Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan

Let’s start with the positives - a lovely infinity pool on the 13th floor, a small But well equipped gym, lovely big rooms with great views of the ocean, pleasant check-in staff and it doesn’t break the bank. Comfy bed too.

Lots about this place let it down from being a 4 star experience. -we had to ring up for loo roll as they’d left us with about 1/3 of the one from the previous occupants (with no spare) and then had to call again for handsoap as we realised only shower gel was there when we arrived -no hand towels in the bathroom (this is an expectation across the board now surely?) -cupboard doors on the tv unit were half falling off in the room and required a complicated technique to close! -uncooked boiled egg in the breakfast buffet. My partner cracked it open and loads of uncooked egg white spilled out on to her toast. Thankfully she didn’t eat it. -the pool is lovely when it’s quiet. Most of the time we were there it was being used by kids who were flouting every rule - diving, yelling and shooting water guns - and nobody from the hotel intervened to ask their parents to tell them to consider any other pool users. -Pool towels smelt a bit funky. It’s a fine hotel for a quick stopover if you’re on your way in or out of the rainforest or here on business, but don’t expect it to be a luxury Sheraton experience. I think if I was head office I’d be having a word... It’s still Sandakan’s best hotel mind!

Comfy beds, friendly concierge staff.

Old food on the room floor - looked like rice. Sheets covered in orange stains. Tiles at door covered in dirt. Shower mouldy. Staff at reception not efficient - waited a long time to check out then desk staff let the guy behind us in the queue shove in and skip us. Absolutely nothing to do in Sandakan other than truffle island - stay in Sepilok instead.