THE URBAN RETREAT AT HORIZON HOTEL – KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA
Another delayed flight. Another nighttime. Another late dinner. And another late check-in. This time at Horizon Hotel of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
The warm welcome was apparent. The Kota Kinabalu International Airport was
flocked by hotel staff of varied hotel chains, each holding a placard displaying
names of guests scribbled conspicuously.
Ours was held by a smiling and cheerful guy. He is Dino, a Filipino, who embraced Filipino
culture wholeheartedly while growing up in Sabah Malaysia and can speak
Filipino fluently, though with an accent.
It felt like we never left the Philippines while we had conversations
with him covering a short introduction of what Kota Kinabalu has to offer.
A 15-minute drive from the
airport, we were ushered to the reception area of Horizon Hotel. The façade of the hotel is unassuming and simple. Upon entering the lobby and reception area, the high ceiling and modern art decors not to mention the prominent lamp shade makes an interesting interior décor.
In no time we were lead to our booked Deluxe Room (sea view). The basket of fruits placed on the writing desk was a sweet gesture of hospitality.
In no time we were lead to our booked Deluxe Room (sea view). The basket of fruits placed on the writing desk was a sweet gesture of hospitality.
THE ROOMS
Horizon Hotel has 180 rooms complemented
by either the city or sea view. Each
room is furnished with elegant décor, modern artworks, writing desk, coffee and
tea making facilities. The framed photos
of Kota Kinabalu’s landmark destinations easily caught my attention. Armed with no itinerary on where to go in the
city, the framed photos serving as wall decors became an instant travel guide.
We were booked in a deluxe
room with a sea view (click to check room types and rates). The adjacent room is connected to my room
through a passage at the middle. I
suddenly remember my family and it would be best for us to stay in such set-up
rather than different rooms in a hotel when we stay in hotels.
Morning came and I gazed upon the window in awe of how the sea and the cityscape blends beautifully. The spacious rooms were indeed relaxing and so comforting that the walking tour could possibly be ditched. But we have to move as the opportunity to wander does not come often.
Morning came and I gazed upon the window in awe of how the sea and the cityscape blends beautifully. The spacious rooms were indeed relaxing and so comforting that the walking tour could possibly be ditched. But we have to move as the opportunity to wander does not come often.
BREAKFAST AT DECO CAFÉ & GRILL
The lavish spread of breakfast buffet is a necessary part of our itinerary. The morning offer was a fusion of international and local cuisine.
Deco Café & Grill is
well-lit and conducive for dining with its minimal yet classy interior design.
LUNCH AT THE ASIAN RESTAURANT
Situated at the lobby level,
as the name of the restaurant suggests the ambiance reflects the interesting
mix of Asian culture – with Nyonya, Thai and Chinese cuisine as major
offerings.
Every dish is worth the dining experience. With the appetite we have in the group, the
number of dish served in our table mostly Chinese cuisine, were gone in a few
minutes.
AMENITIES AND SERVICES
Security is the main concern
of every guest. At Horizon Hotel,
security is never an issue. In fact, the
lift is equipped with guest card security.
There are no surprise guests after all.
The hotel further provides a
panoramic outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool with a gymnasium adjacent
to it. All situated at the 6th
floor of the hotel.
And what is even more
remarkable of Horizon Hotel is the fact of its easy access to the urban
landmarks of Kota Kinabalu. It is
situated at the heart of the city center and a walking distance to all these
landmarks.
But time would not permit us
to stay any longer. Should I be back to
Kota Kinabalu, I would definitely pay a visit to the Horizon Hotel. The management and staff definitely delivers
on a high standard of hospitality.
HORIZON HOTEL & SPA
Jalan Pantai, Pusat Bandar,
88999 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
Email: info@horizonhotelsabah.com
Tel. No.: +6 088 518 000
1 comments
I am eagerly following your Asean loop. Nakakainggit haha. Great photos and nakakagutom :)
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