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Nestled in the heart of the city center, Hilton Kota Kinabalu stands as the sole Hilton property in Sabah. This 5-star luxury hotel boasts 304 diverse rooms and suites, four dining options, functional event ballrooms, and an outdoor pool, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
During our trip to Sabah, my husband and I spent five nights at Hilton Kota Kinabalu. It was our first visit to the city but not our first experience with this hotel brand, and it turned out to be a perfect match for our trip. This 5-star property offered unparalleled luxury and comfort, making our stay extraordinary. From our lavish accommodation to the excellent facilities and friendly staff, everything was perfect. I had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our stay.
The first thing that strikes you upon entering the hotel lobby is the stunning chandelier, which twists and turns around the high ceiling like raindrops. The hotel's main reception area is impressively spacious, reflecting Kota Kinabalu's unexpected grandeur for a mid-sized city. The vastness of the main lobby, coupled with the beautiful chandelier resembling water droplets, immediately impressed us and set the tone for a remarkable stay.
The Room
We had the pleasure of staying in one of Hilton Kota Kinabalu's 304 rooms and suites, which offer a range of accommodations from Guest Rooms to Suites, Executive Rooms, and Accessible Rooms. Our choice was the Executive King Room, a cozy and luxurious space with separate bedroom and bathroom areas. Equipped with modern amenities including a 50-inch interactive TV, media hub, laptop-sized safe, and minibar, the room also boasts smart technology features such as entry lighting and motion sensors. Additionally, the Executive King Room features a 48-inch IPTV with digital guest service directory and room service menu.
Our stay in the Premium Executive Room with a king-bed configuration was truly memorable. With its spacious 42-square-meter layout and Hilton's signature minimalist design infused with natural motifs inspired by Kota Kinabalu's adventurous spirit, the room exuded comfort and style. From the impeccably made bed to the ample seating areas, including an ottoman, sofa, and ergonomically-designed chair, the room was thoughtfully designed for relaxation and productivity. The integration of traditional hotel amenities into the Smart TV added a modern touch, allowing easy access to hotel services and facilities.
In terms of bathroom amenities, the room featured a spacious layout with separate toilet and shower enclosures, the latter equipped with powerful rain shower facilities. Although there was no bathtub, the rain shower provided a luxurious bathing experience. Notably, the bathroom included a see-through window with a curtain for privacy, ensuring a comfortable bathing experience.
One standout feature of the room was its motion-sensing technology, which controlled the air-conditioning and lighting. With no need for a keycard slot, entering the room was seamless, and lighting and air-conditioning were automatically activated. Similarly, a bedside button allowed us to easily turn off all lights with a single touch, enhancing our convenience and comfort throughout our stay.
Dining & Drinks
At Hilton Kota Kinabalu, dining options abound to satisfy every palate and craving. Our Urban Kitchen tantalizes taste buds with a fusion of Malaysian specialties and Western favorites, providing a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors of the region alongside beloved international dishes. For a sophisticated dining experience with panoramic views, Rooftop Bar & Grill awaits, offering a delectable selection of tapas, succulent steaks, flavorful pasta, and a curated list of international wines.
For those seeking a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely moment, Drip, our lobby café, beckons with a tempting array of hot drinks and light bites, perfect for a midday refreshment or an evening unwind. And when the sun sets, The Club comes alive with onsite nightlife, providing a vibrant atmosphere for guests to relax and socialize into the night. 
From casual dining to refined gastronomic experiences and vibrant nightlife, Hilton Kota Kinabalu ensures that every dining moment is a memorable one for our guests. 
The Pool
We decided to take a peek at the rooftop pool, located on the same floor as our room, even though swimming wasn't on our agenda. While the pool itself may not appear expansive, it boasts ample seating with chairs and sun loungers for guests to relax and soak up the sun. As we explored, we learned that the property boasts the largest outdoor rooftop pool area in all of Sabah, a fact evidenced by the sizable space and the early morning presence of several sunbathing guests. Additionally, fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the modest yet well-equipped fitness center for a satisfying workout session.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu Executive Lounge
During our stay, we had the opportunity to explore the Executive Lounge atHilton Kota Kinabalu and discovered a host of exclusive benefits available to guests. These include a hearty breakfast served from 6:30 to 10:00 AM on weekdays and until 10:30 AM on weekends and public holidays, as well as all-day refreshments from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Additionally, the lounge offers evening cocktails in two sessions: from 5 to 6 PM, where children are welcome, and from 6 to 7 PM, reserved for adults only. Other perks include complimentary WiFi, private check-in and check-out, complimentary pressing of one item per stay, and concierge services.
As guests staying in the Executive Suite, we were granted access to this exclusive retreat. We indulged 3 times in the continental breakfast, and also experienced the Evening Cocktail Hour, which exceeded our expectations. With an array of snacks and beverages to choose from, including biscuits, nuts, dumplings, noodles, desserts, and local beer, we savored every moment of this exclusive amenity.
The Executive Lounge at Hilton Kota Kinabalu impressed us with its elegance and size, boasting a well-designed interior and plenty of comfortable seating options. Whether for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or conducting business meetings, this lounge provides a luxurious and convenient setting for guests.
Other Facilities
To ensure our guests' comfort and convenience, Hilton Kota Kinabalu offers an array of exceptional recreational facilities, including a fitness room, sauna, steam room, and outdoor pool. A complimentary Wi-Fi connection is provided throughout the hotel, ensuring seamless connectivity for our guests. In addition to these recreational amenities, the hotel also provides essential services such as 24-hour security, event spaces, business services, meeting rooms, car rentals, airport transfers, concierge assistance, luggage storage, and room service, among others. Whether guests are here for leisure or business, we strive to meet their every need with our comprehensive range of facilities and services.
Conclusion
Hilton Kota Kinabalu caters to both business travelers and vacationers, offering a plethora of activities and amenities to ensure a memorable stay for all guests. From solo travellers to families and friends, everyone will find something to enjoy at our hotel, as I personally experienced during my two-night stay.
Staying at Hilton Kota Kinabalu was truly outstanding, especially as it was our first time in a Kota Kinabalu. The hotel provided the epitome of luxury and modern amenities, from the spacious and luxurious suite to the elegant and charming ambience throughout the property. In 5 nights, Hilton Kota Kinabalu offered us a relaxing and prestigious hotel experience that surpassed all expectations.
It was fascinating to see how the Hilton brand, traditionally associated with business travel, positioned itself in a leisure destination like Kota Kinabalu. The hotel's minimalistic style and high-tech fittings provided a soothing retreat after exploring the rainforests of Borneo or the nearby islands. With the scarcity of upscale business hotels in the city, Hilton Kota Kinabalu is poised to carve out a niche for itself, offering both leisure and business travelers an unparalleled experience.
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