Grand Riverview Hotel

The hotel offers a distinctive experience, largely defined by its spacious rooms and a strategic location along the Kelantan River, providing many guests with a beautiful river view. This scenic outlook is a signature feature, contributing to a memorable stay. Despite being an older establishment, many guests find the hotel to be well-maintained and appreciate its vintage aesthetics, which lend an "old school" charm. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking comfortable and large accommodations, sightseers and tourists who benefit from its central position near local attractions and markets, and business travelers due to its convenient location. To make the most of your visit, guests often recommend requesting a room on a higher floor for the best river vistas, and it's advisable to confirm parking availability, especially during peak times.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities to enhance guest comfort. A swimming pool is available, enjoyed by both adults and children, offering a refreshing escape. For those looking to maintain their fitness routine, a well-equipped gym is on-site. Guests can stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout the property, which generally offers good connectivity. Basement parking is provided, though it can be limited and may fill up during events, sometimes appearing dark and having a noticeable odor; importantly, there is no direct elevator access from the basement to the lobby, requiring guests to use stairs. The main elevators within the hotel are noted by some to be slow and lack ventilation. In-room amenities include a mini refrigerator, kettle, TV, and an iron pad, though some guests reported issues with air conditioning functionality, limited power sources, and occasional faulty sockets.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be spacious and appreciate the comfortable beds and fantastic pillows that contribute to a restful sleep. While some reviews praise the overall cleanliness and well-maintained nature of the rooms, others express concerns, noting issues such as smelly carpets, stains on linens, and the presence of hair or dust. The bathrooms receive mixed feedback; some are described as clean and spacious, while others mention mold, dirty surfaces, or a small shower area. Noise levels can vary, with some guests reporting thin walls leading to audible sounds from neighboring rooms or issues with the air conditioning unit's noise. The hotel's older aesthetic is noted, and some rooms may have a damp smell or stale air upon entry, though this often dissipates with air conditioning.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive considerable attention from guests. The breakfast buffet is frequently highlighted for its huge variety, offering a mix of local dishes like nasi kerabu, roti canai, and laksam, alongside noodles, pastries, and fruits. While many guests find the breakfast to be superb and delicious, some suggest that the taste could be improved or note that the menu remains largely the same over multiple days, with some items being bland or chilly. The teh tarik is a popular choice, though the coffee can be overly sweet for some, and the absence of a coffee machine for fresh lattes is occasionally mentioned. Room service meals are generally praised for being good, delicious, and affordable. The Ramadan buffet is particularly well-regarded, described as amazing and offering good value. Guests also appreciate the proximity to various external restaurants and eateries, including local cafes and hawker centers.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly strategic location in the city center, making it a convenient base for exploring Kota Bharu. It is situated near the river, offering pleasant views and easy access to the waterfront. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including Siti Khadijah Market, various museums, and the Tambatan diRaja. A wide array of restaurants and eateries, from local street food stalls to established cafes, are also easily accessible nearby. For those arriving by air, the hotel is approximately 20 minutes from the airport, with taxis and Grab services readily available. While the immediate neighborhood might not always be described as vibrant, it is generally considered safe. Parking is available, primarily in the basement, though it can be limited and may become full during peak times or events, sometimes requiring guests to use private parking facilities nearby.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight the courteous and attentive service provided by the team, from the doormen who are noted for being incredibly helpful with luggage and offering kind assistance, to the bell boys who greet guests with smiles. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival and departure. While most interactions are positive, some guests have reported mixed experiences with the front office staff, occasionally finding them unwelcoming. Housekeeping services have also received varied feedback, with some instances of unresponsiveness or delays in fulfilling requests. Despite minor inconsistencies, the staff's willingness to assist, such as accommodating early check-ins or offering room changes for issues like air conditioning, is frequently appreciated.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that while the hotel maintains a vintage aesthetic, it is an older property and some areas, particularly the rooms, show signs of age with outdated furniture and design. During periods of heavy rain or monsoon season, some guests have reported issues with water leaking and wet carpets in common areas. A recurring point of feedback is the poor soundproofing between rooms, with thin walls allowing noise from neighbors to be easily heard. Additionally, some room windows are screwed shut, preventing them from being opened, which can affect air circulation. There have been isolated incidents regarding billing discrepancies for extra beds and issues with breakfast entitlements due to system errors, which guests advise clarifying upon check-in. Some guests also noted the condition of towels, suggesting they could be replaced. Despite these points, many find the hotel to offer good value for its age.