TGG Day 1 │ ARENA Boutique Hotel Kuala Terengganu

A Landmark From Our Childhood

Growing up in Kuala Terengganu, Hotel Seri Hoover — known simply as Hoover to the locals — was always a prominent landmark. According to my father, the hotel had been around since the 1960s (or possibly earlier), and it was even one of the venues where his band performed. Long before I ever picked up the guitar, he was the family guitarist — and keeping with tradition, my son has taken up the instrument too.

A Fall From Grace

With time, Hoover naturally fell into decay. By the early 2000s, it had become a shadow of its former self. One review from that era described it as a hotel to be used “only as a last resort” — with dim corridors, echoing hallways, poor TV reception, dingy furniture, and even exposed wiring where light fixtures should have been. It was the kind of description that made you wince, especially if you remembered its glory days.

A Phoenix Rises

Everything changed in 2019, when the hotel was completely renovated, refurbished, and reborn as Arena Boutique Hotel. My parents stayed here some time ago and had nothing but good things to say — so this time, it was finally our turn.

And we have to agree:

From the ashes of Seri Hoover rose the Phoenix that is now ARENA Boutique Hotel Kuala Terengganu.

Our Stay

We were upgraded from a Deluxe King to a Premium King Room at no extra cost, while Brendan was perfectly happy with his Superior Single Room. We initially booked four nights, but ended up extending for one more. For the final night, Brendan was bumped up to a Premium King Room as well, so all of us could stay on the same floor.

The rooms were comfortable, modern, and well appointed — we had absolutely no complaints. And the location? Perfect. Right in the heart of Kuala Terengganu.

The Damage

For two rooms over five nights, the total came to RM998 (≈ USD238/EUR212). For the comfort, convenience, and quality we enjoyed, we consider that a real steal.

Our Verdict

We wholeheartedly recommend Arena Boutique Hotel to anyone looking for a clean, comfortable, and centrally located stay in Kuala Terengganu. It’s wonderful to see a beloved landmark not just restored, but transformed into something even better.

(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

ARENA Boutique Hotel Kuala Terengganu - https://g.page/ARENABoutiqueHotel?share