Signature Inn

The room itself was in poor shape: stained sheets, a tap that kept leaking unless left at one particular angle, a broken toilet shelf, an odd smell that led us to buy fabric deodorant, and no toilet paper when we arrived. We checked in at 3:30 pm, after the official check-in time. We didn’t complain and put up with the flaws because it’s a budget hotel. But the way the deposit and tax were handled was absolutely unacceptable. I booked a standard queen room for two people for four nights under my name as a foreigner, but marked the guest nationality as “Malaysian National” because my local friend planned to check us in. They scanned my friend’s IC at registration and collected a 50rm room deposit. At checkout, they returned only 10rm and said the other 40rm had gone toward tourism tax, 10rm per night. I hadn’t given my passport details during this stay, but they looked up my record from my previous stay and used it without my consent or knowledge. This was my second visit. They said they had to charge me because they had already entered my record in the system. If so, why scan my friend’s I/C in the first place? I also never agreed for the room deposit to be used to pay tourism tax. On my first solo visit, a staff member asked before collecting it, and I agreed. This time nobody mentioned it, and I gave the money specifically as a room deposit, not for staff to put toward other charges. I checked out alone because my friend had to leave earlier, and felt helpless and unsafe. I had to rush off, so after disputing it for five minutes I let it go. What worries me is the dishonesty and use of guests’ information without consent for monetary gain. I believe this is illegal. PLEASE BEWARE. I’ve always had a good time in Kota Kinabalu, with its beautiful scenery and kind locals, but this stay left a bad taste in my mouth. Despite the good location and easy access to eateries and cafes, I’ll never stay here again.

There’s no mineral or drinking water in the room. The location is good, but check-in is strictly at 3pm, with no flexibility.

The location gets 8/10. The hotel is in the heart of town, with a Watson, clinic, restaurants, and a bank all within walking distance. Parking is the one snag, since you need patience to find a spot. Service was 6/10, with no complaints. Everything went smoothly, and I checked in at 1530hrs. The room gets 3/10. The queen room is okay for a night or two, but the amenities let it down. They only had glasses, none of the other expected basics, including mineral water.

It was clean and comfortable, and the reception staff were helpful. The air conditioning worked really well. The location is great, close to the pier, surrounded by restaurants, and about an eight-minute walk from shopping centres. I’d definitely recommend staying here in Kota Kinabalu.