Matata Hotel Kota Kinabalu

The room was comfortable, clean, and modern for the price, and I slept really well. The interior feels fresh and stylish, even though the outside looks unassuming. I booked Matata Hotel at the last minute for a quick stop in Kota Kinabalu after flying in from Sandakan, and had a great stay. Right on Gaya Street, it's easy to walk to cafes, malls, and markets for food or last-minute souvenirs, so I didn't need a scooter or taxi. Noise reduction could be better: I heard cleaning in the next room, so the walls may be a bit thin. It didn't bother me personally, but it's a heads-up if you're sensitive to noise.

The staff were fantastic, especially the receptionist, a Malay lady in beige tudung, who was helpful and friendly. But we left after one night of a two-day booking because of the air quality. A strange smell hit us as soon as we entered, and one bulb was blinking. Reception readily moved us to another room, where the smell was still there, though less strong. We borrowed a portable fan and left the door open to air it out, but that didn't help. Dust floated in the air and had piled up in neglected corners. Worried about our health, we moved to an extremely clean Airbnb nearby with much more space at a similar price. The room window also opened onto the courtyard, so there was no privacy.

The loud traffic outside was the main problem. Ear plugs were provided, but modified cars and bikes roared by from 8pm to 3am on 6 out of 7 nights, making sleep very difficult. The hotel can't control the road noise, but its roadside location cut short what could have been an amazing stay. The hotel itself was clean, organised, and new, with beautiful rooms that suited a couple, a fresh bathroom, and a great view. I loved the staff, though they sometimes missed making up our room even when we put the sign on the door. Ours was tucked in a corner, so perhaps they didn't notice. We enjoyed the stay, but

The recent renovation makes the hotel feel really good. For this price, the location and convenience make it worth it.