Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort: A Deep Dive into a Beachfront Gem
This week, I ventured to Kuantan, Pahang, and had the pleasure of experiencing two renowned resorts. The first, Hyatt Regency Kuantan Resort, holds a special place in the area, having opened its doors in the early 1980s. Officially inaugurated on September 6, 1980, by the Sultan of Pahang (then Tengku Mahkota), this establishment at Teluk Cempedak has a rich history.
My Stay: Deluxe Room and Booking Experience
I booked my stay through the World of Hyatt app, opting for a Deluxe room. This was the most budget-friendly option as it didn't offer direct beach views. The room was priced at RM471.16, inclusive of an 18% tax, and excluded breakfast.
Arriving around 1:30 PM, I proceeded to the resort's grand and beautiful open-air lobby. Having completed online check-in, my counter process was swift, taking mere minutes. Since breakfast wasn't initially included, I decided to add it for two people at RM75 per person, including tax. My room wasn't ready yet, so I spent time relaxing in the lobby and exploring the resort grounds, as the official check-in time is 4 PM.
At 2:30 PM, a message on the app informed me that my room was ready. I collected my room access card from the counter. The resort is expansive, with several buildings. My room was located in Block 2, on the ground floor. While elevators are available, I opted for the stairs, as the lobby is situated on the 3rd floor.
Exploring the Deluxe Room
The Deluxe room offered a generous 365 square feet of space. Upon entering, a spacious wardrobe greeted me on the left. Inside, I found ample hanging space, an iron, and an ironing board. Adjacent to this were a safety deposit box and a mini-fridge. In the center of the room, amenities for making beverages were provided, along with two beautifully bottled waters.
The sleeping area featured a comfortable king-size bed and a medium-sized sofa to the right. In the corner, near the foot of the bed, stood a large round table with a reading lamp. A 55-inch television was mounted on the wall opposite the bed. My room also had a sliding door leading out to a garden area, which included a children's playground.
The Bathroom
The bathroom, accessed through a sliding door to the right of the entrance, was reasonably sized. It accommodated a sink, toilet, and a shower area. Interestingly, a sliding wall connected the bathroom to the sleeping area. A bidet was situated next to the toilet, and the shower area, though somewhat compact, was enclosed by fully transparent glass panels. The shower itself was a handheld unit. As expected from a 5-star resort, it provided a comprehensive range of toiletries.
Resort Amenities and Services
Beyond its prime beachfront location, a significant highlight of this resort is its two large swimming pools, with depths reaching up to 2.1 meters. The pools are open from 8 AM to 8 PM and are complemented by a separate children's pool. Additionally, the resort boasts a 24-hour gymnasium.
Inside the room, the complimentary WiFi offered a respectable speed of 19mbps. For mobile connectivity, Tune Talk provided excellent speeds at 129mbps, while CelcomDigi clocked in at 105mbps. The TV selection was extensive and broadcast in HD. I was particularly pleased with the strong water pressure, making my shower experience very enjoyable.
Parking is available in an open area and is complimentary for hotel guests.
Breakfast Experience
Breakfast was served in the resort's ground-floor restaurant, which offered stunning views directly overlooking Teluk Cempedak Beach. The buffet presented a wide array of dishes, and although I only managed to sample a few, they were all delicious.
Breakfast hours are from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
Value and Overall Impression
At around RM500, the room alone might seem a bit steep. However, the overall experience justifies the price, especially considering the resort's captivating ambiance. Its direct beachfront positioning and the presence of two sizable swimming pools are definite draws. Guests can also easily explore the adjacent Teluk Cempedak area.
Having been operational for 45 years, the resort is exceptionally well-maintained. It remains clean, with all facilities and the surrounding environment kept in pristine condition. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway, a place to unwind while breathing in the fresh sea air from the South China Sea.
I look forward to returning and experiencing a room with an ocean view next time. As always, I've included photographs from my stay. For reviews of other hotels, please visit my section within this group. To learn more about my staycations, follow me on Facebook. Thank you for reading.
