Grand Margherita Hotel, Sarawak

Arrival/Check-In: The cool, modern lobby, infused with the scent of tropical flowers, is a welcome refuge from Borneo’s predictably humid weather, and the three people at the desk couldn’t have been more accommodating. Within minutes they sent me up to my room, which was perfectly lovely — but it was on the street side of the building. I returned to the reception desk. Was there any chance I could switch over to the river view? Yes, hesitation, but then you couldn’t have a king-sized bed — riverside rooms are outfitted with two queens. Since even a single queen-sized bed is more than adequate, within minutes I was moved across the hall to a room overlooking Kuching’s picturesque Sarawak River and the hotel’s namesake, historic whitewashed Fort Margherita, positioned on the far bank.

Guest Quarters: This former Holiday Inn has been redesigned with ultimate taste and comfort. Backlit light boxes brighten the coolly modern hall corridors. The rooms are done up in soothing tones of brown and beige with a long desk offering plenty of room for sorting out papers and positioned for river views while you work — when not distracted by the flat-screen TV. The bathroom features a modern basin-sink with hair dryer and plenty of towels.

Services/Amenities: Guests and locals hang out and listen to live jazz in the Rajang Lobby Lounge overlooking the river and terrace. The Orchid Garden Coffee House, which serves a comprehensive breakfast buffet, spills out into the umbrella-roofed deck of the Riverview Restaurant, located right beside the outdoor pool. The cave-like spa in the hotel’s basement is another welcome refuge from the climate’s muggy weather. Business travelers can enjoy the Executive Club private lounge.

The Experience: Located at the far end of the city’s leafy riverfront promenade, the Margherita is a 10-minute stroll from the picturesque city’s Central Business District. Situated across from the Economic Development Corporation Building, it is convenient for business travelers, besides being ideal for delegates to the International Wakeboard Competition, International Beads Conference, Eighth International Symposium on Digital Earth and other recent or upcoming meetings which are luring visitors to the city’s colorful mix of Chinese and British Colonial cultures.

GT Checklist

Doorman/valet
Arrival-to-room time
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Complimentary WiFi
Ample lighting
Quality bed linens
Choice of pillows
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant and bar
24-hour room service
Coffee maker in room