Kooning - Hostel

Kooning is one of the best budget hotels I’ve stayed in around town. The design is distinctive and stylish, with nice lighting and a cozy feel. It’s well located, the front desk was efficient, and the free water dispenser was a nice extra. The water pressure is impressively strong, and both the bed and AC were comfortable. The bed is a bit thin, as others have said. You have to climb up to reach the loft bed, so that setup won’t suit everyone. It worked for me, though, and I’d recommend Kooning for a comfortable stay at an affordable price.

I appreciated getting a two-person bed even though I’d booked for one. The hotel felt fresh and cozy, and the clean, comfortable sheets didn’t have a detergent smell. Noise from other guests was disruptive around 2 AM, though. There isn’t much soundproofing.

The hotel is clean and comfortable enough, and the location is good. But after what happened with our deposit, I wouldn’t recommend staying here. We paid a 100 Malaysian ringgit room deposit on arrival. Nobody told us that for an early checkout we’d need to collect it the night before, which makes me wonder what the deposit is for. After checkout I messaged them, and they agreed to return it by bank transfer within 7-14 days. It’s been over three weeks, there’s no evidence they sent it, and they’ve ignored my later messages. They show no sign of returning the 100 ringgit. The cleaning staff also arrive around 7:30-8am, shouting and slamming doors as they work. They’ll wake you if you want to sleep later. WiFi barely works about 80% of the time, and when it does, the signal is weak. The steep ladder could also be difficult for anyone with mobility issues, though that didn’t bother us during the stay. If you do stay, make sure you collect the deposit within the specific times they haven’t explained, or it may never be returned.

The location makes it easy to walk to most local eateries, and it’s on the same row as Hameediyah. The simple, minimalist design suits the place, and the basic amenities are enough for a no-fuss traveller. I love the loft bed, it feels like sleeping in a cocoon. It’s a little tricky for someone slightly older like me, though. It isn’t suitable for disabled or elderly guests, and kids need to be extra careful. I’d recommend it to friends and family.