Hotel Perdana

As I mentioned, the last time we stayed at Perdana Hotel in Kota Bharu was back in 2005. We had been back a few times, but the place was closed. We realised even during the last stay that the place was in a great news of a refurbishment. But being closed for at least 3 years was stretching it somewhat. And when it was finally reopened, I was expecting great things from it.

Let me give you the final line up front. "It was a decent hotel with potentials but being run by amateurs". That was that.

The main lobbyThe lobby from the first floor landingThe waiting area were segregated into alcovesThe good point was everything was new. The pool was new, the rooms still smelt freshly painted. Of was opened about a couple of months back. They built a new 11-story wing to compliment the old units. We stayed at this new building, dubbed the "Executive Wing". We spent the three nights at the Perdana Suite.

The room as very nice although it could do with more furniture. Internet was free and at good speed. They have a restaurant up the 11th floor which was yet to be opened. I reckoned that that would be the lounge.

I touched about the pool - which was nice - and the breakfast coffee house - which was a bit of a mixed bag. Food was a problem as the range on the room service was pretty limited and essentially a duplicate of the equally limited coffee house range.

Towards the roomClose-up of one of the alcovesThe main eateryAs an alternative you could have some drinks and snack by the main lounge. Or have some Chinese food as we did on the final night we were there at a restaurant called Jade. On all front, the menu lacked maturity, and judging from the fact that the hotel was closed for such a long time, they should've put more effort on their F&B side. Jade actually offered great food, but by Kelantan standard, they were both expensive and limited in term of range. And don't get me started with the inexperienced staffs .....

Once the place mature up, I could see great potential. They have to strengthen their bread and butter - F&B especially. It would be interesting to see how things develop in the coming years. I would definitely be returning there in the future just to see that.

More stories from the same trip here.

After Dinner

Decided against dinner outside. We had some relatives coming to visit, and straight after that dinner by the lobby. The town seemed to be quiet tonight, making the decision easy.

Just had a hearty Chinese dinner. Not at the usual place we tended to go. Since the hotel was new, we thought of giving the restaurant at the lobby, called Jade a go.

Disappointed with the service, although the food was quite decent. Maybe they just need some experience to iron out service side of things.

I was full and rather than rush upstairs, we sat around chatting with the relatives. It looked like Irfan was getting restless. Don't think I could hang around here for too long ......

More entries here.

Lazy Afternoon

Who could blame us? We would be traveling back to KL tomorrow. Was at the mosque during Zohor prayers and lunch, to sample the Qurban cooking. Hung around for a bit - the weather being almighty hot - before deciding to head home.

Wa contemplating a dip in the pool until I realised that I left my gears in KL. Too lazy to head to the supermarket to buy a pair of new swim pants. So, would be bigging it in the room with Anita and the boys, accompanied by room service.

We planned to head to Sun Two for dinner tonight. We planned to go out early, have dinner there, maybe some shopping and an early night.

We would be leaving after breakfast tomorrow, hopefully reaching KL before 5 pm.

I could always hit the pool at the apartment of I fancy it ......

More entries here.

Back to the Hotel

After the Qurban was done for our part, we left for the hotel. My Dad and I were already starving by then. We went straight to the coffee house only to learn that the boys were yet to wake up!

Anita left the maid with them, and joined me for breakfast. She was hungry as well. The original plan was for them to have breakfast at one of the relative's house.

We would be returning to the Masjid for lunch. It would be part of the Qurban food which would be cooked. Better get the boys ready!

More reports on the trip here.

A Look at the Pool

After breakfast, I decided to walk around the pool. I then realised that the hotel was actually quite small. They had a pool just by the coffee house where I had breakfast. And the pool was pretty big considering the size of the hotel.

From the 9th floor while I was waiting for the liftA long children pool separated from the main

It was just after 8 in the morning and already some family were already coming down to have a quick swim. My boys didn't bring their attire. I wasn't sure if they were keen to get wet later today.

The maximum depth on the adult side was 1.25m. The children area was more of a wading pool but it went the full length of the main pool. I reckon it must be around 25m from one end to the other. I was sure my boys would really appreciate it.

Nice deck chairsMore decks on the sideI doubt that many people were using the showerEven if the boys decided against coming down, I wouldn't mind going in there alone.

More entries here.