Merdeka Palace Hotels & Suites

Although the hotel is run down, it seems they’re trying to keep going since Felda bought it in 2016. It needs proper maintenance if they want to continue operating as a hotel. Even with those drawbacks, we had a good stay in room 401 on Level 4. We slept well, the water pressure was strong, there were no faulty smells, and the room was soundproof despite facing the main road. Breakfast costs 35 per adult and 20 per child, if I remember correctly. All the POI are within walking distance, and we enjoyed walking around at night with a shopping mall nearby.

The location was great, just a stone’s throw from a shopping mall and the waterfront, and the lobby looked grand. We stayed four nights in a two-room apartment and were impressed by how spacious the suite was, but the good points ended there. The carpet wasn’t very clean, so sandals were needed. There wasn’t enough lighting, and the floor lamp was broken. It had no body shampoo, toothbrush, cutlery, or sandals. The bathrooms were moldy, the toilet flush didn’t work properly, and water spilled from the shower area and didn’t drain, leaving the floor wet. There was a good view from the window, but the panes were dirty. Looking closely, the building’s exterior was old and moldy too, and the giant clock outside didn’t even show the correct time. We’re not fussy and could take the rough edges, but this probably isn’t a place for people with high hygiene standards. It’s a shame, as I wanted to like it. I can imagine how great it was in its prime, and it needs a refurbishment.

For my first stay here, on New Year’s Eve 2026, check-in took an hour and a half after the official 3:30 pm time. We got a different room from the one we requested, with a parking view instead of a street view. The room was dusty, some buttons didn’t work, and there were only two power outlets. I didn’t feel comfortable using the towels and washed the cups before using them. On the plus side, the air conditioning was cold, the mattress was comfortable, and they provided basic things like an iron, prayer mat, and Qibla direction. The design feels dated, like it’s stuck in 2007. I’d say this hotel is only suitable if you’re very patient and not particular about the room type.

The location was excellent during my three-day stay. Everything was walkable, with Padang Merdeka and its lovely view right across the road, the Sarawak Museum complex next door, and Carpenter Street and the local markets a short walk away. The lobby looks grand and impressive. The rooms, however, felt dated, with a noticeable moldy smell and visible mold on the windows. Water dripped constantly outside my room, giving the impression of an aging property that hasn’t been properly maintained. For the price, it didn’t meet expectations. The Wi-Fi was extremely slow, almost early 2G speed, and barely worked when more than one device was connected, which is frustrating if you need stable internet. Service was disappointing too. The interactions felt cold and sometimes outright rude, and communication was difficult. If you’re not comfortable with some Malay, you might struggle. They didn’t seem to welcome or accommodate English warmly, which surprised me for a hotel with international guests. The location is hard to beat, but the room condition, service, and weak Wi-Fi made the price difficult to justify. Check recent room photos carefully and weigh your options if you’re considering booking. There are likely better alternatives in Kuching for the cost. For me, it wasn’t worth it.