Strawberry Park Resort

Built in the 1980s, the resort lacks the authentic period charm of some of the older colonial-era hotels in the area, but it replicates the look somewhat convincingly. The huge, seven-acre property is big enough to mistake for a small town, with blocks of walk-up rooms housed across seven white-plaster, four-story buildings adorned with dark-wood window frames and balconies spilling over with colorful flowerbeds. All the facilities, from the restaurants to the indoor pool, are in a main building, which has a Tudor-style lobby. However, the illusion is diminished by the front desk's dated granite counter and the odd choice of using blond-wood paneling that clashes with the dark-wood half-timbered theme. This is somewhat symptomatic of the hotel's issue overall, and many public areas and rooms are tired. Guests are a mix of couples and families, and the hotel gets many tour groups from the Netherlands due to a tie-up with a Dutch vacation company. 

The Strawberry Park Resort is set in the countryside, away from the main road that runs through the highlands and connects all of its major towns. The hotel is accessed via a small winding side road, and there's a long driveway to its entrance, keeping the traffic to a minimum. There is nothing much of interest within walking distance, but attractions like the Big Red Strawberry Farm can be found within a ten-minute drive into Brinchang, which also has several restaurants and a popular night market. The town of Tanah Rata is also about a 10-minute drive in the opposite direction. The enormous Boh Tea Estate is a 40-minute drive away through mountainous terrain. While the closest airport is around two hours away in Ipoh, most guests use the international airport in Kuala Lumpur, which takes three-and-a-half hours to reach by car.

The hotel's 146 rooms have a pleasant look created by polished wood floors and light-gray walls paired with teak furniture. An ornate black-and-white pattern amps up the style of the curtains and matching upholstered chairs, and some have damask accents walls plus black-and-white photography on the walls. Sitting areas have tiny wooden desks with wooden chairs. However, the furniture is looking a little worn and the overall appearance is a bit tired. Sliding doors open to furnished half-circle private balconies with either mountain or garden views. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and electric kettles, but there are no coffeemakers, air-conditioners, or fans. Suites add large living areas with couches and coffee tables, and some have two bedrooms. Bathrooms are furnished with black Corian floors and white tiles plus large walk-in showers and toiletries. 

The hotel's indoor pool has seen better days -- the floor tiles could be replaced, and there aren't any lounge chairs -- but it's big enough for swimming laps, and there's an adjacent sauna. There's no fitness center here, but there is an old, worn outdoor tennis court for determined players. A full-service spa provides Balinese massages. For kids, there's an outdoor playground with slides and climbing structures. The hotel also hosts guided tours to several nearby attractions for all ages. Local and Western cuisine is served at Brasserie 85, where a free breakfast is served every morning. While the selection is good, the service can be hectic and crowded. The restaurant also stays open for lunch and dinner, while the more formal Tudor Grill and the Strawberry Court Thai Restaurant are both open in the evenings for dinner. There's also a lobby bar, and a large outdoor garden terrace with seating under a retractable awning. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.