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Summary of reviewsMerdeka Palace Hotel & Suites is highly praised for its excellent location in the heart of Kuching. Guests benefit from easy access to key attractions, including museums, shopping malls, eateries and the picturesque waterfront. This central positioning makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers with Carpenter Street, Plaza Merdeka and Padang Merdeka nearby.
The staff at the hotel receive commendations for their friendliness, professionalism and willingness to assist, particularly those at the reception and helpdesk. The overall impression is positive with many guests appreciating the helpful and polite nature of the personnel.
The rooms are spacious, making them suitable for families and larger groups. Visitors enjoy the comfort and cleanliness of the accommodations, highlighting the impressive city views from their windows. However, there are notable concerns regarding outdated furniture, stained carpets, old air conditioning units and overall maintenance issues such as plumbing problems and non-functional electrical equipment. Cleanliness has also been inconsistent with reports of dirty windows and unclean bathrooms.
Breakfast at the hotel has received mixed feedback. While some guests enjoy the complimentary breakfast, others feel it is not worth the price, citing limited variety and unsatisfactory preparation. Despite these concerns, the hotel's location and the friendliness of the staff remain redeeming factors.
Cleanliness is a mixed aspect at the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites. Some guests find the rooms clean and comfortable, contributing to a positive stay. However, many point out the need for comprehensive upgrades and stricter cleaning protocols, especially regarding the old furniture, carpets and bathrooms. The lobby is often noted as an exception, maintaining a higher standard of cleanliness compared to other areas.
The hotel's free wifi service is frequently criticized for being weak and unreliable, particularly on the upper floors and in specific rooms. Visitors advise bringing mobile data to avoid connectivity issues.
The pool area elicits mixed reactions; while some guests enjoy it, others find it rundown with maintenance issues such as dirty water and blocked drains. The pool’s irregular operating hours and lack of lounge chairs add to the dissatisfaction despite some appreciation for the surrounding scenery.
Parking at the hotel is generally convenient and free, although challenges like small and dark parking spaces with uneven ceiling heights are noted. Some rooms close to the parking area are reportedly musty.
Families find the accommodation spacious and comfortable, though the absence of specific activities or amenities for children can be a downside. The beds receive mixed feedback; many guests find them comfortable, but some note issues with support and the condition of the mattresses and bed sheets.
Despite being a four-star hotel, guests feel that Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites falls short of this standard in several areas, namely maintenance, room furnishings and overall upkeep. Show more
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Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Cheap Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Superior Queen This air-conditioned room comes with a satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries.
Deluxe King This air-conditioned room comes with a satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries.
Two-Bedroom SuiteThis spacious suite has 2 bedrooms and a separate living area. A dining area and a kitchenette are also available. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower, a bathub and free toiletries.
Three-Bedroom SuiteOffering additional living space, this suite has 3 bedrooms. A dining area and a kitchenette are also available. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower, a bathub and free toiletries.
Standard QueenThis air-conditioned room comes with a satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The en suite bathroom comes with a shower and free toiletries.
Please note that this room type does not have a view.
Deluxe TwinThe spacious twin room features air conditioning, soundproof walls, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a bidet. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard TwinOffering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower, a bidet and a hairdryer. The twin room offers air conditioning, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and a TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.3
Good
Location
The Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites is frequently praised for its prime location in Kuching. Nestled in the heart of the city, the hotel offers guests easy access to numerous attractions. The central setting means that museums, shopping malls, eateries and the picturesque waterfront are all within comfortable walking distance. This makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers looking to explore the old town and vibrant local culture. Visitors particularly appreciate that it is close to Carpenter Street, Plaza Merdeka and Padang Merdeka, providing convenience for sightseeing and shopping. The strategic positioning of the hotel ensures that guests can enjoy the city's highlights with ease, making it a highly recommended option for those visiting Kuching.
Breakfast
Visitors at the Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites have mixed feelings about the breakfast offerings. While some guests found the complimentary breakfast great and excellent, others expressed disappointment, stating the breakfast was not worth the price. Many reviews highlight the absence of breakfast with it not being included in the room package for some guests, leaving them to seek morning meals elsewhere. The hotel staff's friendliness and the good location are noted as redeeming aspects amidst the breakfast-related concerns. Guests mentioned unsatisfactory breakfast preparation with limited variety cited at the RM15 rate, offering mainly kuew tiaw, fruits, toast and sausages.
Rooms
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites offers spacious accommodations that cater well to families and larger groups with rooms and suites that are big enough to fit up to five people comfortably. Many guests appreciated the clean and comfortable conditions of their rooms, praising the city's view from their windows. The hotel is also noted for its strategic location, being close to shopping centers and the waterfront, adding convenience for tourists.
However, the reviews suggest that the rooms and facilities are quite dated and in need of significant upgrades. Common complaints include old furniture, stained carpets, musty smells and inadequate lighting. Some rooms suffered from maintenance issues such as plumbing problems, non-functional electrical equipment and old air conditioning units. Cleanliness is also inconsistent with some guests noting dirty windows and unclean bathrooms.
Overall, while the hotel provides ample space and a comfortable stay for some, there is a clear need for renovations and better maintenance to meet the standards expected by modern travelers.
Beds
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites offers a mixed experience when it comes to their beds. Guest feedback highlights a significant number of positive remarks about the comfort of the beds with many describing them as comfortable and the pillows as cozy. However, there are notable concerns regarding the state of some mattresses, pointing out issues such as lack of support, mattresses being sunk in and even some causing back pain. Several guests also mentioned the need for updates and improvements, particularly in the quality of the bedding and the condition of the bed sheets. Despite these criticisms, the general consensus seems to point towards a comfortable sleeping experience for many, albeit with room for improvements in consistency and maintenance.
Cleanliness
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites presents a mixed experience when it comes to cleanliness with some reviewers noting areas of concern. Several guests found rooms clean and comfortable, contributing to a positive stay for some. However, criticisms often point to outdated and poorly maintained facilities, including old furniture and carpets which were described as dirty, soiled and even moldy. Bathrooms and toilets frequently received negative feedback for being unclean, often mentioned alongside issues like dirty walls, stained carpets and unpleasant odors permeating rooms and hallways.
There were also comments about slow housekeeping services with some guests suggesting the need for more thorough and timely cleaning. Maintenance issues are evident with broken amenities and moldy walls being highlighted as areas requiring urgent attention.
While some guests did appreciate the cleanliness and comfort of their rooms, the predominant sentiment is that the hotel could benefit significantly from a comprehensive upgrade and stricter cleanliness protocols. It seems that the hotel's lobby stands out as an exception, maintaining a higher standard of cleanliness and upkeep compared to other facilities.
Staff
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites is notable for its staff, often described as friendly, polite and willing to assist guests with various needs. Guests frequently commend the personnel at the reception and helpdesk for being exceptionally professional and accommodating, often going above and beyond to address issues promptly. Despite some negative encounters with rude or inattentive staff, the overall impression is one of helpfulness and approachability. Maintenance and room staff receive positive mentions for their efforts to resolve issues effectively.
However, there are some areas needing improvement, such as housekeeping standards and attentiveness of some staff members, particularly at the front desk and main entrance. Complaints about cleanliness, such as unflushed toilets and mold in bathrooms, highlight areas where consistent attention is required. Despite these lapses, the hotel compensates by quickly assigning new rooms and offering upgrades when necessary.
In summary, while there are isolated incidents of unprofessional behavior and service delays, the majority of feedback reflects a positive, guest-focused environment with a staff that strives to make stays pleasant and comfortable.
Wi-Fi
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites offers a comfortable stay but has noticeable issues with its wifi service. Guests have frequently reported weak and unreliable wifi signals throughout the hotel. The internet connection is often slow or non-existent, especially on the upper floors and in certain rooms. Some visitors mentioned the hotel limits the number of devices that can connect to the internet. It is advisable for guests to bring their own mobile data to avoid connectivity issues.
Pool
The pool at Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites has received mixed feedback from guests. While some visitors found the pool to be very nice and enjoyed spending time there, especially with their children, others were significantly less impressed. Several guests noted that the pool area does not match its photos and is noticeably run-down with reports of dirty water, blocked drains and facilities that are not well maintained.
Guests have pointed out that the jacuzzi in the pool is not working and there are no loungers or scenic views available poolside. The pool's toilets and changing areas also received criticism for being in poor condition. Additionally, some visitors were disappointed to find that the pool is often closed for maintenance and only open on certain days, typically Fridays through Sundays. The absence of a clear standard operating procedure has led to an overcrowded pool environment during operating days, causing further dismay.
In contrast, the scenery around the pool received positive remarks and some guests appreciated the private, family-friendly feel when they had the area to themselves. However, the inconsistency in pool availability and the lack of maintenance overshadow these positives for many potential visitors.
Parking
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites offers ample and convenient parking spaces, making it an easy and accommodating experience for guests arriving by car. The parking is not only spacious but also free, which adds to its convenience. However, there are a few concerns reported about the parking facilities. Some guests have mentioned issues like small parking spaces and difficulty navigating the garage due to uneven ceiling height. Additionally, there are remarks about certain spots being inaccessible and the car park being too dark, especially on the 4th floor and above, which can make it seem unsecured. Despite these drawbacks, many guests appreciate the availability of parking and find it much better compared to other places, though some rooms near the car park can become musty.
Family
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites offers a variety of spacious accommodations that are well-suited for family vacations. Reviews highlight that the rooms, particularly family suites and apartments, provide ample space which is comfortable for larger groups and big families. The cleanliness and comfort of the suites stand out as positive aspects. However, while adults may find the rooms pleasant, there are some mentions that the hotel may not offer enough activities or amenities specifically for children, which could lead to disappointment for families with kids seeking additional entertainment options.
4 Star
Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites often falls short in meeting the expectations associated with a four-star rating. Guests have highlighted several areas where the hotel may need improvement. Many comments point to outdated furnishings, including worn-out sofas and old-fashioned televisions reminiscent of the 90s. The absence of mini refrigerators in rooms, despite its four-star status, has also been noted repeatedly. Additionally, the comfort level of the beds and overall room maintenance have been subjects of concern with some reviews suggesting that the cleaning standards do not align with the hotel's advertised rating. Despite being a four-star establishment, these issues have led some guests to feel that the hotel does not quite live up to its rating.
Outdoor Pool
The Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites offers an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, providing guests with a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the open platform. The hotel's central location and the availability of a swimming pool are frequently appreciated by visitors. However, some concerns have been noted regarding the pool's maintenance with mentions of the water needing regular filtering and occasional reports of the pool being out of order. Additionally, the pool's operating hours are limited to 10 AM - 6 PM and there is a lack of lounge chairs available for guests.
Yes, Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites.
No, Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites.
No, Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites doesn't have a gym.