New City Hotel

The check-in machine by the entrance looked surprisingly high-tech, almost like an ATM, and the Wi-Fi worked well enough. My budget room was reasonably clean, but old and run down. I wasn't unhappy with it, though I'd look elsewhere next time. For a hotel that's meant to be three stars, it needs major renovations to be more appealing.

The uneven flooring at the entrance is a safety hazard. A red carpet over it doesn't fix the problem and could make an accident more likely. I hope management deals with it properly. If someone trips and gets hurt, the hotel could face legal action.

Check-in went smoothly, and the male staff member who helped me was friendly and helpful. Check-out was a very different experience. When I got back from a morning run around 10:15, my card wouldn't open the door. I understand technical problems can happen, but a female staff member opened it with a master key and told me my “time finished.” My original check-out was at noon. She then said I had to leave by 11, without having told me about any change. It felt like she was pushing me out, even though I still had an hour and 45 minutes. I checked out at 11:05, and she was there again. She said I only needed to hand her the card. I repeatedly explained that the male staff member had told me to return it through the machine so the system would update and release my deposit. She kept insisting she was right. When a contractor came into the lobby and she turned to speak with them, I tried to check out at the machine. She quickly came back, tapped the screen, and said again that it wasn't necessary. Only after my deposit came out did she stop arguing and let me go. The whole checkout was upsetting, with terrible service, attitude, and professionalism from her.

I got a discounted rate through Agoda, and the room was spacious enough for us to pray. It had some noticeable stains on the wall and blanket and seemed old, but at that price it felt worth the money. Self check-in and check-out are done at a machine, and the deposit is only RM 10. If you urgently need a cheap room for the night, you could give it a try, especially with an Agoda discount.