The Empire Brunei

The resort's lack of transparency around charges and its handling of guest concerns made this a stressful, disappointing stay. We booked by phone for Sunday to Tuesday, three days and two nights, and paid an extra $60 per night for a pool access room in the Lagoon building because we planned to swim a lot. On Monday we learned the pool beside our room was closed on weekdays. No one had mentioned this when we booked and agreed to the extra charge. We told management we'd swum in that pool on a Monday during an earlier stay in September 2025, and showed photo evidence, but they insisted we had the dates wrong. One staff member said the charge gave access to every resort pool, which made no sense to us because all guests can already use all the pools without paying the extra $60 per night. It took a long negotiation to get a refund. We also arrived unaware that the hotel was under construction after part of the main atrium ceiling had fallen through. The atrium, where breakfast is usually served and which connects most amenities to the rooms, was closed. Breakfast in a hall felt like a downgrade, without the atrium's view or natural light. Getting to amenities meant walking a long way in the sun or calling for a buggy, then waiting in the heat. There didn't seem to be enough buggies for all the trips needed. The bathroom water was yellow at check-in; staff said to let it run until it cleared, so we waited 30 minutes for a shower. The minibar was disappointing for a hotel presented as seven-star, and we've had better at four-star hotels.

With restaurants like The Li-Gong and The Pantai Restaurant overlooking The South China Sea, a romantic dinner by the water is an option. There’s also a restaurant inside the hotel for high tea, plus poolside sushi snacks. I’d personally rate this place 7 stars. One of the best hotels in South East Asia and Asia, and an awesome place to stay.

The hotel’s sheer size is impressive, and the staff were pleasant and polite. I knew it was described as one of the world's two so-called seven-star hotels, but after staying there I couldn't see why it gets that label. The restaurant food was poor, especially for the prices and reputation. It may be worth seeing once for the scale and experience, though I’d keep dining expectations in check.

For the price, this felt like a fantastic way to enjoy Brunei in the style of the Kings Family. The hotel was built 25 years ago, yet it remains in very good condition and still carries the Great Value of the Sultans hands, along with Kings Service. It’s a wonderful place to unwind, enjoy the quiet, and take in beautiful Asian nature. Everything here was great.