Malacca's BEST Hotel with a Lift: Regal Stay at REGALO!
REGALO, Malacca: My Honest, Messy, and Utterly Unfiltered Review (with a Lift!)
Okay, alright, let's talk about REGALO in Malacca. "Malacca's BEST Hotel with a Lift!" they boast. Well, I've stayed there, and I'm here to tell you, it's… an experience. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster, because I'm spilling all the tea – good, bad, and the downright weird. And yes, the lift is a thing, especially when your knees are screaming after a day exploring those historical streets.
First Impression – Is This a Dream? (or Just Really Shiny Tile?)
Pulling up to REGALO, the first thing that slammed me in the face was the… gleam. Everything is shiny. Seriously, I think they polish the air. The lobby? Pristine. The staff? Smiling like they've been pre-programmed to radiate happiness. It's almost too perfect. Like, am I in a hotel or an Instagram filter? But hey, I'm not complaining about a decent-looking doorman and instant cool air after sweating buckets in the Malaccan sun. And YES, the elevator is right there, gleaming, waiting to whisk you away. Accessibility: Check! Huge win for anyone with mobility issues, and honestly, even if you're just lazy like me after a long day.
Accessibility & Getting Around: More Than Just the Lift…
Now, let's be brutally honest. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm a sucker for good access. And REGALO surprised me. Wheelchair Accessible: YES! Seriously, ramps everywhere (though I did see one slightly wonky one… but hey, perfection is boring, right?). Facilities for Disabled Guests: Yup! From what I could see, they've really thought about this. Kudos. They get it. Car Park [Free of Charge], Car Park [On-site], Valet Parking: all available. Getting around in Malacca can be a nightmare, but REGALO makes it easier with various parking options. Airport Transfer & Taxi Service: Check! Definitely a plus after a long flight.
Rooms: My Sanctuary… or a Slightly Over-Air-Conditioned Box of Delight?
Okay, the rooms. Available in all rooms: Air Conditioning, Alarm Clock, Bathtub, Blackout Curtains, Coffee/Tea Maker, Free Bottled Water, Hair Dryer, In-Room Safe Box, Internet Access – Wireless [Free], Ironing Facilities, Mini Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/Cable Channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke Detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up Service, Wi-Fi [Free] – the list goes on! Seriously, it's all there. I mean, everything. Like, I could practically live in that room.
The bed? Extra long bed. A godsend for someone tall like me! It was like sinking into a cloud… a very cold cloud, because the air conditioning was on, and it was fierce. I had to crank it up a notch because my toes were literally numb. But the blackout curtains? Sublime. Slept like a log.
There was a serious lack of natural light, which, honestly, gave me a slight feeling of being in a tomb. But the desk doubled as a perfectly serviceable laptop workspace, and hey, Internet access was FAST. Didn't even bother with the LAN, the Wi-Fi [free] was awesome. Reading light was a saviour for my bedtime stories! Also, the bathroom was… clean. Very clean. And the toiletries? Perfectly adequate. Not exactly spa quality, but at least I didn't walk out smelling like a public restroom.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Malacca Adventure
Okay, food. My Achilles heel. Restaurants: Yes. Coffee Shop: Yup. Poolside Bar: Indeed. Listen, I'm not going to pretend I'm a foodie. But I do like to eat. And REGALO offers a variety of options.
- Breakfast [Buffet] was a decent spread. Asian, Western, you name it. The pastries were a bit… meh. The coffee was a bit… well, coffee. But the Asian breakfast, especially the Nasi Lemak, was actually pretty good. The Breakfast takeaway service really saved me one morning when I was running late for a tour.
- A la carte in restaurant: Tried it for dinner one night. The International cuisine was alright. Nothing to write home about, but certainly edible. They also had a dedicated Vegetarian Restaurant too. Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant are all there.
- Room Service [24-hour]: A lifesaver after a long day of exploring. The bottle of water they deliver is a small touch, but those are the things that matter.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Time to Unwind?
This is where REGALO really shines. Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: The pool is stunning. Pool with view! The Fitness center is also well-equipped. I, however, chose the route of "Netflix and chill" in my room. (Embarrassed to admit I skipped the gym. Oops.)
- Spa/Sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa: The spa… okay, the spa. I went for a massage, and I am still not over the experience. Honestly, my masseuse was a revelation. The Steamroom and Foot bath were the cherry on top. I felt like a new person after that, seriously transformed…
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Unfortunately for me, I traveled alone, so I could not test this. But that’s what they offer!
Cleanliness and Safety: Do They Actually Care?
This is crucial. And REGALO scores high marks. Cleanliness and safety: Seriously Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. All the buzzwords, and they seemed to practice what they preached.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express, private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, 24-hour security, Smoke alarms. Felt safe, which is a huge plus.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Make You Feel Spoiled
Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting,Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, - they pretty much have everything!
- Doorman: Always there to greet you and help with luggage.
- Concierge: Super helpful with recommendations and bookings.
- Contactless check-in/out: Super convenient!
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Saved me from stinking up the place with my sweaty gym clothes.
The Quirks, the Minor Annoyances, and the Honest Truth
Okay, here's the real deal. No hotel is perfect.
- The "Vibes": While the staff were genuinely friendly, it was almost too polished. It felt a little… corporate. A little less personality, ya know?
- The Location: This place isn't right in the heart of the Old Town. A bit of a walk, or a quick Grab ride away. Sometimes I wished I was closer to the action.
- The Little Things: The coffee could be better. The pillows were a bit too firm for my liking. Some of the decorative elements felt a bit… dated. But nothing really ruined my stay.
My Verdict: Should You Stay at REGALO?
YES! Absolutely.
REGALO is a solid choice for:
- Those seeking Accessibility: The lift and the ramps are fantastic.
- Those prioritizing Cleanliness and Safety: They take this seriously.
- Families and those seeking a relaxing getaway: With the spa, the pool, and all the services right there, you can easily make this your base for exploring Malacca.
My Emotional Rating:
- Clean & modern, the place gives off a great first impression, and continues to maintain a high standard of service.
- While the accommodation lacks character and it is a bit far from the action, it is a good quality hotel.
Overall: High Marks!
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Regency Pretoria: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits (Premier Lifestyle)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is MALACCA, BABY! And we're doing it… with a lift! (Gotta love those Regalo Hotel amenities. My knees are practically begging for it.)
ITINERARY: Regalo Hotel (WITH LIFT) Malacca - A Messy, Beautiful Adventure
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion (and a Seriously Good Nasi Lemak)
- 1:00 PM – Arrival at KLIA2 (Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2). Okay, first hurdle: surviving the airport. Let's be honest, airports are designed to make you feel like a lost sheep. Finding my way to the bus that should take me to Malacca… pretty sure I walked in a circle three times before I asked for help. (Pride? What pride?)
- 2:30 PM – Bus to Malacca Sentral. The bus was… well, it was a bus. Surprisingly comfy, actually. I made the rookie mistake of sitting in the sun and nearly melted. Learn from my mistakes, people! Bring a bloody hat!
- 4:00 PM – Check-in at Regalo Hotel (WITH LIFT!). YES! Praise the lift gods! My luggage and my aging knees both did a happy dance. Room kinda small, but it's clean and the air con is working. Crisis averted.
- 4:30 PM – First Impressions (and Severe Carb Craving). Stumbled (literally, tripped on a rogue paving stone) out into the Malacca heat and, oh my god, the colours! The buildings! The smells! It all felt… otherworldly. My stomach, however, was screaming for food.
- 5:00 PM – Nasi Lemak Salvation. Found a little nameless stall down a side street. This wasn't just good nasi lemak; this was life-altering nasi lemak. The sambal… oh, the sambal. My mouth is still watering thinking about it. Almost licked the plate clean (judgment from the locals be damned). This meal alone was worth the trip. (Side note: I'm pretty sure I'll be chasing this nasi lemak high for the rest of the trip).
- 6:00 PM – Jonker Walk First Glimpse. Wandered (slowly, full belly and heat) towards Jonker Walk. So. Many. People. So. Many. Souvenirs. Felt overwhelmed instantly, but also intrigued. The night market vibe was buzzing, although I'm a little confused about navigating those crowds at this point.
- 7:30 PM – Trying to Negotiate (and Failing Miserably!). Got ambitious and tried to haggle for a batik scarf. I'm terrible at negotiating. Utterly hopeless. The vendor took one look at my wide-eyed, touristy face and practically mugged me (ahem, friendly transaction). Oh well, at least the scarf is pretty.
- 8:30 PM – Night Market Indigestion (and Regrets). Sampled everything! Cheesy potato, some weird-but-tasty pancake thing that may or may not have been in my stomach for two hours (texture and age-related issues). Now back in the hotel, stomach is very full.
- 9:30 PM – Reflecting (and Contemplating Rerouting). Time to evaluate my first day. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, but also completely charmed. Already know I need to come back for just the food. Considering avoiding Jonker Walk tomorrow.
- 10:00 PM - SLEEP - Exhausted but happy.
Day 2: History, Heat, and a Case of the "I-Want-To-Stay-Here's"
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Hotel (Hopefully Adequate). Okay, let's be honest. I don't expect award-winning breakfast from a hotel. I hope it is not horrible. The coffee better be good, or I swear…
- 9:00 AM – St. Paul's Hill and A Fraying Patience. Up the hill (thankfully, not that far) to see St. Paul's Church. The view is stunning. I felt a huge weight of history descend on me as I looked upon the ruins, and then I was assaulted by swarms of Instagrammers taking the exact same shot I'd taken five minutes before them. Ugh, the selfie stick!
- 10:00 AM – A'Famosa Fort (and Sunstroke?). More history! Beautiful, but OH. MY. GOD. The sun. It's relentless! I swear I felt my brain frying. Had to duck into a tiny side street and chug water like a thirsty camel.
- 11:00 AM – Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum (Air-Con!). Air-con! Sweet, sweet air-con! Okay, the museum itself was pretty cool, but the true MVP was the glacial relief from the blistering heat. Learned a bit about the Sultanate, but mostly rejoiced in the lack of sweat.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch: Chicken Rice Ball Adventure. Okay, this was a thing. Famous chicken rice balls! Queueing was horrendous, but I'd heard they were good. The chicken rice balls were… interesting. I am unsure if they were too much for one person. They felt a bit… dense. The chicken, on the other hand, was glorious. I am feeling a bit full again.
- 2:00 PM – River Cruise (Because I Needed More Heat!). Decided to cool off with a river cruise. The river was pretty, and for a minute the gentle rocking was amazing. It was also slow, so I kind of baked.
- 3:00 PM – Rest and Regret. Back at the hotel, collapsing. Realized I'd burnt my shoulders. Slap on some aloe, and consider whether my pale skin is actually going to cope with this climate.
- 5:00 PM – Jonker Walk: The Return (With a Plan). Okay, facing the crowds again, but this time: Prepared! (Well, partially prepared). The plan: Navigate with a calmer mindset, find one amazing souvenir, and don't let the crowds get to me. Let's see how that goes.
- 6:00 PM – Gaining (small) Victory. Found an amazing locally made batik painting (which was quite expensive… but gorgeous, with vibrant colours), and managed to haggle slightly better. Win!
- 7:00 PM – Dinner: Durian Delight (or Disaster?). Took a risk and decided to try durian. That smell! It's overpowering!… I was terrified, but everyone says you HAVE to try it. The taste, however, was… unique. It tasted like the world's most pungent onion combined with custard. I didn't hate it. I didn't love it. I have no idea how to rate it.
- 8:00 PM – Dessert and Strolling. Found a cute little cafe with some Nonya desserts. The chendol was amazing, and the air conditioning felt glorious.
- 9:00 PM – Back to the Hotel, Exhausted but Satisfied. Back in the room, feeling the after effects of that, um, interesting durian experience. I'm already starting to realize I could happily stay here forever.
- 10:00 PM - SLEEP (Again, with renewed appreciation for the air con).
Day 3: Farewell (And a Promise to Return)
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast, and a Heavy Heart. The coffee was pretty decent! Reflecting on the trip and feeling a surprising pang of sadness about leaving.
- 9:00 AM – Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping. Tried to find some nice souvenirs. Got a couple of things, but the best thing was a recommendation from someone at the hotel.
- 11:00 AM – Final Nasi Lemak (for good luck). Had to, right? One last taste of heaven before I go.
- 12:00 PM – Check-out from Regalo Hotel. (The lift helped a LOT!) Saying goodbye to the hotel was tougher than anticipated. It was simple, clean, and I actually needed the lift.
- 1:00 PM – Bus to KLIA2. The journey back was less eventful than the arrival. I found the bus easily this time. The memory of my first taxi journey is still fresh in my brain.
- 3:00 PM – Departure. Saying goodbye.
- 10:00 PM - Back Home (and already planning the return trip). This trip was truly amazing, and I can't wait to return.
Final Thoughts:
Malacca, you beautiful, chaotic, food-filled mess. You've captured my heart (and my stomach!), and I'll be back. Next time, I'm bringing sunscreen, a better haggling strategy, and a bigger appetite. And obviously, I'm staying at the Regalo again. The lift is, honestly, a game-changer. Until next time!
Hotel Colette Cannes: Your Dream French Riviera Escape Awaits!
Okay, so REGALO... is it REALLY the best hotel in Malacca? And that "lift" thing... is it even functional?!
But hold on! Nothing's perfect. Once, the lift decided to be… temperamental. Stuck for, like, five minutes. Panic. Then, a good laugh. It's Malacca, not Manhattan! So, yeah, best? Maybe. Great? Definitely. And the lift? A godsend, mostly.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually "regal"?
My *only* gripe? The room I *thought* I'd booked, the one with the "spectacular city view," turned out to… well, have a slightly obscured view of a building. Kinda my fault, I should have been more specific, but it did sting a little. But you know what? The friendly staff, the comfy bed, and that working lift? They made up for it. Always check, double-check, triple-check your room before you go - learn from my mistakes!
I'm worried about the breakfast. Is it the usual sad hotel buffet?
One morning, though? The pancake machine… broke. Disaster! People started looking around, bewildered. But a staff member, bless their heart, quickly went to a nearby kitchen and started making fresh pancakes by hand. It wasn't perfect, but it was real, and it was appreciated. That’s what I loved about REGALO – it wasn’t pretentious, just trying to make everyone happy.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
But, and there is a 'but' - traffic can be a nightmare. Especially around the weekend! Seriously, plan your travel times! Walking isn’t always possible when it’s a gazillion degrees outside, but that’s when you have the Grab app, which worked like a charm. Remember to pack comfortable shoes! My feet were killing me, but the locations were worth it.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, you know, I need to post my Instagram stories.
Oh, and here's an anecdote: One day, the Wi-Fi completely died on the fifth floor. Chaos among the Instagrammers! Luckily, the staff were quick to react and got it fixed. See? Imperfection, but they try.
Anything else I should know before booking? Any hidden costs or annoyances?
But honestly? The staff were wonderful. Super friendly, helpful with directions, recommendations, everything. They even made a fuss of my grumpy teenager, which, frankly, is a miracle. So, bottom line? Book it! Just be prepared for a few minor quirks. It's Malacca, not perfection! It's the honesty, the warmth, and the fact that the lift exists that makes REGALO worth it in my book. Go, have fun, and don't forget your camera! And for the love of all that is holy, pack some bug spray. Those mosquitos are relentless! Seriously.
