LOCATION:
At Jalan Temenggong Datuk Oyong Lawai, about 5 minutes outside of Miri city. From Miri Airport (MYY), the journey takes about 15-20 minutes.

DESCRIPTION:
I have been wanting to re-visit this resort ever since the Marriott chain took over the management about two years ago. My last stay here was back when the hotel was under the umbrella of The Royal Rihga chain. You can still read about the previous Royal Rihga Miri on this website.

Nothing has changed much from the outside, save it for some building painting job as part of the regular maintenance upkeep. The expansive swimming pool also is not much different from previously, except with some additional landscaping and newly-added pool bars.

As of today, Miri Marriott Resort & Spa hosts 220 guest rooms, including 9 suites, spanning across its 5-storey building. As part of the re-branding programme, the Marriott group introduced a concept called "The Room That Works", which signifies functionality in the design and the internal fittings. Interestingly, the resort holds special traditional dance performances at the lobby on daily basis. Certainly a great idea to welcome the new visitors to this culturally-enriching state of Sarawak.

Let's talk about the room. I loved what they had done to reflect functionality and simplicity in design. The room is plush with comfortable beds, floor carpeting, eye-soothing interior colours, exquisite paintings on the wall and everything else you would expect from a reputable chain like the Marriott group.

The resort now hosts four F&B outlets. The main restaurant, Zest, is opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a la cartè menu as well as buffet spreads with dazzling view of the swimming pool. For lighter snacks, the Borneo Baking Company (quite an eclectic name eh?) serves pastries, sandwiches, freshly-made breads and cakes. It is opened all-day long. The Lush restaurant, certainly more exquisite, is only opened for dinner, offering mostly international fares, Asian tapas and unusual cocktails amidst soothing music in the background. Finally, the Matahari Pool Terrace serves light meals with chilled drink mixtures with the pool view to boot.

REVIEWED ON:
August 2006

MY VERDICT:
I loved the room and the super-size swimming pool.

MY RATING: