Kota Kinabalu Luxury Condo: Stunning Pool Views, Sleeps 6! (Imago Mall)
Alright, Let's Dive Deep into This Kota Kinabalu Condo (and My Brain!) – A Review That’s Actually Real! 🤯
Okay, so here's the deal. I'm back from a trip to Kota Kinabalu, and I stayed at the "Kota Kinabalu Luxury Condo: Stunning Pool Views, Sleeps 6! (Imago Mall)." Let's break it ALL down, because frankly, I'm still processing the experience. And trust me, after staring at hotel reviews for hours before booking, you deserve the real deal. Not some sanitized, corporate blurb.
First Impressions (and My Inner Critic):
The title itself? "Luxury Condo?" My inner voice, the one that judges my every online purchase, was already sharpening its claws. "Luxury? Honey, let's see."
But the pictures…those pool views… swoon. And the promise of sleeping SIX people? Jackpot! We were a group, so that immediately bumped this condo up the list. Honestly, after a long flight, the promise of a comfortable place to collapse sounded AMAZING.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Okay (For Me, Anyway):
Okay, so, let's get the accessibility stuff out of the way. I didn't need full wheelchair access, but I'm always mindful of it. And honestly, it’s not perfect.
- Elevator? Yes. Thank God! (My luggage and I both need elevators!)
- Facilities for disabled guests: I'm not sure how extensive this is, honestly. I didn't specifically look for wheelchair-specific features in the condo itself. Important to double-check this with the property if accessibility is a MUST for you.
- Getting to the condo: This might be a bit tricky if you're mobility-impaired. The front entrance to the building felt a little… convoluted.
- Overall: Okay for me, but double-check for your needs.
Cleanliness and Safety – Breathe Easy (Mostly):
This is HUGE, especially post-pandemic, right? And honestly, they score pretty well here:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Gives you a little peace of mind.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep, I saw them constantly cleaning.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They claim it, and the place felt clean (though I'm forever paranoid).
- Hand sanitizer everywhere: Essential.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it. They were all masked up and generally careful.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Good to know, just in case…
- First aid kit: Hope I don't need it!
- Overall: I felt relatively safe, which is a big win.
The Room Itself – The Good, The… Less Good, the OMG I Need More Coffee:
Let's get into what REALLY matters – the room.
- The View (!!!!): Okay, people, the pool view is as stunning as the pictures. Seriously. Waking up to that every morning? Bliss. Pure bliss.
- Space, Space, Space: Sleeps six, remember? Plenty of room to spread out. The living area was huge.
- Amenities (the essentials): Air conditioning (YES!), a coffee/tea maker (my lifeline!), a fridge (for the celebratory beers!), and Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi…ugh The free Wi-Fi was…spotty. It worked in bursts. I mostly used my own data. Prepare to hotspot!
- Kitchen: Equipped for basic cooking – which we didn't really do much of, but it was nice to have the option.
- Bedding: Comfy enough. Not luxury hotel level, but fine. More importantly, it felt CLEAN.
- The “Extra Toilet”: This isn't a huge selling point, unless you have 6 people. Having the extra toilet was a GODSEND – seriously. No morning bathroom brawls!
- Soundproofing: Surprisingly good. I didn’t hear any noise from other rooms.
What’s Available "In Room":
- Internet access – wireless: Yes.
- Air conditioning: Double Yes!
- Alarm clock: Yes
- Bathtub: yes
- Blackout curtains: Thank goodness!
- Coffee/tea maker: essential
- Daily housekeeping: Yes
- Desk: Useful!
- Hair dryer: Yes.
- In-room safe box: Yes, I didn't use it much.
- Mini bar: empty…sadly.
- Sofa: Spacious and perfect for chilling.
Things to Do (And Where I Got My Daily Dose of Bliss):
Okay, here's where things get interesting.
- Swimming Pool: The highlight, really. The view from the pool is incredible, and it's a great spot to relax, so much more enjoyable than the beach, less sand!
- Fitness Center: I didn't use it. Judging by the equipment, it looked okay, but a little dated. It's not the selling point.
- Imago Mall: Right there at the bottom of the condo building! This is seriously convenient. Shopping, food, everything you need is steps away.
- Things to do: you can go to the beach, visit the local village, or go to places like the Kota Kinabalu and city centre.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking:
- Restaurants: The location near Imago Mall is a huge advantage. Endless options from the mall itself.
- Room service (24-hour): Convenient, but I didn't really try it.
- Poolside Bar: There is one! I definitely took advantage of the happy hour (more on that in a sec!).
Services and Conveniences:
- Elevator: Yes!
- Concierge: Helpful. I found the staff friendly & helpful.
- Cash withdrawal: There is one.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes. Fresh towels were a lifesaver!
- Laundry service: Didn't use.
- Airport transfer: Available, but I arranged my own.
The Quirks, the Flaws, and the Random Thoughts:
- The "Luxury" Factor: This isn't a five-star hotel. It's a comfortable condo with amazing views. Manage your expectations accordingly. Don’t expect the Ritz.
- The Wi-Fi Woes: Seriously. Bring a hotspot.
- The Poolside Bar Bliss: Happy Hour was a lifesaver. Cheap drinks, great views…pure vacation. I spent probably 3 hours a day here.
- The Location, Location, Location: Imago Mall is amazing for convenience. But it also means you're in a bustling area. If you crave total peace, this might not be for you.
- The Little Things: The welcome bottle of water was a nice touch. The small things matter!
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Available
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes
- Taxi service: Available. Easy to grab a taxi.
Overall Impression:
Okay, so would I recommend the "Kota Kinabalu Luxury Condo: Stunning Pool Views, Sleeps 6! (Imago Mall)?"
YES, with caveats!
It's a great value. The pool view is spectacular. The location is incredibly convenient. The space is fantastic for groups.
But! Manage your "luxury" expectations. Be prepared for potentially unreliable Wi-Fi. And double-check the accessibility details if that's a major concern.
The Big Takeaway: If you're looking for a comfortable, well-located base for exploring Kota Kinabalu with a killer view, this condo is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but it's got a lot going for it!
My Honest Hotel Recommendation (A Sales Pitch, But a Real One):
Book this condo if:
- You're traveling with a group and need space.
- You want a stunning pool view to wake up to.
- You value convenience and easy access to shopping/restaurants.
- You don't mind a slightly less "luxury" experience (think comfortable, not opulent).
- You have a hotspot for the Wi-fi, as a back up plan.
Maybe skip it if:
- You need perfect Wi-Fi.
- You require flawless accessibility.
- You're expecting a truly luxury hotel experience.
- You want total peace and quiet (it's located in a bustling area).
The Verdict: This is a great option for a good value, but make sure it's what you are looking for before you book. The pool views, the space, and the location, make it a top consideration.
To entice you to actually book, I'll throw in a few more specific incentives, if you book today:
- **Gu
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is the KK SUTERA AVENUE WT POOL OPP IMAGO 2BR 6pax (89A) Kota Kinabalu Malaysia: The Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe Some Tears). Get ready for a rollercoaster, because honestly, planning this thing feels like wrestling a particularly grumpy octopus.
Day 1: Arrival - The Glorious (and Slightly Chaotic) Beginning
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Great Landing
- Reality: Landed in Kota Kinabalu. Smelled the sea air, instantly felt the humidity cling to me like a lovesick puppy. Honestly, the airport was a breeze. Surprisingly organized. Customs… well, let's just say I’m pretty sure I stared blankly at the officer for a good solid minute before he – thankfully – waved me through. Already off to a great start.
- Transportation Shenanigans: Grabbed a Grab (Southeast Asian Uber – bless them) to Sutera Avenue. The driver, bless his soul, spoke almost zero English, but we communicated with a combination of hand gestures and Google Translate. It was a beautiful symphony of awkwardness and shared laughter, and I'm actually quite proud of my non-verbal communication skills.
- First Impressions of Sutera Avenue (89A): Okay. Okay. The apartment… it’s… well, it’s DEFINITELY lived-in. The pictures online were, shall we say, optimistic. The view from the balcony? Stunning. The air conditioning? Working…ish. (More on that later.) The kids are bouncing off the walls already, and Aunt Carol is already trying to locate the coffee machine. A good sign. I think.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Poolside Paradise (Or So We Thought)
- Lunch Situation: Found a little cafe nearby for lunch. Ordered way too much food. Ate it all anyway. (Hey, vacation calories don't count, right?) The nasi lemak was heavenly, the satay skewers were… a little bit chewy, but hey, character, right?
- The Pool Debacle: The pool! Oh, the pool! The brochure photos lied. Lied! It was… smaller than advertised. Crowded. There was a rogue inflatable flamingo battling a toddler for dominance. I swear, I saw a small child attempting to eat a pool noodle. My attempt to simply dip my toe in the water ended up with me fully submerged by way of tripping over an errant towel, and my phone almost drowned in the process. This is how the gods of comedy begin their work.
- Post-Pool Trauma: Forced myself to shower. The hot water, thank the heavens, was working. However, there was a distinct lack of shampoo. I felt like a castaway. Made do with hotel shampoo. Found a hair tie and put my hair into a pony tail, to avoid looking even worse.
- Emotional Reaction: Despite the initial issues, it's still pretty great to just… be here. The energy of the city is infectious, the food is delicious, and even though the pool was a bit of a letdown, there's something utterly charming about the chaos of it all. I can feel the stress of work just melting away.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and Disaster (A Tale in Two Acts)
- Dinner Destination: Tried to find a decent restaurant close to Imago Shopping Mall. Aimed for dim sum, because… dim sum.
- Act 1: The Good. Found the place. Excellent dim sum. Lots of dumplings. A pleasant, albeit slightly overwhelming, amount of steam. My kids are finally happy – a milestone achievement.
- Act 2: The Bad. The bill. Oh, the bill. I miscalculated, apparently. Tried to play it cool, but I am pretty sure my face was bright red when I realized I was a bit short on Ringgits. Thankfully, the waiter was understanding. (And maybe a little amused, which, fair enough.)
- Post-Dinner Walk: Briefly wandered around Imago Shopping Mall. My wallet is still recovering, and my feet are killing me already. But I am not sure what is better than people-watching and a bit of window shopping. I think I found something, though!
Night (9:00 PM onwards): Collapse and Reflect
- Back at the Apartment: Everyone crashed. Kids are asleep. Aunt Carol is still sorting the groceries. I’m sitting on the balcony, sipping a lukewarm Tiger beer, and trying to piece together the day. It wasn’t perfect, not by a long shot. But it was…real. It was alive. And for all the little hiccups, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
- Final thought: This trip is going to be an adventure. Praying for better air conditioning.
Day 2: Island Hopping (And Avoiding Sunburn)
Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Boat Life (and The Sun's Wrath)
- The Alarm Clock From Hell: Woke up to the distinct smell of stale coffee and the insistent buzzing of my phone. Jumped out of bed with the energy of a sloth.
- Breakfast Panic: Found out that Aunt Carol had made coffee and breakfast, and I’m pretty sure it was the best breakfast ever.
- The Boat: The boat trip. Okay… it's gorgeous. The water is crystal-clear, the islands are like something out of a postcard, and the snorkeling is pretty fantastic. BUT. The sun. The sun is a god. I thought I’d put on enough sunscreen. I was wrong. So, so wrong. I now bear a striking resemblance to a cooked lobster.
- Snorkeling Fiasco: Snorkeled, and the experience was amazing. Saw some clownfish, some colorful coral, and some big fish. But there was a moment where I felt a tiny brush against my leg, and I panicked. I started splashing around like a maniac and almost drowned myself in a panic.
- Emotional Reaction: The views… the sights… are simply outstanding. The water, the weather… everything is amazing. Despite the sunburn, I'm in awe of the beauty around me, so so happy.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Island Vibes (and More Sunburn)
- Lunch on the Beach: BBQ fish, rice. Simple and delicious. I might be burnt, but I am satisfied.
- Beach Time: Lounged on a beach. Attempted to nap. Failed due the constant sound of children and a guy selling coconuts. Found a beautiful spot, read a book, and enjoyed the peace.
- The Sun Strikes Again: My skin is screaming. I’m pretty sure I’m going to turn a lovely shade of tomato. I’m applying aloe vera like it’s my job.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and Regrets
- Dinner: Found a restaurant near the apartment. Ate. Ate a lot. The food… was delicious.
- Regrets: I didn’t drink enough water. I didn’t reapply the sunscreen often enough. I should have worn a hat. I regret nothing.
Night (9:00 PM onwards): Aloe and Netflix
- Aloe Vera Ritual: Did the aloe vera dance. Rubbed it everywhere, like a religious experience.
- Netflix and Chill (…the burn): Watched a movie and prayed for the burn to stop.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion (and Shopping Spree)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Indigenous Village
- Tour: Booked a tour to a cultural village. Spent the morning learning about the local tribes, their traditions, and their history. It was fascinating. The traditional dances were mesmerizing. And the food… oh, the food!
- Emotional Reaction: Felt a huge respect for the people and their heritage. Was humbled by the strong sense of community and connection to the land.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Market Mayhem (and Shopping Spree)
- The Market: Went to the local market in KK. The sights, smells, and sounds were overwhelming in the best way possible. Got lost. Bought way too much.
- Shopping Spree: Bought a beautiful handmade batik scarf, some spices, and a few other trinkets. The bargaining was a riot. The air conditioning on my face felt even better.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sunset and Seafood
- Sunset: Went to a beach for a sunset. The colours were incredible.
- Seafood: Had a seafood dinner at a restaurant. It was heaven.
**Night (9:00 PM onwards
Kota Kinabalu Luxury Condo: Before You Book & After You Dive In! (Imago Mall Area) - The Unvarnished Truth (and Glorious Bits!)
Is this place *really* as amazing as the pictures make it look? (Pool view, sleeps 6, blah blah...)
Okay, look. Let's be honest, those photos are professionally lit, probably had the clouds Photoshopped in, and the pool looks about the size of... well, MY apartment back home. BUT! (Big BUT!) The pool *view*? Yeah, that's legit. When I first walked in, I actually went "Whoa." Like, literally. My jaw dropped. It's that "Instagram-worthy" kind of view, but you actually get to *live* in it. So, it's close. Maybe 90% amazing. The remaining 10% is, you know... reality. Like, the sofa pillows weren't as fluffy as they looked in the pic. Minor details, right?
How's the location near Imago Mall? Is it, you know, *convenient*?
Convenient? Honey, it's practically *in* Imago Mall's backyard! We literally rolled out of bed, threw on some flip-flops, and were scarfing down Nasi Lemak at the food court within, like, ten minutes. (Okay, maybe fifteen, I had to find my sunglasses.) Shopping for ANYTHING is a breeze. Want a new swimsuit? Done. Need a weird charger for your phone? Easy peasy. The only *slight* downside? The siren call of the mall. You WILL spend more money than you planned. Trust me. I bought a hat. I don't even *like* hats. Blame the AC. And the fact that the shops were right there, winking at me.
Okay, so the pool view's good. But is the pool *actually* good? Is it crowded?
Alright, the pool. THIS is where I had a minor existential crisis. It's lovely. Actually, it's stunning. The *view* from the pool is even better than the view *of* the pool. (That sounds pretentious, I know, but it’s true!) It’s one of those infinity pools that blends with the ocean in the distance. *chef's kiss* Crowds? It depends. We went during what I *thought* was the off-season (apparently, everyone else had the same idea!). Sometimes it was a blissful paradise. Other times? Well, let's just say I had to carefully navigate around a gaggle of screaming kids and a guy loudly mansplaining the proper way to do the backstroke. Pro tip: go early. Like, dawn patrol early. You'll thank me later. Or, y'know, not. But I swear it was worth it.
The condo sleeps 6. Is it a squash? Can you ACTUALLY fit six adults comfortably?
Six? Hmm. Okay, *technically* yes. Realistically? It depends on your tolerance for close proximity and passive-aggressive roommate behavior. We were a group of four adults, and that felt *perfect*. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms--luxury! Six adults? I mean, if you *have* to. Someone's definitely sleeping on the sofa bed (which was surprisingly comfortable, by the way), and you're going to be sharing bathrooms. I'd maybe aim for four, tops, if you value your sanity and your personal space. Unless you all genuinely like each other *that* much. In which case, hey, more power to ya. Just pack extra earplugs.
What about the kitchen? Is it equipped to actually *cook* anything? (I'm not just talking about instant noodles!)
The kitchen! Okay, this is where I got *super* excited. I’m a huge foodie. The kitchen was well-equipped. I mean, it had the basic stuff. Plates, cutlery, pots, pans. The important things. We only made breakfast there (scrambled eggs and toast, mostly, because, vacation!), but it had everything you needed to whip up a simple meal. I really wanted to make seafood at some point! But, it was so much easier and cheaper to just eat out. So, there's that. It met the demands.
Any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, the brutally honest truth:
- The wifi wasn’t always the strongest. Let's just say, my Instagram posts were slightly delayed. *Slightly*. That's the only slight downside. Seriously it was an inconvenience for someone with a lot of social media addiction.
- The noise from the construction. Kota Kinabalu is always expanding. Some construction was happening nearby. Sometimes it got a bit loud. It's usually fine. But sometimes. It disrupts your zen.
- Finding the place at first. It's in a complex. It took me a few minutes to actually locate the right building. Again, small potatoes.
So, would you actually *recommend* this place?
YES! Without reservation. If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish base for exploring Kota Kinabalu, this is it. The location is gold, the pool view is worth the price of admission, and the condo itself is well-appointed and clean. I had an amazing time. If you’re a bit like me, and appreciate the finer things but don’t want to be a hotel snob, GO! Just remember to pack your earplugs, and maybe a spare hat. You’ll thank me later…
