Considered the oldest city in Malaysia, Melaka (also spelt Malacca) has fascinated travelers for centuries. Once an important port, it changed hands from the Malays to the Portuguese and from the Dutch to the British. This, with the additional influences of the Chinese and Indians, has created a beautiful and historically rich city, a must visit destination for any first trip to Malaysia. The perfect place to stay to appreciate and experience this cultural diversity is the Jonker Boutique Hotel, a fantastic boutique hotel right on the main street of the city’s historic Chinatown.
Jonker Street, the Heart of Melaka
The hotel is located at a strategic corner of Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Jonker Street, an area encompassing the neighboring streets as well and where many of the city’s wonderful heritage sites, shops and restaurants are found. It’s also home to its renowned Night Market, held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 6pm to 11pm. The lively event draws international visitors and weekenders from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and features a large array of pop-up stalls selling everything from savory snacks to local souvenirs and nicknacks.
In addition, there is an animated karaoke competition every night till 11pm taking place on the Jonker Cultural Stage, located right outside the hotel. So there’s no missing out on the action if you stay here during the weekend (though early sleepers may want to request a quieter room at the back of the building.
Combining the Old and the New
Melaka has many beautiful heritage buildings, many of which have been repurposed, like the Jonker Boutique hotel. The hotel is found within three of these historic shop lots and it was the first boutique hotel in Melaka when it opened in 2010. They strove to maintain a balance between the old and the new by preserving the structure’s iconic Art Deco façade and pillars while giving the interior’s 16 rooms a fresh, modern look. You can observe this as you walk into its bright foyer decked out in vintage style furniture and decorative items as well as crawling plants.
This is carried over into the hotel’s attached cafe and restaurant which offers guests and outside clients a varied menu of pork local dishes and hot and cold beverages. Guests also have access to the additional recreational facilities of its sister hotel, Jetty Suites, where you can enjoy swimming pools, tennis and squash, mini golf and other relaxation and family fun.
Spacious and Attractive Rooms
The hotel has five categories of rooms ranging in size from 22 m2 to 38 m2 and with the option of twin, queen or king beds. Among these are four family rooms which can take up to 5 guest. While no two rooms are alike, they all feature a stylish decor with dark browns, beiges and touches of red and a gentle floral motif some of the wall paper and interior glass. All feature WIFI, flat screen satellite TV, A/C, tea and coffee stations and bathrooms with a shower and/or tub and lovely complimentary toiletries. I was lucky to stay in a large Grand Deluxe room which had a vast super king-sized bed, a nice sitting area (perfect for afternoon tea and people watching out the window), and a long bathtub and separate rain shower.
Room rates start from RM228.00. If you are driving, they also have free parking for guests. You can get the best rates by booking directly with them, like special weekday rates, and benefit from extra perks including a complimentary smartphone loan service providing you with the use of mobile data during your stay. Learn more about these and book on their website.
I was a guest of the Jonker Boutique Hotel, however, all of the opinions above are entirely my own.
