Kota Kinabalu's BEST Seaview Suite: Jesselton Quay Luxury Awaits!
Kota Kinabalu's BEST Seaview Suite: Jesselton Quay Luxury Awaits!
Jesselton Quay: This Isn't Just a Hotel, It's a Vibe. (And Sometimes, a Headache, But Mostly a Vibe.)
Okay, let's be real. Finding the "best" anything is a minefield, especially when it comes to travel. Everyone has a different definition of luxury, a different tolerance for noise, and a different level of "willingness to deal with a slightly wonky coffee machine." But after spending a week at the Jesselton Quay Luxury Awaits, their Seaview Suite, I can confidently say… it's pretty damn good. Like, really good. And with a few caveats, of course. Because life (and hotels) are rarely perfect.
First Impressions: OMG, That View! (And a Slight Panic Attack About the Elevator)
As soon as you step into the lobby, you're hit with… luxury. Glossy floors, gleaming surfaces, and an air of hushed sophistication. (It’s a little intimidating if you're used to, you know, hostels. I may have accidentally clutched my backpack a little tighter.) The staff were super friendly, though, thankfully. Check-in was smooth and quick, and they did offer contactless options (which is great, I'm a germaphobe at heart). The "express" check-in is a bonus too, perfect for when you're jet-lagged and just want to collapse.
The suites are, well, they’re suites. And the view. The view is why you book this place. Seriously. Imagine waking up to the turquoise waters of the South China Sea sparkling in front of you. The islands, the boats… it's postcard perfect. My first thought was pure, unadulterated joy. My second? "Wait, how do I work this giant window shade?" (Spoiler alert: it was easy, but it took me a minute.)
Accommodation: Luxuries and Imperfections
Let's break down the suite itself, because that’s where the magic (and the minor annoyances) happen.
- Space & Comfort: Huge. Seriously, you could host a small dance party in there. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, with those crisp, white linens that practically beg you to dive in. The blackout curtains? Essential for beating jet lag AND sleeping in. The seating area was perfect for chilling with a book (thanks, extra long bed!), and the desk was surprisingly functional for getting some work done. I did have a slight moment of panic when I went to use the desk lamp, only to find it didn't work. Like, hello? Luxury? But they fixed it immediately, so all good.
- Bathroom Bliss (Mostly): The separate shower and bathtub were glorious. The toiletries were lovely, and the robes and slippers felt like a hug after a long day of exploring. The bathroom phone? I didn't even realize those existed anymore! The only hiccup was the water pressure. During peak hours, it could be a bit… anemic. First world problems, I know.
- Tech & Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Praise be!) The connection was generally good, perfect for streaming movies on their on-demand service. There's LAN access too, if you're old-school. The TV had tons of channels, including satellite/cable options. The alarm clock worked, but I still slept through it once. Oops.
- Room Features: Air conditioning, mini bar (of course!), coffee/tea maker (which, as I mentioned, had a hiccup that was quickly resolved), safe box, and a refrigerator to keep those Bintang beers nice and cold!
- Bonus Points: They have smoking areas if you need one, and non-smoking rooms are available. They also offer a daily housekeeping service, which is fantastic, and they do room sanitization between stays. I appreciated that, especially nowdays.
Accessibility: Making it Work
Jesselton Quay isn’t just for the able-bodied. They've clearly put some effort into making this accessible. The elevators are a huge plus. The rooms have facilities for disabled guests, so it's a plus.
Food, Glorious Food! (And a Few Calorie-Induced Regrets)
The dining options at Jesselton Quay are… extensive. And delicious. And potentially fattening.
- Breakfast Buffet: A solid thumbs up! They had everything, from Western staples (bacon, eggs, pancakes) to Asian delights (congee, noodles, dim sum). The Asian breakfast was a real treat, with a selection of local favorites. I may or may not have eaten my weight in nasi lemak one morning.
- Restaurants: There are restaurants on-site offering Asian and International cuisine. I had a fantastic meal at one that served seafood fresh from the ocean. There are also vegetarian options available. The coffee shop was perfect for a quick caffeine fix.
- Room Service: 24/7! This is a game-changer. Especially for those late-night cravings. I found myself ordering a pizza, which, honestly, was surprisingly good.
- Drinks: They have a bar! And a poolside bar! Happy hour is a must, where you can sip cocktails and watch the sunset. I had a couple of those.
- Other Options: They also offer breakfast in-room, breakfast takeaway, alternative meal arrangements, and a snack bar. So you’re never short on options.
Things To Do (Besides Staring at the Ocean):
This is where Jesselton Quay really shines. It’s more than just a place to sleep – it's an experience.
- Relaxation Central: Let’s start with the spa. They offer body scrubs, body wraps, massages, and all the usual pampering. I highly recommend the massage. Utter bliss. There are also options like a foot bath, a sauna, a steamroom, and a spa/sauna. The pool with view is another must-do. Just imagine floating in the water, looking out at those islands… pure serenity.
- Fitness Freak Alert: They have a fitness center if you're feeling guilty about all that food. I went once. I walked on the treadmill. Don't judge me.
- Events & Socializing: They have meeting/banquet facilities, and outdoor venues for special events. You could even host a seminar.
- Things to do from the hotel:
- They provided airport transfer which is a plus.
- They have a concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, and laundry service.
- They offer a gift/souvenir shop for your last-minute shopping needs.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Protected
In these times, safety is paramount. Jesselton Quay takes it seriously.
- Hygiene on Point: They’ve got the hand sanitizer stations, and they use anti-viral cleaning products. They have daily disinfection in common areas, and they have professional-grade sanitizing services.
- Food Safety: They have a safe dining setup, and they use sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They also offer individually-wrapped food options.
- Staff Training: The staff are trained in safety protocol, which is reassuring.
- Security Measures: They have CCTV in common areas and outside the property, and they have 24-hour security.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Luxuries
- Easy Peasy: They offer contactless check-in/out which is convenient for the modern traveller.
- On-site: Convenient features like a convenience store, cash withdrawal, currency exchange, doorman, and laundry service.
- For Business travelers: Xerox/fax available in business center, they offer meetings and meeting stationery.
- For the Kids: Babysitting service available.
Getting Around: Conveniently Located
- Excellent location which gives you easy access to the airport and getting around.
- They have a free car park and options for airport transfer.
The Verdict: Worth the Splurge? (Absolutely, with a Caveat!)
Look, Jesselton Quay isn't cheap. But for the view alone, it’s worth it. Add in the comfortable rooms, the fantastic service, the excellent dining options, and the wealth of activities, and you've got a truly memorable stay.
But let's be honest: perfect doesn’t exist. There were minor issues, like a slightly wonky coffee machine and the occasional delay in the elevator. But they were minor, easily resolved, and didn't detract from the overall experience.
My Opinion: Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. I’m already dreaming of that sunrise over the islands.
NOW, FOR THE PITCH! (Because You Came Here for a Deal!)
ARE YOU READY TO BE AMAZED? (And Get a Great Deal on Your Dream Getaway!)
Kota Kinabalu's BEST Seaview Suite: Jesselton Quay Luxury Awaits! is calling your name!
Here's what you get:
- Breathtaking Seaview Suite: Wake up to paradise every single day. (Seriously, the view is that good.)
- Unforgettable Relaxation: Indulge in a spa treatment, sip cocktails by the pool, or simply unwind in your luxurious suite.
- Culinary Delights: Feast on amazing food, from Asian breakfasts to gourmet dinners
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned trip to Kota Kinabalu. This is…well, this is my trip. And it's gonna be a hot mess, but a glorious one. We're heading to Jesselton Quay Seaview, specifically Chariskey Suites. Fingers crossed they actually, you know, have a view. (I paid extra for that, dammit!)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Questionable Decisions
- 10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI): Okay, let's be honest, "ish" is the operative word here. Flights are a gamble, remember that time I almost missed my connecting flight in Bangkok because I was distracted by a particularly delicious mango sticky rice? Yeah, that's me. Anyway, assuming I actually land in KK, the first order of business is navigating the airport. I’m already envisioning a panicked rush to find the ATM, because, let's be real, I always underestimate how much cash I need. And then, the taxi hunt! Pray for a friendly, non-scheming driver.
- 11:30 AM - Check-in at Chariskey Suites (hopefully the right one): Ah, the moment of truth. Will the view be Instagram-worthy? Or will it be of a brick wall? I'm emotionally preparing for either. If the check-in process isn't smooth, and by smooth I mean fast; I'm going to be grumpy. Jet lag is a beast. I'll need a power nap, stat. Then the suitcase unpacking, because who am I kidding, living out of a suitcase is a skill I haven't yet mastered.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch (and potential cultural faux pas): Time to try the local food! I'll probably aim for something safe, like… well, I haven't researched it, so it's going to be a wild card. I'm praying for something delicious and not spicy. I'm also terrified of accidentally ordering something that involves, you know, actual intestines. The language barrier is real, people. Wish me luck (and that I don't accidentally offend anyone).
- 4:00 PM - Nap (because jet lag): This is crucial. Seriously. I'm a disaster when I'm sleep-deprived. This should be a solid 2-hour nap, maybe more if I can swing it.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset Walk (or stumbling): The plan is a leisurely stroll along the Jesselton Point waterfront. If the jet lag hasn't completely destroyed me, I'll attempt to take some photos. Don't expect perfection, I'm probably going to be slightly cross-eyed.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner (and the grand discovery of air conditioning): I'm envisioning this as a nice seafood dinner, if I can find a place with air conditioning. It's gonna be hot, so finding AC is a high priority. I'm also incredibly prone to over-ordering, so I'll try to restrain myself (probably fail).
- 9:00 PM - Collapse in bed (and pray for tomorrow): Hopefully, the bed is comfy. Praying the room is quiet cause I don't want any rowdy neighbours keeping me up.
Day 2: Islands, Snorkelling, and Possibly Seasickness
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (if I can wake up): Gotta eat! I'll probably try the hotel breakfast, assuming it's not a bizarre buffet of things my stomach won't be able to handle.
- 9:00 AM - Island Hopping Adventure!: We're talking boat trip to one of the nearby islands – probably Sapi or Manukan. Sunlight, turquoise water, the whole shebang. I hope I'm not going to be seasick. I have some motion sickness medication, but let's be honest, I always forget to take it until it's too late.
- 10:30 AM - Snorkelling (potentially epic failure): I haven't snorkelled in years. My mask will probably fog up, I'll struggle with the fins, and I'll probably swallow half the ocean. But! I'm going to try and appreciate the damn coral, the fish, and the beauty of it all. If I can just stop panicking about the vastness of the ocean.
- 12:30 PM - Beach Lunch (hopefully not sandy): We'll eat lunch on the island. Hopefully it's not a soggy sandwich, though I'm not expecting gourmet. Beach food is a gamble but I do love a good beach.
- 2:00 PM - More Snorkelling (or a nap on the beach): If I survived the first round of snorkelling, maybe I'll try again. If not, a nap on the beach it is. Gotta catch those rays.
- 4:00 PM - Return to Jesselton Point: Back to the mainland! Hopefully, I'm not too sunburnt.
- 5:00 PM - Back to Chariskey suites, a shower and change: A shower, a change of clothes, and a little time to relax is so important.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner in town: Exploring the town for some great food.
- 9:00 PM - Shopping for souvenirs for friends and family: Trying to find some nice souvenirs.
- 10:00 PM - Back to the hotel and sleep: Hopefully the view at sunset is great
Day 3: Culture, Monkeys, and My Disastrous Attempts at Hiking
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast at Cafe: A beautiful cafe with a great view.
- 10:00 AM - Visit the Sabah State Museum: I'll attempt to learn a little something about the culture. Museums are a bit hit-or-miss for me - sometimes I'm fascinated, sometimes I'm fighting to stay awake.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Trying out a new local food place.
- 1:30 PM - The North Borneo Railway: Possibly a very touristy thing, but I've heard it's a nice experience. I'll be looking at the beautiful scenic views.
- 4:00 PM - Shopping, and a snack: Stopping in at some local shops.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: Finding another good place for dinner.
Day 4: Departure (and reflecting on the chaos)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (and a final assessment of the view): One last look at that view, whatever it may be. I'll probably be regretting all the things I didn't do.
- 9:00 AM - Last-minute souvenir hunt: Gotta grab those last-minute gifts and maybe a little something for myself.
- 11:00 AM - Pack (again, like a pro): Trying, really trying, to do a good job
- 12:00 PM - Check out: Saying goodbye.
- 1:00 PM - Airport Arrival: Hoping to depart smoothly, not rushing, and with no tears.
- 2:00 PM - Last-minute shopping: Getting food and drinks for my flight
- 3:00 PM - Flight (and the inevitable post-trip reflection): Thinking about what I did.
So, there you have it. My utterly imperfect and slightly rambling itinerary. Will I stick to it? Probably not. Will it be a disaster? Almost certainly. Will I have fun? Absolutely. Because even when things go wrong, that's when the real stories happen. Wish me luck, and maybe send a care package of snacks (and maybe some motion sickness pills).
P.S. If anyone sees a rogue tourist frantically waving their arms at a group of monkeys on a beach, that might be me. Don't judge. They're just so cute.
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Jesselton Quay Luxury: Honestly, What to Expect (and Maybe Regret?)
Is Jesselton Quay REALLY as luxurious as the pictures suggest?
Okay, deep breath. Remember those perfectly Photoshopped hotel photos? Yeah, some of that magic DOES exist. The Jesselton Quay suites *are* stunning. The views? Breathtaking. I mean, I actually choked up a little the first time I saw the sunset. Not gonna lie. BUT! Let's be real. Expect a little… *reality*. Maybe a slightly less pristine pool (you know, the ones where a rogue leaf seems to taunt you daily? Yep), or a tiny scuff on a seemingly-flawless marble countertop (mine had a weird smudge, don't judge!). It's luxurious, yes, but it's also…lived in. And by 'lived in', I mean by someone who clearly loves air conditioning 24/7, judging by the slight chill. Still, the view, the sheer SPACE of the suite? Worth it. Mostly. I felt like a celebrity for maybe 30 minutes, okay?!
What's the deal with the location? Is it convenient?
Location, location, location! This is mostly a win. It's smack-dab in the middle of everything! Think proximity to Jesselton Point (island hopping, anyone?), and all the restaurants and bars. BUT... and there's always a 'but' isn't there? Parking. Oh, the parking. Finding a space is practically an Olympic sport during peak season. Seriously, I spent a good 20 minutes circling one evening, feeling more and more like a hawk searching for prey. Eventually, I bribed a security guard with a smile and a suspiciously large tip (shhh!). Also, be prepared for potential noise. Being in a bustling area means… bustling. Especially if your suite faces the street. Bring earplugs. Seriously. My advice? Embrace Grab. You'll save yourself a heap of stress (and parking fees).
The service - is it top-notch?
Okay, SERVICE. It's… adequate. Let's be honest. Not quite 'butler-who-anticipates-your-every-whim' level. More like 'friendly-but-possibly-overwhelmed-at-times'. The staff are lovely people, truly. But sometimes, let's just say communication wasn't their strongest suit. I asked for extra towels three times. THREE TIMES. And then... waited. And waited. Finally, I just gave up and used my scarf. (Don't judge! It was a silk scarf!). And another time, when I was trying to book a massage, bless them, they seemed to think I wanted a… facial. I still don't know where that came from. It's not the Four Seasons, you know? But, the important stuff - checking in, checking out - was smooth. They try, okay? they're just… human.
Tell me about the views. Seriously. Are they as epic as everyone says?
OH. MY. GOD. The views. Okay, calm down. I'm trying to be unbiased here, but… the sunrise. The sunsets. The *water*. The islands shimmering in the distance. The feeling of being suspended above the busy city… it's… it's almost overwhelming. The first morning I woke up, I just stood there, slack-jawed, for a solid half hour. No coffee. No phone. Just… looking. It's a cliché, I know, but it truly is magical. And the nighttime view… well, picture a thousand twinkling lights reflected in the water. It's like being inside a postcard, almost. I ended up taking approximately 700 photos. And I *still* don't think they do it justice. Seriously. It's one thing I WOULD pay top dollar for. Again, and again, and again….
What about the pool and other amenities?
The pool. Ah, the pool. Okay, here's where things get a little… mixed. The pool is beautiful! Infinity edge, stunning views (surprise!). BUT, it can get crowded. VERY crowded, especially during peak times. And sometimes… the sun loungers are like gold dust. I actually witnessed a near-brawl over one. Seriously. People get territorial. My advice? Go early. Or late. Or… well, just avoid the middle of the day. The gym? I tried it once. It was… a gym. Adequate equipment, nothing to write home about. The included breakfast? Pretty standard hotel breakfast fare. Lots of options, but not particularly memorable. Eggs. Toast. Sausages. But the coffee? Acceptable. Okay, moving on…
Is it family-friendly? Or more for couples/solo travelers?
Hmmm, good question. I saw a few families, sure. But I'd say it leans more towards couples or solo travelers looking for a bit of… *splurge*. The vibe isn't super kid-centric. It's more about the views, the relaxation, the taking in the luxurious vibe. Think romantic dinners on the balcony, lazy mornings by the pool, and escaping the real world for a few blissful days. Plus, you know, the whole 'luxury' thing might require a bit more… attention. Having kids around might… be less relaxing? Just my opinion. But, if you have well-behaved kids that don't mind being near the pool, they'd do well.
Okay, so... the downsides? Be honest! The stuff the reviews don't tell you.
Alright, alright. No place is paradise. Here's the unvarnished truth. Firstly, price. Yeah, it's not cheap. Consider it a splurge. Secondly, the noise. I mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Bring earplugs. The city noise, the distant karaoke, the occasional party – it's there. Thirdly, the internet. It wasn't always the fastest. I had bouts of trying to upload some instagram shots and the frustration almost sent me over the edge of the balcony! Fourth, the lift to my room broke down! I swear I ran into 3 other people who had the same thing happen. You may get stuck! It got fixed though, eventually. Overall, there will be things that could be improved, but with the view, it was easily forgiven.
Would you stay there again? Seriously. Would you?
Ugh, this is the hardest question. Look, imperfections and all... YES. Absolutely. The views. The sheer, unadulterated *beauty* of the place. I'm still dreaming of those sunsets. *Maybe* I'd try a higher floor next time, away from the street noise. And I’d definitely bring earplugs. And a better scarf for drying myselfHotel Price Compare
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