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During my recent trip to Kuching, Sarawak, I had the pleasure of staying at the Hilton Kuching Hotel for 3 days and 2 nights. I booked the Executive Room, which offered stunning views of the Sarawak River and access to the Executive Lounge, complete with complimentary breakfast and refreshments. If you’re interested in exploring the various room options available, you can visit the hotel’s website: Hilton Kuching. The room rate was RM495.00 per night, but you can compare prices on platforms like Agoda.com for potentially cheaper rates. While there were a few areas for improvement, overall, my stay at the hotel was pleasant. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of my experience.

The Room

What I liked:

Upon entering my room at Hilton Kuching, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking views of the Sarawak River. The room itself was spacious, beautifully designed, and impeccably clean. As a seasoned traveller, I greatly appreciated the inclusion of essential amenities like towels, a hairdryer, an iron, and an ironing board. The adjustable thermostat was a nice touch, allowing me to set the room to my preferred temperature. The soft bedsheets and cosy duvet made for a truly comfortable sleep experience, and I especially appreciated the two extra pillows on the bed—perfect for someone like me who always enjoys a little extra cushion!

What I didn’t like:

Unfortunately, as a light sleeper, I had trouble getting a good night’s rest due to some noise disturbances. On the first night, I was repeatedly woken up by the sound of the restroom door opening and closing, followed by something hitting against something else. I suspected the noise might have come from the air conditioning system, but it was still frustrating and affected my sleep quality. While the second night was quieter, the disturbances from the first night lingered in my mind. Additionally, I noticed that the toilet bowl cover wasn’t properly cleaned, and the toilet tank was leaking, which was disappointing.

The Foods.

Complimentary Breakfast:

• Breakfast at Hilton Kuching starts at 6:00 AM, which is convenient for early risers. The buffet offers a wide variety of options, including Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Western cuisines.
• There’s also a juice bar with freshly squeezed options like pineapple, orange, watermelon, and cucumber juice.
• The buffet features ‘teh tarik’, coffee, and tea, and if you prefer other hot drinks like cappuccinos or lattes, the staff will gladly prepare them for you upon request.
• The food was, for the most part, delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Laksa Sarawak and Mee Kolok. While I wasn’t fond of the Tosei from the Indian section, the spring rolls were delightful. The sweet and sour fish from the Chinese kitchen was a standout, and while I didn’t have the chance to try the dim sum, it was available. The Malay section was decent, but nothing stood out. The Western options included baked beans, bread, salads, pancakes, French toast, waffles, and omelettes, which were all satisfying.
• Don’t forget to save some room for dessert. There are options for fresh-cut fruits and pudding in the fridge that are worth trying.

Executive Lounge:

• The Executive Lounge was one of the highlights of my stay. It offered a cosy and peaceful environment to unwind, catch up on work, or simply relax. Complimentary refreshments, including coffee, tea, and soft drinks, were available throughout the day, and the staff was attentive and welcoming.
• The cakes were a highlight for me, particularly the rich and creamy cheesecakes and the delicious red velvet cake. The banana cake was also a treat, with a subtle banana flavour that wasn’t overpowering. I have to confess, I couldn’t resist going for a second slice of the cheesecake!
• With its stunning views of the Sarawak River, the Executive Lounge was the perfect spot to relax and indulge in some sweet treats.

The Hotel and The Staff.

As a 4-star hotel, Hilton Kuching met my expectations in most areas. Its prime location near the Kuching Waterfront and shopping malls was incredibly convenient. I was also pleasantly surprised by the refreshing scent in the hallways leading to the rooms. The staff was friendly and always available to assist, making my stay even more enjoyable. I would definitely consider staying here again and recommend it to others.

Areas for Improvement:

While my stay was enjoyable, there are a few areas that could be improved:

1. Maintenance could be better, as certain parts of the hotel appeared worn out.
2. I’d suggest that housekeeping be a little more meticulous, especially when it comes to cleaning the toilet bowl cover and addressing issues like the leaking toilet tank.
3. Although the complimentary breakfast offered a wide range of options, some dishes fell short of expectations.

With these improvements, the Hilton Kuching Hotel has the potential to provide an even better experience for its guests.

Conclusion

Overall, Hilton Kuching is a solid choice for both business and leisure travellers. Despite a few issues, the beautiful views, comfortable rooms, and fantastic food made my stay memorable. I look forward to returning in the future.

X. Hani