voco Kuching wins New Hotel of the Year with 321 rooms

Malaysia’s first voco hotel has won New Hotel of the Year – Malaysia, Travel Daily Media announced. The prize came at its Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2026. The Sarawak hotel opened only in June, so voco Kuching won within months. Kuching is also gaining air links, such as the AirBorneo flights to Jakarta.

The hotel is in Wisma Elica. IHG runs it. It has 321 rooms and suites. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg opened it on 28 July, Malay Mail reported.

Here is what the hotel offers and how it ties into Sarawak. It also covers what the award tells guests. Importantly, the announcement gives no scores or shortlist.

Inside voco Kuching: 321 rooms, LUMA and a 1,350-guest ballroom

Overall, the hotel has 321 rooms and suites. IHG lists balcony rooms and suites with one or two bedrooms. Notably, the rooms start at 36 square metres, according to a media visit report.

LUMA is the main restaurant. In addition, AMPM works as a café by day and a cocktail lounge by night. There is also an outdoor pool with cabanas.

Furthermore, meetings matter here. The hotel has more than 2,400 square metres of event space, including the Rainforest Ballroom for up to 1,350 guests. Specifically, the hotel hosted the Sarawak International Choral Festival closing three days after its soft opening.

That festival drew more than 1,200 participants from six countries. The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak attended the closing ceremony. Moreover, the hotel offers filtered drinking water, refillable bathroom amenities, bedding with recycled materials and electric vehicle charging.

How the hotel ties into Sarawak and Kuching

Specifically, the hotel says it works with local entrepreneurs, artisans and creatives. Gula Apong, a Sarawak palm sugar, features in its flavours. Meanwhile, handcrafted pieces by indigenous artisans decorate its spaces.

Likewise, it partners with local colleges and universities. The aim is to show students hotel jobs, from cooking to sales and design. However, it gives no numbers on placements.

Read more: IKEA Kuching opens 27 Nov with same prices as Peninsular

Read more: AirBorneo Kuching-Jakarta flights start 13 Nov from RM399

Read more: Sarawak wants Old Kuching made a heritage site like George Town

The building has a past, too. Malay Mail reported that the site came from the former Century Kuching hotel, which owner Elica Equity redeveloped. Furthermore, a senior wellness centre called Care Collective shares the building.

Kuching has other draws. IKEA Kuching opens on 27 November, and Sarawak wants Old Kuching made a heritage site. Therefore, more hotel beds will meet a busier city.

What the voco Kuching award means for travellers

However, the prize is a trade award from a travel media group. It is not a guest score. Likewise, the announcement gave no room rates, and we have not stayed there.

Meanwhile, IHG says Malaysia has 13 open hotels and eight more in the pipeline. This one is the first under the voco brand. As a result, it sets the bar for any voco hotel that follows.

Moreover, visitors can look ahead. Sarawak will host Egyptian mummies from Florence in July 2027. Meanwhile, the city is adding rooms, flights and shops at the same time.

In short, voco Kuching won New Hotel of the Year – Malaysia within months of opening. It has 321 rooms, two eateries and a big ballroom. Check rates and reviews before you book.

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