Perhentian Resort Island PIR - BlueStar

The beaches are beautiful, and snorkeling from the beach just a three-minute walk from the rooms was full of marine life. We ate well too: the portions were huge, the food was delicious, and the prices were reasonable. The rooms were clean, though they could use a little touch-up. It also took a while for the air conditioning to cool the room.

The room problems were handled with poor communication. The toilet blocked and the power went out more than once, and I couldn't get clear help. There was no WiFi in the rooms either. I also found the restaurant toilet often dirty and really smelly. At breakfast, ants covered the coffee cups and juice dispensers. The place is in a great location, but the sunbeds were uncomfortable and the rooms don't feel worth the price. It seems like the hotel hasn't been renovated for a long time. Restaurant food wasn't something I'd recommend, though the drinks were very tasty. The male staff were polite and efficient. The women were often on their phones or chatting, and seemed to expect guests to wait until they were finished before helping. For the facilities and customer service, it was quite pricey. I'd definitely stay somewhere else if I came back.

Jieha from the reservations team made the booking process incredibly frustrating. She replied only once a day and just sent a list of rooms, without explanations or recommendations. She wouldn't take any initiative, and came across as very unfriendly and ill-mannered. Her attitude gave me no desire to stay at the hotel. It felt like she was working on the idea that there were plenty of customers and only one of her. If people like Jieha are the ones dealing with customers, the hotel's REPUTATION will suffer. High season may still bring guests, but people will know they aren't valued, respected, or welcome. I can't wish the hotel success while Jieha works there. This was the worst booking process I've ever had. It deserves less than zero.

We asked to move after finding a lot of hair in the first room's bed. Lifting the mattress, I saw what looked like traces of bedbugs, though it may have been from an older infestation that had already been treated. The second room was better, but still not clean. We were also disappointed to learn from another employee after checking in that the pool was closed. We know from other stays in the Perhentian Islands that accommodation here costs more, and this one is on one of the island's most beautiful beaches. Still, the price doesn't match what you get. The place is getting old, which by itself wouldn't bother us, but cleanliness was a real problem. There are cheaper and better places on this beach and around the corner.