Four-star sea views
Popular Horizon Hotel has the best value sea view rooms in Kota Kinabalu. The spacious lobby presents a life-sized horse with a lampshade on its head, designed by Swedish design group Front (or at least a copy of one), so you know it’s not going to be just an average room you find yourself in.
When you head to the rooms, make sure you haven’t had too much to drink — the swirling carpet in the hallways leading to life-sized photographs of piers will leave even the most sober of guests feeling drunk. Rooms are considerably less nauseating — all have either magnificent sea views or city views. We feel it’s worth paying the 35 ringgit more for a sea view if your budget stretches.
Rooms are luxurious and stylishly decorated in sophisticated dark tones with wooden floors, wood paneling and luxe amenities. Some have large photographs, others just the great view. All you would expect at this pricepoint, including satellite TV, minibar, robes and WiFi, is provided. Ensuite bathrooms with rain showers continue the theme, and everything is just right. Even bathroom scales are supplied, to ensure you don’t go overboard on the delicious KK food. Oddly, the bath tub in the grand deluxe rooms is not in the bathroom, but behind the bed — so you can watch the sunset while you soak. Some rooms are equipped with an Asian-style round wooden tub.
Non-smoking floors are available, and some rooms are disabled accessible. Be warned that stinky fruits are banned, and there is a 200 ringgit fine — enjoy your durian and tarap outside!
Horizon Hotel has four restaurants and cafes to suit every taste — the cakes in the coffee shop look hard to resist. Buffet breakfast is included in the rates, making the deal even sweeter. Amenities include a gym, a spa and a fabulous but small outdoor sixth floor pool. The pool area has a kids pool, and a small cafe — great for sunset viewing or unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. Non-guests can use the pool all day for 60 ringgit.
We think Horizon Hotel offers one of the best top-end deals in Kota Kinabalu — it’s very popular with Chinese tour groups. Walk-in rates are quoted here, but good deals can be found online. Can’t get a room? Hotel Grandis has good online deals too.
Address: Jalan Pantai, Kota Kinabalu
T: (088) 518 000; F: (088) 518 111
Email: info@horizonhotelsabah.com
Web: http://www.horizonhotelsabah.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 116º4'31.8" E, 5º58'56.59" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 250 to 500 ringgit
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
Superior double room | 350 ringgit | 350 ringgit |
Deluxe double room Sea view. Grand deluxe (city view): 450 ringgit. | 385 ringgit | 385 ringgit |
Reviewed by
Sally Arnold
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