Quayside Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia

Only three months old, Quayside Hotel in Malacca has brought a distinctly different stay option to the accommodation scene in this historical tourist town. The old Customs Warehouse, which is under UNESCO protection, has been renovated keeping the original exterior, while the newly created interior echoes the industrial minimalistic design of the landmark. It’s too in a prime position, next to the Water Wheel and old Dutch buildings and, mere paces across the bridge to the lively food and shopping stretch on Jonker Street. Affordable room rates added to that, makes Quayside Hotel an excellent choice for a short sojourn in the heritage district of Malacca.

The lobby opens up to two floors, with individual room entrances bordering the rectangle. Big leather armchairs centre the space surrounding tables made from wooden pallets. Plants in tall pots green the area, which is painted a commanding dark grey. There is no ceiling between the room and the roof so air con ducts are viewed running like giant caterpillars from above. A spiral staircase winds up one end of the foyer and a straight flight of stairs descends the other. Enormous chandeliers hang from the roof adding a touch of glam to an otherwise uncomplicated space.

Seating Area

Thirty nine rooms range from the basic Superior furnished with queen or twin beds facing the street starting from RM195, up to the more spacious Azura Suite with a king bed and river views beginning at RM345. Family rooms provide a king size bed and two twins and start as low as RM275. These are excellent value and hence very popular. It’s advised to call the hotel directly to reserve these rooms as they sell out fast. Currently weekends tend to see close to full occupancy. For a great deal go during the week to avoid the crowds and also get the best rates.

Rooms open up either to a street or river view with windows being shaded or opened by plain roller blinds. Simple white bed linens contrast the warm teak coloured floors and small plants in silver pots pepper the room. Framed photos of local scenes dot the walls in a neat and orderly fashion. Natural wood benches and a freestanding metal lamp complement the industrial feel. With plenty of natural light and a clean fuss-free layout, rooms feel spacious and cheery.

Beds are of the firm supportive style commonly found in Asia. Cotton sheets and duvet make for a comfortable sleep. Custom made beside lamps are a feature you might consider purchasing. They’ve proved so popular that the gift shop sells out every time new stock is received. A mini-fridge, LCD TV (with local and five cable channels) and in-room safe provide modern conveniences. Tea and coffee making facilities and free WiFi connection too are complimentary services.

Bathrooms are of clean streamlined design. A simple white sink, toilet, mirror and rain shower make up the space. Our only tiny complaint was that the tiles in the shower don’t slope towards the drain, so even with glass door closed, water leaks out onto the bathroom floor. It’s easily tamed with a bathmat placed on the outer edge though, so it’s a small fault and our only note for improvement.

Our room the Azure Suite faced the water. It proved a peaceful scene early morning, crowd-watching entertainment during the day and, a rainbow of lights at night. I was at first concerned that I would be unable to sleep, being located amongst the commotion of the town centre and personally being easily awoken by the faintest of noises. The bustle seemed to die down however around 10pm which was the time we returned after an evening of eating and browsing in Jonker Street anyway. For early and light sleepers, no matter where you stay in central Malacca, earplugs are a good investment. (I’ve stayed in the ‘best’ hotels and even they are not immune to the lively hubbub on the street.)

An added feature of the riverside rooms is that many lead out onto a small balcony, just big enough for a table and two chairs. It makes a great location for coffee in the morning or sundowners at dusk.

A straightforward breakfast is included with the accommodation and is served, either as a buffet on the weekends, or choice of a western or local set during the week, in Halia Inc. from 7am – 10am. The environment is open and mirrors the warehouse’s simplicity, utilizing metal, cement, bricks and recycled wood in much of the construction and furnishings.

This restaurant and coffee bar serves excellent coffee and a balance of western and local fare, for what I consider very reasonable prices. Views here too are splendid and, the window bar makes a perfect perch to take in the happenings on the boardwalk and river. Lunch, dinner, coffee and cake too are available until 11pm.

This three star boutique hotel also provides a business centre (with computers, Internet and printing facilities for RM5 per hour), the Pakus Art Gallery which supports young Malaysian artists through its exhibitions and, a gift shop displaying Malaysian made clothes, accessories and handicrafts.

Business Centre

Parking is always difficult on weekends in Malacca. I recommend arriving before noon or earlier if possible. The hotel has a number of limited parking spaces directly in front of Halia Inc. and, is working on securing a few more in a car park across the road. If you call the reception as reaching the town centre, one of the kind gentlemen might try to reserve a park for you, or help you to double park until one becomes available.

There is no better location than the Quayside Hotel from which to explore the heritage, culture and food sites of Malacca. Alongside the locale, clean design and reasonable prices make it a stellar stay option.  

Reason to visit: great location, clean uncluttered design, reasonable prices

+6 06 284 1001
hello@quaysidehotel.com.my