The Serai Cottage (Boutique Hotel)

The pool was a big reason we booked The Serai, since my granddaughter wanted to swim. The WhatsApp admin and website both said it was available, and reception said it was open when we checked in at night. In the morning, though, it was green, mossy and very dirty. A boy and his sister came down with towels, but reception told them it needed chlorination and couldn't say when that would happen. A maintenance sign appeared later, but nobody cleaned it during our three days there. We'd also chosen the breakfast option after being told it was available, then got a WhatsApp message the day before check-in saying it was no longer provided. Nearby shops were closed for Hari Raya. There was no hot water for our whole three day stay. We complained several times and were told to adjust the heater knobs, and that housekeeping would show us how, but nobody helped. The water was very cold, and the toilet bowl already had a ring stain at check-in that wouldn't come off. The triple room had just one power point for three people, and no socket for the hot water boiler. Reception asked us to leave the room key for housekeeping. When we returned a few hours later to collect it, RM20 of my granddaughter's duit Raya was missing from her child's purse. The other belongings were still there.

It's within walking distance of 7-eleven and Watson for basic supplies, and the location is good. Beyond that, it's a pretty old, basic place to sleep for the night, and it wasn't very clean.

The front desk staff were friendly and efficient, and the price seemed reasonable. Shops are close by, and from outside the place looks cosy. Inside, though, the floor was dusty, the room had a strong smell, and the bedsheets were stained. The carpet looked like it hadn't been vacuumed in a while. There's a river about 20 meters away with a bad odour. Breakfast was provided, but the food was already cold at 7am, left uncovered, and flies were buzzing around. Better cleaning would make this a pleasant stay, and the price warrants improvements.

The air conditioning worked well, but the facilities and cleanliness were poorly maintained. The bed and pillow were hard, so I couldn't get a good night's sleep.