Located on the bank of Malacca River, The Pines Malacca offers luxurious accommodation at attractive rates, writes Hanna Hussein
THERE are many hotels in Malacca for every budget. But not many can offer rates for luxurious accommodation like The Pines where a poolside suite can be as low as RM350.
Unfortunately, weekends are peak times in Malacca, so I could not get the pool-side suite for my weekend getaway. Instead, I am offered a deluxe room with a seaview.
THE DELUXE
The deluxe room on the 23rd floor is spacious with a modern look and a warm ambience. The room is 46 sq m and has a king-sized bed and a sofa bed, perfect for two adults and two children.
While the bed is comfortable and plush, the sofa bed is not bad either. You can ask for extra comforter if required.
The room has complimentary in-room WiFi, a kitchenette, an en-suite bathroom and modern amenities such as charging point and USB port, where you can link your phone to the television.
What I truly enjoy is the view from my room. I can see Kampung Morten in the distance and I can’t wait for the evening when the village is lighted up with colourful vivid lights.
Plus, the room costs only RM210!
THE OAKS
If you book a room with breakfast, you have the option of a light breakfast at the Grea8 on the eighth floor or at The Oaks on ground level which serves a sumptuous buffet.
The Oaks also offers an affordable dinner and on weekends, it’s a seafood dinner buffet at RM88++ per adult and half price for children and senior citizens. In-house guests get a 20 per cent discount.
Start dinner with sushi and sashimi or New Zealand oysters, Then head for the barbecue area, where you can select seafood and meat that the chef will cook for you.
The Oaks also serves local dishes and choices include my favourite udang masak lemak, asam pedas and more.
For dessert, make yourself a bowl of shaved ice with condiments or take your pick of nyonya kuih and traditional cakes.
THE FACILITIES
The Pines has a huge adult pool and children pool filled with seawater.
The pool area is on the seventh floor but access is via the eighth floor. This is because the seventh floor is the pool-side suites floor and only room guests have access. Those who require wheelchair access to the pool will have to ask for help from the front desk.
There is also a children’s playground and grassy space at the pool area.
The Pines has complimentary shuttle service and even offers male or female-only buses.
Check with the concierge to make arrangements for activities such as river cruises and bike tours.
THE PINES MALACCA
33 Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, 75100 Malacca.
TEL: 06-240 2323
EMAIL: reservation@thepines-melaka.com
WEBSITE: www.thepines-melaka.com
GETTING THERE
Malacca is less than two hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. The hotel is located along the Malacca River, near the Malacca Magistrate Court.
FIRST IMPRESSION
Quirky and yet modern
MAIN ATTRACTION
The location and the price! Super affordable for those travelling with family.
ROOMS
390 rooms and suites categorised into superior, deluxe, executive, executive premier, limited poolside suites and executive suites.
F&B OUTLETS
All-day dining restaurant The Oak offers local and international cuisines. Grea8 serves light snacks and drinks.
PLACES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Kampung Morten is just across the river.