Liu Men Hotel Melaka, Malaysia

This East-meets-West colonial chic hotel is Tauzia Hotel's first property under the Preference label outside of Indonesia. Mimi Hudoyo checks in to find out why the hotel is more than just a pretty facade.

Jebat-Room

Location
Situated at the historical heart of Melaka on Jalan Tokong, this luxury hotel sits in the midst of old shophouses, temples and mosques. It’s in the middle of the touristy area, and a five-minute walk from the famous Jonker Street lined with antique, handicraft, textile shops and restaurants during the day and turns into a buzzing night market after sunset.

The hotel building was originally six shophouses in a row, and in 1939, they were transformed into a home before it was converted into the current hotel, which retains the influences of 1930s colonial art deco and the Peranakan culture.

Other major attractions like Stadthuys, one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the city, A’Famosa Fort, and Christ Church are a short rickshaw ride away.

Rooms
The restored heritage property offers 30 rooms in six categories lined along the corridors overlooking the three-storey courtyard.

My Hang Tuah room, which is the second lead-in category, was on the top floor, conveniently located near the elevator. The hotel’s minimalist interior draws inspiration from colonial and heritage elements, with the room decked out in colonial-style decor like an antique ceiling fan. The king-sized bed has a very comfortable mattress – thick, soft and fine duvet.

The hotel room is fitted with several electricity plugs, making it very convenient for me to charge my gadgets within easy reach. The only grouse I have is the placement of the air-conditioner such that it was blowing cold air directly towards the bed.

F&B
The hotel’s pièce de résistance is the Courtyard, featuring a glass atrium where guests can lounge and dine with a view of the sky during the day.

Having breakfast at the Courtyard feels like dining in someone’s home garden. Antiques like an old radio set, vintage telephones, and colourful tiffins added to the blast-from-the-past aesthetic.

Sitting at the marble-topped table in the company of friends under the natural light coming in from the glass ceilings, with a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal or a plate of nasi lemak, was a perfect way to kick-start the day.

An a la carte menu offering western and continental cuisines are available for lunch and dinner. This writer highly recommends the afternoon tea with Nonya cakes and pastry served in bamboo tiffins, which is available upon request. A group of minimum 15 people can order a mini buffet of the sweet and savoury local snacks, which includes silky talam, onde-onde and savoury popiah.

Facilities
There may not be a variety of facilities within the hotel compound, but the lobby and reception area have seating areas elegantly decorated with large and colourful paintings, as well as armchairs and sofas, making it a comfy hangout spot, not to mention, pretty backdrop for photos.

Upon request, the hotel provides concierge programmes such as the Vintage Becak Heritage Tour covering the major historical attractions, a walk along Jalan Tokong and Jonker Street visiting temples and shops, and a family outing to the Mamee Jonker House, which offers a design-your-own noodle cup experience.

Service
The friendly, attentive staff made my stay at Liu Men a very pleasant one. The driver sent to pick us up from the Kuala Lumpur airport to the hotel was knowledgeable, and he pointed out places of interest along the way and fed us some information on them.

Verdict
A boutique property with character and gracious service – that, coupled with its prime location in the heart of the Melaka heritage site, makes it a choice stay. Other plus points include the Insta-worthy interiors, great bedding, quality furnishings, attentive service, and complimentary snacks.

Number of rooms 30
Rates From US$116
Contact details
Tel: +60 6288 1161
Email: welcome@liumenhotel.com

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