The Settlement Hotel

For visitors to Melaka who prefer a bit of solitude, the homey, historic atmosphere at The Settlement Hotel nicely fits the bill. It’s set in a four-story government building dating from the 1960s, and right from the start it provides a glimpse into a deeply illustrious past: the front porch is equipped with a handsome, 350-year-old sultan bed that looks like something out of a fairytale. Set atop floor tiles sourced from a Sumatran mosque, the effect is exquisitely Old-World. By contrast, the lobby (dubbed “The Cool Room”) is a bit informal, dotted with simple furnishings and unobtrusive wall art. Colorful sculptures, vases, and side tables add plenty of character, though, and throughout the hotel there’s a fine balance old-school charm and artisanal elegance. It’s an appealing choice for travelers who favor calm over chaos, and is suitable for families, couples, and singles who wish to be just close enough to the heart of town.

Adjacent to the Portuguese Settlement, among a series of residential buildings, The Settlement Hotel is comfortably situated in a relatively peaceful area of Ujong Pasir. It’s approximately 15 minutes by car from the heart of Melaka. Many of the area’s most popular attractions, including Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, A’famosa, The Stadhuys, and Jonker Street Night Market are all within a 10- to 15-minute car ride. The closest mall, ÆON Bandaraya Melaka Shopping Centre, is a 12-minute drive. Historic St. John’s Fort, set atop a hill, is just six minutes away by foot, and Melaka Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Despite the hotel’s time-honored details, the rooms here are quite contemporary. They’re all equipped with modern, must-have amenities, like coffeemakers, minibars, desks, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels. Standard units, known as Deluxe Rooms, measure between 23 and 27 square meters (265 to 275 square feet) and are bright, if a bit plain, with hardwood floors and crisp white linens. Junior Suites come in between 28 and 32 square meters (320 to 330 square feet) and have a cozier feel, thanks to their bright throw pillows, plush leather chairs, and colorful artwork adorning the walls. The largest option is the Settlement Suite, measuring between 44 and 48 square meters (500 to 510 square feet). It has a spacious floor plan, with a separate living area and a stereo system. Bathrooms in all rooms are fairly spacious and feature neutral gray and stone palettes, freestanding bathtubs, and rainfall showers, in addition to towel warmers.There are also four villas on the property, all measuring between 50 and 55 square meters (540 to 560 square feet). These are a much more rustic option, and are somewhat reminiscent of cabins. They’re situated on the lawn and feature their own small gardens with patio furniture. All are equipped with the same amenities as the rooms, but the decor is what makes them stand out, from the intricately carved, floor-to-ceiling teak paneling to the shapely outdoor lights. Some may find the interiors a bit dim, as the canopy bed is lavishly covered with swaths of fabric and the space is lit with lantern-style lighting that produces a very soft glow. Completely paneled in wood, the bathrooms are a bit like spa saunas and have deep stone tubs. 

Amenities at The Settlement Hotel include help make this a solid upscale choice for the region. Guests are provided a welcome drink upon check-in, and are personally escorted to their rooms, setting the posh tone. One of the main highlights is the on-site spa, located on the lawns among the residential villas. Done completely in warm woods with occasional pops of bright color, the spa is a bit like a little wellness hut -- it’s not particularly large, but its menu includes comprehensive treatments for the body, face, and nails. The pool right outside is small and shallow, and much more of a dipping or wading area than anything else; some former guests have expressed disappointment in its size, although it’s excellent for kids. Elsewhere, The Dining Room is the hotel’s contemporary restaurant whose menu includes everything from local specialties to Western fare to Indian and Chinese cuisines. Breakfast is also included in the room rate, although many guests have complained that the spread is quite limited. For a more casual dining experience, The Long Table Bar is a relaxed spot on the garden terrace featuring one of the hotel’s most treasured keepsakes: a 27-foot-long wooden table known as the longest table in all of Malaysia. Guests who need some fresh air can head up to the Rooftop Garden; overlooking the city, it’s dotted with colorful seats and is home to occasional live performances.The property also includes several business-centric features, including a sizable meeting room, a multifunctional room for different events, and a ballroom designed to hold up to 100 people. The on-site Yeak Ping Lian Gallery is worth a visit, too -- it’s packed with vibrant paintings from the famed Malaysian savant. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and there’s also a free shuttle that runs daily to Jonker Street and the Portuguese Settlement.