Times Hotel Brunei

This hotel is primarily recognized for its exceptional location directly connected to a shopping mall and its close proximity to the airport, making it a highly convenient choice for transit travelers and those on short business trips. Guests frequently highlight the ease of access to dining and shopping options right within the same building. While many appreciate the free airport shuttle service and the generally friendly staff, feedback on room condition and cleanliness is mixed, with some finding the accommodations spacious enough for their needs, while others note signs of wear and tear. The hotel is often considered a good value option for its strategic placement. For a more comfortable stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding the hotel's age and to confirm room amenities upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's most significant amenity is its direct connection to a shopping mall, providing guests with immediate access to numerous shops, restaurants, and even a cinema. This integration offers considerable convenience for quick meals and entertainment without leaving the building. A swimming pool is available, though some guests have noted concerns about its cleanliness or occasional closures for private events. Free Wi-Fi is provided in rooms, generally offering decent speed for connectivity. While parking is available and free, some guests found the signage confusing or the lots limited during peak times. In-room amenities vary, with some rooms featuring a kettle and a large bottle of water, but guests have reported issues with the TV (limited channels, old), iron, hairdryer, and safe being broken or outdated.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed, with many expressing concerns about the hotel's aging condition. Numerous reviews mention outdated decor and worn furniture, with some reporting dirty carpets in hallways and rooms, and even mold on bathroom tiles. While some guests found their rooms spacious and the beds comfortable enough for a short stay, others described hard beds or noisy bed frames. Significant complaints were raised about poor noise insulation, with sounds from adjacent rooms, outside activities, and even buzzing doors disturbing sleep. Bathrooms frequently received criticism for being unclean, having broken flush buttons, scratched toilet seats, and in some cases, yellow water from taps. The air conditioning was also noted by some as being loud or difficult to adjust.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, receive varied feedback. Many guests found the breakfast variety to be limited and basic, often not worth the cost, with food items running out quickly and staff being slow to replenish them. Some even reported issues like ants on fruit. However, a few guests found the breakfast "quite nice" or "good enough" for a simple start to the day. The hotel's own restaurant sometimes closes early or offers a limited menu, with room service food occasionally delivered in plastic containers. Despite these internal limitations, the hotel's connection to the Times Square shopping mall provides an abundance of external food options, including various restaurants and food stalls, with a popular and affordable Hainanese chicken rice mentioned as a highlight.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, particularly its close proximity to Brunei International Airport, which is just a 5-minute drive away. This makes it an ideal choice for transit stays and early morning flights, especially with the highly praised free airport shuttle service. The hotel is directly integrated with the Times Square shopping mall, offering unparalleled convenience for dining, shopping, and entertainment. It is also noted to be connected to the Airport Mall and City Square, further expanding options. While walking to the airport is technically possible, it is not recommended due to a lack of pedestrian paths. The hotel's location is less convenient for reaching prime tourist areas like Gadong, which typically requires a 10-minute drive. Parking is available and free, though some guests found it confusing or limited.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff & service is quite mixed, reflecting both positive and negative experiences. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, particularly highlighting the efficiency and punctuality of the airport transfer service and the quick check-in process. Some guests appreciated the staff's willingness to assist with requests and provide information. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as unprofessional, unhelpful, or unresponsive, citing issues with phone calls not being answered, booking app messages being ignored, or a lack of preparedness during check-in. Housekeeping also received inconsistent reviews, with some guests reporting slow service or rooms not being cleaned adequately. Overall, while many experienced positive interactions, there appears to be a need for more consistent customer service training across the board.

Additional Information
Many guests noted that the hotel is in need of significant hotel renovation and general upkeep, with comments suggesting a lack of investment in maintenance over the years. This contributes to the perception that while the hotel offers value for money due to its location, the overall condition is often below expectations for a modern hotel. Guests should be aware that water supply issues, such as no water in the morning, have been reported. The TV channels available in rooms are often very limited, typically offering only a few local channels with no English news or modern features like HDMI support. Some guests appreciated the flexibility of an extended check-out time, sometimes allowed until 1 PM, which can be beneficial for later flights.