The Le Meridien in Kota Kinabalu commands a splendid spot. It’s right there on the waterfront, facing the South China Sea – what can be grander than that? This waterfront location also boasts of markets and eateries just across the road and if you are a visitor in Kota Kinabalu, there’s plenty to explore.
But first, let’s check out the Le Meridien which I had the privilege of visiting recently. The hotel was just a short 15-minute drive from the airport. Driving up the sloped entrance, beyond the huge main doors, the hotel’s newly transformed lobby was really impressive.
Checking-in was a breeze!
The chic modern design of the hotel, from the polished floors to the creative colourful marine-themed arty ceiling, the general feel was one of contemporary elegance. The gleaming stylish lines of the reception exudes a touch of refinement but also gave me an impression of efficiency. And true enough, efficiency was in motion as I breezed through my check-in.
Impressive main lobby
Before getting into the lift to go up to my room, I marvelled at the wide spaces of the modern lobby lounge with gorgeous comfortable sofas and chairs. For a bit more privacy, there’s more seating beyond the front lobby, segregated by elegant arty partitions. I liked the cosiness of this space – plush chairs, quaint deco items and there’s even a mini library.
Loved this quiet corner just off the main lobby
Right across that was Latitude 05, seamlessly merging with the fluid modern layout of the lobby. It’s a perfect spot to catch-up: snacking and chilling-out on the high stools perched by the bar counter.
Latitude 05
My room in this 306-room hotel had a stunning view of the South China Sea. I spent endless minutes watching the boats and barges sailing close by the busy wharf. The view got even more breathtaking in the evenings when Mother Nature started her paintings in the sky and sea, drawing glorious sunsets at the horizon.
View from my room
The room was really spacious; the fitting’s a bit dated though but that’s going to be fixed soon as the hotel undergoes refurbishment in stages.
Thoughtful and cute welcome basket
The Club Lounge
As a leading 5-star hotel in Kota Kinabalu, the Le Meridien offers all the regular facilities and amenities. It is still currently undergoing upgrading of the rooms, in stages but rest assured the pace is well planned. The conference facilities in the hotel have just been upgraded and I totally loved the new look of the place. There’s just so much space around and the view of the South China Sea from the tall windows was positively incomparable! The Grand Ballroom – all 900 sq meters of it and function rooms with state-of-the-art lighting and AV facilities are perfect for just about any occasion.
To escape the daytime heat, guests can take dips in the huge pool with splendid views of the city and ocean beyond. With the brand new Azure Pool Bar & Cafe which opened recently, you can practically spend the whole day by the pool, snacking and chilling-out there endlessly.
Fancy a dip here?
Azure Pool Bar & Cafe
A well-equipped gym for the gym bunnies
Besides their Tuscany-themed restaurant Favola (read my review here) and Latitude 05, the all-day-dining Latest Recipe is extremely popular. This was where I had my daily breakfast from the extensive buffet spread.
Latest Recipe is always busy during breakfast!
This was also where I had an amazing Tampatan Discovery Meal together with a few other local foodies. I had a great introduction to traditional Kadazan dishes cooked up by the talented Chef Azerin.
The special table set up for our Tampatan meal
The cuisine makes use of a variety of wild jungle ingredients such as bamboo shoots and palm sago. Simple appetizers of unriped mango with prawn paste started off the meal on an stimulating note. There was also a variety of pickled starters known as “noonsom” with strong tangy flavours, a characteristic of traditional Kadazan cuisine.
Tantalising Hinava
Mango Pickle
Tasting each dish was an exciting affair, with each one getting more tantalising than the preceding dish. The most impressionable item was of course the ambuyat. Frankly, it did not look appealing – it’s like a glob of goo. Well, it’s actually made from sago starch and it reflects the simplistic living of the Kadazans. Some skills are needed to pick up the sticky gooey ambuyat with two sticks and then dip the glob into the spicy assam sauce before eating it. Oh, that Assam Fish was divine and it made eating the ambuyat a very enjoyable experience.
Chef Azerin preparing the ambuyat for us
Traditional Kadazan Fish Soup which goes very well with ambuyat too!
Ayam Bambangan
Such a glorious spread!
We totally enjoyed the traditional gastronomic creations such as the Hinava, Pinasakan, Tiger Prawns in Banana Leaf, Ayam Bambangan, Tampatan Trio and Sago Special. My palate was totally engaged with fireworks from all the bursts of flavours.
Sago Special
LE MERIDIEN KOTA KINABALU
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
Sinsuran
Kota Kinabalu
88000 SABAH
Tel: +60-88-3222-22
In Malaysia, call 1-800-80-6079
For more information on Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, visit their website here and their Facebook Page for the latest updates.