We were in Melaka before but somehow we didn’t enjoy this heritage town in the best way. Last time we stopped at the Majestic Hotel Melaka for the Gin O’clock experience among other activities. Surprisingly, this and the river were the only memory that remained in the “awesome” zone. The memory we began to question after we heard many positive experiences from people who visited Malacca. Since there is only one way to figure out who is right or wrong, we had to come back to Melaka. This time we stayed in the Majestic Malacca heritage hotel and have seen Melaka from a different perspective. Check our Majestic Hotel Melaka review and see what contributed to a different experience.
Contents
Ambiance
We already stayed at the sister hotel, the Majestic Kuala Lumpur and here we expected nothing less and nothing more. Our arrival can be described as majestic, especially when you see this beautiful historic mansion with a compatible modern extension at the back. So far, we have seen many extensions that disfigured the charming original building.
Here, the design is just as it should be; it doesn’t stand out too much and yet is luxurious. Most of the facilities are located in this heritage mansion from the 1920s. When you step inside, you immediately notice Euro-Asian influences. We fell in love with the original Victorian style ceramic tiles, which add to the Peranakan luxury a sense of nostalgia.
Check-In
Check-in is fast and efficient, with a personal touch when it comes to the suggestions on what to see. Their hospitality can be seen from the very first minute when the receptionist will show you around the hotel on the way to your room. In his hands, you will notice a mystery basket that happens to be a welcoming drink meant to be enjoyed in the room.
It is their signature lychee infused black tea. We liked the freedom that comes with the in-room welcoming drink. Not only that, we got the tea in the Peranakan set that compliments the room beautifully. Simply delicious and thoughtful!
Our Room
This hotel is relatively small, with “only” 54 rooms and clever design. All rooms are facing the Malacca River and Melaka city, which means a nice view and plenty of natural light. The room style gives you a powerful colonial feel, but you will never miss a modern comfort.
Warm timber floors are nice in a combination with silk, creamy walls and teak furniture. Screen doors are hiding a beautiful colonial style bathroom with black and white floor tiles and a clawfoot bathtub. If you desire a quick shower, there is a spacious rain shower present as well. In a way, it reminded us of that one from Majestic Kuala Lumpur.
The wooden sliding doors can split the open one-space concept with a swing. If you are shy, you can close them, and you’ll have all the privacy you need. If not, leaving them open can end with a sunset view straight from the bath.
As a result of the open-plan, the spacious feel is present at all times. In fact, the room has everything you need – writing table, coffee table, mini bar, comfortable sofa and of course the bed. A very comfortable bed to be exact.
Service
The staff is kind and helpful. For smaller hotels like Majestic Hotel Melaka it is crucial that the service is pleasant and more personal. At this point, we want to thank all personnel there for this unforgettable Melaka retreat.
Facilities and Amenities
In the original mansion of the Majestic Melaka Hotel, you will find a small reception desk on one side and a colonial bar on the other side. The open hallway is also used as a waiting area or as a lounge for the Majestic Hotel Melaka afternoon tea time. For more privacy is there the library with two tables, where your high tea time can be even more special. On the upper floor is a casual dining restaurant – The Mansion, where they serve breakfast and Kristang delicacies.
To reach the rooms in the new wing, you need to leave the mansion and pass by a smaller but functional swimming pool and a well-equipped gym. Last but not least, the spa is on the first floor of the new wing. We warmly recommend a visit to this sophisticated spa especially to enjoy the world’s one and only Peranakan spa therapies. We will post a dedicated article about this amazing experience.
Toiletries
Whenever we see a hotel’s efforts to eliminate the single-use plastic, we are happy. At the Majestic Melaka, this attempt involved the toiletries which are ready to use in the pump bottles. The Malaysian brand presented for the conditioning shampoo and body wash is the Mangosteen. Outside the shower, are still the usual items for personal hygiene and body lotion by Aromatherapy Associates, scented with lavender and ylang ylang.
When it comes to amenities, we haven’t missed any. The only downside is the TV schema. If you like to watch TV in hotel rooms, you might miss some channels. However, we haven’t miss the TV because we were too busy with activities in this hotel, the ones you can’t do at home.
Activities
Majestic Melaka is excellent when it comes to activities. We joined their heritage tour, where we got to know Melaka from a different angle. As you know we were in Malacca before and we somehow didn’t like this UNESCO town too much. Anyway, this time we got more information about its history and culture and now it is our second favorite Malaysian city. The first one is still Georgetown, though.
Heritage Walk
This is a pleasant activity that will change your view of the Melaka, it sure did ours. Not only we saw the streets we otherwise wouldn’t but it’s about the whole experience. Everything started in front of the hotel where we got to know each other and the building itself. Already at the beginning, we traveled back in time just by following the melodic voice of our guide.
The way she spoke was to paint a picture in front of our eyes while the streets added the reality of change to our understanding. This two-hour walk is complimentary to all the guests of the Majestic Malacca and it’s a perception changer!
Kristang Cooking Class
The last time we were in Malaysia we came across the Peranakan cuisine, which absolutely amazed us. This time, we found out there is another cuisine, that has some characteristics from Nyonya food, but it is quite different. We are talking about Kristang cuisine, which is a fusion of the Malacca-Portuguese kitchen.
If we would like to write down influence on this type of cuisine we should name Indian, Malay, Chinese, Dutch, English and Portuguese influence. You can only imagine the richness of this cultural blend and the importance of its existence. Majestic Melaka Hotel is one of the last places where they serve original Kristang recipes, and if you are a foodie like us, then you should join their cooking class.
There, you won’t only learn more about this cuisine and prepare a few dishes on your own, but also enjoy them at the end of the cooking class. That’s the type of education I like! Here you can read all about Kristang cuisine.
Spa
It is difficult to capture the essence of the Spa Village Malacca in a few words. Especially because it is the world’s only spa that based the therapies on the healing culture of the Peranakan people. The customs are also extended to the local ingredients such as local coconut sugar known as the Gula Melaka.
When Vivi found out about the body scrub with honey and Gula Melaka she went all-in with bird’s nest facial as well. The whole treatment involved the Peranakan customs about which you’ll be able to find out more in the Spa review.
Food and Beverage
Majestic Hotel Melaka review can’t miss food. The food at the Majestic Hotel Melaka is delicious and comforting. As we said before, Kristang cuisine is definitely worth trying at The Mansion Restaurant. We suggest it to be an early dinner, and yes, try not to miss the locally inspired afternoon tea.
As afternoon tea lovers we have also tried their version of afternoon tea, and the title ‘The best afternoon tea in Melaka’ is more than suitable for it. Pleasant savories with delicious sweet bites that are inspired by Melakan cultural mix and accompanied with BOH fine teas. An extended article about this colonial afternoon tea is also coming soon.
At the Mansion Bar, they have their Gin O’clock, where you can try out some fantastic cocktails or Malacca Gin, which was made only for this hotel. Here you can read more about this great experience and see what is so special about this limited Tranquay Gin.
Breakfast
The Mansion is a cozy dining room with a self-service breakfast and the extensive a la carte menu set on the dining table. A humble self-service table holds the basics such as the cereals, homemade yogurt, cold cuts, cheese, pastry, fresh fruit, salads and more. For warm dishes, we turned to the breakfast menu waiting for us on the table, which offers dishes that will surely please fussy eaters.
In case you want to have a taste of Kristang breakfast, the omelet with fermented krill is the perfect call. As the specials of the day, there are also a few Malaysian and Western classics.
Conclusion
Majestic Malacca Hotel might be the best hotel in Melaka and there is no coincidence about this. Homely feeling with impeccable service and delicious food justifies this title. If you add a unique spa offer and great activities for more heritage engagement you have an unforgettable trip to this heritage town. The Majestic Hotel Malacca is the place that works hand in hand with the 600-year-old heritage town and will surely make your holidays. In case you are a true heritage hotel lover, here is a link to our Majestic Hotel Malacca History article.
Majestic Hotel Melaka Review Card
- ATMOSPHERE – 9.2/109.2/10
- CLEANLINESS – 9.1/109.1/10
- ROOM – 9/109/10
- FACILITIES AND AMENITIES – 8.8/108.8/10
- FOOD AND BEVERAGE – 9/109/10
- SERVICE – 9.8/109.8/10
- VALUE – 9.4/109.4/10
Price, Location and Reservation
A night here at Majestic Malacca Hotel with breakfast for two persons starts at about 120 USD. Here is a link to the location for easy navigation. In case you would like to make a reservation, we will be grateful if you make it through our referral link. However, it won’t cost you anything only we will receive a small commission. Thank you.
Disclaimer: Majestic Hotel Melaka Review is written on our experience in the Majestic Hotel Melaka and it wasn’t sponsored or paid in any way.
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