Imperial Palace Hotel Miri is a business-class hotel under the Imperial Hotel Group, who has a strong presence of multiple properties across several cities in East Malaysia.
Imperial Palace Hotel is located at The Pelita Commercial Centre, approximately 20 minutes away from Miri Airport. Major Miri city attractions are between 5-10 minutes drive away. Imperial Palace Hotel also offers free shuttle service to it’s sister hotel, Imperial Hotel. From there, it is a mere 1 minute walk to shopping malls, walking streets, as well as cafes and Miri waterfront.
First Impression
As I arrived to the front door, I was greeted by a friendly guard, who was on standby all the time to open the door for you. From there it was a long walk towards the reception area.
As my flight arriving into Miri was pretty early, I arrived at around 8AM without expecting my room to be ready. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I was told my room was ready, and I can head on to my room for a rest!
The Room
My room is located on the same floor as the gym and swimming pool, providing easy access to these facilities.
The room is pretty decent. Floors are carpeted, and screams some old-school vibe. As I enter the room, toilet is on my left and on my right is the wardrobe.
The toilet is pretty standard with a bidet, as well as single vanity with large mirror. The standing shower is also the bathtub.
Basic toiletries are also provided FOC.
You can also hand your shirts in the wardrobe, or use the ironing facility. There are no bathrobes provided.
Complimentary mini-bar is available, with sachets of tea and instant coffee for you to indulge. Drinking water is also provided.
There is also a luggage area beside the TV for me to put my luggage.
There is also a working desk by the window. The room I was given was a twin bed room. Bed was comfortable and good to sleep in. All in all, I enjoyed my 3 nights sleeping here.
The Breakfast
Breakfast is served daily until 10AM at Imperial Palace’s all day dining restaurant, just by the entrance. Spread was OK, nothing fancy but did its job. Your usual suspects are present in the buffet, including a mixture of western and local cuisines. I particularly liked the coffee machine, where you can have a hot milo.
The Facilities
Swimming Pool and Gym is available at Imperial Palace Hotel. Both were pretty standard, again nothing stands out but good enough for a quick dip after a day out, or some light workout after eating on some good food around the hotel.
Though I was pretty disappointed to learn that the gym opens only until 6PM. I was kind of expecting for the gym to open at least until 10PM, or even 24 hours (perhaps due to COVID or shortage of manpower). The pool on the other side, is open until 8PM.
Attractions around Imperial Palace Hotel Miri
Imperial Palace Hotel is strategically located within the Pelita Commercial District, where it is filled with cafes, local eateries, souvenir shops, as well as supermarket.
Eateries and Cafe
Boulevard Chinese Restaurant
Located just beside Imperial Palace Hotel, Boulevard Chinese Restaurant serve up authentic oriental cuisines, including dim sum as well as affordable noodle and rice dishes. You can dine in here for either breakfast or lunch.
Ang’s Roasted Eatery
If you are craving for some HK-style roastery, you’re in for a treat! Just 1 minute walk away is Ang’s Roasted Eatery, where they serve roasted pork, BBQ pork (char siew), roasted chicken as well as roasted duck with rice!
2020 Cafe
Ask most local Miri-an where to get some authentic local dim sum, and you most likely will be directed to 2020 Cafe! Just 3 minutes walk away from Imperial Palace Hotel, you can savor some signature dishes such as Siew Mai, Har Gao, Porridge, and even Kolo Mee! Be sure to be early, as most items will sold out before noon!
Hot Cross Bun
Another staple brand, Hot Cross Bun has been around for decades! Old-school and modern pastries can be found here, and they are open till 9PM! I bought some pastries at night for supper, and it tasted very delicious indeed.
Bon Bon Patisserie
Unlike Hot Cross Bun, Bon Bon Patisserie is perhaps the most popular bakery in Miri! This humble little bakery is aesthetically-designed, and serve up some modern and Insta-worthy pastries and desserts! Be there early, as they tend to sold out pretty quickly.
Jing Wood Cafe
A local Chinese-style Kopitiam, you can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. Chicken Wings, Satay (Marinated Meat), noodles, as well as western food are on offer.
Yummy Rojak House
Just behind Imperial Palace Hotel is a small local cafe that serve up traditional desserts, such as ABC and Cendol. The rojak is, apparently, pretty famous here as well.
Laundry, Souvenir Shops, and Hypermarket
myDobi
You can also get your laundry done at this self-service laundry shop, around 2 minutes walk from Imperial Palace Hotel.
Ching Tai Bird’s Nest Sea Product Centre & Shuang Ling Bird’s Nest
If you are interested in getting some bird’s nest, there are several choices available around the Pelita Commercial Centre.
Servay Hypermarket
There is also a local hypermarket, where you can get groceries, and daily necessities. I went to this hypermarket everyday after dinner for a stroll!
Major Attractions and Famous Eateries near Imperial Palace Hotel Miri
Grand Old Lady (10 Minutes by Car)
A must-visit when you’re in Miri. Located at the top of Canada Hill, this attraction offers amazing view of Miri. You can also visit the Petroleum museum, and how the first oil well in Malaysia was discovered!
Coco Cabana (11 Minutes by Car)
Another must-visit. Coco Cabana is an event space ideal for family day. It is also by the beach, and you can catch stunning sunsets here. There are also street food vendors. This is also the place where the famous Miri seahorse status is located.
Miri City Fan Park (3 Minutes by Car)
A local park that is shaped like a fan, hence the name of the park. It gets particularly crowded at night.
Miri Times Square (5 Minutes by Car)
A local commercial area that is filled with mainstream F&B brands, as well as local eateries.
Miri Waterfront (5 Minutes by Car)
A small waterfront area that you can catch the sunset. There is also a seahorse statue here. Around this area, there are also several seafood restaurants. If you are visiting Miri Times Square, it is just a mere 1 minute walk away.
Miri Handicraft Centre (4 Minutes by Car)
A place where you can get souvenirs!
2185 Sau Pau Cafe (5 Minutes by Car)
A local cafe that has been operating for more than 20 years. You can choose to dine in or have it on-the-go. The Sau Pau, as well as the many different varieties of buns are to die for!
Coffee Hub Cafe (5 Minutes by Car)
Located at Miri Times Square, Coffee Hub is the place to get some delightful desserts, as well as playfully-crafted drinks.
The Coffee Code Malaysia (5 Minutes by Car)
Another cafe that is located at Miri Times Square, The Coffee Code Malaysia has a strong presence across multiple cities in East Malaysia. Experts in coffee, you can also enjoy Western and Asian-fusion dishes here at affordable pricing.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to enjoy Miri as a local, we highly recommend staying at Imperial Palace Hotel, as it is very near to several famous local eateries. It is also a short distance away from major attractions around the city, all accessible within a 10 minutes drive.
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