Escape to Paradise: Sun Suite Luxury at ITCC Manhattan Suites, Kota Kinabalu
Escape to Paradise: Sun Suite or Sinking Ship? A Brutally Honest Review of ITCC Manhattan Suites, Kota Kinabalu
Okay, so here's the deal. I've just clawed my way back from a stay at the ITCC Manhattan Suites in Kota Kinabalu, and my brain is still trying to sort through the experience. Think of it like a chaotic kaleidoscope of luxury aspirations, questionable decisions, and a whole lot of… well, let's just say "interesting" choices. Here's the raw, uncensored truth, with all the messiness, imperfections, and occasional rambles you deserve.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or Lack Thereof):
Getting to the hotel was surprisingly smooth, thanks to their… drumroll… Airport transfer! Yes! They got me there! Huge win. Now, about the accessibility… well, let's just say it's not exactly a champion of universal design. Elevators are present (thank the heavens!), which is a huge plus. But I didn't exactly see any clearly marked accessible rooms, and navigating the common areas with a wheelchair (hypothetically, you know, just putting it out there) might be a challenge. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I'd strongly recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm specific needs are met. This isn't a slam dunk for accessibility, unfortunately.
The Sun Suite: Promised Paradise or… Just a Suite?
The main draw, of course, is the Sun Suite. The name screams "luxury!" and the photos promise a heavenly retreat. Let me tell you, the reality was… well, let's just say expectations met a slightly deflated balloon.
- Big win: Free Wi-Fi! Seriously, a hotel should always have it. And yes, Wi-Fi in all rooms (free!) – hallelujah! You can actually, you know, work/binge-watch/avoid human interaction without racking up a massive bill. Also, the Internet Access – LAN was a nice option for my old device.
- The Room Itself: Okay, so, Air conditioning – check. Blackout curtains – check. Thank goodness for both, Kota Kinabalu gets hot and bright. The Bed was mostly comfortable, but the Extra long bed felt a tad overkill. The Seating area was a nice touch, ideal for lounging after a day of exploration. Then you have the Bathrobes, Slippers, Toiletries.
- The Finer (But Messed Up) Details: The Bathroom was decent. I had a Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub which were clean. Coffee/tea maker and Free bottled water? Always a plus. The Mini bar was empty, the Refrigerator worked. The Alarm clock was a bit of a mystery, the Hair dryer was okay, and the In-room safe box was a lifesaver. But… the Carpeting was a bit worn, the Mirror could use a polish, and the Linens weren't quite the luxurious cloud I’d anticipated. The Safety/security feature was present in all rooms.
- Some Quirky Observations: I loved the Reading light and there were Sockets near the bed. On a positive note, my suite was Non-smoking, which is a must. They even had a Window that opens – a small thing, but I appreciate a bit of fresh air! The Smoke detector and Fire extinguisher made me feel safer.
- Emotional Response: Overall, the suite wasn't bad. It wasn't the "escape to paradise" that the marketing promised, but it was… comfortable. It felt, well, a bit… “hotel-y.” Safe. Which in all honesty, I'm okay with.
Cleanliness & Safety, the Covid Era Edition:
ITCC Manhattan Suites takes the whole "cleanliness and safety" thing seriously, which nowadays, is a major selling point. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and staff were definitely wearing masks. They proudly boast Hygiene certification and Staff trained in safety protocol. There were Rooms sanitized between stays and opt-in for Room sanitization opt-out available. They offer Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup. Anti-viral cleaning products were on clear display. This is seriously important, you know? I felt surprisingly safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Possibly…):
Okay, deep breaths. The food situation was… variable. Let's start with the positives: a Room service [24-hour] is always a win! The Breakfast [buffet] was a massive spread. I’m talking Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, the works! Lots of Coffee/tea in restaurant. There were Desserts in restaurant as well. They even have Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant which is a big plus. The Bar looked decent, and there was a Poolside bar, which is perfect for a sunset cocktail.
Now the other side: I found it a bit hard to navigate, even though the Restaurants and Coffee shop has menu options. In the end, though, I found Soup in restaurant and the Salad in restaurant was delicious.
- Anecdote Time: One morning, I ordered breakfast in my room. The food arrived, perfectly on time, and was… well, let's just say it was a bit of a mixed bag. Some things were excellent, some not so much.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax - Maybe):
Here's another area where the Manhattan Suites tries, but doesn't quite nail it.
- Ways to Relax: They have a Fitness center (I didn't use it, I'm on vacation!), a Swimming pool [outdoor] (looked lovely, though a bit crowded at times), and a Spa. The spa offers Massage, but I didn't get one.
- Things to Do: The hotel itself doesn't offer a ton of activities. It's more of a launching pad for exploring Kota Kinabalu.
Services and Conveniences: Hits and Misses:
They offer a whole host of services, from Laundry service and Dry cleaning to Currency exchange and Cash withdrawal. The Concierge was helpful, the Daily housekeeping a constant presence. The Elevator was necessary, the Ironing service was efficient. I noticed a Convenience store on-site, which is always handy. However, the "conveniences" were a bit… inconsistent.
For the Kids:
They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, making this a potentially family-friendly option.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge] – Yes! This is AMAZING.
- Airport transfer – Yes!
- Taxi service – available.
Overall Vibe: Is It Worth Your Money?
Ultimately, the ITCC Manhattan Suites is a somewhat quirky, and somewhat flawed hotel. It tries really hard to be luxurious, but sometimes falls a little short. The positives are the convenient location, decent rooms, solid cleanliness protocols, and the free Wi-Fi. The drawbacks are the inconsistent service, the slightly worn interiors, and the lack of true "wow" factor.
Here's My Honest Take:
Accessibility: Not a slam dunk. Contact them directly to confirm your needs. Cleanliness/Safety: Excellent. They're taking it seriously. Dining: Hit or miss. Overall: It's not a disaster, but it's not paradise either. It’s more like a solid, functional hotel with some aspirations.
So, is it worth it? Well… that depends on your priorities. If you're looking for pure, unadulterated luxury, you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a clean, safe, and relatively convenient base of operations for exploring Kota Kinabalu, and aren't afraid of a bit of imperfection, then it's worth considering.
My Recommendation: Book with realistic expectations. And, if you do book, be sure to confirm all accessibility requests directly with the hotel beforehand. That being said, I recommend it.
Escape to Paradise: Sun Suite Luxury at ITCC Manhattan Suites, Kota Kinabalu: Book Now!
Are you ready to experience Kota Kinabalu from a new perspective? Escape to the heart of the city with the ITCC Manhattan Suites! Offering unparalleled comfort and convenience, our Sun Suite is the perfect haven for your adventures.
What You Get:
- Luxurious Sun Suite: Experience room with private bathroom and comfort.
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms: Stay connected with lightning-fast internet.
- Prime Location: Explore the best of Kota Kinabalu right at your doorstep.
- 24/7 Room Service: Satisfy your late-night cravings with our exceptional service.
Book now and receive:
- Special Offer: 20% Off Your Stay!
- Complimentary Breakfast: Start your day energized with our delicious Asian
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered truth of my IGVC escapade at the ITCC Manhattan Suites in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Prepare for some serious chaos and a whole lotta "what-was-I-thinking" moments.
The Sun Suite Symphony (or, How My Brain Started Melting in the Malaysian Heat)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Luggage Debacle (aka the "Are My Shorts Inside Out?" Moment)
- Time: Roughly 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Malaysia time, which, let me tell you, feels a LOT faster than my internal clock).
- The Scene: Arrived at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, sweating like a guilty politician. The humidity hit me like a brick wall. Seriously, I think my hair INSTANTLY tripled in volume.
- Transport: Taxi (negotiated, of course! I'm practically a haggling ninja now. Though, in hindsight, maybe I overpaid by…okay, a LOT).
- The Suite: Ah, the Sun Suite. Honestly, it looked amazing in the photos. And… it was… okay. The view was killer – that ocean, the setting sun… breathtaking. But the AC? Let's just say it had a mind of its own. On, off, blasting, barely there… it was a drama queen.
- The Luggage Disaster: Unpacked. Realized, with a horrifying lurch of the stomach, that I'd forgotten my good camera. Panic. Sweat. Profanity. Then, the crushing realization: I might have been wearing my shorts inside out all the way from… well, a LOT of places.
- Dinner Debacle: Scrambled into something semi-presentable (the inside-out shorts were a mental scar I wasn’t sure I could shake off, TBH). Headed out for dinner. Found a "recommended" seafood place. Uh… not great. The fish tasted suspiciously like the ocean floor, and the service? Let's just say the waiter seemed personally offended by my presence. Ordered a too-spicy chili crab, and proceeded to sweat through my shirt again.
- Nightcap & Regret: Ended the night staring out the window, questioning my life choices over a (watered down) hotel cocktail. "I should have packed an extra deodorant. And a proper camera" - me, to me.
Day 2: City Exploration - Lost in the Labyrinth (and Slightly Smelly Fish)
- Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (give or take; my internal clock was officially AWOL).
- Breakfast: Hotel buffet! The one thing that actually met my expectations was the incredible tropical fruit. Mangoes that practically wept sunshine. Pineapple that tasted like pure joy. I ate enough to singlehandedly keep the local fruit farmers in business.
- The City: Decided to be a "cultured traveler". Rode the local buses to the main square. Got totally and utterly lost. Twice. Accidentally stumbled into this market that was a sensory overload. Seriously, smells, sights, sounds… I’ve never seen so much squawking, bright colours and… stuff.
- Market Madness: Found a vendor selling… something. Seriously, I have no idea what it was, but it had a very, VERY peculiar smell. That smell clung to me for the rest of the day. Had a run in with a very persistent street vendor, who kept trying to sell me something shiny and that I definitely don't know what to do with. Ended up buying a "souvenir" that I can’t even pronounce. Regret intensifies.
- Lunch: Found a small shop with delicious (and possibly questionable) skewers. Delicious, but I’m still convinced I’ll be paying for it in the bathroom later.
- The Evening: Wandered back to the hotel, smelling faintly of fish and regret. Wrote a grumpy ranting email to myself. The AC was still fighting a losing battle with the humidity.
Day 3: Island Hopping - Sea, Sun, and Complete Social Awkwardness
- Time: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (I think… time is a construct, man).
- The Boat Trip: Booked a boat trip to a few islands. The brochures promised paradise. The reality involved getting seasick (ME), awkwardly chatting with strangers in the confined space, and attempting to gracefully enter and exit said boat, which I failed at spectacularly.
- Island #1: Sapi Island: The water was beautiful. Crystal clear, turquoise. But I’m not a swimmer. I’m more of a “wade knee-deep, panic, and get eaten by a fish” kinda person. So, I mostly just sat on the beach, watching everyone else having a blast and trying not to get sunburned. The snorkeling looked amazing.
- Island #2: Manukan Island: This one was supposed to be more developed. More shops, more food. Perfect, right? Wrong. After purchasing a dodgy ice cream cone (with sprinkles that I was convinced changed colour depending on my mood) I went back to my spot on the beach. I was sunbathing, eyes closed and then, a wild dog came and sniffed me. I screamed. Everyone laughed. I died of embarrassment.
- The Boat Ride Home: Attempted to maintain a professional look. Failed.
- Dinner: Had amazing (and pricy) dinner at a restaurant, where the cocktails were strong enough to make me forget about the dog.
- The Verdict: This whole trip was both wonderful and awful.
Day 4: The IGVC Conference and the Great Coffee Crisis
- Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with breaks for existential dread).
- The Morning Ritual: Struggled to survive the hotel coffee with a headache and bad mood. Made a half-hearted attempt at "networking." Accidentally spilled an entire cup of coffee on a very important-looking person. Mortification level: 100.
- The Conference: The actual IGVC happenings. Okay, this is where it got serious. The presentations were fascinating, though some were… let's just say… challenging. The technical discussions went way over my head, but I tried to nod and look intelligent. The robots were cool, though. Reminded me of Wall-E, only less charming and with more wires.
- Lunch Break Mishap: Tried to find something decent to eat at the conference hall. Failed. Ended up having a sad, dry sandwich.
- Evening: Back to the Sun Suite. The AC was finally working! Celebrated with an amazing room service dinner and a movie.
Day 5: Departure and the Epilogue of Existentialism
- Time: 7:00 AM - Noon (departure and that eternal "goodbye" to all this).
- Farewell Breakfast: One last mango and pineapple feast. Said a silent goodbye to the AC, and the inside-out shorts.
- Departure: Airport. Tears (maybe). Reflections on life, the universe, and whether I'll ever master the art of packing.
- What I Learned: Travel is messy. It’s unpredictable. It involves bad food, awkward moments, and the occasional existential crisis. But, it also involves beauty, adventure, and the kind of memories that stick with you, even when you’re wearing your shorts inside out and the sweat is still soaking you.
- Final Thoughts: Kota Kinabalu, you were… interesting. I’ll be back… eventually. Maybe with a better travel plan and a LOT more deodorant. And definitely, a decent camera. And some extra patience. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll learn how to swim. Peace out.
So, is it REALLY "Paradise"? Like, actual Eden, or just... a decent hotel room?
Paradise? Let's be real. It's *Kota Kinabalu*, so the potential is there, right? The SUN suite is a luxury suite, so yes it is a pretty darn good hotel room. Did I feel like I'd stumbled upon some hidden Shangri-La? Nah. But was I disappointed? Absolutely not. Think more "comfortable, well-appointed modern space" and less "angels singing and rainbows exploding from the jacuzzi." Which I may have secretly hoped for!
What's the suite *actually* like? Because the photos online are always...optimistic.
Okay, honesty time. The Sun Suite? Big. Really big. Like, you could lose a small child in the living room big. (Thankfully, I don't have small children, but I could *imagine* the chaos!). The views? Spectacular. I’m talking panoramic city views, maybe a sliver of sea – but the best feature is the huge windows. The furniture is a little bit "generic luxury" – clean lines, neutral colors, the kind of stuff you'd see in a *lot* of hotels. But it’s comfortable. The air con worked a treat, and that's the MOST important thing!
The Jacuzzi. Is it worth the hype?
Okay, the JACUZZI. This. Is. Important. This is what made me truly feel like I was living in the real life version of *Suits* or something! It's huge. Seriously. I spent a solid two hours one afternoon just...floating. With a cocktail, of course. The jacuzzi? ABSOLUTELY worth the hype. Did I feel a tiny bit like a pampered queen? Yes. Did I accidentally drop my phone in it? Almost. (Crisis averted!). But the bubbles? The warm water after a day of exploring? Heaven. Seriously, book this suite just for the jacuzzi. You can get it for a good price so treat yourself!!
What about the service? Are the staff friendly? Because a grumpy concierge can ruin a whole vacation...
The staff at ITCC? Bless them. They're lovely. Seriously, genuinely friendly. They always had a smile, offered help with a genuine heart. I had a minor issue with the safe (my fault, probably, I'm technologically challenged). They sent someone up *immediately* to sort it out. One guy, I think his name was Ali (or maybe it was Bob, who knows, I met so many people). Anyways Ali was so helpful and cheerful, even though I felt like a total idiot. Plus, the housekeeping staff were *amazing*. My room was spotless every day, which is a major win in my book. I actually left a little thank you note and a healthy tip.
Okay, let's be real. What's the downside? There HAS to be one.
Alright, alright, here's the slightly less amazing part. The location, while convenient for some things, isn't exactly *centrally* located. You're a bit of a walk from the waterfront where all the fancy restaurants and night life is bustling and also maybe a beach. Taxis are easy to get, but that adds up. Also, the breakfast buffet, downstairs? It's fine. Completely FINE. Not mind-blowing. Standard hotel fare. Edible, but... I wouldn't necessarily *write home* about it. It could be better but it definitely does the job of getting you up and ready for your day.
What's nearby ITCC? Any cool things to do within walking distance?
Walking distance... well, there's a mall right there. ITCC Mall, go figure. It has a grocery store, some shops, a food court. Basically, all the essentials. Beyond that, it is really best to take a taxi to get to the more exciting stuff. I'm not a huge mall person to begin with so I didn't spend much time there, but if you had to grab some suncream at the last minute and had nothing else around, it works!
So, overall... would you recommend the Sun Suite at ITCC Manhattan Suites? Final verdict!
Look, if you're looking for a comfortable, spacious, well-appointed suite with a killer jacuzzi and the potential for a bit of relaxation? ABSOLUTELY. Yeah. It's a good spot, and for the price, a great one. It is worth it. The staff are fantastic, the room is great, and that jacuzzi is pure bliss. The location isn't *perfect*, but it's not terrible. I'd go back in a heartbeat. If you want a fancy room, great service, and somewhere to truly relax? Book it. Just do it. And give that jacuzzi a good go for me, yeah? ;)
Anything else I should know before booking?
Pack a good book you've been meaning to read. Bring some bath bombs. Also, download Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber). It's your lifeline! Also, I can't stress this enough, the jacuzzi. Seriously.
