Kota Bharu's BEST Apartment? Staycity City Point Review!
Kota Bharu's "Best Apartment"? Staycity City Point: My Rambling, Unfiltered Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to give you the lowdown on Staycity City Point in Kota Bharu. Forget those perfectly polished, boring reviews. This is real, messy, and probably way more honest than you're used to. Because let's be real, finding the "best" anything is subjective, right? But for me, after trekking around Kelantan, this place…well, it has its moments. And that's what makes it interesting.
Accessibility: Can a Wheelchair Warrior Navigate This?
Okay, so, accessibility is crucial for some of us (and let’s be real, it should be for everyone). Staycity claims to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't personally test that, but I saw elevators, and the common areas seem (emphasis on seem) relatively accessible. The website lists it, so hopefully, they’ve thought this all the way through. Important: If accessibility is a MUST, contact them directly and be absolutely specific about your needs. Don’t rely on me – I’m just eating nasi kerabu and babbling!
Getting Around: Parking, Taxis & Airport Shuffle
Free parking? YES! That's a major win in a city like Kota Bharu where parking can be a nightmare. The car park is on-site, which is convenient. They also offer airport transfer, which is a godsend after a long flight. Taxi service is available too, but I'm a sucker for the convenience of having my own wheels. And you know, sometimes you just want to cycle around, which they have bicycle parking.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Wash the Sheets? (And My Soul?)
This is where things get serious. Cleanliness is paramount in these times. Staycity seems to take it seriously, with:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Okay, good start. Doesn't guarantee anything (hello, life) but it's reassuring.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Double-check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hmm, I'll take their word for it.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. Which is a lifesaver.
- First aid kit: Always a plus, especially if you, like me, trip over your own feet.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing Okay, that actually makes me feel SO MUCH better.
- Hygiene certification This gives me a solid sense of security.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Okay, good option.
- Safe dining setup - Yes!
- Sterilizing equipment - Cool.
They also have CCTV cameras everywhere (both inside and outside), and the staff look well-trained. They're serious about keeping the place clean and safe. And, well, you need to feel safe to enjoy yourself, right?
Rooms: Your Personal Kelantanese Cave
Okay, the rooms. They’re Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning (thank THE LORD)
- Alarm clock (Ugh, but necessary. Can't sleep the day away!)
- Bathrobes (fancy!)
- Bathroom phone (I never use these, but hey, it's there.)
- Bathtub (yes!)
- Blackout curtains (SLEEP IS PRECIOUS)
- Carpeting (Can be a little gross, but hey, it's there)
- Closet (duh)
- Coffee/tea maker (Essential. Seriously.)
- Complimentary tea (Yay!)
- Daily housekeeping (Yes, please!)
- Desk (I sometimes work on my laptop)
- Extra long bed (I love these!)
- Free bottled water (hydrated life!)
- Hair dryer (Thank God; I hate carrying my own.)
- High floor (I loved it!)
- In-room safe box (Always a good thing to have.)
- Interconnecting room(s) available (perfect for families; sadly, I came alone)
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (More on this later)
- Ironing facilities (Wrinkle-free life!)
- Laptop workspace (For those that need it.)
- Linens (Essential)
- Mini bar (Temptation!)
- Mirror (duh)
- Non-smoking (good)
- On-demand movies (Netflix is enough though!)
- Private bathroom (yes!)
- Reading light (Nice for late-night bookworms)
- Refrigerator (Always handy!)
- Safety/security feature (yes!)
- Satellite/cable channels (Lots of channels)
- Scale (I would never step on this)
- Seating area (perfect for chilling)
- Separate shower/bathtub (nice to have)
- Shower (duh)
- Slippers (Yay)
- Smoke detector (Peace of mind)
- Socket near the bed (essential!)
- Sofa (chilling!)
- Soundproofing (Good, I hope)
- Telephone (who uses these anymore?)
- Toiletries (nice!)
- Towels (duh)
- Umbrella (got this myself)
- Visual alarm (good!)
- Wake-up service (alarm clock, anyone?)
- Wi-Fi [free] (again, more on that in a sec)
- Window that opens (FRESH AIR, HALLELUJAH!)
The rooms are…well, they are comfortable. Not super-fancy luxury, but clean, well-equipped, and a welcome haven after a day of exploring Kota Bharu. The blackout curtains are GOLD. Seriously, I could have slept for a week. They make up for imperfections.
Internet: The Eternal Struggle
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or apartment): Internet.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, technically. But (and there's always a but, isn't there?) the Wi-Fi was…patchy. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes…well, let’s just say streaming a movie was an exercise in patience. Internet [LAN]: I'm not sure if it was even a thing, I didn't even try it. Internet services: I'm assuming they have the technical part covered, but it's really the actual connection that matters. Wi-Fi in public areas: This, too, was variable. Look, Kota Bharu isn't exactly famous for its lightning-fast internet. Embrace the occasional buffering! It’s a sign to get off your phone and…you know…experience things.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
I'm a foodie, let’s be clear. So, dining is key for me.
- Restaurants: Yep, they have them.
- Coffee shop: Always a good thing.
- Poolside bar: (Imagine, I'm already in heaven!)
- Room service [24-hour]: This is a major win. Late-night cravings? Solved.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Didn’t have it but always love a buffet.
- Asian and Western cuisine in restaurant - yes!
- A la carte in restaurant - Okay!
- Snack bar - great!
Okay, so, I didn't eat everywhere in the hotel. (My mission was to explore Kota Bharu’s food scene!) But I did order room service one night, and it was decent. They serve Asian and Western dishes. Nothing mind-blowing, but the convenience was worth its weight in gold. I saw lots of other options too, like the poolside bar, all of which just seemed to be a solid, convenient offering.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Staying Active
- Fitness center: I didn't use it, but the fact it's there is a good sign
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: Okay, YES. The pool is a HUGE plus. Especially after a day of exploring. Not massive, but clean and refreshing. Poolside bar is right there, just what you need.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Touches That Matter
Staycity offers a whole bunch of stuff, including:
- Daily housekeeping (essential!)
- Laundry service (handy)
- Concierge (never use it, but nice to have)
- Cash withdrawal, convenience store (practical)
- Elevator (again, great!)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun
- Babysitting service (nice!)
- Family/child friendly (Good!)
- Kids meal (nice)
The Verdict: Is Staycity City Point the "Best"?
Look, "best" is a loaded word. Staycity City Point isn't perfect. But it’s a damn good option in Kota Bharu. The rooms are clean and the pool
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average meticulously curated travel plan. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-hungover account of my time in Kota Bharu, Malaysia, specifically at the Staycity Apartment in the City Point. Prepare for a wild ride, filled with questionable food choices, near-misses with rogue motorbikes, and a whole lotta "WTF just happened?" moments.
Kota Bharu: My Chaotic Adventure at Staycity Apartment - Let's Get Messy!
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Durian Debacle (Oh, the Smell!)
- Morning - The Journey From Hell (Airline Edition): Okay, let's be honest, getting here was brutal. Delayed flights, cramped seats, and the ungodly screams of a toddler who clearly understood the existential dread of air travel. I arrived at the Staycity a crumpled mess of a human, smelling faintly of stale airplane air and desperation.
- Afternoon - Check-In & Apartment Assessment: Finally! The Staycity. Honestly, the apartment was… decent. Clean enough, a functional kitchen (score!), and the aircon worked, which in this heat is basically a life-saver. The view from the balcony? Not exactly postcard-worthy, but hey, it's Kota Bharu, not the Maldives.
- Evening - The Durian Challenge…or rather, the Durian Disaster: So, I, in a moment of extreme bravado fueled by jet lag, decided to try durian. Everyone raves about it. "King of Fruits," they said. Yeah, more like "King of Offensive Odors." I bought one from a street vendor close to the apartment. The smell? Imagine gym socks marinated in sewage. The taste? A weird, creamy, oniony… thing. After two bites, I chucked the whole thing in the trash. The smell, however, lingered… for days. My apartment now officially smelled of failure.
- Anecdote: Later that night, I swear, I saw a cockroach scuttling away, clearly repulsing by the lingering durian atmosphere. I spent a glorious hour of my life hunting down the elusive cockroach, now a sworn enemy.
Day 2: Markets, Motorbikes, and Meltdown Mode
- Morning - Wet Market Wonders (and Wobbly Legs): Armed with some courage, I hit the Central Market. The energy was buzzing! The vendors were calling out, the colours! Oh, the colours! I saw more varieties of fish than I knew existed. But be warned: the floors? Slicker than an eel on a water slide. I nearly took a tumble, and my dignity wasn't fully intact.
- Afternoon - The Motorbike Mayhem: Okay, Kota Bharu traffic is insane. Motorbikes everywhere. I swear, they're like tiny, two-wheeled kamikaze pilots. Crossing the road felt like playing a real-life version of Frogger, except instead of lily pads, you've got speeding scooters. Close call.
- Late Afternoon - Spicy Catastrophe & Emotional Outburst: I dove into a local eatery, a little place just down the street. Food was cheap, the service was friendly, and the noodles… oh, the noodles. They were delightfully spicy. Until, you know, they weren't. Suddenly, my mouth was on fire, and I was sweating like a pig. I tried to be a tough traveler but then, tears streamed down my face. I ran back to the Staycity apartment in shame. My pride? Gone. My tummy? Questionable. My emotions? A chaotic mess.
- Quirky Observation: I swear the owner of the noodle shop was laughing at me as I escaped.
- Emotional Reaction: I spent the rest of the afternoon curled up, alternately cursing the spice gods and feeling utterly pathetic. The spicy noodles became the enemy.
- Evening - Recovery (and the Pursuit of Something Blah): I ordered some bland rice and boiled chicken from a nearby restaurant. Needed the blandness, though. I was a changed woman.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Shopping Spree (and Regret!)
- Morning - The Handicraft Centre (and the Price of Souvenirs): I visited the Handicraft Village, where I saw some beautiful batik and intricate wood carvings. So, of course, I went overboard! I bought a scarf, a wooden trinket box, and some questionable batik-patterned coasters that I'll probably regret forever.
- Afternoon - The Sultan’s Palace. (Respect and Realization): The palace itself was incredibly impressive. The intricate architecture, the history woven into every corner… it was awe-inspiring. It made me realise how much I'd been rushing around and focusing on the "stuff", and missing the actual place of the place.
- Evening - The Shopping Mall (and More Regret…): Okay, I know, I know. The Staycity is near a shopping mall. I thought it would be a fun way to pass some time. I went shopping, hoping to forget my spicy noodles incident. A desperate move, really. I ended up buying a T-shirt I'll never wear and a ridiculously oversized teddy bear. What was I thinking? I’m having another emotional moment here.
- Rambling Moment: Does one need a giant teddy bear when solo travelling? No. Did I buy one anyway? Yes. Will it fit in my luggage? Probably not. But hey, at least the teddy bear won't judge me for my adventurous spirit (or my terrible food choices).
Day 4: Departure (Finally!) – Reflections and the Ghost of Durian Past
- Morning - Packing & Last-Minute Panic: Packing up, and I'm still finding bits of durian. The smell has permeated everything. There's a lingering odour in my luggage, on my clothes… I'll probably be smelling durian for months. I have a mini breakdown.
- Afternoon - Farewell Kota Bharu (and the Staycity): Sayonara, Kota Bharu! I am, honestly, relieved to be going. While I didn't fully embrace the place, it's been a messy, chaotic experience. The Staycity apartment was a decent enough base camp. I will never forget the durian. Ever.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm leaving Kota Bharu slightly bruised, a little wiser, and definitely smelling slightly of… well, you know. But hey, that's what travel is all about, right? Messy, unpredictable, and utterly unforgettable.
- Opinionated Language: Would I go back? Maybe. But first, I need a long shower, a fresh set of clothes, and maybe a hazmat suit.
Final Thoughts:
My trip to Kota Bharu was not perfect. It was chaotic. It was sometimes embarrassing, and often hilarious. But I wouldn’t trade it for a perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy experience. It's how you grow, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, i'm going to go burn all my clothes.
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Kota Bharu's "BEST" Apartment? Let's Talk Staycity City Point... (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, spill. Is Staycity City Point REALLY the best apartment in Kota Bharu? Like, the *BEST* best?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because "best" is subjective. And with City Point, things are... complicated. Look, I went in expecting pristine perfection, you know? Instagram-worthy minimalism. Instead, what I got was... well, a story. More on that later.
Honestly, "best" depends on your priorities. If you crave location, location, location – smack dab in the heart of Kota Bharu, walking distance to the Pasar Siti Khadijah (HEAVEN!), and a million eateries? Absolutely, City Point is rocking it. But if you’re expecting the Ritz? Temper those expectations, my friend. Temper them. I'd say it's... *among* the best, but not necessarily *the* best, depends on... well, *everything*!
Location, location, location! How's the accessibility of Staycity City Point? Is it easy to get around?
Okay, so location is City Point's POWER PLAY. It's basically in the middle of everything. Seriously. The Pasar Siti Khadijah – a riot of colours, smells, and the best *nasi kerabu* you'll ever devour – is literally a five-minute walk. Five minutes! My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it. You can wander around the central market, absorb the culture. Forget booking a taxi, you can walk, you can grab a trishaw, you can... well, you can basically *live* Kota Bharu.
But here’s a confession. One night, I was craving some *laksa*. And it was pouring rain. A proper deluge, the kind that makes you question all life choices. So, I decided to order Grab to pick me up. The wait was an eternity. But the wait for my laksa was nothing compared to the wait. Then came the ride. And the driver took the LONG WAY. I swear, he took me around the world, and I had to go through a mud puddle. The road at the junction was bad. Ahh, the memories!
So, yes, it's amazing. But Kota Bharu's traffic can be... spirited. Be prepared for some slow-moving fun. And remember to bargain with those trishaw drivers. It's part of the experience!
What about the rooms themselves? Are the apartments clean and comfortable?
Alright, confession time. My room... it was... *mostly* clean. There were a few – *very minor* – issues. Let’s just say, the cleaning crew seemed to embrace the "less is more" philosophy a bit too enthusiastically. One rogue dust bunny I named Herbert. He became my roommate. We bonded.
Comfort-wise? The bed was decent. Not the cloud-like experience you'd get at a five-star resort, but perfectly acceptable after a long day of exploring. The air conditioning worked like a CHAMP. Crucial. (Kota Bharu heat, you know?)
The design... well, it’s functional. Simple, with a slight whiff of "modern budget." Don't expect designer furniture or panoramic views. But, hey, you're in Kota Bharu! You're there to experience the *culture*, not stare at a fancy chair. Still, I would have loved some nicer curtains. The ones the apartment comes with are... basic. I was actually surprised, it has everything.
Is there a gym or a pool? What kind of amenities are on offer?
Alright, so this is where City Point is kind of... a mixed bag. There IS a small pool. It’s usually pretty quiet, which is a plus. It's nothing glamorous, but it's a decent place to cool off after a sweaty day. The gym... well, let's just say it's "compact." You won't find state-of-the-art equipment. Think rusty weights and a treadmill that might or might not work. My recommendation? Stick to walking around the town instead.
Then there are the small perks. There's usually decent Wi-Fi. Crucial for staying connected. They have parking, which is a godsend in the city centre. And the staff? Generally friendly and helpful. My personal favourite, the security guards were genuinely caring people with a good sense of humour!
Don't go expecting a resort-style experience. City Point is more about practicality. And that's okay!
How is the price? Is Staycity City Point a good value for the money?
This is probably the most important question. And the answer? Generally, yes. City Point is a pretty good deal, especially considering the location. You're not paying luxury prices. You're paying for convenience and a relatively clean, comfortable place to crash. It's definitely a better value than a lot of the hotels in Kota Bharu, but depending on the promotion, you could be paying a pretty penny.
Like, sometimes you'll find screaming deals. Other times, it'll be a bit more expensive (especially during peak season). My advice? Shop around. Compare prices with other options. BUT, if location is a top priority and you are able to go for the best deal, Staycity City Point is usually a winner.
I'd say it's a *solid* value. Not a steal, not a rip-off. It's kinda like that perfect bowl of *nasi kerabu* – satisfying, affordable, and you're definitely going back for seconds.
Okay, what’s the biggest issue I should be aware of before booking? Any serious downsides to City Point?
Alright, here comes a bit of a confession, I'm not the easiest person to be, but here's a truth bomb. You might run into some noise. The apartment is located smack in the middle of a bustling city. Embrace it. Traffic, chatter, the occasional karaoke session (yes, really) – it's all part of the Kota Bharu experience. The construction around the area is also something you should watch out for as well.
Also, my room was near a construction site. Which I didn't realise until an hour before I was about to sleep. Imagine the sound of a heavy vehicle, drilling away, at the wee hours of the morning! It was terrible. I did call the hotel, and I got a response. Good! In the end, I can't tell you what happened because it was the next day.
And honestly? The building itself is not new. It has a few quirks - maybe the occasional creaky floorboard or a slightly wonky door. It's not a brand-new, gleaming skyscraper. It’s a functional building, a bit lived-in, and it has its own quirks.
