The vibrant and contemporary Pullman Miri Waterfront is just a short walk to the city centre, writes David Bowden
THERE’S always something exciting about a new hotel and when it’s located at the bustling Miri waterfront, the locals come out in force to check out the only five-star city property. Few have trouble locating the 24-storey hotel as it is the highest building in Miri.
I was one of the first guests to stay there during what was known as the soft-opening phase. By the time you read this, all hotel services and facilities will be fully operational. But when I was there, the Executive Club Lounge, spa and lobby pub had not yet opened to all.
The Miri riverfront is where something always seems to be happening. The side of the 328-room hotel (northern side) facing the river is arguably livelier than the southern side which faces the city and sea.
My room (1220) faced the river and large windows allowed me to watch the coming and goings of small boats that service the offshore oil rigs for which Miri is so famous. While the river may not win an award for the world’s most picturesque setting, there is a vibrancy and activity that will capture the attention of those who take time out to watch.
Between the river and the South China Sea is a narrow coastal strip known as Piasau Camp which was once home to Shell employees but is now reverting back to a forested urban park called the Piasau Nature Reserve and home to hornbills.
URBAN RETREATS
All rooms are decorated in corporate Pullman colours with grey, white and purple dominating to provide what is best described as a neutral tone. The floor is also covered with a grey timber-like surface and, for some guests, there may be a tad too much grey. Perhaps a splash of colour here and there in the form of striking pillows and a piece of carpet will lift the rooms and provide a livelier ambience.
However, the atmosphere is very contemporary and it’s fitted out with all the latest facilities that a traveller needs. All rooms have a large flat-screen television (two in each suite), mini bar, coffee/tea making facilities, safe, work station with in-room WiFi connection, iron/ironing board, bathroom robe and Sarawakian pictures on the wall. A free-standing hat/jacket/towel stand is something rarely seen these days.
Block-out curtains are very important as the sun rises at about 6am in East Malaysia and the Pullman has very effective curtains. Enjoy a very restful night’s sleep on a comfortable bed with a selection of both hard and soft pillows.
SUITE LIVING
Hotel suites are a little more stylish, with premium facilities such as a coffee-making machine and access to the Executive Lounge on the top floor. I had a sneak preview of the executive rooms where guests can opt for a more comfortable stay and gain access to the lounge with daily private breakfasts, daytime beverages and sunset canapes, wines and other beverages. There is a private meeting room here, an open verandah to enjoy the sea breeze, a compact library, television monitors and comfortable seating.
DINING
Executive Chef Brian Chong and his team place emphasis on quality produce, ingredients and creative presentation. There is really only one dining outlet called Pullman Kitchen but with an extension called the Dining Room. There is also a private dining room off to one side.
A popular lunchtime option is the makan-makan menu including appetiser, soup, main and dessert for RM38+. This includes a salad platter of Caesar, Greek and pickled potato with eggs, a three soup platter (pumpkin, hot and spicy and vegetable), a selection of mains including fish papillotte with garden greens and creme brulee for dessert.
Sharing platters are a feature of the main menu with offerings like the “long house” of braised beef ribs, grilled rib eye steak, lamb chops, sausages, salad and roasted potatoes on a platter for either two or up to five diners. Salads, burgers, Sarawak laksa, soups, noodles, pasta and steaks complete the menu. Beverages are ambitiously priced.
Miri is a city on the move and the new Pullman Miri Waterfront, with its downtown location, provides a city option to other leading hotels located at the beach.
Pullman Miri Waterfront
Lot 1347, Miri Waterfront Commercial Centre, Miri, Sarawak
Tel: 085-323 888
GETTING THERE
After arriving by flight into Miri and clearing immigration (Sarawak has its own immigration so you will need to produce some form of identity to enter), take a taxi or have the hotel pick you up for the 15-minute drive to the hotel.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Miri is a bustling city with the hotel overlooking the busy mouth of the Sarawak River where there is constant movement of vessels heading out to oil rigs positioned in the South China Sea. It’s a short walk into the city centre, the happening late-evening bars and cafes, the local tamu (market) and handicraft shops.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This is the newest hotel in Miri and being part of the international Accor hotel group, it’s not surprising that it has a vibrant and contemporary look that is evident from when you first step foot in the expansive lobby. Being a new property, the employees are mostly young, enthusiastic, energetic and very helpful.
ROOMS
Stylish, contemporary, functional and practical and business-like befitting its five-star status with all rooms featuring facilities expected in a city-based business hotel.
F & B FACILITIES
Pullman Kitchen and Dining Room are basically the same outlet. Lobby Cafe has an excellent selection of coffee, teas, juices, beers and freshly-baked cakes, a private dining room just off the main dining area, poolside bar and Executive Lounge on the 24th floor.
RECREATION FACILITIES
Relax by the pool on the sixth floor with its riverside views, enjoy soothing massages in the privately-operated spa and work out in the well-equipped gym.
