We are accustomed to staying in 3–5 star hotels in Indonesia and abroad. This was our first seven-night stay at Pacific Express Hotel Chinatown, Malaysia, and unfortunately it became the worst hotel experience we have ever had.
We booked a Superior Twin Room with Breakfast with a window request, but upon check-in were informed that no window room was available. The first room was dirty, poorly maintained, smelled unpleasant, and had no bath soap. After we complained, our room was changed and a window room suddenly became available.
The hot water could not be properly adjusted and was only lukewarm. Housekeeping service was inconsistent, toiletries were not refilled as requested, and even toilet paper was not replaced until we complained again.
The breakfast experience was very disappointing. Restaurant staff were noisy, unprofessional, gossiping, playing loud music, and showed little respect to guests. They followed me closely when I took several slices of bread, which felt uncomfortable and rude. Staff also gossiped about us in Malay near our table, and their general behavior lacked basic courtesy. The old toaster caused long waiting times, and guests had to ask staff to turn it on repeatedly. Breakfast coupon handling was also inefficient and outdated.
A staff member entered our room without permission to take the trash, one of our room keys was taken and never returned, and we were not provided with a room sign hanger. Outside the hotel, there were many homeless people and beggars, which affected our sense of safety.
When we complained about the cold water, an engineering staff member made inappropriate remarks in Hindi, assuming we did not understand. This was highly disrespectful.
The restaurant lights were turned off while we were still seated after 10 a.m. without any polite explanation. At check-out, no staff offered any greeting, thanks, or farewell, despite our full payment, deposit, and government tax.
This hotel failed to meet basic hospitality.