Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

So this is the middle section of our annual leave, involving beach and relaxation. First the negatives: really struggling here but if anything the welcome/check in could have been slightly better. It was efficient and polite but nothing more. In previous experiences in Asia we have been greeted with cold towels and cocktails in reception, instead we were herded off to The Lounge which was underwhelming. In fairness we did arrive three hours before check in and staff were very busy dealing with lots of check outs. Poolside is busy but for us the segregation of an adults only section works well. There are lots of Chinese, Koreans and Malayans but figure it out you are in Asia! Seeing multi cultural guests enhances our experience. If you want to sit around Brits drinking John Smiths and eating Pukka pies maybe visit Tenerife or Benidorm. Breakfast: was a bit noisy but the staff always found us somewhere quiet outside as requested, food was ok for a buffet breakfast. Rooms: we stayed in a standard seaview in the Tanjung wing. Put simply we cannot find fault. Looks like we have benefitted from recent refurbs! Really nice clean spacious room that is nicely furnished with a lovely view including sunset I may have been disappointed with a pool view as it could have been quite noisy. Restaurants: we have eaten in once at Joes, very good quality but a bit pricy. Would recommend getting into town and sampling the local restaurants and culture. 10 min ride for fixed 30myr (£5) Staff: whatever previous complaints there have been about staff the hotel have either got their act together or the reviewers are completely unreasonable. Every single member of staff has been polite, friendly and professional and certainly a highlight of this visit.... Many of them want to chat and practice their English with you and are simply adorable. Overall we have loved our stay at Shangri La which has certainly met/exceeded our expectations. Just make an effort to get into town and see the local culture. Final tip: have a late tipple in the sunset bar it's 1:1 from 20:00 - 23:00 👍

We spent 10 nights staying at this hotel, and it was amazing. We upgraded to a club room and had access to the Kinabalu Club Lounge. This was definitely worth while, as we could have our breakfast in peace away from the throng of the crowds. There were free soft drinks and coffee all day as well as alcohol and snacks later on. All the hotel staff greeted you with a smile and hello, and were genuinely pleased to see us and wanted to assist where ever they could. The staff in the Club lounge all deserve a special mention, but in particular Rais who dressed our table, and provided a cake and with other staff sang to us on the last night. It was so special. The hotel has all of the facilities you would expect, and don't be put off as it is not in the centre of KK. It is a 10 minute Uber ride away at a cost of a couple of pounds. If you don't want to go into KK then the hotel has everything you would need for your stay, but as with all hotels eating in comes at a cost, and it is much cheaper in KK.

We arrived after a long delay in Kuala Lumper and were greeted with a friendly face a nice drink and a very quick check in much to our delight. Our room had a beautiful view of the adjoining Islands and the sea and was a wonderful sight to wake up to each morning. The room itself was spotlessly clean thank you to the housekeeping staff who were always cheerful and did an excellent job. Each evening our bed was turned down a different bookmark was left, which was a lovely touch. Food & Breakfast Restaurant: Breakfast had a good selection of cereals, croissants, danish's, pancakes, waffles, fruit, full breakfast items, omelettes, green and peach tea, coffee, tea( which was lovely). The pastries and danish's were changed so they was different versions over the nine days. I mentioned to one of the staff I loved the blueberry crown and they promised to provide the next day and it was lovely when i came to find them the next morning. The staff were happy to help and if something was running a little low it was replaced straight away. We sat outside each morning as it was quieter and we liked watching the little birds, I would advise having someone sit outside with any food or cover it as the wee birds are fast and love it as much as you. The Manager could not do enough for you, all you had to do was ask. Cocos Bar and grill had a good selection of Fish platters and good food in the evening. You could also request sandwiches here during the day and I saw a large monitor lizard the comes daily if you fancy having a look! This is also where the traditional dancing shows are on and that was really well performed and great fun to get involved in. The performers did an excellent job. The Sunset Bar: Food is good here as well, but has a more limited choice due to space especially at sunset. It is a beautiful place to sit and watch the sunset and have a nice relaxing drink, but come early as all around it is busy. Peppino: Beautiful Italien food in a lovely restaurant with friendly staff and excellent service. They treated us to a lovely chocolate cake on the first evening we went which was a lovely touch. Prices for food at the hotel are closer to UK prices and some dishes are more expensive and that was our only negative. We didi get a taxi to Kota Kinabulu, however, we preferred to eat at the hotel as it had such beautiful views, good food and excellent service. We did eat at the Irish Shamrock bar and restaurant and would definitely recommend that. Good food and reasonably priced. Room Service: This is something we very rarely have but it was lovely when a little table turned up with the best Waygu burgers we have tasted to date! When finished just leave outside and it will be collected! Pool: Separate area for kids and loads of things to keep them occupied e.g slide. Adult area is also a good size and plenty of room to swim and is away from the aqua class so you don't really hear any noise. Did not have issues of getting a sunbed or umbrella and the lifeguards are very strict and make sure there is no messing around. Pool area and facilities were always immaculate and the staff were friendly. Thank you to Paul for the lovely refreshing frozen pineapple and melon that you brought around and for your friendly smile it always brightened my day. I decided to get myself one of the henna tattoos from the girls at the pool and it was beautiful, it did not cost much but it certainly was a pleasure as the girls Mel and Hannah were lovely and it was done by hand which I was amazed by. Edward please thank all your team as the service was excellent. Chi Spa - excellent customer service and I felt very pampered. Thank you Stephanie for the wonderful reflexology treatments I felt like a new woman. I would advise looking out for the deals as this makes it more reasonably priced. You can go out of the hotel to have these done and it will be cheaper, but you can't beat listening to the sea whilst in a cabana having your reflexology treatment. I also had a facial and full body massage and this was done in the spa, very relaxing and luxuries surroundings. Shop: The wee shop is well stocked with some lovely souvenirs and drinks, nibbles and general items and Tracy will look after you well. Travel Lounge: As we were travelling later in the day, we were able to stay in our room a little longer, however, customer services provided us a voucher for their travel lounge which had tea, coffee, showers, hairdryers and lockers. This was a great facility and meant I could relax by the pool until the last minute. Overall this was a wonderful hotel with amazing customer service and staff who lighted up your day with a smile. I would recommend this hotel in Kota kinabalu without hesitation.

This Luxurious Hotel is one of the best I have ever been in my life! If you want to relax and enjoy a beautiful and Luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu this is your place. The Hotel has many amenities that will make you not want to leave ever. You can enjoy their water sports center, the well-equipped gym, the restaurants, their beautiful Spa. You can enjoy their awesome swimming pool with their super fun water activities. The restaurant by the swimming pool has an awesome and tasty menu where you can indulge with the best food and cocktails. At sunset, you can enjoy the most beautiful sunset over the sea from their garden. Truly an awesome experience.

We spent a wonderful day enjoying the incredible Shangri-La Resort in Tanjung. This is hands down the best pool and sunset view in KK. From the in-house waterpark to the sandbar everyone can find something to love here. There are even lifesize games like pool and chess. The food is incredible and moderately priced - don't miss out on the delicious calamari or the 22k gold leaf ice cream!

Layout is very good and despite number of people staying here it never got crowded Buffet breakfast had good selection whilst other food outlets were expensive as limited competition Beach was good but as there were jellyfish around it stopped any swimming Hotel room was very good and kept clean Staff always had a welcome Would stay here again

We stayed here for two nights - my evaluation is probably prejudiced by the fact that it wasn't what we were looking for. We wanted an urban experience before travelling to Gaya Island for four nights beach. It is a very well run, large (500+ rooms) resort with good facilities, good rooms and excellent service. However, it and all of its offerings are very expensive. Personally, I wouldn't swin in the sea here and we didn't see many other guests either. If you're looking for a couple of days where the kids can have fun by the pool and you can chill and you're prepared to pay te money, then this could be for you.

The room is so Nice and big... It has balcony, living room, and nespresso coffee machine too... It comes with welcome drinks (champagne) and some desert too... And they provide loccitane shower gel and lotion... What i love the most is their breakfast and sunset bar... The sunset is really beautiful the best i have seen so far... And the massage is nice too... Really worth to stay... They do have playground, park n other activities for family and kids too.. I surely will be back

Stayed here with my family and the place is awesome. I try to make it a point to come back here at least once a year. A shout out to Kelly from Borneo Lounge, Bryan from the reception and the housekeeping and service center staff. Really friendly and helpful. Will definitely continue to come here. Thank you all for the great service.