Casa del Rio Melaka

Invoking the charm of a Mediterranean retreat, Casa del Rio Melaka has beautiful grounds with palm trees, water fountains, and colorful flowers hanging from balconies. The upscale property draws both leisure and business travelers from countries like Singapore, Australia, and China. The open-air lobby is filled with ornate furnishings and rich wooden floors, and the decorative, courtyard pool is surrounded by gazebos with terra cotta ceilings and colorful couches where guests can relax. There are plenty of places to unwind throughout the hotel, contributing to its laid-back vibe. The River Cafe is one of the hotel's highlights, with tranquil outdoor seating next to the Melaka River. There’s also a small bar next to the rooftop pool where guests can grab a drink with their river views. Guests are typically offered sorbet welcome drinks on arrival, setting an indulgent, welcoming tone straight away. 

The hotel's central location is ideal for exploring the city. Situated in a busy area on the Melaka River, most of the city's main sights are within walking distance, which is a good thing in Melaka's heat. Jonker Street -- a lively spot at night with plenty of bars, restaurants, and hawkers selling their wares -- is just over five minutes away on foot. The Baba & Nyonya Heritiage Museum is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, while historic sites like A Famosa (a Portuguese fortress) and Christ Church are within a seven-minute walk across the river. A river cruise is also a solid option for taking in the city's sights during high tide. Malacca International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms at Casa del Rio Melaka have charming Mediterranean decor like pale yellow walls with arched cutouts and wooden furniture including desks and headboards. Colorful, patterned bed runners as well as painted wall accents and ornate sconces lend the rooms a Mediterranean character, but the look is a little dated or overwrought, and some returning guests have noted wear and tear in rooms. Amenities include mini-fridges or minibars (stocked to order per request), electric kettles for coffee or tea, flat-screen TVs, MP3 players, radios, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have furnished terra cotta balconies, some facing the river. Marble bathrooms are spacious, with walk-in showers and separate tubs for two, while porcelain jars of shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, and bath salts are a nice touch (as are the bath-side rubber duckies). Suites have custom day beds with pull-out trundles. 

There's plenty to keep guests busy at this hotel, or to help them relax after a day out in Melaka's hot streets. The hotel has two restaurants on-site. The River Grill serves buffet breakfast (only included with some room rates) as well as steaks at night, while the River Cafe serves juices, smoothies, and light fare like pizza during the day, plus nightly dinner. Saturday night barbecues are offered as well. There’s also an attractive bar, Bar Rio, with live music, including a pianist and Cuban singers. The rooftop infinity pool has a separated children’s end, and lounge chairs and cabanas are available. Guests can order drinks and ice cream from the pool bar, which offers happy hour. There’s a small, but attractive, 24-hour fitness center with two treadmills, a stationary bike, and weight equipment on wood floors, and the on-site spa offers body and facial treatments, plus free hot and cold welcome drinks. Parking is available for a fee, and a free shuttle is available to local sights and the Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall. The hotel also organizes events like scavenger hunts for guests in the historical part of the city. Wi-Fi is free throughout.