Luxury Kuching Stay: Boulevard Imperial Suite Awaits!
Luxury Kuching Stay: Boulevard Imperial Suite Awaits! - A Rambling Review (with Lots of Opinions!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just clawed my way out of a week at the Boulevard Imperial Suite in Kuching and I'm still buzzing (and slightly sunburnt, thanks to that outdoor pool). This isn't your dry, corporate-speak review. This is the real deal, warts and all, seasoned with enough sarcasm to make a Sarawakian proud.
SEO/Metadata Stuff (Gotta appease the algorithms!)
- Keywords: Kuching, Boulevard Imperial Suite, Luxury Hotel, Sarawak, Borneo, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurants, Dining, Hygiene, Safety, COVID-19, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Business Facilities, Airport Transfer.
- Meta Description: This honest review of the Boulevard Imperial Suite in Kuching dives deep into everything from accessibility and cleanliness to the food and the 'relaxing' spa. Discover the pros, the cons, and the downright weird parts of this luxury Kuching stay in this messy, human review!
- Title: Luxury Kuching Stay: Boulevard Imperial Suite Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, let's get messy!
First things first: Accessibility. I didn't personally need accessibility, but I made a point of looking around. Wheelchair accessibility seemed pretty decent, with elevators readily available and ramps where needed. The staff were also super accommodating, which is a massive plus. They had a few rooms specifically designed for accessibility, so check those out if you need them. Good on them, really. Didn't see a lot of accessible toilets in the public spaces, but hey, baby steps.
Now, the stuff that mattered to me…
Rooms & Stuff (And the Glorious Bed!)
We snagged a suite, because…well, why not? My god, that bed. The bed. Oh, the blissful, cloud-like, practically anti-gravity bed. I think I spent the first three hours just… existing in it. Luxurious linens, blackout curtains that actually blacked out the sun (a miracle!), and a decent soundproofing. I'm a light sleeper, so this was a lifesaver. The air conditioning blasted cold air consistently, a must in the humid Kuching heat. It had an alarm clock, but honestly, who uses those anymore? My phone did the job. You get bathrobes, slippers (essential!), and the usual toiletries. They even had a scale - I chose to ignore that. There was also a safe box (never used it), free bottled water (chugged it!), and a mini-bar (populated with sugary drinks I probably shouldn't have touched). The Internet was solid, Wi-Fi [free] everywhere, and thank goodness for the desk because the laptop workspace was where I ended up "working" aka procrastinating, and binging on Netflix. The extra long bed was a good thing as well.
The Stuff I'm Still Ruminating About…
- The Bathroom: Private bathroom, separate shower/bathtub, additional toilet. So spacious, that I kept looking for the other half of the bathroom. The pressure of the water of the shower was superb. And the quality of the soaps and shampoo was great! What a great start to the day.
- The Window That Opens: Oh, the simple pleasures. Being able to crack open a window and smell… Kuching. (Which, sometimes, is a mix of delicious food and the slightly swampy aroma of the rainforest. But hey, it's authentic!)
- The "Interconnecting Room(s) Available": I'm guessing for families? It's a nice option to have.
Food, Glorious Food! (Plus a Few Gripes)
Alright, so you're in Kuching. Food is life. And the Boulevard Imperial Suite? They try. They really do.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Buffet in restaurant. A solid spread, with an Asian breakfast section that delivered. The Western breakfast was fine, standard hotel fare. The coffee/tea in restaurant was alright.
- Restaurants: There was a vegetarian restaurant option (score!), an Asian cuisine in restaurant, and an International cuisine in restaurant as well. There was also room service [24-hour], oh yes.
- My Major Food Moment: I had the Salad in restaurant. My tummy felt light, and not bloated at all. YAY. The desserts in restaurant were a close second, the Happy hour was great as well. I also got a bottle of water so I didn't die of thirst.
The Less-Than-Perfect Bites (and the Occasional Grumble)
- The Coffee shop was fine, standard hotel fare. But that one time the latte tasted like dishwater. I didn't say anything. I should have.
- The Poolside bar cocktails? Hit and miss. Some were delicious, others tasted like sadness.
- The Soup in restaurant. One time, I ate soup. Great.
All Things Relaxy-Relaxy! (And My Secret Shame)
Okay, let's be real. This is where the Boulevard Imperial Suite really shines.
- Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous. The Pool with view was stunning - even if I spent most of my time hiding from the sun under a giant umbrella.
- Gym/fitness: The Fitness center was surprisingly well-equipped. This is where I attempted to work off all the Nasi Goreng I was inhaling. Note: I failed. Miserably.
- Spa/Sauna: I indulged in a Body scrub. It was glorious. I swear, I emerged a new woman. They have a Sauna, Steamroom, the works.
- Massage: I had a massage…and fell asleep. Twice. Don't judge.
- Foot bath: I have never had and or experienced a foot bath. Sounds amazing.
Cleanliness and Safety (In the Age of the 'Rona)
They took the whole COVID thing seriously, which I appreciated immensely.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yesss, bring on the germ killers!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Good to see.
- Hand sanitizer: Dispensers everywhere, thankfully.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried. It wasn't always perfect, but they encouraged it.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Staff were polite and professional, and wore masks.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. This really put my mind at ease.
- Breakfast takeaway service: I never used this feature, but i would be glad to have this option.
The Fine Print: Services and Conveniences (Because Life Isn't Always Sunshine and Massages)
- Cash withdrawal: Definitely needed.
- Concierge: Super helpful, booked tours, and answered my ridiculous questions.
- Daily housekeeping: Kept the place spotless.
- Laundry service: Pricy but convenient.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have these if you're on a business trip (ew?).
- Gift/souvenir shop: Good for last-minute presents (or self-gifting, no judgment).
- Car park [free of charge]: Awesome!
The Oddities (Because Every Hotel Has Them)
- Shrine: Random. But hey, this is Borneo.
- Smoking area: Outside, of course.
- Security [24-hour]: Made me feel safe.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: A constant reminder that you're being watched.
Things to do & Getting Around (Beyond the Bed and the Buffet)
- They can arrange Airport transfer. Do it. Taxis can be a hassle.
- They offer Taxi service.
- Car park [on-site, Car power charging station, Bicycle parking: Great for travelers.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Super convenient.
- Check-in/out [express, private]: A good thing.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Babysitting service, Kids meal: Good options.
The Verdict: Worthit?
Yeah, I'd go back. Despite a few minor hiccups (that dishwater latte!), the Boulevard Imperial Suite delivered. It's a solid choice for a luxurious Kuching experience. The beds, the spa, and the overall level of service made it a winner in my book. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a few notches. You've been warned. And if you see a slightly disheveled person wandering around, still half-asleep from a massage, that might be me.
Villa Magnum Douala: Your Luxurious Cameroonian Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is me in Kuching, at the TW Ling HomeStay, and honestly, I'm flying by the seat of my already-slightly-stained pants. Let's see where the Sarawakian wind takes us…
Kuching Cat-astrophe (A Slightly Disorganized Adventure) - My Itinerary (Maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic
Morning (ish): Touchdown at Kuching International Airport. Holy humidity! Instantly regretted my decision to wear jeans. Also, how is the air so thick? Found a surprisingly efficient Grab (thank you, modern technology!) to TW Ling HomeStay @ Boulevard Imperial Suite. The suite – I mean, it's nice, don't get me wrong, but is that air conditioning working? Maybe I should tell someone… later. Too overwhelmed by the "new place" feeling.
- Anecdote: Getting through customs was painless, until I realized my luggage tag was dangling precariously. Spent a good five minutes trying to reattach it with a safety pin I found… in my bra. (Don't judge, it was a long flight). Success! Though the tag now reads "MAYBE LOST, PROBABLY NOT." That's my travel motto, actually.
Afternoon: Settling in (sort of). Decided to conquer my fear and attempt the AC issue. Success! Mostly. Now just a faint whirring that's more "breathing" than "chilling." Walked to a nearby coffeeshop for a kopi-O (black coffee with sugar). My first taste of authentic Sarawakian coffee. Bold. Bitter. And I kind of love it. Spent an hour just people-watching. SO many smiles. People here are just legitimately nice. It's disarming.
Evening: Wander towards the Waterfront. Beautiful, even in the slightly-murky light. Ate at a hawker stall (maybe it was too soon for the street food? Oh well). Ordered something that looked delicious – turns out it was mee sua (thin noodles in a broth). Too many ingredients to identify. Too little space in my stomach… also, probably ate too fast. Regret. Now, back to the "breathing" AC. Oh, and should I actually unpack? Maybe tomorrow. Probably not.
Day 2: Cats, Culture, and Questionable Food Choices
Morning: The Cat Museum Kuching. Okay, I knew this city was cat-obsessed, but this is intense. Every kind of cat statue, painting, and… taxidermied cat? (Okay, maybe not). It's bizarre, but also kind of charming. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about cats anymore.
- Quirky Observation: There's a giant cat statue in the museum doing the… hokey pokey? Really, Kuching? Really?
Afternoon: Cultural Village. Thought: "Oh, this will be relaxing." Reality: Hotter than Satan's armpit, and I'm sweating like a pig in a sauna (which I'd wager I'm not too far off from). Fascinating to see the longhouses and the different ethnic groups, but I feel like I'm melting. The traditional dances are pretty though, even if I sweat through my shirt watching them.
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant near my home stay (again – too tired to venture far). The menu was… in-depth. Decided to be adventurous and ordered something called "manok pansoh." "Um… what is it?" I asked the waiter. "Chicken cooked inside a bamboo," he replied. "Wow!" I said.
Emotional Reaction: When they brought it out, it was magnificent. A whole bamboo stalk, smoke billowing from a crack. But then… Oh, god. The chicken? Succulent, tender, infused with the rich smoky flavour. I swear I moaned a little. I've never had chicken that good. This is the type of moment they should put into travel brochures. This is the kind of moment I’d write home about, if I had anyone to write to.
Messy Structure: I realize I'm rambling about the chicken now. I did it myself. I’m not the only one who ate it. There was a whole family behind me doing the same thing. Everyone was moaning and loving the chicken. I might have looked like a complete weirdo, but that was okay. I had my own chicken. I did it all. It was magical. Seriously… I might go again tomorrow. And then the day after. Okay, I MUST go again.
Midnight: Back in HomeStay, trying to ignore the slightly-still-breathing AC. Packing my bags. No. Not yet. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 3: River Cruise and Rain Delays
Morning: Planned a relaxing river cruise. Reality: Torrential downpour. Kuching is known for its rain, I'd heard. But this? Biblical. Decided to embrace the misery. Walked around in the rain, bought a bright yellow poncho from a street vendor (because why not?), and watched the city transform into a watery wonderland. It was, surprisingly, magical.
Afternoon: The rain eventually eased up. I decided to take that River Cruise for real. Floating along the Sarawak River, watching the sun setting. It's the best weather for seeing the light. It was everything you’d expect. Saw the Astana (the Governor's residence). Saw a few crocodiles. Pretty sure I saw some monkeys swinging through the mangroves. All of it made you feel like a kid again.
Evening: Wandered back to my HomeStay. Another meal there. This time tried the Laksa Sarawak.
Opinionated Language: Oh. My. God. Why didn't I try this sooner? This is the absolute best food on the planet. Sorry, Italy, sorry, France, everyone in your way: Laksa Sarawak has arrived. It’s a flavour explosion, and it's not for the faint of heart. A spicy, creamy, coconut-y broth with noodles, shredded chicken, prawns, and a whole lot of other things I can't quite identify. I'd swim in that broth. Seriously, best meal of my life.
Natural Pacing: I feel like I should be taking notes, like a travel blogger, or someone who actually knows what they're doing. But I don't. I'm just wandering around, eating delicious food, and generally trying to figure out how to use the laundry machine. I don’t think I’m doing a good job of that.
Midnight: My flight is tomorrow. I don't want to leave. This place is magic. I've made no friends. I've seen all of the things. And I'm utterly, madly, completely, in love with Kuching. And mostly Laksa Sarawak.
Day 4: Leaving and Longing (Plus a Minor Meltdown)
- Morning: Packing (finally!). The AC is still breathing, but I don't even care anymore. Got a final kopi-O from the coffee shop. Said goodbye to the super-friendly stall owner (who probably thinks I'm a complete loon at this point). Grab to the airport.
- Afternoon: Flight home. Staring out the window. Wishing I could turn around. I miss that damn laksa. And the cats… and the people… and everything.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I’m actually a bit teary staring out the window. This was the best trip I’ve ever taken. I’m going to come back here. I have to. I don’t even care about my job or my apartment or all of my stuff anymore. I just want to be back in Kuching.
- Later: Back home, and staring at the photos on my phone. Already planning my return.
So, this Boulevard Imperial Suite... is it REALLY as fancy as it sounds?
Okay, deep breath. Fancy? Honey, let me tell you. I'm usually in a hostel, right? Like, BYO-towel, share-a-dorm-with-a-snorer kind of gal. This... this was different. It WAS fancy, alright. It’s less 'fancy' and more 'Hollywood movie set'. You walk in and your jaw actually *clunks* onto the polished marble floor. Seriously, I almost chipped a tooth. They had two bathrooms! TWO! One wasn't even, like, a closet with a toilet. Full-blown, spa-worthy bathrooms. My biggest 'luxury' at home is a new showerhead. This place had, like, a waterfall feature. And the bed… Oh my god, the bed. I think I’m still dreaming about that bed. Soft. Fluffy. Wanted to take it home and elope with it. But yeah, fancy. Absolutely, ridiculously fancy.
Okay, but is it *worth* the price tag? Be honest.
Ugh, the money. Here's the messy truth: I spent a ridiculous amount. I'm talking ramen noodles for a month. But... *whispers*... yes. Yes, it was worth it. Look, if you're on a shoestring budget, maybe stick to the hostel. But if you're looking to treat yourself? Escape the world? Feel like royalty (even if it's just for a couple of days)? Then, YES. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. Or, at least, a really, really good story to tell. I justified it by telling myself it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (And I'm sticking to that story!) The memory of that bed, the feeling of pure indulgence… priceless (okay, not *literally* priceless, but you know what I mean!).
The view! I heard the views are amazing – true or just marketing fluff?
Oh, the view. My biggest regret? Not spending MORE time just staring out the window. Okay, so mine overlooked the city, which, Kuching is beautiful, but what I really wanted was a jungle view, *sigh*. Apparently, some rooms had the river view. I'd ask for that if I went again... which, by the way, I desperately, desperately want to do. But even my city view was breathtaking, especially at sunset. It's not just a "view", it's a *vibe*. You get this whole sense of… well, being on top of the world (and not having to haul your own luggage up a flight of stairs, which is a definite win). Marketing fluff? Maybe a little. But the reality is even better because, the buildings aren't just some other ugly buildings, it's actually the city, from a high angle.
What about the service? Are the staff as awesome as everyone says?
Alright, listen up. The staff? They're not just awesome, they're like… *genuinely* nice people, which took me a second to get used to actually. Like, at first I was suspicious, "Okay, what's the catch?" But there wasn't one. They were helpful, friendly, and remembered my name after, like, five minutes. I felt like a celebrity. I called room service once (because, why not? I was living the dream!), and the guy who brought my ridiculously over-the-top dessert also brought me a little handwritten note. A note! Saying, "Enjoy your stay, Madam!" (Okay, maybe that's not what it said exactly, but it felt like it!). It was, frankly, charming. I almost cried. Almost. My only complaint? I didn't tip them enough. Seriously, if you go, be generous. They deserve it. They were always a step ahead of me. One moment, I felt a bit overwhelmed, and then, here it comes - a perfect service, even when I was just lingering in the hall.
Any downsides? Gotta be some, right?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. Yes, there were a few… bumps in the road (because life isn’t perfect, even in a luxury suite!). First, the minibar. Seriously, it was *tempting*. And expensive. I ended up just buying my own snacks at a local store and hiding them in a drawer. Don't judge me! Second, the elevators. Sometimes, the wait was a little long. Minor inconvenience, really. Third… this is more of a personal problem, but… I felt a little *intimidated* at first. Like, I'm this grubby traveler, and everyone else looks so… polished. (Though, honestly, by the end, I realized no one actually cares. Everyone's too busy enjoying their own luxury). But all in all, it's like, yeah, a couple of minor annoyances, but in the grand scheme of things? They're absolutely negligible. Seriously, by the time I was checking out, I was already plotting my return.
Did you use the spa? Spill the tea!
Oh, GOD, the spa! Okay, prepare yourself. This is where I may have lost it entirely. I’m not a "spa person". Normally, I stick to the free hotel gym (if there is one - which there wasn't here!). But the Boulevard Imperial had this incredible spa and I heard they do the best massage. Well, I thought, "When in Rome... or Kuching… or luxurious hotel spa." So I booked a massage, and… I’m not even kidding, it was the best massage of my LIFE. I actually cried. Not because of pain (though there was some of that, in a good way!), but because of pure, unadulterated RELAXATION. The masseuse was amazing. She worked out knots I didn't even *know* I had. Afterwards, I floated back to my suite, feeling like a new person. That alone was worth the price of admission, and I will return for that treatment again.
What's the food situation? Are the on-site restaurants any good, or should I venture out?
Okay, the food. I'm a foodie, so this was important. The hotel had a few restaurants, and they were… good. Fine. But here's the thing: Kuching has AMAZING food *outside* the hotel. Absolutely incredible, cheap, local food. So, while the hotel food was convenient (and the breakfast buffet was pretty darn good, especially the fresh fruit!), I highly recommend getting out and exploring the Kuching food scene. There's this one hawker center… oh man. The street food is incredible. I had the best laksa of my *life*. So, yes, the hotel restaurants are fine, but don't miss out on the real Kuching experience. Go out there and eat! Hotelish
