Silam Dynasty

The room smelled dusty, but the price, parking and other things were all okay. Shops for everyday essentials and a massage centre are easy to get to.

Back in the mid-90s, this was the hotel in Lahad Datu, Mido Hotel. A small Malaysia Airlines ticket office used part of the ground floor. As kids, we'd be woken early by the busy market traders below, while children raced past pushing wheelbarrows loaded with produce. Cigarettes were cheap, thanks to the neighbouring country.

The rooms are a bit dated but clean, with the usual amenities, and the air conditioner was quiet and cold. Staff were courteous and helpful. The Silam Dynasty Hotel is, I'd say, one of the better places to stay in Lahad Datu. I slept well and was comfortable, and I'd recommend it for business or leisure. It's right in central Lahad Datu, with a taxi stand beside the hotel and banks, grocery shops and places to eat within walking distance. There were a few drawbacks: no shampoo was provided, the hotel cafe has sadly shut permanently, and traffic could make the rooms a little noisy until after dark. The lifts smelled of cigarette smoke.

Right in the middle of town, so you can walk to nearby restaurants or shops to pick up food. The hotel has its own car park. It also supplies towels, shampoo, soap, an electric kettle, glasses and packets of coffee.