Unbelievable Owl Nest Suite at Aeropod Sovo: Kota Kinabalu's BEST Kept Secret!
Unbelievable Owl Nest Suite at Aeropod Sovo: Kota Kinabalu's BEST Kept Secret!
Unbelievable Owl Nest Suite at Aeropod Sovo: Kota Kinabalu's BEST Kept Secret! – My Honest Truth (and Why You NEED to Go!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the beans (or, you know, the birdseed… considering the "Owl Nest" theme) on a place that’s been seriously underrated in the Kota Kinabalu hotel scene: Unbelievable Owl Nest Suite at Aeropod Sovo. And let me tell you, "unbelievable" is probably the least accurate adjective.
Let's get one thing straight: I'm not a travel blogger who gushes about everything. I'm a real person, with real opinions, and I'm not afraid to call it like I see it. So, if you're looking for a sanitized, perfectly polished review, go elsewhere. This is the gritty, the good, and the slightly-off-kilter truth about this place.
First Impressions (and a Rant About the Accessibility…)
Aeropod Sovo itself is cool, modern, and right near the airport – HUGE plus after a long flight. The Unbelievable Owl Nest Suite, well, it's a hidden gem. Okay, I'll be honest, finding the entrance was a bit of an adventure. Signage could use some work. But hey, character, right?
Accessibility: Now, this is where things get a tad… messy. Accessibility is listed as "Facilities for disabled guests," but I didn't get a deep dive into this one during my stay. I'd call the hotel directly for specific details to be 100% sure. The elevators are definitely there, which is a good sign, but fully assessing wheelchair access to restaurants, etc., is something you’d need to check personally. I'm putting a mental note here – check this out next time.
…Rambling About the Internet and Stuff
The suite itself? Gorgeous. Spacious. More on that in a sec. But before that, let's talk Internet. Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi everywhere! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And, I swear, internet access [LAN] is listed – for the old-school gamers or techies. They really thought of it all. The Wi-Fi in the public areas was decent too, important for keeping up to date with the world.
The Room: Where the Magic (and My Obsession) Happens
Okay, okay, back to the suite. The moment I walked in, I actually gasped. The Blackout curtains were a GODSEND after that long flight! The extra long bed was like sleeping on a cloud, wrapped in linens so soft, I actually considered moving in permanently. The Sofa was perfect for lounging, the seating area a lovely space to enjoy the complimentary bottle of water. There were bathrobes and slippers (because, let's be real, I can't function without them). A refrigerator to chill my drinks, a coffee/tea maker, and, blessedly, a mirror big enough to actually see myself. Seriously, folks, the details! Daily housekeeping kept things sparkling. I kept the Do Not Disturb sign on often because I didn't want anyone to ruin my stay.
The air conditioning was a lifesaver against the Kota Kinabalu humidity. And I'm a sucker for a good, strong shower with towels that actually dry you. The toiletries were decent too. No complaints.
The Anecdote: Now, I've stayed in a lot of hotels, and this is gonna sound weird, but… I fell in love with the reading light. Not a joke. It was perfect. I spent hours curled up on the sofa with a book, completely lost in the pages, thanks to that glorious little lamp. My own peaceful world, far from the world outside. Seriously, the small things sometimes.
Things to Do (and Ways to Really Relax):
Okay, let's be real, I mostly wanted to do nothing. You know, the ultimate vacation goal. But if you're the active type, Aeropod Sovo has some options. The fitness center is available. There's a pool with a view (which I saw from a distance – the lure of the couch was too strong!), and a swimming pool [outdoor]. And, yes, they had a spa! I was tempted, but I was stuck in my book and my perfect room. But maybe next time!
Body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, gym/fitness, massage, sauna, spa/sauna, steamroom, – these should provide some relaxation.
On-Site Eats and Drinks (and My Happy Hour Obsession)
Okay, FOOD. This is key. There are several restaurants. And, joy of joys, a poolside bar! Restaurants, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and a bar. Coffee/tea in the restaurant. They have a Happy hour! I was mostly interested in the Happy Hour, let's be real. I was told there was Asian cuisine in the restaurant, international cuisine in the restaurant, and I'm sure there was a vegetarian restaurant option available, but I wasn't looking for it. Breakfast [buffet] and breakfast service and breakfast [buffet] sounds nice in the morning!
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 Considerations (Because We Gotta Talk About It)
Alright, let’s be practical. The world is still… what it is. Unbelievable Owl Nest Suite seemed to be taking it seriously. They list Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Pretty comprehensive, right?
Services and Conveniences (Because, Let's Face It, We Need Them)
The concierge was friendly and helpful. The front desk [24-hour] is a huge plus when you're arriving at weird hours. They have currency exchange, and cash withdrawal available. Daily housekeeping (mentioned it before, but seriously, it's great!). They have an elevator. Did I mention the luggage storage? I'm a fan.
For Those Extra Things
Other Things Not Mentioned Yet:
- Alarm clock – check.
- Additional toilet – probably (I didn't inspect the whole bathroom, haha!)
- Bathroom phone – who even uses those anymore?
- Bathtub – yes!
- Blackout curtains – HEAVEN.
- Carpeting – yep.
- Closet – adequate.
- Coffee/tea maker – crucial!
- Complimentary tea – nice touch.
- Desk – for those who MUST do work (blech!).
- Extra long bed – yes!
- Free bottled water – hydration is key.
- Hair dryer – works.
- High floor – I was on a high floor, so yes.
- In-room safe box – smart.
- Interconnecting room(s) available – probably.
- Internet access – LAN – good for the nerds!
- Internet access – wireless – Wi-Fi, y'all!
- Ironing facilities – if you must be wrinkle-free.
- Laptop workspace – if you MUST work.
- Linens – glorious.
- Mini bar – yes.
- Mirror – decent size!
- Non-smoking – yes.
- On-demand movies – didn't check.
- Private bathroom – duh.
- Reading light – my soulmate.
- Refrigerator – essential for cold drinks.
- Safety/security feature – check.
- Satellite/cable channels – didn't watch TV.
- Scale – I skipped this.
- Seating area – comfy.
- Separate shower/bathtub – luxury!
- Shower – great water pressure.
- Slippers – yes!
- Smoke detector – good.
- Socket near the bed – appreciated.
- Sofa – YES.
- Soundproofing – seemed good.
- Telephone – did not use.
- Toiletries – adequate.
- Towels – fluffy and absorbent.
- Umbrella – not sure I saw one?
- Visual alarm – didn't see.
- Wake-up service – didn't need it.
- Wi-Fi [free] – Yesss
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Owl Nest Suite escapade at Aeropod Sovo in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This isn't your meticulously planned, Instagram-filtered travelogue. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-caffeinated truth. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?
Day 1: Landing, Lurching, and Luggage-Related Lamentations
- 10:00 AM (ish): Touchdown in Kota Kinabalu! The air hits you like a warm, humid hug. Okay, maybe more like a wet towel. But still, Malaysia! I’m buzzing with excitement, despite the pre-dawn start to my day.
- 10:30 AM: The airport. Ugh. I swear, the walk from the plane to the baggage claim is the longest distance known to humankind. And the baggage claim itself? A masterclass in slow-motion torture. Watching that carousel slowly, agonizingly, turn…it's a test of patience I clearly failed.
- 11:30 AM: Finally, my suitcase appears! Relief washes over me… followed by the distinct realization that my backpack, containing my passport and all-important phone, is missing. Cue minor panic.
- 11:45 AM: After a flurry of frantic searching and some truly awful charades with the airport staff (my gesturing skills apparently translated to "I have lost my entire life's savings"), I find my phone. It had slipped under the seat in the taxi. Crisis averted! Sort of.
- 12:30 PM: Arrive at Aeropod Sovo. The "Owl Nest Suite" is… compact. But hey, the view is AMAZING! (More on that later. Possibly much later.) Booking in was a breeze. The staff were lovely and helpful. They even (bless their hearts) didn’t bat an eye at my slightly frazzled, suitcase-less appearance. Score!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! Found a cute little cafe nearby called "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf". I'm a sucker for good coffee. The Laksa was mediocre, the coffee was good, and I was too famished to care. I’m starting to understand why the humidity is so famous.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpack (eventually, once my luggage drama resolved), explore the apartment, and flop on the bed. Seriously, the bed in the Owl Nest Suite is practically hugging me. It's so soft and inviting, I could build a pillow fort and never emerge. The view from the balcony is worth every penny: The sea sprawling out. Sunset watching, I'm in love. I will die there.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner in the area. I go looking for food, and I’m still uncertain where to go. After some quick searches, I finally chose a restaurant that seemed to have an interesting menu. The atmosphere was buzzing, and thankfully, the food was delicious this time. I did a taste that made me forget I have lost my luggage and phone in the morning. So far, so good!
- 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Stroll around Aeropod. It's a cool little area, with shops and restaurants. It's perfect for a relaxing evening. I may be a little too enthusiastic. It looks very Instagrammable, if that's your thing. Which, you know, it kind of is for me. Okay, okay. I took a few pictures. Don't judge!
- 9:00 PM: Pass out in the aforementioned cloud-like bed. Jet lag is a real beast.
Day 2: Markets, Monkeys, and a Moment of Zen (Kinda)
- 8:00 AM: Surprise! I'm awake! (Well, mostly.) Coffee is the lifeblood of my existence, and breakfast is the second most important thing. I try to make myself some coffee in the suite. It's so small, and the kitchen is barely there. I give up and go to the nearest cafe for coffee.
- 9:00 AM: The market. I'm going to the famous market! The aroma hits you before you can even see it. It's a chaotic symphony of smells: durian (which I bravely avoid), spices, fresh seafood, and something…unidentifiable. It's sensory overload in the best way possible! Prices are cheap and the fresh fruits are so good.
- 11:00 AM: Island hopping time! Well, sort of. Sadly, I thought I could do a day trip somewhere. Due to the sudden downpour. I have no choice but to cancel.
- 12:00 PM: Back to the suite, and I watch the rain. The rain here is so amazing. I feel like I want to stay in this city more and more.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the market. This time with a plan! I will find the best food. And I did! I ate the most amazing food: seafood, noodles, and some tropical fruits that I don't even know their name. But they were absolutely delicious. I’m pretty sure I spent half my budget on food. No regrets.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the room, and I try to rest. Jetlag and the heat just want to drain my energy.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner again! This time, I decided to try a local restaurant called "Madam Kwan’s." I opted for the nasi lemak. And the service was fast and the food was great.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: I just want to chill and watch movies. I am having a good rest, and I think I am finally used to the weather here.
Day 3: Farewell, for Now!
- 9:00 AM: Pack up, check out. Bittersweet feeling, leaving the Owl Nest Suite. I might have been a little obsessed with that bed.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: One last delicious breakfast! I am going to miss all the food.
- 12:00 PM: Airport. The return flight! I'm going to see my partner soon!
- 1:00 PM: Board the plane. Goodbye, Kota Kinabalu! I'll be back!
Final Thoughts (aka, My Feelings, Uncensored)
The Owl Nest Suite at Aeropod Sovo. It was perfect. (Okay, maybe not perfect perfect, but close.) The view. The bed. The location. The staff treated me kindly. Even with my luggage fiasco, it was a truly wonderful experience. I will absolutely be back to explore more of Kota Kinabalu! I also strongly recommend staying again. Worth it!
And now, I'm off to dream of those mountains and the amazing food. Until next time, Malaysia! You stole a piece of my heart. And my appetite.
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Chonburi: NARASIRI's Luxury Awaits!Unbelievable Owl Nest Suite at Aeropod Sovo: Kota Kinabalu's BEST Kept Secret?! - Let's Get REAL
Okay, spill it. Is the Owl Nest Suite *really* that good? I'm seeing all these perfectly filtered Instagram photos... is it a scam?
Alright, alright, let’s ditch the filters for a second. YES, the Owl Nest Suite is pretty darn amazing. Seriously. I'm not usually one for hyperbole, but from the moment I saw the, well, 'nest' – that big, circular bed thing – my inner child did a happy little jig. Honestly, I felt like a hobbit or something, nestled in this cozy, almost cave-like space. The photos? They're accurate, but they can’t capture the *feeling*. It’s that sense of escaping reality, of being utterly relaxed, that's the real magic.
But the REAL magic? Not everything went perfectly. Our initial check-in? A bit… awkward. There were communication issues, we got lost in the maze of Aeropod (seriously, that place is a labyrinth!), and I swear, the receptionist looked like she’d rather be anywhere else. (But hey, we've all been there, right?). I’m getting ahead of myself, but it all worked out in the end. The view, the sunset... it was pure bliss!
Tell me about the *bed* in the Owl Nest Suite. Is it comfy? Is it, like, just a giant beanbag situation?
Okay, the bed. Prepare yourself. It’s the centerpiece of the room, and it’s... HUGE. It's more circular than oval. It’s not a beanbag, thank goodness! It's got a solid base (or at least, it felt that way), with a plush, cloud-like mattress on top. It’s like being cradled by a fluffy, supportive… well, a nest! I slept like a log, which is saying something because I usually toss and turn all night. My partner, who is notorious for claiming any bed is "too hard," loved it too. It’s a definite win. Just be prepared to maybe… *lose* each other in it. It’s that big! And yes, there are plenty of pillows. Glorious, cuddly pillows.
What's the view from the suite like? Is it worth paying extra for a sea view?
The view, oh the view. We had a sea view, and let me tell you, it was *breathtaking*. Seriously, the sunsets? Unforgettable. That fiery orange and purple painted across the sky… I almost cried. (Okay, I *might* have shed a tear or two. Don't judge me!). I think it's absolutely worth springing for the sea view, especially if you're only staying for a night or two. Waking up to that expanse of blue, the sound of the waves… pure serenity.
But, here's a little confession - I was a bit of a mess trying to take the photos. The sky was changing so fast! The light kept shifting! I was so flustered, I could barely use my camera. If you're obsessed with perfect Insta pics, maybe take a class before you go to get your skills sharp before the sunset!
Is the location of the Owl Nest Suite convenient? Are there restaurants and things to do nearby?
Aeropod is right next to the KKIA airport. That’s a big plus. You are very close to the airport which is super convenient if you have an early flight. However, you are not right in the city center. That's good and bad. Good because it's generally quieter and less hectic. Bad because you'll need to take a Grab (local taxi app) or taxi to get to the main attractions, like the city center and the markets.
As for restaurants, Aeropod itself has a decent selection. There are some cool cafes and a few restaurants. We mostly ate at the local stalls and cafes outside of Aeropod, for more authentic and cheaper options. It's a short walk along the waterfront.
I’d say, yes, it’s convenient, depending on what you’re looking for. If you want to be in the thick of things, maybe not. But for a relaxing getaway with easy access to the airport? Absolutely. Bonus points: it is also very safe!
So, the check-in was awkward? What went wrong?! And was the staff unfriendly?
Alright, deep breaths. The check-in. It was… a process. First, the signage in Aeropod is a bit confusing. Getting to the right tower took longer than it should have. Then, the receptionist seemed… busy. Not unfriendly, just… very focused on her computer. I swear she didn’t crack a smile the entire time! We had a few questions about amenities and things, and her answers felt a little rushed.
And the worst? Our key card initially didn’t work! We had to go back down to the reception, which was a bit frustrating. I’m not gonna lie, I was starting to get grumpy.
But! And this is important! Once we were *in* the suite, and settled, and enjoying that *view*… I completely forgot all about the check-in drama. It was a hiccup, but certainly not a deal-breaker. Plus, I'm sure they get a lot of guests, right?
Any tips or tricks for maximizing the Owl Nest Suite experience?
Okay, my Owl Nest Suite hacks! First, arrive early! Check-in is pretty typical, but you'll have time to truly soak in the place.
Bring snacks and drinks. Sure, there’s a mini-fridge, but stocking up on your favorites beforehand means less rushing around. Plus, who doesn't love a sunset cocktail on that balcony?
Take advantage of the bathtub. It's huge and perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day.
And this might sound silly… but charge your phone! You’re going to want to take a gazillion photos. Prepare to be camera-happy.
Most importantly? Just RELAX. Let go of all your worries. Embrace the nest. Enjoy the silence. Be mindful, in the moment, enjoy that blissful 'escape from reality' feeling!
Is the Owl Nest Suite worth the price?
Okay, the million-dollar question. Is it worth it? Honestly? Yes. Yes, it is. It's not cheap, but you're paying for an experience, not just a room. The uniqueness of the suite, the view, the overall feeling of serenity… it’s an investment in your sanity, people!
You can probably find cheaper accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, but nothingHotel Hide Aways
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