Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
236
Hotel Puri
Value
In olden days, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock was known as “Million-
aire Row” for all the w ealthy families that liv ed here. This old “mansion” has been con-
verted into a guesthouse, its tiled parlor has become a lobb y, and the courtyard is where
breakfast is served each morning. Although Hotel Puri isn't big on space, it is big on value
(discount rates can be pretty low). Rooms are very clean and, while not overly stylish, are
comfortable enough for any w eary traveler. A friendly and r esponsive staff adds to the
appeal.
118 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka.
&
06/282-5588.
Fax 06/281-5588. www.hotelpuri.com.
50 units. RM138 ($40/£25) double; RM255 ($74/£46) triple; from RM265 ($77/£48) suite. AE, MC, V.
Ame-
nities:
Restaurant; r oom ser vice; bab ysitting.
In r oom:
A/C, TV w/sat ellite pr ogramming, fridge , hair
dryer.
The Majestic Malac ca
The Majestic Malacca is an integral par t of M elaka's
history, dating back to the 1800s. The facade is faithfully r estored fr om the original
design, but inside, the hotel is stylish and plush, with all the modern conv eniences trav-
elers need to enjoy historic Melaka. Those who appreciate heritage properties and grand
hotels should choose the Majestic, although it still retains a boutique ambience.
188 Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka.
&
06/289-8000.
Fax 06/289-8080. www.majesticmalacca.com. 54
units. RM977 ($283/£176) double; from RM2,540 ($737/£457) suite. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant;
bar; lounge for afternoon tea; pool; health club; spa; c oncierge; airport transfers; room service.
In room:
A/C, flatscreen TV w/satellite programming, minibar, hair dryer.
Renaissance Melaka Hotel
Renaissance is one of the better hotels in M elaka
and, according to business trav elers, is the most r eliable place for quality accommoda-
tions—but aside from the pieces of Peranakan porcelain and art in the public areas, you
could almost believ e you weren't in M elaka at all. The hotel is, ho wever, situated in a
good location, though you'll still need a taxi to most of the sights. Rooms are fairly large
and filled with Western comforts. Don't expect much fr om the vie ws, as the hotel is in
the commercial part of the city. No historical landmarks to gaze upon here.
Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Melaka.
&
888/236-2427
in the U.S. and Canada, 800/251-259 in Australia, 800/264-
333 in New Z ealand, 800/221-222 in the U .K., or 06/284-8888. F ax 06/284-9269. w ww.marriott.com/hotels/
travel/mkzrn-renaissance-melaka-hotel. 294 units.
RM480 ($139/£86) double; from RM620 ($180/£112) suite.
AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; bar and lobb y lounge; outdoor pool; golf nearb y; squash courts; health
club w/sauna, st eam, and massage; c oncierge; airpor t transfers; room ser vice; babysitting; executive-level
rooms.
In room:
A/C, TV w/satellite programming and in-house movies, minibar.
13
WHERE TO DINE
In Melaka you'll find the typical mix of authentic M alay and Chinese food, and as the
city was the major settling place for the Peranakans in Malaysia, their unique style of food
is featured in many of the local r estaurants.
A good recommendation for a quick bite at lunch or dinner if y ou're strolling in the
historic area is the long string of open-air food stalls along J alan Merdeka, just between
Mahkota Plaza Shopping and Warrior Square.
Mama Fatso's
is especially good for Chi-
nese-style seafood and M alay sambal curr y. A good meal will r un you about RM35 to
RM40 ($10-$12/£6.30-£7.20) per person.
Try local P eranakan cuisine at
Restoran B ibik N eo
(N o. 6, gr ound floor , J alan
Merdeka, Taman Melaka Raya;
&
06/281-7054
), a small coffee shop
that's about as
authentic as y ou can get.
Ikan assam
with eggplant is a tasty mild fish curr y that's very
rich and tar t, and I always go for the
otak-otak
(pounded fish and spices baked in a
banana leaf ).
