When you walk into the hotel lobby, it looks grand, with personal chairs and receptionist to greet you, but beware he seems not properly trained, when I book for 2 nights, he give me one with one breakfast coupon. You may have to repeat your words a few times because he is not responsive, strange behavior.

So I have asked for a non-smoking room, however when getting into the room, funny there is some cigarette smells, although it goes away (or I get used to it) later. And inside the room, the first thing you notice are some disappointing notices on the table, temporary closure of swimming pool, some TV channels disruptions, and refurbishment noises.

The internet connection is sad, it is slower than snail, you have to wait 3 minutes for a page to load, totally useless, when you call to ask what happened, they say they want to go into your room and investigate, that is not intelligent at all, I told them forget it, because they just have a lousy broadband, thats all.

The TV is so so small, and room is dim, the kettle looks dirty. The standard room rate RM$250 is expensive with this kind of set-up in Malaysia, really not worth your money.

Had been checking in at this hotel for at least 3 times..
1 time was Junior suite..
2 time(s) was the Promenade floor (which provide access to Promenade lounge)..
Private check in and check out (hassle free)..
Private breakfast and eve cocktail was tasty at Promenade lounge.

Junior suite is spacious and also the Promenade suite..
Promenade room is bit small..
Room is decor / materials is bit dated..

Malls/f&b/tourist outlet is within walking distance..

When in Kota Kinabalu, I will only opt for Promenade when I couldn't get a room to stay at Le Meridien. Actually, there are no major complaints about the rooms here, as I usually will be given the type of room I requested - corner junior suite, sea-facing and preferably the higher floor. This room category is well-appointed, with comfortable king bed, all the required amneties, an appreciated welcoming fruit basket, and a good sense of privacy. The sunset view (5th floor and above) is simply stunning. Despite all the positives, Promenade still falls short of making you feel welcomed largely due to the attitude of the staffs that will greet you upon your arrival. An air of aloofness will always be evident, and it makes one wonder why it is so difficult for them to display even minimal courtesy. This review was made on my 17th visit, based collectively since I first stayed in 2002, and I can attest the service 'quality' remained consistent throughout those years. Perhaps, the food quality might made up for some of the service issues. Overall, my first choice in KK will always be Le Meridien, but I do not mind staying here if I can get the junior suite room. Otherwise, I guess its better to travel up to Nexus Karambunai, or Tanjung Aru Shangri-la if my travel budget allows it..

I was in town to dive and attend a wedding. I stayed at the Promenade Hotel for four nights just last week. The superior twin room that i took overlooks the Marina Court Condominiums (also owned by the Promenade Hotel) but you're able to catch a glimpse of the majestic Mont Kinabalu if the clouds disperse.

If there's any specific complaints to be made about the room it would be the ID. The room interior, furniture and air-con are old, still working, but old. Thankfully I didn't have to endure the stale/muskiness the other hotel guests had to endure. I guess it's probably because I stayed on the Promenade Club Floor (10th) so the rooms were slightly better?
As for the service, they were very friendly and helpful, a pleasant surprise particularly after reading several entries about this particular hotel and their customer service.

On getting around KK, it is better to go on foot because taxi drivers DO NOT follow meters, heck I dont think there's even a meter installed in the vehicle. I was told to pay MYR15 to a destination (the jetty) that was only 2.4KM away.

On diving -- Visibility was not ideal at Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi and Pulau Sulug. Of the three however, I much prefer Sulug as there are more things to see (nudis, turtles, etc)

On food --good KK food is but 20 mins-30 mins walk away from the hotel. the first place i went was this old coffeeshop called Foo Yuen which makes Roti Kahwin and cincau drink with evaporated milk (the peninsular Malaysia version of this drink is cincau with soy milk)