Grandis Hotel – Your Luxurious Home in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Because things and plans in general, changed; my goal this year is to travel in and out of the country. So, when I decided to spent Valentine’s Day in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and told the plan to my friends, they joined me. Thankful and grateful for the friends, the constant in my life in a world full of changes, who are always up for adventure… so the supposedly, solo travel didn’t push thru, well, in my case, it is always fun to be surrounded by people that I love and love me back at all means.

So, why Kota Kinabalu? 

Aha, dubbed as “The Land Below the Wind” by the locals, capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu also referred as KK is a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest, known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches and waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. It is also a gateway to Kinabalu National Park, the home of 4,095m-high Mount Kinabalu. Well, I fancy nature, beach and more of cultural site which is very unlikely of Kuala Lumpur (Maybe because I was thinking that Kuala Lumpur is more like of a city lifestyle, buildings and such so I don’t like to be in a place that very similar to my daily life.) hmmm… maybe soon.

sunbathe at the roof deck's swimming pool

With no specific plan, aside from seize the moment and have fun on whatever come our way until we can say that “whatever happens in Kota Kinabalu stays in Kota Kinabalu” (don’t worry loves – I don’t kiss and tell – your secrets are safe *wink*). We arrived nighttime (around 7PM) at Grandis Hotel. Checked-in was easy-peasy; prepare your passport and a MYR30 for a tourist fee for a hassle-free and smooth transaction. I had a Deluxe Sea View in the 20th floor all for myself on which I didn’t expect that it was that huge and spacious. To add, everything I love for an accommodation were all present. So yeah, it was a great treat for a weekend Valentine’s vacation.

Grandis Hotels and Resorts

A 15-minute drive from the city’s International Airport and strategically located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Grandis Hotels and Resorts is named after Ascidieria/Eria Grandis – an endemic orchid found on Mount Kinabalu. Grandis Hotel has 188 rooms which comprises of 118 Superior Rooms, 52 Deluxe Rooms (with either city or sea view) and 18 upscale suites that I look forward on my next visit, check out their website. Being centrally located in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Grandis Hotel is perfect for tourists and vacationers that wanted a chill and relax vacay, laid back and yet grandeur and have an easy access to almost everything – food, café, shopping malls, tourist spots, among others.

Grandis Hotels & Resorts

hotel's lobby

The Deluxe Sea View Room

Large and luxurious room equipped with floor to ceiling windows that has a panoramic view of South China Sea. An estimate of 35-45 sqm room with a lavish in-room amenities such as bathtub with a separate standing shower area with complete toiletries provided, complimentary coffee and tea, mini bar, hair dryer, and a stunning view while enjoying the soft and comfy king-sized bed. I like and love waking up to this ocean scenery every morning; it was calming and relaxing - a great way to start my day. The room was cleaned daily, the linen, pillows and sheets always smell great. 

And this explains why, I always ended up sleeping even if it should be just a quick freshen up or nap. Also, the reason why we stayed on our designated rooms most of the time. By the way, telephone is available at the bedside table – I used it to wake them up and if all else fails – just go to their room and press the doorbell until they are awake. It was the first time that I went solo in a room and I liked it – I got my own personal space, the bathroom was all mine, I made my own coffee, I slept in the middle of the bed and stayed longer at the bathtub. Good life, indeed!

deluxe sea view

with my friend, Carol

4 pillows for me, yes!

mini bar - there's more at the fridge

me-time at the bathtub

what do you want, guys? Coffee or Tea?

supportive friend, Carol; while on the background, there's Hamez holding the camera

The Facilities and Services

Of course, with no hectic itinerary we tend to stay at the hotel’s vicinity on which we did. Aside from our extravagant sea view room, there’s more to indulge when at Grandis Hotel such as having fun and watch sunset while at the infinity swimming pool in the roof deck. The view was picturesque and so as the romantic sunset view. For fitness enthusiast, there’s a gym available also in the roof deck, a Business Centre and Club Lounge Area for those who are staying at Executive and Premier Suite with an added perk. Laundry and Dry cleaning, Tour Desk as well as Taxi Service (I would suggest booking Grab as it is much cheaper than taxi) are also offered. And what delighted me most, Grandis Hotel has rooms for physically challenged. Definitely, this hotel is perfect for the family of all ages.

Rosea Cafe

gym - fit & fab while on staycation

Sky Blu Bar

The Food & Refreshment

There’s always an option based on your liking – we satisfied our taste buds with local, international and fusion cuisines at their café, bar and lounge area with great interiors, relaxing vibes and of course, sumptuous and flavorful cuisines.

buffet table at Rosea Cafe

hearty meals with my loves!

breakfast with a view

Rosea Café

Our day always started with a hearty and heavy breakfast at Rosea Café. It is an all-day-dining café and serves a-la-carte menus or specially prepared buffets such as buffet breakfast. What I liked about Rosea Café was that they served different viands per day so there’s always something to look forward on every dining. And guys, even if you arrived 30 minutes before last call or closing time of the buffet table, they replenished it as soon as they saw guests are still coming in. Rosea Café is elegantly designed and the view – we enjoyed our daily breakfast over a wonderful view of Tunku Abdul Rahman islands. And before I forgot, the gluten-free corner is love!

chicken wings + 3-layer drink at Sky Blu Bar

Sky Blu Bar

Happy Hour is best spent at Sky Blu Bar. Well, after our quick island hopping, we went straight to the roof deck and pampered ourselves with refreshments! The 3-layer drink is a must try! That was refreshingly good, delicious and healthy! We also tried chicken wings, fish fillet, and another round of chicken wings. Since it is located at the rooftop expect to enjoy and overlooking view of the islands and partly KK City.

ready for catch up at Piano Lounge; where art thou? 

Piano Lounge

Craving for a high tea? As soon as I saw this place, which is located at 1st floor same with Rosea Café, I told to my friends that we should have high tea. However, it didn’t push thru. However, we got free time to just stay and calm our full tummy after breakfast. Piano Lounge is the perfect venue for business discussions, catching up or just to sit and relax while surfing the internet and updating your social media.

Nearby Establishments and Tourist Spots

Grandis Hotel is perfect for those wanting to explore the area's eclectic shopping, dining, and entertainment sites. The hotel is within walking distance to major areas such as but not limited to:

it's freakin' hot that we need an ice cream

shopping for souvenirs at Gaya Sunday Market

Gaya Sunday Market

Just a 2-3 blocks away or a 10-minute walk you will reach Gaya Street where the well-known Gaya Sunday Market is happening, of course, every Monday from 6AM to 1PM. There are a lot of items to be bought here and a lot of foods to try. Ratan bags, similar of Bali, are also sold here. Ref magnets are way cheaper at Gaya Sunday Market.

Jesselton Point

Jesselton Point 

Your entry to Tunku Abdul Rahman Islands and other islands such as Mamukit Island. The port is just a 3-min walk from the hotel and from their you can DIY your island hopping well, we did and opted to go to Mamukit Island because of limited time; it was already 3PM then and the last boat from the island was departing at 4PM so 1 island is better than nothing, right? JeselIton Port is open from 7AM-4PM and three islands is feasible for a day.

on our way to Mamukit Island via speedboat

Mamukit Island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu Mosque

Since I am also fascinated with temples and mosques, visiting one is a must during this trip. Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu Mosque is just 10-min drive away from the hotel. Unfortunately, the mosque is closed during our visit due to NCOV and our grab driver dropped us off across the street so we could take photos and so we did. 😊

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu Mosque

Lido Square Food Centre

An authentic Malaysian food trip just a 5-min drive away from the Grandis Hotel. Here, you can choose and get whatever you want – it was like an open cafeteria but you are the one to get food from the table and it was being priced based on the servings that you get. I liked the peanut butter pancake though and other sticky rice cakes but not too sweet.

at the right: my MYR5 meal

Bar Hopping

At night, we explored different bars such sa BAAM, Kuta Bistro, D’ATAS Explorer Bar, Beer Garden, and KK City Waterfront. These bars are just 5-min drive away from the hotel. So, bar hopping is basically applicable while staying at Grandis Hotel.

BAAM - sleepy or tipsy?

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

Grandis Hotel has an access to the mall! Yes, shopping spree was inevitable because it is located in the hotel's premises. It houses brands like Coach, Michael Kors and other known boutiques.

LOVE sign outside the mall; shopping spree

The Staff

Kudos to Grandis Hotel staff as they are very accommodating and friendly. They always greeted us with a smile and helped us with our inquiries and with all our needs, suggested places that we might wanted to see. From check-in to check-out, everything was smooth sailing and great experience worthy to be stored on my memory bank. They made us feel that Grandis Hotel is not just your high-end accommodation but rather your home away from home in the bright and exciting city of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Happy Valentine's Day

Absolutely, Grandis Hotel is our luxurious home in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Meanwhile, watch our video here.

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Grandis Hotels & Resorts

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall,1A, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Instagram | Facebook | Website

Contact No.: +60 88 522 888

Email: rsv@hotelgrandis.com

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Xoxo, Aylin

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