus Karambunai becaus eyou can eat for much, much cheaper outside than be stuck with hotel food prices.

The business hotels are almost certainly cheaper, but for your anniversary I would not be recommending them.

@lovekk I notice you love kk
you were just returned "also" last November
http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-389679-1-1-Travel-0-1295688-Borneo-discussion.html
and the link www.penthousekk.com is [nealy] always present in your posts

just noticed.. :-)