Cameron Highlands Resort

Named after William Cameron, the British surveyor for whom the whole region is also named, the Cameron Highlands Resort is built upon an early 1900s hill station for British colonials. Some of the original architecture remains, with timber-beamed ceilings, French doors, and plantation shutters all creating a polished classic hotel. Manicured grounds and brick walkways add to the stately atmosphere, and the whole property overlooks a nearby 18-hole golf course. Inside, a black-marble lobby gives way to refined lounges and gentlemanly fireplaces. Open-air terraces surround a central outdoor koi pond with waterfalls and fountains. In a place where development and tourism have overrun some of the region's natural beauty, the Cameron Highlands Resort celebrates the simple serenity of taking afternoon tea while overlooking a landscape that hasn't lost its allure. However, noise is an issue here from traffic along the nearby highway. Regardless, the hotel still maintains its broad appeal, and attracts couples, families, and groups of friends.

The resort is located across the street from the Cameron Highlands Golf Club, with its 18-hole course spreading out toward the jungle. It's right off the main road that connects all the major towns throughout the region, and the area gets a fair amount of noisy traffic. There are a few restaurants and attractions, such as strawberry farms, within walking distance, but more attractions can be found in Brinchang, a two-minute drive away. There are several restaurants and a popular night market in town, or in Tanah Rata, about a six-minute drive in the opposite direction. The enormous Boh Tea Estate is a 35-minute drive away through mountainous terrain. Ipoh Airport is almost a two-hour drive from the resort, though most guests will simply make the three-and-a-half-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur's airport.

Cameron Highlands Resort's 56 rooms are elegant, with dark-beamed ceilings, polished wood floors, and plantation shutters all working together to create a colonial atmosphere. Fine materials like teak and silk add sophisticated accents, and all rooms have French doors that open to private balconies. As the entire hotel is oriented toward the busy nearby highway, the traffic noise can be unpleasant day and night. Standard Rooms have sitting areas with low-set chairs and loveseats, along with small glass-topped desks. Deluxe Rooms have either king-size four-poster beds, or two twins, while Two-Bedroom Suites have both. Free Wi-Fi is standard, along with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. There is no air-conditioning, though given the altitude and the ceiling fans, things generally stay cool enough for most previous guests. Bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers with black marble tiling. Some suites add bidets and separate soaking tubs. 

The hotel's main restaurant, dubbed the Dining Room, is formal and has a dress code. It serves a mix of international cuisine, including a Western-style breakfast (not included) of pancakes and eggs. In contrast, Gonbei is an open-air restaurant whose specialty is local Malaysian cuisine -- the hot pot-focused menu is a hit. Afternoon tea happens in a stately colonial-style lounge where guests can get a classic English tea from the Cameron Highlands, served with sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and local strawberry jam. There's also a piano bar with snooker tables and an extensive whiskey selection, and a reading room with a fireplace. 

The full-service Spa Village has relaxing outdoor cabanas, and several treatment rooms where therapies draw from ancient traditions and use local honey, strawberries, and tea. There's also a fitness center with several treadmills, along with some weight-training machines and free weights. There's not too much here for children, aside from a small playroom that also has computers and a TV. For weddings and group events, the hotel's ballroom can accommodate up to 300 people; there are also six smaller function rooms and a boardroom. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.