Whether a hotel caters for business or leisure is immaterial, so long as the service is immaculate, writes Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan
AFTER 13 months and five plane trips with a baby, I have come to realise that luxuries for an adult are necessities for a child.
My son’s travelling items for our weekend in Kuching occupy one cabin sized four-wheeler while his parents can share one.
In the plane, he sleeps in the bassinet — we paid RM47 for his infant ticket and he has a flatbed with pillow and blanket — but it is such a relief that we could eat and rest in silence.
When we check in at the executive lounge of Pullman Kuching, the service and hospitality ease everything. We are done in five minutes and are promptly ushered to our executive superior room, with wide space and wooden flooring and a small cot ready for the young master.
My husband places Murshid into it and he promptly holds the railing, laughs and nods his head in happiness as if to say, “I like this place already.”
CLEAN TO CRAWL
The wooden flooring allows toddlers to crawl safely —you can see crumbs or debris easily before the little one picks them up to eat. And without carpet that traps dirt, the room feels much cleaner.
The housekeeping team does a good job with the cot. It comes complete with pillow, bolster, blanket and even bumper so the baby’s feet and hand don’t get stuck in the railing when he moves while sleeping.
I find this effort very attentive — I have been to hotels that send a cot without pillows or blankets. In fact, the overall service by the housekeeping team is excellent.
There is turndown service in the evening and prayer mats and telekung (prayer attire) are ready in the room when we check in.
EXECUTIVE FLOOR PERKS
Aside from private check-in at the executive lounge, a stay on the floor allows family to enjoy some quiet time at the lounge for breakfast or light dinner. So instead of a crowded area for breakfast, the lounge offers a nice respite.
You also get to order drinks throughout the day, free-of-charge, so whenever we return to the hotel from town, we stop by the lounge, order iced coffee or machhiato and let Murshid trail along the sofa before we head back to our room.
You pay a bit more, but the convenience you enjoy and the service you get make it worth the price, especially when you travel with a baby who may require little things you overlook while packing.
EXCELLENT SERVICE
Service is excellent in this hotel. Both times when I went out with my baby in the carrier, the concierge would semi-holler from a distance, “Kak nak pergi mana?” (Where are you going?), just to make sure I know my way or have transport to get there.
I find the hotel employees ready to show you the nearest shortcut and share locals’ tips, something I appreciate on a last-minute trip and with a baby in tow since I don’t always have time to research before I fly.
On the second evening, the manager on duty greets me when we return in the evening, asking if there is anything I need.
I ask for bananas because my son is teething and that affects his appetite.
Banana is the only thing he likes. The guy walks into the kitchen and comes out with five bananas and tells me to call him if I need more. Such service makes you plan a repeat stay.
There’s a full-length sticker on the hotel elevator door that says “ Come for business, stay for pleasure”, but with such attentive service and a ready-to-serve attitude, I find Pullman Kuching perfect for a family getaway.
PICTURES COURTESY OF PULLMAN KUCHING
TRAVEL FILE
PULLMAN KUCHING HOTEL
No. 1A Jalan Mathies, Kuching, Sarawak.
TEL 08-2222 888
WEBSITE pullmankuching.com
STAY There are 389 rooms from superior, deluxe and family to premier and royal suite. Request for a room overlooking the Sarawak river for a better view.
EAT I like the executive lounge for its prompt service and privacy. Puzzle serves decent breakfast and the Nu Er Hong Chinese restaurant serves dim sum for lunch at dinner at RM6 per dish.
DO In the evening, walk over to Top Spot and savour seafood that won’t break your budget.
GO On foot, go to the Waterfront for a Seine-like stroll up Darul Hana bridge. Buy fabrics or souvenirs at the many shops facing the Main Bazaar road and pick up steamed layer cake from Liza Kek Lapis — choose the ones made with 100 per cent butter as they taste creamier. Commons at the Old Courthouse serves decent coffee and cakes.
HIGH It’s not strategically located in the hustle and bustle of the city yet you can still see it on foot.
LOW The area is a bit quiet but if you treasure silence, like me, it’s more of a perk than a downside.