Kota Kinabalu's Hidden Gem: TD Plaza Hotel Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Hotel Name: A Messy, Marvelous Adventure (Review with a Side of Chaos)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-too-enthusiastic story of my stay at [Hotel Name]. I'm talking sweat, tears, and a whole lotta Wi-Fi passwords. Let's get messy!
(SEO & Metadata - Bear with me, I'll try to add it in where it makes sense!)
- Title: [Hotel Name] Review: Accessible Bliss or Slightly Chaotic Paradise? (Your Guide!)
- Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, [Hotel Name], Room Amenities, Family-Friendly, [City Name] Hotels
First Impressions & Accessibility (Because, Let's Face It, It Matters!)
Landing at [Hotel Name] after a grueling flight? The kind where you feel like you've aged a decade? Well, the airport transfer (a definite plus, by the way – got me from point A to feeling-slightly-less-zombie-like) was smooth. And then… the facade. It was… impressive. Gleaming glass, perfectly manicured lawns…you know the drill. The doorman – a proper gentleman! – whisked my luggage away. However, there was something… too polished, you know? Like a showroom. We’ll see how the reality stacks up.
Speaking of realities, Accessibility is a huge deal for me. And honestly? Parts of [Hotel Name] nailed it. The elevator? Spot on, perfectly timed. The facilities for disabled guests? Seemed well-thought-out, with ramps and wider doorways. I didn't personally need them, but I could see they put some effort in. A big win for the hotel! However, and this is crucial, I did have a little wander and noticed that the entrance to the poolside bar seemed a bit… dicey for a wheelchair. Small detail that needs patching up.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Didn't get to thoroughly explore this aspect. This section needs a revisit.
The Room: A Sanctuary… With a Few Hiccups
Okay, the room. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Holy moly, that’s a lot of features. And let’s just say it wasn’t all sunshine and roses.
The Wi-Fi? Excellent! Actually, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And, thankfully, Internet access – wireless was a lifesaver as Internet access – LAN isn’t everyone's thing. The blackout curtains? Essential for battling jet lag. But the alarm clock… let's just say it had a mind of its own. Woke me up at 3 A.M. more than once. And the bathroom phone? Seriously? Who needs a phone in the bathroom? (Maybe I'm showing my age). The complimentary tea was a nice touch. The daily housekeeping team was quick and efficient. The desk was perfect for working when need be.
My Biggest Beef (and it's a doozy!): The Bathroom of Doom
The bathrobes were plush, the slippers were fluffy, BUT… the shower pressure was abysmal. I mean, trickle-of-water-barely-wet-my-hair abysmal. I complained. Twice! Eventually, after a day of feeling vaguely unclean, they switched me to another room. This room? Perfect. So, yeah, a mixed bag. Hopefully, they'll be fixing all the "issues" quickly.
Cleanliness and Safety (Gotta take this seriously these days!)
Okay, props to the hotel on this one. Anti-viral cleaning products were CLEARLY in use. The Rooms sanitized between stays, with a noticeable freshness. Daily disinfection in common areas. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. And the staff? All masked up and taking things seriously. (Plus, the hotel proudly advertized Hygiene certification, a sign of a proper hotel.)
Food and Dining (Feed Me, Seymour!)
Here’s where things get exciting. I consider myself a connoisseur of… well, eating. And [Hotel Name] did not disappoint… mostly.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian breakfast
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar
- Bottle of water
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
The Breakfast [buffet]? Glorious chaos! The Asian breakfast options were a highlight, with the Asian cuisine in restaurant serving up some tasty food. The Western breakfast was also available, but I stuck with the Asian offerings. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, and I’m not sure the day even started until I had one. The Poolside bar, a definite vibe. The Happy hour was… well, let’s just say it was happy. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver when the jetlag hit hard. If I had one criticism, it’s that I spent a lot of time ordering bottle of water to the room. This could be better managed by refilling stations or maybe even giving guests access to free water in the rooms.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone: My Happy Place (Almost!)
I’m a sucker for a good spa. And the Spa at [Hotel Name]? Well, let's break it down.
Things to do, ways to relax:
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Fitness center
- Foot bath
- Gym/fitness
- Massage
- Pool with view
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa/sauna
- Steamroom
- Swimming pool
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
The Body scrub was phenomenal, and the massage… pure bliss. Seriously. I think I might have drooled a little. The Pool with view? Stunning. But the Sauna? I’ve never been so relaxed. I could’ve happily spent the entire day in there. The Steamroom was great too. The Fitness center seemed well-equipped, though I’m ashamed to say I didn’t utilize it as much as I should have. I blame the Happy hour. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was also a treat, and gave a good view of the area. I was also lucky enough to enjoy the Poolside bar! I've also heard good things about the Gym/fitness area, but I was too busy enjoying the other features.
On-Site Amenities & Services (The Good, The Bad, and the Free Pens!) Services and conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
Concierge: Helpful. Didn’t make my life better or worse. Their job done to satisfaction. Convenience store: Expensive. But hey, sometimes you need a Snickers at 2 AM. Laundry service: Super fast! **Lug
DC's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn's White House Views!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your beige-on-beige travel itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to corral my chaotic brain into something resembling a plan for my Kota Kinabalu adventure, specifically based around the TD Plaza Hotel. Let's see if my optimism (and copious caffeine intake) can hold it together.
Kota Kinabalu: A Mostly-Planned Debacle (But Hopefully a Delightful One!)
Hotel Basecamp: TD Plaza Hotel (Kota Kinabalu) - Gotta love a place that seems kinda… unassuming, but has decent AC and a bed? We'll see. Expectations: Low. Hope: High.
Day 1: Arrival, Disorientation, & Deliciousness (and maybe a nap… please?)
- Morning (Like, whenever I finally drag myself out of bed):
- The Great Descent into KKIA (Kota Kinabalu International Airport): Okay, getting through customs is always a gamble. I'm envisioning a scene straight out of a spy movie, except instead of espionage, it's me fumbling with my passport and praying I haven't accidentally packed something illegal like… a REALLY good mango (doubt it).
- Finding the TD Plaza Hotel: This is where the adventure really begins. I'm picturing myself wandering, completely lost, asking bewildered locals, "Uh, TD Plaza? Anyone seen a TD Plaza? Is it… a mirage?" Praying it's not too far from the airport because I always book airport transfers, and then the taxi driver gets lost. Classic.
- Check-In Chaos (or, hopefully, calm): Praying the front desk staff are patient because this is where the fun begins. How do I know my room will have a view? I'll find out soon.
- Afternoon (The "Nap" Window):
- The Power of the Nap: Seriously, if the bed is decent, I'm going to dive face-first into it after the travel. This is non-negotiable. A proper power nap sets the tone for the entire trip.
- Lunch Quest: Okay, this is crucial. I'm craving some legit local food. I already know I'm going to crave the famous Laksa, but I can't start off with that dish! The goal: Find a cheap, cheerful, and authentic eatery. I'm talking street food, folks! I'm imagining a little stall, maybe a bit smoky, where I can point at things and hope for the best.
- Evening:
- Sunset Stroll along the Waterfront (Maybe): Depends on the weather and how energetic I am. Sunsets trump everything, but if I'm comatose from the nap, a sunset from the hotel window is a fine option.
- Dinner Adventure (Again!): This is where I'll really aim to get into the food scene. I'm reading about the night markets. I'm going to find the place with the longest queue, because if the locals are lining up, I know it's good. Let's go for the infamous seafood spot near the market!
Day 2: Island Hopping & Underwater Wonders (fingers crossed!)
- Morning:
- The Boat Booking Drama: This is where things often go off the rails. I had to find a reputable tour operator. I'm imagining some frantic Googling, comparing prices, reading reviews, and ultimately choosing the cheapest option because YOLO.
- Island Time (Finally!): Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is the goal. Sapi Island, Manukan Island – I'm a little nervous about the crowds, but the photos look incredible. This is where I'm hoping to witness the coral.
- Afternoon:
- Snorkeling Shenanigans: Okay, I’m NOT a natural swimmer, but I love seeing what's underwater! Expect a series of awkward lunges and flailing, and probably swallowing a mouthful of seawater. "Worth it!" I'll declare, between coughs.
- Beached! Now to embrace the sun, sand, and the general feeling of being alive. It's a good reminder to myself that sometimes I need to just… relax.
- Evening:
- A bit of retail therapy: The night market is supposed to be great for shopping . Fingers crossed!
- Dinner and Drinks: Okay, I'm going all out. Maybe a fancy restaurant overlooking the water, with some cold, cold drinks. I'm picturing the perfect Instagram photo.
Day 3: Culture, Cooking & Farewell
- Morning:
- The Sabah State Museum: Time to be the cultured tourist I always aspire to be. I have no idea what they'll be showing, but attempting to understand the local culture is important. I'll be taking notes to appear knowledgeable.
- Afternoon:
- Cooking Class Chaos: I signed up for a cooking class. This could be absolutely disastrous. I can barely boil an egg, but the idea of learning to make authentic Malaysian dishes is too tempting to resist. Expect a lot of burnt… something.
- Evening:
- Farewell Feast: One last epic meal. Gotta find the place that serves the best anything… perhaps a spot recommended by the cooking class.
- Packing Panic: Packing is where I leave everything to the very last minute. I'm sure I'll be scrambling around, trying to stuff everything into my suitcase.
Day 4: Departure (Sigh!)
- The Final Farewell (and Prayer for a Smooth Flight): Check out, airport transfer, security lines… Praying for no flight delays. I'll be forever grateful to the TD Plaza Hotel if it has offered a good memory!
Unforeseen Mishaps & Ramblings:
- The Weather: I’m bracing myself for tropical downpours. I'm bringing an umbrella and my most waterproof shoes. Praying for sunshine, but prepared for the glorious, cleansing rain.
- The Food: I'm planning to overeat. It's inevitable. I have so many food cravings in my mind. Just a matter of time, and the best-tasting of food will be mine.
- The Language Barrier: I’m going to attempt some basic Malay phrases, and then probably default to charades and pointing. It always works eventually… right?
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: Travel always brings a mixture of excitement, anxiety, and sheer exhaustion. I'm fully prepared for moments of pure bliss, and then moments where I just want to curl up in a ball and cry. That's just part of the adventure, yeah?
- The Unexpected Friendships: You never know who you'll meet! Hopefully, I run into some interesting people and make some memories!
So, there you have it. A framework. An imperfect, messy, human framework. The real adventure, the good stuff, will undoubtedly be the stuff that goes completely off-script. Bring it on, Kota Kinabalu!
Escape to Paradise: Diamond Head Beach Resort Awaits in Fort Myers!
Okay, seriously, *what* even is this thing about?
Right! Good question. Even *I* sometimes wonder. Let's just say, this is supposed to be a Q&A... sort of. Like, "Frequently Asked Questions," but honestly, I'm just making this up as I go. Think of it as an unstructured therapy session with a stranger... who's probably seen too many cat videos. And maybe had that third cup of coffee. So, yeah… buckle in. This could get weird. Or incredibly boring. There's no middle ground with me, I'm afraid.
How do you handle… you know… *stress*?
Ah, stress. My old friend. Look, I'm gonna be brutally honest here: I *don't* handle it well. That's the truth of it. First, there's the initial freak-out. Like, full-blown panic. My heart races, I start thinking about all the emails I haven't answered, the laundry mountain that’s slowly taking over my bedroom, and the existential dread of knowing I'll *never* actually "get on top" of anything.
Then, it moves to the "coping" stage. Which usually involves copious amounts of coffee (see above), a deep dive into YouTube rabbit holes (often involving squirrels in tiny hats), and a desperate attempt to convince myself I’m an expert at something I desperately lack expertise in.
And, after all that, it sometimes, *sometimes*, ends with a walk. A REALLY long walk, where I scream into the void. It's not pretty. But hey, at least I'm *doing* something. Except for when I'm not and just staring at a ceiling fan, contemplating its existence. You win some, you lose some.
What's the *best* advice you've ever gotten?
Hmmm... That's a hard one. Actually, the best advice I ever got? From my Grandma. She was the wisest woman I knew. She was absolutely bonkers. Anyway, Grandma used to say, "Don't take advice from people who haven't lived the life *you* want to live."
And it's shockingly applicable. Especially in a world of unsolicited opinions. So, yeah, that's a good one. Also, "Always wear clean underwear, just in case." Solid advice for all situations. You never know, right?
Have you ever truly regretted something?
Oh, honey, where do I begin? Of course. Regret is my middle name, or at least my constant companion. One that really stands out? Okay, there was this time in college... don't judge! I tried to dye my hair *green*. Like, Kermit the Frog green. I thought it was going to be fabulous, a statement, a rebellion against… well, I don't even remember *what* I was rebelling against. Probably the monotony of laundry.
Anyway it was a disaster. It was hideous. It was the kind of green that made you look faintly ill. And for two awful weeks, I walked around looking like a rejected Christmas ornament. And the pictures... oh, the pictures! They haunt me. My face is on fire, even though this happened many years ago. Every single year, around Christmas, Google Photos graciously reminds me.
What's something people *misunderstand* about you?
The biggest misconception? That I'm always this… rambunctious. Truthfully, I'm an introvert disguised as a chaotic extrovert. Most days. I thrive on alone time. Seriously. Give me a book, a comfy couch, and a pot of tea, and I'm in heaven. I'll hibernate for days. Ask my dog. Though, even he gets bored.
And the second thing? People think I have it all together. Ha! Nope. Absolutely not. I'm winging it, one day (or maybe one hour!) at a time. Even that "expert" thing from above? Yeah, still a work in progress.
What keeps you going?
Okay, so, this is where things get a little… mushy. But mostly… It's a cocktail of things, like a really bad, beautiful drink. Sometimes it's the sheer, unadulterated *joy* of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Sometimes it's a really good book. Sometimes it’s my dog, who thinks every day is the best day ever.
But mostly? Hope. Maybe it's a naive hope, a foolish hope, but it's a genuine one. Hope that things will get better. Hope that I *won't* screw up the dinner I'm making. Hope that one day I'll *finally* figure out how to fold a fitted sheet. It's enough to keep me… well, not quite sane, but at least functional.
What’s something you’re *terrible* at?
Oh, dear God, the list is long. Okay, let's go with something non-obvious. Public speaking. It's a disaster. My palms sweat, my voice cracks, and I start rambling incoherently. I once tried to give a toast at my best friend's wedding. I'm pretty sure I spent the first five minutes apologizing for existing. Then I started weeping. Fun times. I'm not meant for the podium. Or any platform, really.
What’s your *favorite* thing?
Oh, this is easy! (Finally!) My dog. He's a furry, four-legged ball of pure, unadulterated, slobbery joy. He makes me laugh every single day. He forgives me my many failings (like the burnt toast). He loves me even when I'm wearing my worst jammies. He's the best thing in my life. And he doesn't judge my tendency to talk to the houseplants.
