“A stunning architectural masterpiece”

The Empire is a stunning 5-star hotel. The grounds are beautiful and opulent. The marble and layered sandstone facades, and the Malay / Islamic architecture, are unique. At a cost of over 1.2 billion usd, the hotel’s relatively cheap room prices are a deal. It’s quiet, as few tourists come to ... more

The Empire is a stunning 5-star hotel. The grounds are beautiful and opulent. The marble and layered sandstone facades, and the Malay / Islamic architecture, are unique. At a cost of over 1.2 billion usd, the hotel’s relatively cheap room prices are a deal. It’s quiet, as few tourists come to Brunei. We use the Empire as a ‘motel’, a one-night stop-over on the long and bumpy drive to Kota Kinabalu from Sarawak. When you check in, you will be expected to pay for any in-hotel consumables up-front. That means if you don’t let them charge a few hundred on your credit card on check-in, you will be unable to charge meals to your room. I learned this after my room service order was declined. I was told that I must first pay at the front desk. Never in my life, especially in a five-star hotel, have I experienced this humiliating assumption that I might ‘dine and dash’! I’m a grumpy old man, and I took it out on the poor front desk operator. The hotel relented, taking our order, allowing us to pay cash. To be fair, I’ve noticed lately many hotels in Asia are requiring a pre-charge on a credit card. Blame the new class of tourists. Our meal was good, I got the vegetarian lasagna. My wife ordered the fried rice. The hotel graciously added little cakes to appease my irritation. My wife used the spoon and I used the fork, as there was only one place setting. Most of the good restaurants at the Empire have closed, due to lack of customers, but we still had an excellent meal at the Atrium restaurant. I need to apologize to the helpful front desk staff, Diana, who attempted to explain to me the credit card pre-charge requirement.

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“Grandure worthy of a Sultan!”

A few hotel properties offer the same grandure as you drive through the entrance and arrive at the hotel. The rooms offer a stunning view of the south China Sea, and the many pools and beautiful landscaping throughout the property. The concierge service is top-notch, with Saufeil, Norizam, Moham... more

A few hotel properties offer the same grandure as you drive through the entrance and arrive at the hotel. The rooms offer a stunning view of the south China Sea, and the many pools and beautiful landscaping throughout the property. The concierge service is top-notch, with Saufeil, Norizam, Mohammed, and Lynn standing out as exemplary warm staff. Ms Rashmi impressively runs a top notch hotel and I enjoyed my encounters with her. The gym and country club facility is to die for… What amazing luxury and choices for getting in shape, and of course the pool and its many incarnations are spectacular, complete with standup paddle boards and canoes. Wonderful!

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“Luxurious ”

The most beautiful hotel I've ever been to, you can feel it's high level. Very comfortable and luxurious, with a wonderful water park outside. If you're staying nearby go there for an all day pass to enjoy the swimming pool area. Worth every penny!

“Beautiful hotel, a destination by itself”

The hotel is beautiful and very grand in every corner. The staffs are friendly and helpful. The room is large. The bathroom’ size might be as large as the bedroom, with separate toilet, shower and bathtub. Free mini bar with Nespresso machine. Large closet safe. The hotel is a destination by itse... more

The hotel is beautiful and very grand in every corner. The staffs are friendly and helpful. The room is large. The bathroom’ size might be as large as the bedroom, with separate toilet, shower and bathtub. Free mini bar with Nespresso machine. Large closet safe. The hotel is a destination by itself with more than 1 private beaches, walking area, several swimming pools. There are other activities offered that I did not use. The hotel ground is large so golf cart transportation is provided although it is not necessarily needed. The concierge can book local private tours and airport transfer. Currently there are one cafe at the atrium and a restaurant for dining. However the restaurant only offers buffet style and not a la carte (that does not suite small eater). Breakfast is fabulous with a lot of choices. There is a place inside the hotel, opened 24 hours, where coffee,take away food and snacks can be bought. Several gift stores on premise.

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