I had my doubts when booking this hotel, as the price was suspiciously low and the reviews a bit disturbing. But I was arriving rather late and needed a place to sleep before pick-up by a tour bus at Wisma Khoo Siak Chiew building, which happened to be right next door. As a solo female traveller I didn't want to risk esploring neghbourhood on my own, so I decided to stick to this nearest option. I made a booking via some Sabah tourism website because the hotel wasn't answering my email. However, one can call them to confirm the booking, which I did the day before.
There was no problem getting there by taxi (paid something like 25 MYR at the airport's taxi counter). Check-in went smoothly, I got my key and paid on the spot (58 MYR for single room), though my room was on the top floor, and without any elevator it was a bit tricky to get the heavy suitcase upstairs. There were 2 guys working at the reception, but nobody offered to help, even though I was the only guest at the time.
There was a fridge at the reception where I bought some water, which was good as I didn't fancy going outside at that time of the night. The street hotel London is located at is fairly busy during daytime, but totally deserted at night, not a soul apart from some rats and stray cats chasing each other. However, it doesn't look criminal (judging from the view outside my window...) I could swear I heard a goat bleating outside in the middle of the night, quite a surprise given the totally urban-looking environment.
The room was quite ok, clean apart from a couple of cigarette burns on the bed covers. Bathroom was surprisibgly big, and shower was working, though water pressure could be better. A/C unit had some problems, looked like it was on all the time, and wouldn't switch off, but then in the middle of the night I would suddenly wake up sweating because it was not cooling anymore. However, it wasn't a big issue for such a short stay.
I didn't hear the mosque many seem to be complaining about, sleeping soundly until 10am. Thanks to my good friends called earplugs, I sleep well no matter where I am! :-)
This hotel serves no breakfast any longer, but I didn't need it as I checked out next morning and left. If I happen to be in Sandakan for 1 night transit, I'll probably stay there again.