Also, if you want to read more about what the accommodation in Kota Kinabalu’s TuneHotels.com is like, then visit the main page here. 

We visisted TuneHotels.com and got the skinny first hand.  Yes, the rooms are small, but damn, are they clean – and if you’re really an intrepid explorer, then that’s what you need.

A distant cousin of Air Asia with their most striking resemblance being the loud red and white colours, Tune Hotels is also low cost (budget or no-frills, as they prefer in marketing circles), where the bare minimum is included and the extras are, well, extra.

The nett effect of this business model is that you get what you need for seriously low prices, while you pay a little more for creature comforts.

1Borneo’s Tune Hotel is the first in East Malaysia and Sabah and brings 165 budget rooms to 1Borneo’s impressive inventory of hotel rooms.  Tune Hotels was one of the first tenants in 1Borneo to reach completion and during our visit it was already humming with people both checking-in and hanging out.

The lobby, as is the rest of Tune Hotels at 1Borneo, is clean and modern.  A 7-11 convience store shares the lobby space and provides vital necessities, whilst in the other corner a Gloria Jeans Coffee Cafe has a ready supply of caffeine on tap.

The lobby area also boasts free wi-fi Internet access, although limited seating might become an issue when Tune Hotels at 1Borneo starts achieving high occupancy.  Visible security in the lobby, and electronic security throughout the rest of the hotel, ensures a safe environment.

Spread over 4 floors are 1Borneo’s Tune Hotel rooms, where a “5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price” can be achieved, claims Tune Hotels, and judging by the sturdy King Koil beds that each room is equipped with and the quality duvets and pillows, it’s well believable.  The rooms at Tune Hotels are on the smallish side, but for the budget traveler or explorer who will be out-and-about most of the day, it won’t be an issue.

The bathroom is well beyond expectations with a standard that many star rated hotels will struggle to achieve.  Hot water is on tap (at no extra charge) from power showers, which is a standard fitting.  Minimalist, clean lines give the bathroom is very contemporary look.

Over the bed, a solid fan provides complimentary temperature control, with an air-con unit featured as a pay-for, optional extra at RM4.99 for 5 hours, or RM9.99 for 12 hours.  At the foot of the bed, the flat-panel, wall-mounted LCD screen with satellite channels is another pay-for optional extra at RM6.25 per 24 hours.

Other optional extras include in-room Internet access at RM9.99 for 24 hours.  Towels can be rented from the check-in desk in the lobby at RM5, plus a refundable RM10 deposit.  Currently Tune Hotels at 1Borneo includes a free Senses toiletry pack with towel rental, consisting of shampoo, bath gel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shower cap, sanitary bag and ear buds.  Usually they sell for RM5.

With 1Borneo’s soft launch now only days away, more and more stores are opening in Sabah’s largest life-style hypermall.  For those who visit for business or pleasure, if you want to be where the action is at an affordable price, then your only choice is Tune Hotels at 1Borneo.

1Borneo might not be ready to open in April, but, says Tune Hotel, they will. Already sporting the distinctive red-and-white splashes of colour at 1Borneo, Tune Hotel is nearing completion of their first hotel in KK and Sabah, featuring 165-rooms.

Based on the successful concept of sister company AirAsia, where booking in advance gets you lower rates and you only pay extra for what you want, Tune Hotel has taken Malaysia by storm and is expanding aggresively.

Features of the Tune Hotel at 1Borneo are a twenty-four hour 7-11 convenience store, Gloria Jeans & Nelson for coffee and food requirements and Captrans providing transportation.

Other features of Tune Hotels everywhere are power showers, 5-star King Coil beds and 24-hour security. As an added advantage, free in this case, Tune Hotels also provide wi-fi access in the lobby.

1Borneo’s Tune Hotel in KK will be upgraded with luxuries like 19-inch flat panel TVs, even more comfortable King Koil beds and sound proof doors, allowing for an experience unlike that of the budget realm.

With rock-bottom prices and paying only for what you want, established hotel accommodation in Kota Kinabalu will be given a run for their money when 1Borneo gets the first Tune Hotel in Kota Kinabalu.