Merchant Hotel Kuching (formerly known as Kemena View Hotel Kuching)

The staff were understanding and helpful when they let us change rooms, which was the one saving grace. My partner and I are 20-year-old budget backpackers and don't expect high standards at this price, but we were disappointed. Other cities in Malaysia gave us much better accommodation for the same budget, so this didn't feel like good value. We had to switch rooms twice. The first had a very loud metallic rattling from the air-conditioning and a sewage-smelling bathroom, and the noise kept us from sleeping. The second had bugs in the bed. The third was decent, but still had hair and dust everywhere, and its bathroom doorframe was detached from the wall. Earlier rooms had dirty, unhygienic conditions too, with bugs on the mattress, hair, and stains on the sheets. It felt as if nobody had looked after the place in years, even though construction was going on all day to expand the accommodation. Maybe they should improve the existing hotel before expanding it.

The room was spacious, and the price was reasonable. We stayed three nights in a twin bedroom for four people. There are several cafes serving local food outside, and the Waterfront and Carpenter street are within walking distance. The front desk staff were helpful and friendly.

A good-value budget hotel with clean rooms and friendly staff. It's close to food and malls, so check it out if that's what you're looking for. I highly recommend it.

For the price, I'd call it 5-star. The room was big and clean, and the service was good too. Ohhhh, loved it.