Merdeka Palace Hotel & Suites

This hotel, while showing signs of its age, is consistently praised for its strategic location, making it an ideal choice for sightseers and business travelers who prioritize accessibility to key city attractions. Many guests appreciate its spacious rooms and the grand lobby, which retains a sense of classic elegance. Despite mixed feedback on its condition, the hotel’s central position allows for easy exploration of the city on foot, appealing to those who enjoy walking to destinations. For families, the larger apartment-style rooms offer ample space, though some facilities may not be ideal for children. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main road to minimize noise, and be prepared for a hotel that embraces a vintage aesthetic rather than modern luxury.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's lobby consistently receives high praise for its majestic and elegant appearance, creating a positive first impression for many guests. However, the condition of other facilities within the hotel is a frequent point of concern, with many guests noting their outdated nature. Common complaints include old-fashioned TVs, non-working lamps, and damaged toilets. While some rooms, particularly the suites and apartments, are described as spacious, guests often report issues with air-conditioning not being cold enough or leaking, and a general lack of essential amenities like a mini-fridge or safe deposit box. The gym is noted as being retro and having limited hours, and the pool is sometimes unavailable or not well-maintained. Parking is generally available and convenient for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied, with a significant number of guests expressing disappointment. Many reviews highlight issues such as dirty carpets with visible stains, a pervasive musty odor in rooms, and the presence of mold or fungus in bathrooms and around beds. Some guests reported finding bed bugs or other insects, and issues with dirty windows. The furniture is frequently described as old, worn, and in need of replacement, with some items being broken. Soundproofing is often cited as poor, leading to disturbances from street noise or adjacent rooms. Conversely, some guests found their rooms to be surprisingly clean and tidy, appreciating the comfortable beds and good water pressure in the showers, suggesting an inconsistent experience across different accommodations.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast service that receives mixed reviews; while some guests find it acceptable, many note a limited variety of options and an average food quality. Specific mentions include a "Seattle Coffee House" and "Special fried rice" being positively reviewed. For events, the provided food, particularly during tea time, is generally considered good, though there was an instance of seafood not being fresh, which was promptly rectified. The restaurant staff are often described as friendly and accommodating, willing to assist with special requests like vegetarian options. However, some guests noted that the hotel's dining options have diminished over time, with certain establishments like "Beccari's" no longer operating, leading to fewer choices for in-house dining.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly its most praised attribute, making it exceptionally convenient for guests to explore the city. It is situated within walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including the Borneo Cultures Museum, the Waterfront, India Street, and Plaza Merdeka, as well as other historical sites and shopping areas. This strategic position allows guests to easily access various points of interest without needing transportation. Parking is available and generally considered reasonable or free, adding to the convenience for those traveling by car. While the location is highly advantageous for sightseeing, some guests noted that rooms facing the main road can experience street noise due to poor soundproofing, which might affect sleep quality.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests commend the quick check-in and check-out processes, as well as the staff's willingness to assist with requests and provide information. Housekeeping and room service are often highlighted for their responsiveness, though some instances of inconsistency were noted, such as delays in providing requested items or rooms not being thoroughly checked before guest arrival. Despite some isolated negative comments regarding staff demeanor or communication issues, the overall sentiment is that the team strives to provide good service, often going above and beyond to address guest concerns, even when faced with challenges related to the hotel's aging infrastructure.

Additional Information
This hotel is widely recognized as an iconic and heritage building, with many guests appreciating its retro and colonial style and the numerous historical portraits displayed. However, it is clear that the property is in dire need of a comprehensive renovation to address its aging condition. Many guests note that the hotel has lost its former prestige and that its current state does not align with a high star rating. While the lobby maintains a grand appearance, the disparity between the public areas and the guest rooms is frequently highlighted. Guests should be aware that some amenities, such as the pool and playground, may not be operational or well-maintained, despite being advertised. The hotel's management is encouraged to invest in significant upgrades to restore the property to its full potential.