Bee Garden & BB Motel - Alor Setar

The hotel's signature feature is its prime location directly opposite the prominent Aman Central Mall, making it a highly convenient choice for many travelers. Guests consistently choose this hotel for its affordability and unparalleled access to extensive shopping, dining, and local attractions. While the location is a strong highlight, reviews frequently point to significant issues with cleanliness and the dated condition of the rooms. The hotel is particularly well-suited for budget travelers and sightseers who prioritize proximity to city amenities over modern comforts or pristine conditions. It is also a practical option for those traveling without a car, given the challenges with parking in the area. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to manage expectations regarding room upkeep and be prepared for potential inconveniences related to the building's age.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests noted the absence of basic in-room amenities, such as a kettle, coffee or tea supplies, and mineral water, which are often expected even in budget accommodations. While a water dispenser providing hot and cold water is available on each level, some found it to be frequently out of order or unclean. Rooms generally lack a fridge, which can be inconvenient for longer stays or for keeping drinks cool. The televisions are often old, with limited channels, and some rooms lack a functioning remote for the air conditioning, requiring manual adjustment. The hotel also does not have an elevator, meaning guests must use stairs, which can be challenging, especially for those on higher floors or with heavy luggage. An iron facility is available, but only at the ground floor lobby.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
A significant number of reviews highlight major concerns regarding cleanliness and room comfort. Guests frequently reported bed sheets that were visibly stained, smelled unpleasant, or appeared not to have been changed from previous occupants. Issues such as ants and even bedbugs were reported, leading to uncomfortable and distressing experiences for some. The overall condition of the rooms is often described as old and tired, with broken floor tiles, dampness, and a pervasive funky or foul smell. Bathrooms are often noted for being unclean, smelly, or having low water pressure, with some even reporting no water at all at times. Old mattresses where guests could feel the springs, along with dirty pillows and stained mirrors, further detracted from the comfort and appeal of the accommodations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, making it highly convenient for guests. It is situated directly opposite the large Aman Central Mall, providing immediate access to extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Many popular food courts and local restaurants are within easy walking distance, offering a wide variety of choices. The hotel's proximity to key tourist attractions such as the Alor Setar Tower, Masjid, old istana, and Pekan Rabu allows guests to explore the city's cultural and historical sites on foot. While the location is ideal for pedestrians and those using public transport, parking is a significant challenge. Guests frequently report difficulty finding available spots, especially during busy hours, and often incur parking fees or risk fines due to the area's heavy traffic.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is mixed, though many guests found the front desk service to be friendly and efficient, particularly noting the convenience of 24-hour check-in and check-out. Some guests appreciated the helpfulness and attentiveness of the staff in general. However, a notable number of reviews describe staff as unfriendly, unwilling to assist with certain issues, or even rude, particularly when dealing with payment or specific requests. There were instances where staff were perceived as unresponsive to urgent room issues, such as bedbug infestations, citing lack of available housekeeping. Despite these inconsistencies, the general sentiment leans towards staff being polite and accommodating for routine procedures, but less so for problem resolution.

Additional Information
This hotel is widely regarded as a budget-friendly option, offering very affordable rates for short stays, making it suitable for travelers prioritizing cost. Guests should be aware that a deposit is typically required upon check-in, with amounts varying. A key structural aspect is the absence of an elevator, meaning guests must navigate multiple flights of stairs, which can be particularly challenging for elderly guests, those with mobility issues, or individuals carrying heavy luggage. Some rooms are available with shared bathrooms, an important consideration for guests when booking. While the hotel aims for simplicity, some guests experienced significant check-in delays, waiting for rooms to be prepared. The hotel's cancellation policy has also been a point of contention for some, with guests reporting difficulties in obtaining refunds even when unable to stay due to unforeseen circumstances like parking issues, highlighting a need for clear communication.