The sister property of the Ranee Boutique, the Marian is a boutique lodging house a few minutes’ walk from the heart of Kuching. Formerly a pre-war family mansion which later became the all-girls St Mary boarding house and the diocesan centre for Kuching St Thomas Cathedral, The Marian has been lovingly restored and now offers charming accommodation in Kuching. The old heritage has been kept within the lodge and the 40 rooms range from duplex family suites to cosy bunk rooms for friends travelling together. The rooms are named after, and in honour of, former matrons and a headmistress (Betty Johnson, Thelma Cook, Mary and Caroline Sharp),  founders of St. Mary’s (McDougalls) and the boarding house for younger kids (St. Nicholas).

Guests can retreat to the outdoor pool to laze away the afternoons or relax in the reading lounge and sink in to the comfy sofas. The Granary Kitchen & Bar is the hotel breakfast venue and Kuching’s first warehouse style dining spot. Live music can be enjoyed here as well as great happy hour deals. Across the road is a local food-court cooking up mouth-watering Sarawak Laska. The only big downside to this boutique lodging is the large number of steps and uphill climb required to reach your rooms – but for those wanting the leisure facilities offered here and boutique style, it’s the best option in town.