Hako Hotel Mount Austin

There’s plenty of food and entertainment around, and the hotel is nicely decorated inside. The room seemed clean to me, though my wife disagreed. I had some trouble finding parking, and reception staff weren’t especially helpful or polite. I didn’t check out the simple breakfast. We stayed one night in March in an executive family room with our two kids. The reception area felt cool, but the upper floor corridors were much warmer, since the common area is under the loft space. The room was really hot when we arrived. Even after running the air conditioning for 30 minutes, it was still beyond reasonable. Reception told me to wait longer because the room was large. We left it on while going to dinner, and it was only a little cooler when we returned. From what I know, a 10k btu unit isn’t enough for a 30sqm executive room. The other major problem was the floor. My son came out of the toilet groaning because something small and sharp had cut his foot. I found sharp flakes from deteriorating wall tiles on the floor. I was furious while treating his wound, and decided I’d share what happened. This location suits travellers who like lively, crowded areas.

I picked this place because it was near my workplace. The hotel layout brought the video game Hotel Dash to mind, which might appeal if you like that game. Reception staff were friendly, and the soundproofing was good. There’s a cafe and manicure spa in the lobby, with karaoke downstairs on Level G and M. The room had a few aged-looking spots, and the one facing the back alley was somewhat noisy. I thought I could hear AC condensation water dripping. Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. Nearby, there are lots of eateries and a Coffee bean outlet. Breakfast is complimentary: a Nutella dispenser, Maggi Curry cup noodle, toast with jam, and egg. The dining area also works as a place for guests to chat or sit and work.

The location is great, with lots of eateries nearby, and from our third-floor room we couldn’t hear the karaoke two floors below. The weekday promotion price of RM181 for a twin room was acceptable, but I wouldn’t pay more. The room window was only a tiny panel. Towels were old and tattered, and cleanliness was average: dusty cups and kettle, plus mouldy patches in the bathroom.

The staff were kind, but the building and rooms really need better maintenance. The sleek design is convenient, with several F&B shops nearby open until midnight. I was surprised to find a nail salon and gelato shop in the lobby too. The corridor on the level above Level 1 was terribly stuffy. At first glance the room looked clean, but water seeped onto the floor after showering. By the next morning, practically the whole floor was covered in water or water vapor, even right beside the bed. I came because the reviews were good, but the room quality disappointed me.