Kota Kinabalu's BEST 2-Room Condo: Imago Views, Sleeps 6-7! (32B)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to take you on a wild, messy, and hopefully hilarious ride through the Imago Views, specifically unit 32B, the so-called "BEST 2-Room Condo in Kota Kinabalu, Sleeps 6-7!" Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Prepare for some opinions, some rambling, and hopefully, some actual useful info. This is going to be less a polished brochure and more a brutally honest travel diary.
The Promise of Paradise: Pre-Arrival Fizz and the "Accessibility" Question (Ugh)
Okay, first off, let's talk about the promise. Imago Views? Sounds swanky. "Sleeps 6-7"? Sounds like a potential party…or a chaotic family gathering, depending on your persuasion. My expectations were high.
Now, about the accessibility – and let's be real, this section always gives me a headache. Wheelchair accessible? I'm gonna straight up say I can't personally vouch for this. The listing implies it, but I didn't scrutinize every ramp and doorway. I'd advise calling the property directly and specifically asking about doorway widths, elevator accessibility to the pool (more on that later!), and bathroom layouts with handles. Don’t just rely on a general "accessible" tag – get the details. I am not a wheelchair user, and even I noticed there was no clear mention of wheelchair-friendly routes to the pool. The devil is in the details, people.
Internet Access, The Modern-Day Lifeblood
Thank the travel gods, because the listing does emphatically declare "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" And, yay! You can even get Internet [LAN] if you're old school. I checked, and the Wi-Fi in the room worked. I mean, it wasn't the lightning-fast, quantum-entanglement kind, but it was reliable enough to send emails, scroll Instagram (priorities!), and annoy my friends with incessant vacation pics. There's also Wi-Fi in public areas, which is a bonus for, you know, not just being a hermit in your room.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Essentials (Hopefully!)
This is where I get serious. Let’s be honest, in the current climate, cleanliness is paramount. The listing boasts Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. That sounds reassuring. I did notice the place was generally clean, and the staff seemed to be wearing masks and taking things seriously. I couldn't exactly see them using anti-viral products, but I'm choosing to trust – otherwise, I'd never go anywhere! There’s even Hand sanitizer readily available. Rooms sanitized between stays is crucial for modern travelers.
Important caveat: I didn’t witness them actively sanitizing the room, so I'm relying on the listing's promises. But first impressions were good, and the place felt clean.
The "Things to Do" and "Ways to Relax" Breakdown (Pool with a View, Anyone?)
Okay, so the perks. The listing mentions a Swimming pool and specifically, a Pool with a view. YES! The pool does have a fantastic view of the city and the sea. It’s an infinity pool, guys. That means pure Instagram gold.
Here’s the thing about the pool. It's…small-ish. Don't expect Olympic-sized laps. It's more for lounging, taking gorgeous pictures, and maybe splashing around a bit. There are sun loungers (some are already snagged by 8 am. Get there early, or bring a towel and a sense of competition).
Now for the potential disappointment. There are mentions of Spa/Sauna, Spa, a Steamroom and a Fitness center. But they haven't been emphasized, and after checking, it seems they are standard "hotel" facilities.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Will My Belly Be Happy?
This is where things start to get interesting. Restaurants? Yes, a few choices in the building, which is super convenient. A la carte in restaurant and is usually available. Breakfast [buffet] is listed. I'm a sucker for a good breakfast buffet, so this was a major selling point for me. It wasn't the best buffet I've ever had, but it was decent enough. Plenty of choices, including your usual suspects: eggs, bacon, fruit, pastries, and the obligatory nasi lemak. (I was expecting more Asian Cuisine in restaurant!)
Room Service [24-hour]? Glorious! Because when jet lag hits at 3 AM, you need a burger. The Coffee shop offers a quick bite too! Poolside bar? Yes!. I spent a lot of time there, sipping cocktails, and generally feeling like a tourist. Happy hour is a thing. Score! Some of the other dining options are, I'll be honest, forgettable. The food court downstairs? Fine for a quick, cheap meal. But the rooftop bar is the real winner.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
The list of Services and conveniences is impressive! Air conditioning in public area? Check! Concierge? Yes, and helpful. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and a godsend. Dry cleaning and Laundry service are available. Even things like Cash withdrawal is available.
There's a Convenience store, which is crucial for late-night snack runs. The Gift/souvenir shop is there too (I bought way too many keychains).
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location!!
Airport transfer is an option. Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Free parking is always a win in a city. The location of Imago Views is fantastic. You're right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, within walking distance of the Imago Shopping Mall, restaurants, and other attractions. (You could walk to the beach at sunset if you are patient)
The Room: 32B – The Honest Truth
Okay, here's the juicy bit. The actual 2-room condo, unit 32B. The listing says Sleeps 6-7. This is technically true, but let's be realistic.
The good: It's spacious. The living room has a sofa bed. The two rooms mean you have some privacy. Air conditioning in all rooms is a must. You have a Refrigerator, a Coffee/tea maker, and a Refrigerator which is all convenient. The balcony has a great view. Bathroom phone? Not sure I even used it, but hey, it's there. Free bottled water is nice.
The Slightly Less Good: The decor is…functional. It's not exactly a design masterpiece, but it's clean and comfortable. The beds are decent. The pillows…well, let's just say I've had better. The soundproofing is good enough that you're not constantly aware of what's going on outside. Also, the “Blackout curtains” – yes, they mostly work. But the morning light still peeks through.
The Real Downside: It could sleep 6-7 in a pinch but that seems a tad optimistic (unless you’re all really, really good friends). Three adults and a couple of kids? Maybe. Six adults? You'd need to be very chummy.
Overall: Comfortable, functional, and well-located. It's not a luxury stay, but it's a solid choice.
For the Kids, and Other Family Matters…
The listing says Family/child friendly. It's true in the sense that it's a condo with space for kids, and there is a Kids meal available. I didn't see a Babysitting service, listed, so double-check if you need one.
Accessibility Again: A Rant (Sort Of!)
This is the only category that felt lacking. The description of “Facilities for disabled guests” felt generic. There should be more explicit information!
The Verdict: Book It (With Reservations)
Would I recommend Imago Views (32B)? Yes, with reservations.
Reasons to Book:
- Location, location, location! You're in the heart of the action.
- Spacious and great for families.
- Excellent pool with an amazing view.
- On-site amenities like restaurants and a convenience store.
- Relatively affordable.
But be aware of:
- The "sleeps 6-7" claim is a bit ambitious.
- The design is functional, not fancy.
- The pool can get crowded.
- Accessibility information is vague – call ahead if you have specific needs.
My Recommendation: if you’re looking for a convenient, comfortable, and relatively affordable stay in Kota Kinabalu, Imago Views (32B) is a solid choice. Get yourself a cocktail at the poolside bar, enjoy the view
Unbelievable Semarang Luxury: Cozzy Stay's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Kota Kinabalu adventure from our humble base at KK SUTERA AVENUE 2 ROOM OPPOSITE IMAGO (room 32B, for posterity!). Forget those picture-perfect itineraries – this is the chaotic, glorious reality. We’re aiming for 6-7 weary souls, and trust me, by the end of this, we will be weary.
Day 1: Arrival, Orientation, and the Great Noodle Hunt
14:00 - 15:00: Arrival & Apartment Inspection/Panic. Okay, so the flight was… well, let's just say the airline food didn't exactly sing a ballad of culinary delight. We finally drag our luggage (which, in my case, includes a suitcase that’s seen more baggage handlers than a seasoned traveler should) into our Sutera Avenue haven. The apartment? Fingers crossed it looks as good in person as it did in the photos. **Oh god, remember to check the water pressure in the showers! Last time it was a pathetic trickle… **
15:00 - 16:00: Settling In & Strategic Snack Deployment. Essentials first: unpack, find the Wi-Fi password, and strategically place snacks. Because, let's face it, we're fueled by carbohydrates and the vague promise of adventure. Someone needs to volunteer for a water run. Because, hydration is key.
16:00 - 18:00: Imago Shopping Frenzy (and the inevitable lost person). Time to hit up Imago Shopping Mall, because, well, it's right opposite. Clothes, souvenirs… and crucially, supplies for the next few days (sunscreen, anyone?). We'll probably get separated at some point. Probably me. I have a knack for wandering off in duty-free… or maybe it's just the lure of really bad, overpriced souvenirs. One time I bought a glow-in-the-dark pen for my uncle…it's still at the bottom of a drawer.
18:00 - 20:00: The Great Noodle Quest & First Dinner Debacle. Okay, we have to find some good, authentic Malaysian food. This is crucial. We'll hit up a local restaurant. I'm dreaming of the best char kway teow in the HISTORY of char kway teow. The problem? Remembering how to say "delicious" in Malay. And avoiding the tourist traps. **Last time we ended up at a place that served… well, let's just say the prawns looked suspiciously grey. Proceed with caution. ** This is where the real adventure begins!
20:00 - 21:00: Sunset cocktails (hopefully). Find a rooftop bar. Take in the view. Admire the sunset. Enjoy some cocktails. And remember to be grateful for the air conditioning blasting in our apartment, because it can get HOT!
21:00 - Late: Debrief, Card Games, and Sleep (maybe). Back to the apartment for cards, reminiscing about the day, and planning for tomorrow. Someone will inevitably stay up too late. Someone else will snore. And I'll be trying to record my thoughts in a diary. (Which I'll inevitably abandon halfway through.)
Day 2: Island Hopping & Seafood Overload (and potential seasickness)
07:00 - 08:00: The Morning Scramble. Okay, this is where things start to go sideways. Wake up, shower, and pray that the breakfast buffet at the local restaurant has decent coffee. Someone will undoubtedly sleep through their alarm. This is the point where I contemplate cancelling the whole trip.
08:00 - 09:00: Ferry to Manukan/Sapi. Head to Jesselton Point. Ferry tickets purchased. Sunscreen applied (hopefully…). Boats are a necessary evil. I get a little nauseous on them.
09:00 - 12:00: Island Bliss (and Sand Everywhere). Island hopping! Snorkelling! Swimming! Sunbathing! Manukan is the more accessible one. Sapi is supposed to be a bit wilder. Hopefully, we don't get attacked by any particularly aggressive monkeys. I once witnessed someone lose their entire lunch to a monkey. And trust me, it's never the same.
12:00 - 13:00: Lunch on the Island (fingers crossed it's edible). Seafood! Seafood! More seafood! I'm ready for it. But realistically, the options will be fried fish and chips, and a BBQ.
13:00 - 16:00: Return to Jesselton Point. Back to shore. Time to dry off, count the sunburns, and make sure we haven't lost anyone.
16:00 - 18:00: Seafood Feast! (Round 2). Time for a proper seafood dinner! I've heard great things about the restaurants. I'm going to try everything. I'm going to order too much. Regrets? Maybe. But probably not.
18:00 - Late: Post-Seafood Coma & Early Night. Stroll through the night market? Maybe. Probably not. We'll all be too full to move.
Day 3: Mount Kinabalu? & A Taste of Culture (and potential altitude sickness)
05:00 - 06:00: (IF WE'RE CRAZY) Mount Kinabalu day trip. I seriously doubt this will happen. Too much commitment. But if we’re feeling super ambitious, we'll start early (which means, in reality, we'll start at 7am, after a frantic search for missing socks). Honestly, I'm not sure I'm in the mood for that.
09:00 - 12:00: (IF WE'RE NOT CRAZY) Cultural Village Visit. A dose of local culture! See traditional houses, try some local crafts, and try not to be too awkward when interacting with the locals. This could actually be interesting, if we're not all too hungover.
12:00 - 13:00: Delicious Lunch (again). Somewhere with air conditioning and good food. Repeat.
13:00 - 15:00: Shopping Part 2 (for real this time). Souvenir shopping, because you can't leave without gifts for everyone you know.
15:00 - 17:00: Relaxation (maybe). Pool time? Another drink at a cafe? A nap? Something involving minimal effort. The week is starting to feel like a blur.
18:00 - Late: Farewell Dinner & Packing (sigh). A final delicious meal. Packing. Reflecting on everything that has happened (or, more likely, collapsing in exhaustion).
Day 4: Departure & The Post-Trip Blues\
08:00 - 09:00: Last Breakfast & Packing the suitcases AGAIN.
09:00 - 10:00: Final trip to the shops to grab a last drink or souvenir.
10:00 - 11:00: Head to the airport and say goodbye to Malaysia.
11:00 - 12:00: WAIT WHAT?! Check-in. Baggage drop. Security queues. Duty-free (again).
12:00: Fly home. The post-trip blues begin. I'll be dreaming of Char Kway Teow for weeks. And planning the next trip.
Things to Note:
- Pacing: This itinerary is a suggestion, not a law. Embrace the chaos. Embrace the naps.
- Food: Eat everything. Try everything. Be adventurous (within reason and budget).
- Be Prepared: Pack for all weather. Sunscreen is your best friend. And adaptors for your electronics.
- Transportation: Grab is your friend.
- Expect the Unexpected: Things will go wrong. Flights will be delayed. You'll get lost. Embrace it. These are the stories you'll remember.
- Have Fun!!
So, let's get this Kota Kinabalu adventure started! And remember, the best travel stories are the ones that didn't go according to plan.
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Imago Views, 2-Room Condo (32B) - Your Honest Kota Kinabalu Questions Answered (Maybe!)
Is this place REALLY as good as it looks in the pictures? Because, let's be real, online photos can be... misleading.
Okay, deep breaths. Let's tackle this head-on. The pictures? Yeah, they’re *pretty* good. They’re good at making you feel like you're about to step into a luxury resort. And honestly? It *is* nice. The Imago Mall view is stunning. Picture yourself sipping coffee on the balcony – a *godsend* after that long flight! Seriously! But… and there's always a "but," isn’t there? It's a condo, not a palace. The "luxury vibe" feels a bit… staged, if you know what I mean. Think perfectly arranged throw pillows, a spotless kitchen *except* for the slightly wonky microwave door. It's definitely better than some of the shoebox-sized places I've stayed in the past, but don’t expect Buckingham Palace levels of polish. I mean, I once booked a place that looked amazing online, and when I got there, I swear the bed was held together with duct tape and hope. This? This is a major upgrade from *that* disaster. So, yes, it *is* good. Just... manage your expectations, people! And maybe bring your own slightly-used, comfort pillow.
How many people can *actually* sleep comfortably in this place? "Sleeps 6-7" always makes me nervous.
Alright, the sleep situation. "Sleeps 6-7" is… ambitious. Let's be brutally honest. Six is doable. *Comfortable*? Well, that depends on your definition of "comfortable." Two in the master bedroom (king bed, nice!), two in the second bedroom (twin beds – perfect for kids or anyone who likes their personal space). Then… the sofa bed. It’s a sofa bed. You know the drill. It’s *fine* for one adult, maybe two small children who can tolerate snuggling. Seven? Maybe if you’re all best friends who have absolutely no issue with sharing a bed or sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor. We had a group of six adults, and it was cozy, but it *worked*. We were mainly out and about anyway, exploring, eating… the only time we really felt cramped was trying to get ready in the morning with everyone vying for mirror time. So, bottom line? Six is the sweet spot. Seven, and you’re playing musical beds. Think carefully about your group dynamic! Or, ya know, just flip a coin to decide who gets the comfy bed.
Is the location convenient? I hate being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
The location? Gold star! Seriously, the location is *excellent*. Right in the heart of Imago Mall, which is practically on top of you when you walk out the main entry. That means food, shopping, a cinema… you name it! It's like having everything at your doorstep. I mean, imagine this: you've just had a grueling day summiting Mount Kinabalu (hypothetically, I dream of doing that someday!). You get back to the condo, and instead of having to trek across town, you can grab a massage, a delicious meal, and a movie, all within a five-minute walk. Heaven! Taxis are easy to find, Grab is readily available (thank the heavens for Grab!), and you're close to all the main attractions and islands. It's a win-win. Just be prepared for a bit of noise from the mall, especially on weekends. Let’s just say you won’t be missing the sound of crickets!
What's the Wi-Fi like? My life literally depends on it (work, social media… you know).
The Wi-Fi… okay, this is where things get a little… complicated. During my stay it was… decent. It worked. I could stream, browse, post endless photos of my breakfast (because, you know, Instagram). But let’s be honest, sometimes the connection felt like it was running on hamster wheels. It wasn't consistently super-fast. Perfect for the occasional urgent email, but not ideal for sustained video conferencing if you're relying on it for serious work. I even got disconnected in the middle of a very important video call with a potential client. My face? Mortifying. So, if you need rock-solid, lightning-fast internet, be prepared to use your phone's hotspot as a backup. Or, you know, just disconnect and enjoy the view. (Easier said than done, I get it!)
Is the kitchen well-equipped? I don't want to eat out for EVERY meal.
The kitchen is… functional. Think "adequate" rather than "gourmet chef's dream." It has the basics: a fridge, a microwave, a two-hob stove, a kettle, and (thankfully!) a decent-sized fridge. They provided some basic cookware, cutlery, and plates. I was thankful for the small rice cooker. We cooked simple meals, made coffee every morning (essential!), and even attempted a disastrous stir-fry. I'm not a chef. I'm more of a "toast and instant noodles" kind of cook. If you plan to do serious cooking, bring some of your own spices, maybe a decent knife (the one there was duller than a butter knife), and consider packing your favourite non-stick pan. We did try to fry eggs one day, but the pan was so non-stick, the eggs went straight to the pan. I mean, it was a struggle. But if you are happy with making some basic meals, you’ll be fine. And honestly, with all the amazing street food and restaurants in Kota Kinabalu, you might not *want* to cook every meal anyway!
What about the balcony view? Is it as spectacular as the photos suggest?
Okay, the balcony view. The *view*. It’s... yes. Absolutely yes. It *is* spectacular. Especially at sunset. Seriously, I spent a shameful amount of time just staring out at the city lights, the twinkling buildings, the distant ocean… It's breathtaking. You'll be snapping Instagram photos constantly. I mean, I have an entire album dedicated to the sunsets I witnessed from that balcony! It’s worth the price of admission alone, in my opinion. There might be a slight bit of traffic noise during the day, but honestly? You won’t care. You’ll be too busy soaking up the view. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it.
Is the place clean? Hygiene is important!
Cleanliness? Generally yes. But let's get real. It's not a sterile laboratory. Upon arrival, it was clean-ish. There were a few tiny hairs in the bathroom (eeew!). The floors could have used a better once-over. Nothing horrifying, mind you. Nothing that would send me running for the sanitiser wipes. The sheets and towels seemed clean, and that's always a relief. I am oneLocal Hotel Tips
