A three-star hotel in Kuala Terengganu surprises Zalina Mohd Som with its food and facilities
THE big white building on Jalan Sultan Mahmud looks like an ordinary hotel. In fact, if not for its signage, Permai Hotel Kuala Terengganu can pass off as a State government building.
However, due to its imposing presence, those driving to Kuala Terengganu from the south via the coastal road will not miss it.
What gives me an assurance this hotel is worth checking out is its traditional Terengganu architecture, especially its roof.
The warm welcome starts as soon as our car pulls into the driveway. Though the driveway looks busy, a worker helps us find a parking spot.
“There’s probably a wedding here,” my friend says as she points out the bunga manggar and bunting at a side entrance which I assume leads to a ballroom.
Inside, wedding festivities can be felt at the lobby. Guests in their best attire wait outside the ballroom.
“Yes, there’s a wedding. Our wedding packages are among the best in the city,” says a hotel staff as she checks me in.
In addition to the competitive prices, the pillar-less ballroom has direct access to the driveway.
TWO NIGHTS
I didn’t expect much of my deluxe room since it is a three-star hotel. A good bed and clean bathroom will be enough.
But when the door swings open, the warm setting of the room catches me by surprise. The room looks like a typical city hotel of a higher star rating.
The only thing that’s missing are the decor frills. But hey, who needs decor when you have good, plush beds?
The room is well-quipped with basic amenities but a facelift will do it some good.
Another thing I look forward to is the buffet breakfast as the only F&B outlet, Cahaya Restaurant, is best known for its daily nasi dagang dish served at breakfast.
It is also a favourite item at the steamboat dinner in the elegant hotel setting. Now, that’s quite interesting. I never knew that Kuala Terengganu is big on steamboat dinners.
Yes, the breakfast spread is quite good for a three-star hotel. The spread is huge, covering both local Malaysian favourite breakfast food and western cuisine.
What makes it even special is a section dedicated to Terengganu delicacies. During our stay, we have the must-have nasi dagang, nasi minyak and few unique sweet meats.
These delicacies make us crave for more. Thanks to the tips given by the workers, we plan out our route to look for Terengganu’s famous street food like ICT (ikan celup tepung) and local kuih.
The location of the hotel makes it a good base. It’s near to the city’s attractions like Pantai Batu Burok, Pasar Payang, Taman Tamaddun Islam and the famous floating mosque of Kuala Ibai.
But location is not the only thing that wins me over. The workers at Permai Hotel Kuala Terengganu are also very warm and hospitable.
FAST FACTS
PERMAI HOTEL KUALA TERENGGANU
WHERE Jalan Sultan Mahmud Kuala Terengganu Terengganu
TEL 09-622 2122
FAX 09-622 2121
EMAIL sales@permaihotelkt.com.my
WEBSITE www.permaihotelkt.com.my
STAY 220 rooms in four categories — superior, deluxe, family, executive deluxe and executive suite. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped.
EAT One outlet — Cahaya Restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant where daily breakfast buffet is served. When night falls, the restaurant is a hot favourite for steamboat dinner.
DO Surprisingly, this three-star hotel has many facilities that can keep guests occupied indoors especially when weather is not good. There is a huge swimming pool and a gymnasium.
GO Pantai Batu Buruk is less than 1km from the hotel.
HIGH Location and warm hospitality.
LOW Err... maybe it’s high time for the hotel to get a facelift.