Holiday Inn Melaka

The chain’s signature green lettering marks the top of the high rise building that houses the Holiday Inn Melaka. The Melaka outpost of this hotel is a sharp and contemporary addition to the brand. With marble floors and tall windows, the lobby is sleek, spacious, and bright, even if it lacks much local flavor in history-heavy Melaka. Bright abstract art in the hallways and common spaces add a bit of character, and there are several places throughout the hotel for guests to escape the punishing Melaka heat, including a bar and restaurant with occasional live music, and the hotel's small infinity pool. Interiors are airy and bright throughout, with a soothing palette of grays and browns accented with subtle pops of bright color, and views of the grounds' tropical plants through many large windows. The hotel has broad appeal, from families and couples on holiday to groups of friends and business travelers.

The hotel is located in a busy, hotel-packed section of Melaka that's essentially on the Strait of Melaka, next to Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall. The immediate area doesn't have the most personality, and there's some nearby construction as the waterfront continues to be built up. However, there are plenty of shops and restaurants within a reasonable walk -- just keep in mind that reaching them involves crossing a busy highway. Historic sights like the Portuguese fort, A Famosa, and Christ Church are within a 15- to 20-minute walk, though given the extreme heat in Melaka a taxi may be a better option. Both the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum and Jonker Street -- a lively spot at night with plenty of bars, restaurants, and hawkers selling their wares -- are within a 10-minute drive. The hotel has free parking and a free local shuttle. Melaka Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel and Kuala Lumpur International Airport is about one hour and 45 minutes' drive. 

Rooms at Holiday Inn Melaka are refreshingly modern, especially when compared to some of the other options in town,. They have light walls, dark and light wood-veneer furniture with clean lines, and carpeting with bright patterns in cool colors. Subdued neutral tones in the soft furnishings keep things balanced, and watercolors of local sights hang on the walls. Some rooms offer sea views -- though this may change with neighboring construction -- and all rooms have flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea facilities, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms vary, but all have shower/tub combos or glass-door shower stalls, robes, and generous amenity kits including toothbrushes. A variety of room types with added amenities are available. These include Kids' Suites with bunk beds, mini-robes, and kid-friendly toiletry kits; Executive Club Rooms with access to the Club Lounge; and Suites with living rooms, dining tables, and bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate tubs. Free daily newspapers are a nice touch in all rooms. 

The hotel has two restaurants on-site -- a buffet restaurant, es.sense Kitchen, and Sirrocco Italian Restaurant with a bar and pizza oven. A buffet breakfast with Asian and Western cuisine is not included with most room rates, but has an excellent selection of hot and cold options including freshly squeezed juices. Keep in mind that the buffet restaurant on-site can get busy during breakfast. Herron’s Kopi Counter has to-go pastries and snacks, as well as coffee. The Club Lounge is open to guests staying in Club Rooms and includes perks like free breakfasts and snacks, coffee, soft drinks, and cocktails throughout the day and into the evening. 

There’s a fitness center with modern machines and free weights, and a Balinese-inspired spa with a sauna and a whirlpool. The hotel has and an outdoor infinity pool and children’s pool, but there are no other facilities for kids, which is somewhat disappointing as the hotel does offer kid-friendly rooms. Four meeting rooms and a ballroom are available for private events, and the hotel has a business center with two computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there is a free shuttle to local destinations (but not the airport).