Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 233750;
www.sarangnova.com
;
98 Jln Gaya; s/d from RM120/170)
It's hard not to
miss this fascinating hotel; there's a conceptual, woodsy slat fixture attached to the front.
The rooms are just as distinctive as the exterior, seeing as they're themed after Borneo's
birds. No, no feathers on the walls or anything, but the attractively minimalist decor is off-
set by gallery-style portraits of local avian life; this includes some picture compositions
that are downright Warhol-ian. For being a little different, and still offering superlative
service in all the ways that count (helpful staff, central location), we give the Sarangnova
two beaks up.
Hotel Eden 54 $$
( 266054;
www.eden54.com
;
54 Jln Gaya; r RM119-179; )
This smart choice
would likely cost five times what it does were it plopped in the West. Fortunately this
Eden's contrasting solid dark and light colours, geometric design sensibility and immacu-
late furniture have turned up in Kota Kinabalu. A fine choice for flashpackers, couples,
even families. One warning: the cheapest rooms are windowless and should be avoided.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
HOTEL
Rainforest Lodge $$
( 258228;
www.rainforestlodgekk.com
;
Jln Pantai; dm/s/d/ste from RM40/115/135/
165; )
Located in the swinging centre of the 'Beach Street' complex, the Rain-
forest is all of a stairward stumble from some of KK's best nightlife. Rooms are refresh-
ingly chic, a nice mix of modern and Sabah-tribal style, and many have cool balconies
that look onto the Beach St parade below. Just be warned: it gets loud at night.
Hotel Sixty3 $$
( 212663;
www.hotelsixty3.com
; Jln Gaya 63; r from RM190; )
This smart hotel
offers business-class standard accommodation, with chilly air-con, flat-screen TVs and
big soft beds, all in the heart of KK. The rooms, with their clean white lines and geometric
accents, are popular with families and travellers needing a little pampering.
HOTEL
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu $$$
( 322222;
www.starwoodhotels.com
; Jln Tun Fuad Stephens; r from RM300;
)
'If you can't undercut 'em, outclass 'em' seems to be the motto at KK's most central
HOTEL
