Kota Kinabalu's Horizon Hotel: Paradise Found (Unbelievable Views!)
Horizon Hotel, Kota Kinabalu: Is Paradise Found? A Messy, Honest Review.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Kota Kinabalu and I’m buzzing. Literally. Still battling jet lag and the sheer, breathtaking beauty of the Horizon Hotel. “Paradise Found,” they say? Well, let’s unpack that, shall we? This isn't a sterile, PR-approved review. This is the real deal, warts and all (and believe me, I looked for warts).
First Impressions: The Views… Holy Moley.
Okay, let's be real. The reason you’re even considering the Horizon is the view. And folks? It’s… unbelievable. Seriously. I mean, drop-your-jaw, your-phone, your-entire-sense-of-direction kind of unbelievable. Whether it's the sunrise painting the South China Sea in hues of gold and rose, or the islands in the distance, silhouetted against a fiery sunset, the views are the real MVP. My room overlooked the infinity pool, and let me tell you, there were several moments where I just stared… mouth agape. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Accessibility & Getting Around: The Good, The Okay, and the Elevator (Don't Worry!)
Now, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I was keeping an eye out for accessibility since it’s important. The hotel has an elevator, thank goodness! (I’m a sucker for elevators; no stairs for me!) The public areas seemed pretty accessible – no crazy steps or narrow hallways. The website says they have Facilities for disabled guests, and I noticed wider doors in some public restrooms. Now, I didn’t test it directly, but it looked like a decent effort. Access to the pool might need improvement, but overall, it felt like they were trying.
Getting around Kota Kinabalu itself? Well, that's where the Airport Transfer comes in clutch! They're definitely worth the extra dough after the plane ride. They also have Car park [on-site] which is great, and even a Car power charging station (for those of you with electric cars). And Taxi service is readily available to haul you around.
Rooms: Clean, Comfy, and the Wi-Fi - YES!
Let's talk rooms. Mine was a "standard" deal, but honestly, I was blown away. Air conditioning in all rooms, of course, which is an absolute must in Malaysia. Blackout curtains? Hallelujah! (Jet lag is a beast, people). Free Wi-Fi? And it actually worked? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a HUGE plus for bloggers like me. And you know what else? Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. They've got you covered! They even had an Internet access – wireless connection for the special events!
The bed was comfy, the linens were clean, which is always a win. My room had a Seating area, which was great for sipping coffee and enjoying the aforementioned view. There’s Desk, Ironing facilities, a Laptop workspace, Coffee/tea maker. Mini bar, Refrigerator, In-room safe box… the works. Plus, there's also Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub – perfect for a wind-down after a long day.
The bathroom was… okay. Nothing terribly fancy, but functional. The mirror was clear, the hair dryer worked, the toiletries were decent. I'm obsessed the fact that there was Additional toilet in my room! Very thoughtful. Daily housekeeping kept things spic and span.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe-ish
Given the… current… situation, cleanliness is a huge priority. They seem to take this seriously. I saw evidence of Anti-viral cleaning products being used, and there was Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff are Staff trained in safety protocol and Rooms sanitized between stays. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, and I also found Individually-wrapped food options, which is a good way to feel safe with food. There were also things like CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, and Security [24-hour]. All good stuff.
However, let's be real. No place is perfect. Despite the efforts, I had a Room sanitization opt-out available so I felt like the situation was taken seriosuly.
Food & Drink: A Delicious Ramble
Alright, let's dive deep into the delicious abyss of food.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was… a buffet. It was good! They have both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, so everyone’s happy. There was fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, and more. I took Breakfast takeaway service for a quick bite.
- Restaurants: There are several Restaurants on-site. I only tried the main one, which offered both Asian cuisine and International cuisine. I had a fantastic Soup in restaurant, and I made a beeline for the Desserts in restaurant.
- Bars: There's a Bar (duh) and a Poolside bar. Happy hour? Yes, Happy hour. Poolside bar* is pure bliss for Happy hour.
- Café: There's a Coffee shop which is where I got my morning fuel to prepare before my breakfast.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you're exhausted after a day of exploring.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pampering Yourself, The View's Enough
Okay, let's move on to relaxation!
- Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Pool with view is the key term here. It's the same mesmerizing vista as from your room. Get there early to snag a sun lounger.
- Spa: The Spa is a must-do. I indulged in a Body scrub and a Massage. Pure bliss, I swear.
- Fitness: Fitness center. I didn't personally hit it, but it exists.
- Other Treats: I did try their Foot bath. Pretty cool. The Sauna, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom all sound amazing, but I didn't have time!
Services and Conveniences: A Helpful Hub
- Contactless check-in/out: Modern and efficient.
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and bookings.
- Laundry service: Useful, especially if you're traveling light.
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Gift/souvenir shop: for that last-minute present.
For the Kids: Babysitting (if you need it)
- Babysitting service. Great if you need it.
- Family/child friendly is a good thing.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The Horizon Hotel has a great Car park [free of charge] and Valet parking.
My Quirks, My Opinions
- The Little Annoyances: The Coffee/tea in restaurant was sometimes a little slow. The Smoking area could be better.
- The Unexpected Joy: The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.
- The Major Disappointment: Nothing that stood out.
- The Verdict: 9/10. Would absolutely return.
The Horizon Hotel: Paradise Found?
Look, is the Horizon Hotel absolutely perfect? No. But it's damn close. The combination of stunning views, comfortable rooms, attentive service, and good food makes it a winner. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience.
My Offer: Don't Delay, Book Today!
Because I've already done some work in finding that the rates for the Horizon Hotel are generally good. So, if you're looking for a memorable stay in Kota Kinabalu, stop reading and book now. The view alone is worth the price of admission. Go. Now. Before I hog all the rooms!
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a raw, unfiltered, slightly-manic dive into the Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu experience. Prepare for whiplash.
Horizon Hotel Horror - Operation: Kota Kinabalu, Mayhem Edition
Day 1: Arrival…and Immediate Regret (Just Kidding! Mostly.)
- 14:00: Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Oh. My. God. The humidity. It hits you like a wet, warm hug…which, in fairness, I kinda needed after the 18-hour flight and the questionable airport coffee. Grab a Grab (the Uber of SEA) to the Horizon Hotel. Fingers crossed the driver speaks ANY English. My Malay is limited to "terima kasih" (thank you) and "nasi goreng sedap" (delicious fried rice - priorities, people).
- 15:00: Check-in at Horizon Hotel. First impressions…it's…fine. Clean, but the lobby's air conditioning feels like it’s powered by hamster wheels. The woman at the front desk has a surprisingly friendly smile that melts away some of the travel grime. Bonus points!
- 15:30: Room Assessment. Okay, the room. Small. Very small. But hey, it has a window, and I can see the…a parking lot. And part of the sea! Okay, optimistic spin: It's a view! Kinda… Sort of… I'll take it. The bed looks comfy though. Jackpot! Time for a quick nap to recover from the flight. Wait, is that a cockroach under the desk?
- *Emotional Reaction: (internal scream). Okay, deep breaths, the cockroach situation is not a deal-breaker. It’s merely a sign of life… of *adventure*!
- 17:00: Wander. Wandering is my specialty. Time to venture out for reconnaissance and find some food. But first, let's find something to eat, because a hangry traveler is a dangerous traveler. And I am starving.
- 18:00: Dinner at a recommended Seafood Restaurant. Here's the real meat of the matter, and the first big impression. The seafood. My god. The flavors exploded in my mouth. And the way you just eat with your hands! (After seeing some locals though, of course). The grilled fish was so tender and smoky, the prawns were bursting with fresh sea flavor. This is what I call coming of age.
- Emotional Reaction: (pure, unadulterated bliss). This level of food is almost enough to make me forgive the cockroach!
- 20:00: Stroll along the waterfront. The sunset is a painting in progress. The vibe is chill. The smell of the sea air is inebriating (in a good way). Watch the families and lovers enjoy the end of the day.
- Quirky Observation: The local kids playing along the boardwalk have the best time. I definitely think I should have more experiences like that.
- 22:00: Bedtime. After a good dinner, I'm exhausted!
Day 2: Island Hopping and…Sea Sickness?
- 07:00: Wake up. Nope, that's not today. I just can't.
- 08:00: Drag myself out of bed. Breakfast at the hotel. Eggs and the weirdest, rubberiest sausage I've ever encountered. But hey, the coffee's decent.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly, the sausages? A crime against breakfast.
- 09:00: Off to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for some island hopping! Booked a tour, because dealing with public transport at 9:00 am is simply a bridge too far.
- 10:00: Speedboat to Manukan Island. Crystal clear turquoise water. White sandy beaches. Paradise, right? Yes… mostly… until the sea sickness hits like a wrecking ball. I would like to say, it was a challenge.
- Emotional Reaction: (desperate grip on the railing): This…this is not what I signed up for. I think I'm going to die. Maybe I brought the wrong medication.
- 11:00: Snorkeling. Finally recovered. OMG, the coral! Fish of EVERY color! It’s breathtaking.
- Quirky Observation: I swear I saw a fish wink at me. Maybe it was the dizziness.
- 12:00: Lunch on the island. Grilled fish, again! But by now, it's getting old.
- 13:00: More snorkeling and bumming around. Just trying to find my balance.
- 15:00: Back to the mainland. The boat ride back was better, because I took more medication.
- 16:00: Chill by the pool. Feeling like a wet, half-dead rag. Need to recharge. The pool water is warm. The sun is hot. It is a perfect day.
- 18:00: Dinner at a local restaurant. Just food, I don't remeber anything.
- 21:00: In bed!
Day 3: Culture and Culinary Adventures (and Possibly Another Cockroach?)
- 08:00: After a great night's sleep! (hopefully). Breakfast…again.
- 09:00: Explore the city. Visit the Sabah State Museum. It's great! I feel like I've learned something.
- 11:00: Walk around, and get completely lost in the bustling local markets. So. Much. Stuff. Smell of durian… strong. So strong. But so… enticing.
- Opinionated Language: Durian? A challenge. An adventure. The king of fruit, they say? I'm not so sure.
- 12:00: Lunch at a proper local food stall. I ate everything in front of me, including things I don't remeber.
- 14:00: A quick nap at the hotel (did I say quick? I slept for three hours).
- 17:00: Sunset at Signal Hill. The views from the top are AMAZING. Even better than the day before.
- Emotional Reaction (elated): This is what it's all about!
- 18:00: Walk back to hotel
- 19:00: Rest in the hotel.
- 20:00: Final dinner at a Western restaurant.
Day 4: Departure and… Lingering Thoughts
- 08:00: Last breakfast. Same sausages. Sigh.
- 09:00: Pack. Check out.
- 10:00: Head to Airport.
- 12:00: Flight! Goodbye Kota Kinabalu. I am going to miss the beach and the food!
- *Messy Structure and Occasional Rambles: Okay, so the Horizon Hotel wasn't perfect. The cockroaches? A definite downside. But the food! The views! The sheer, raw, unadulterated *experience* of Kota Kinabalu? That? Was worth every single slightly-crummy moment.*
- *Stronger Emotional Reactions (good): I already miss it!
- Messy. Honest. Funny. Human. Yeah, I'm pretty sure that sums it up.
This itinerary, my friend, is just a suggestion. Life happens. Get lost. Get confused. Get seasick. Embrace the chaos. That’s where the real adventures begin. And hey, if you find another cockroach in your room, just laugh. Because that's all you can do. And remember, bring extra medication.
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Horizon Hotel, Kota Kinabalu: Paradise Found... Maybe? (My Questionable Sanity's Guide)
Okay, so... Unbelievable Views, huh? Are we talking *really* unbelievable? The kind that’ll make you weep with joy?
Alright, listen. "Unbelievable Views" is plastered all over the Horizon Hotel's marketing. And yeah, from some rooms, it *is* pretty damn good. We're talking, like, postcard-worthy sunsets over the South China Sea. I literally spent a solid hour just staring out the window on my first night… forgot to order room service, forgot to brush my teeth, forgot I was supposed to be, you know, *working*. That's a win, right?
But...and this is a big BUT...some rooms? You might get a lovely view of the neighboring apartment building. Then you’ll be wondering how I’m so happy with just that view.
My advice? Book a room with a view. Specifically, one with the ocean facing balcony, a view room, and don't trust the random hotel listings. Call, email, whatever it takes. Because the disappointment of 'concrete jungle' view after you've seen those photos? It's a soul-crushing kind of letdown. Let me tell you... I’ve *been* there. Twice. Learnt my lesson the hard way.
The Pool. Is the pool as Instagrammable as it looks? And is it *actually* swimmable?
The pool... Ah, the pool. It's *definitely* Instagrammable. Think infinity edge, shimmering water, those iconic sunset shots. The reality? Well, it’s a little…crowded. Especially during peak season. Picture this: you, gracefully attempting to do laps, dodging selfie sticks and inflatable flamingos. Not quite the serene oasis promised.
And the water? It's fine. Clean-ish. Sometimes. I've definitely seen a rogue twig or two bobbing around. One time, I swear I saw a small bug. Okay, maybe a small *army* of very tiny bugs. But it’s the tropics, right? You gotta accept that.
Overall? Swim is possible, but be prepared for the social scene. And maybe bring your own bug spray. Just in case. And I do love pools so much.
Food. Is the food worth the price, or should I just stick to street food? Because, honestly, street food is KING.
Okay, on the food front, the Horizon Hotel is...a mixed bag of delights and disappointments. The breakfast buffet? Pretty decent! Lots of options, even if the coffee tastes suspiciously like slightly flavored water. The nasi lemak is actually pretty good, I’d give it 7/10. The rest is the same old hotel fare.
The in-house restaurant? Hmmm. Expensive. And sometimes, the food is *amazing*. I had a seafood platter one night that was so good, I nearly cried. Other times? Overcooked, bland, and you’re left wondering if they hired a new chef. One time, I ordered a burger and it was still cold in the middle. I should have complained, but they're so friendly.
My advice? Mix it up. Hit up the buffet for breakfast, splurge on a fancy dinner if you’re feeling it, but do NOT – I repeat, DO NOT – miss out on the street food. Go to the night market. Eat the satay. Thank me later. Seriously. My stomach is doing the thinking.
Okay, let’s cut to the chase: Is this a good hotel for families? Or am I going to regret bringing my kids?
Families? Eerrmmm... It *could* be okay. They *do* have a kids' club. Supposedly. I never actually saw it open, but it's there, somewhere. The pool is a kid magnet. The hotel is within walking distance of some shops and restaurants. So, yeah. Potentially.
BUT. The aforementioned crowding at the pool? Not ideal with small children. The restaurant prices? Ouch. And the overall vibe is probably better suited for couples and solo travelers. I’d have a hard time trying to chill out with my kid.
Honestly? I'd probably pick somewhere else if I were traveling with kids. Unless your kids are super chill and don't mind sharing a pool where things get a little crowded sometimes. You know your kids, and I don’t know you. But I’m leaning towards “maybe not.”
Service. How's the service? Are the staff friendly and helpful? Or are they just going through the motions?
I'm going to be honest here. The service *is* a mixed bag. Some staff members are genuinely lovely, going above and beyond to help. Seriously, the woman who worked the lobby bar on my last trip? A total gem. Remembered my drink, even when it had been a week. Legend.
Others? Well, let’s just say they *could* appear a little overworked. Sometimes it feels like you have to try to catch their attention. But, hey, it’s the tropics. Chill vibes are appreciated. My room was cleaned every day, as expected.
Do your best to be friendly, learn a few basic Malay phrases (it'll be appreciated), and be patient. The staff work hard and are generally helpful. Just don’t expect five-star perfection. That’s not what you get here.
Okay, I’m sold. What’s the biggest, most unexpected annoyance about staying at the Horizon Hotel? Spill the tea!
Okay, this one is a bit awkward, and I REALLY didn't want to say it, but I'm going to be honest, because that's what I do. The elevators. OMG, the elevators. They're *slow*. Like, glacier-in-the-Sahara-slow. Expect to wait. A lot. And don’t be surprised if you end up crammed in there with ten other people, all silently judging each other. One time, I had to climb 12 flights of stairs because the elevator got stuck between floors (not fun). Another time, I accidentally pressed all the buttons up and down the elevators. I am so sorry about that.
It's not a deal-breaker, but it *is* a minor, but persistent, source of irritation. So, pack your patience. And maybe your Fitbit, for all those extra steps. Honestly, I'm still not sure how to feel about that. So many stairs. A lot of time wasted. But it has shaped my experience quite a lot.
Anything specific you'd recommend doing or avoiding at the hotel? One definitive piece of advice?
Okay, definitive advice? **Go for the sunset view rooms. Seriously. Book one of those. Negotiate if you have to!** It's worth the extra money. Watch the sun go down from your balcony, with a cold drink in hand. That moment? That's the magic. That's what you came for. Everything elseOcean By H10 Hotels
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