5 Chic boutique hotels in Kuching for a memorable stay

Angela Goh

27 Dec 2016

1/5
The Ranee Boutique Suites
Housing just 24 exclusive guest suites, all of them unique and different to each other, this boutique hotel has plenty of character and charm. As soon as you step foot into the dark wood interior of the lobby, you will be enchanted by the beautiful decor - a fusion of old and new furnishings inspired by Sarawak’s rich colonial heritage and ethnic cultures. The hotel has all the necessary basic facilities, from a main bistro and bar, to a cafe, a tour desk, and even free wi-fi throughout the premises. We also love the fact that they have a cosy and inviting Reading Lounge one floor up, all decked out in comfy chairs, mood lighting, and various novels perched on a shelf for your perusal.
6 & 7 Main Bazaar,
93000 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia
Photo: The Ranee (Facebook)
2/5
Batik Boutique Hotel
Situated in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel is convenient and strategically located, and no, you can’t miss it. It’s intriguing external facade is a sight to behold, with patterned swirls climbing the windows, which is perhaps fitting, seeing as the name of the hotel calls to mind the intricate art form of batik painting. The hotel itself houses several suites, from courtyard suites to city-facing suites, all of which boast a light and airy simplicity to their designs.
38 Jalan Padungan,
93000 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia
Photo: Batik Boutique Hotel (Facebook)
3/5
Lot 10 Boutique Hotel
Before it became the Lot 10 Boutique Hotel, the building originally housed the Sarawak Co-operative Central Bank, which officially opened back in 1965. After an extensive facelift, it now sits proudly as a chic downtown hotel. Surrounded by eateries, tourist attractions and commercial buildings, the boutique hotel makes for a perfect stay for those wanting to be close to the heart of the city. Facilities at the hotel include a fitness centre, a restaurant & bistro, high speed wi-fi, and even banquet and function rooms.
Lot 10, Jalan Ban Hock/Jalan Central Timur
93100 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia
Photo: Lot 10 Boutique Hotel
4/5
Dorset Boutique Hotel
Conveniently located in Kuching’s CBD, just 10 minutes away from The Spring, India Street Pedestrian Mall, Tun Jugah Shopping Complex, and Crowne Plaza - Parkson Grand, this affordable boutique hotel makes for an easy stay - with modern amenities and facilities including free hotel-wide wi-fi, an in-room safe, and even a 32-inch LCD TV that offers 21 cable and local channels. For the adventurous, you can arrange for jungle trekking tours and visits to the orang utan sanctuary through the hotel.
175,175A-C Jalan Sekama,
93300 Kuching,
Sarawak, Malaysia
Photo: Dorset Boutique Hotel (Facebook)
5/5
The Waterfront Hotel
A fairly new boutique hotel to come onto the scene, The Waterfront calls itself “An Artrageous Hotel”, and makes it its mission to promote local artists by supporting the endeavours of everyone from musicians to handicraft makers, acquiring their art and adding them to the hotel’s collection to showcase and to sell. In some cases, the hotel has also named select suites after artists in their honour. The Waterfront Hotel stands majestically above the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre, surrounded by a historical neighborhood. Definitely a boutique hotel worth considering.
68 Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Photo: The Waterfront Hotel (Facebook)

If you’re visiting the charming city of Kuching anytime soon, here are some accommodation options to inspire you.

Throw yourself back in time and hit up “old school” Kuching for a city that’s steeped in history and culture. With plenty of museums to visit, friendly folk to interact with, and an atmosphere that is tranquil and peaceful even at the height of any holiday season, this East Malaysian city is definitely a hundred times more laid-back and casual compared to the loud hustle and bustle of bigger Southeast Asian glittering hubs like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. If you’re seeking a slower pace of life for a few days, we can’t recommend Kuching enough. And if you love the cultural aspects of an old town that lives in memory of its past, you’ll no doubt adore this place.

But where would you stay? There are many accommodation options in Kuching, from 5-star hotels to backpacker inns. If you’re the type to seek out something a little more unique, Kuching does offer a handful of great boutique hotels that will have you talking about them long after your stay. All you’ve got to do is choose your favourite! Head up to the gallery above to check out our top picks.

Angela Goh

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