Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Our five-night stay cost almost $400 CAN per night for a high-floor room with a water view, and it was a terrible experience. Construction was right in front of the hotel, with loud noise and bright work lights shining into our room. One night the lights stayed on all night, and we couldn't use the balcony. The first room's A/C had only two settings, 18.5 or off, so it was either freezing or like sleeping in an oven. We were told it couldn't be fixed. On day two we had to pack up in the morning and hand in our keys, then wait until almost 4 p.m. to get into the replacement room. We paid for a full day without a room to call home. The new A/C wouldn't go below 23.5. After more than an hour of work, they found dirty filters. For the two-day disruption, we got two free juices. On our last night I ordered room service and was violently ill with food poisoning within an hour. I was on the floor curled up, and my husband was ready to take me to the hospital. It was horrible, and I was sick for four hours. Hyatt only emailed to say they were looking into it. They didn't even comp the meal that made me so ill. I will never stay at another Hyatt. Absolutely the worst.

The Front Desk deserves a big thank you for making my Sabah trip even better. They surprised me with a suite upgrade, and the room was so spacious, clean, and nice, with a sea view too. Hyatt Centric KK is right beside Gaya Street, which seems like a great spot for tourists. I didn't have much time to try the pool or gym, but the pool is up on the roof with a sea-facing view. Such a wonderful stay!

Breakfast upstairs came with a lovely view, especially from the al fresco seats, and the gym was well equipped and very high tech. I did have trouble lowering the blinds 😛. The laundry service was probably my favorite part. They had a special offer while I was there, and the prices were very reasonable. It was outsourced, and sometimes it didn't come back when promised, but a call to the concierge sorted it out. With a business trip ending and diving ahead, I had a crazy amount of laundry, so it was a godsend. They also provided lively tea and coffee. The bed was very comfortable and the sheets were heavenly clean. I liked the bathroom being set apart from the bedroom, and while some people might find the small table and chairs too close to the TV, I found them practical. The hotel was quite new when I stayed, and I was absolutely charmed by it. It's rare for me to give five stars in every category, but it felt deserved. It's close to the jetty, lots of places to eat, and a shopping mall. I was very satisfied and want to come back. Nothing to complain about.

A lovely sea and harbor view, and an underrated place. The breakfast was wonderful, the club lounge good, and the concierge was helpful in organizing a golf outing. The location is perfect, right next to the best malls and markets, which are must-sees.