The Majestic Malacca

In an elegant, restored building dating from 1929, The Majestic Malacca is aptly named and is one of the few actually luxurious options in town. Colorful, Victorian porcelain tiles add a distinctive, Old-World quality to the lobby, which balances its muted beauty with homey details like plush couches and leather chairs. Guest rooms are located in a connected, more modern building that shares a similarly regal vibe, with glossy marble tiles and floor-to-ceiling glass panels. Even the elevators are dramatic: Lined with soft reddish-orange velvet, they have handsome wood-paneled ceilings and oval mirrors that evoke an almost haunting quality. What’s most impressive about The Majestic Malacca is its deeply heritage-driven design; guests seeking a true taste of local architecture will find it within these walls. The hotel strives for authenticity, and offers perks like an afternoon traditional Chinese tea service. Extras like butlers in some rooms add to the high-end finish at this property. Expect a wide mix of travelers here, though most guests are couples drawn to the romantic ambience.

The hotel is ideally situated within walking distance of many of Melaka’s most noteworthy attractions. Kampung Morten, Melaka’s sole Malay village, is home to the Villa Sentosa museum and is right across the Melaka River from the property (a five-minute walk). The vibrant Jonker Street -- home to a popular weekend market -- is a 15-minute walk away. As an UNESCO World Heritage City, the area is packed with historic landmarks. Both Christ Church and Bala and Nyonya Heritage Museum are just about 10 minutes away by car, and the Mahkota Parade shopping mall is approximately a 12-minute drive. Both A’famosa and Melaka International Airport are just about 20 minutes away by car.

The rooms at The Majestic Malacca are classic and contemporary, with locally inspired decor that recollects the hotel’s storied history. All feature timber wood floors and handsome four-poster teakwood beds that instantly give the rooms an elevated, luxurious feel. Colors are warm and inviting, from gilded silk bedspreads to sleek pumpkin-toned chaises to lavish maroon rugs. Expect to see plenty of hardwood and marble as well. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature coffeemakers, free slow Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Turndown service is a nice luxury perk, and some higher category rooms have butlers. Bathrooms are separated from the guest room by sliding hardwood doors and feature clawfoot bathtubs and separate shower stalls, as well as generously sized countertops. Unfortunately, this sliding-door setup means they don't exactly scream privacy (the toilets lacks their own separate water closet, meaning that slatted sliding doors are all that stand between those in bathrooms and those in the rest of the room). Standard units, called Deluxe Rooms, measure 35 square meters (377 square feet). The suites, Majestic and Tranquerah, are 70 square meters (753 square feet) each and have spacious floor plans that include separate living rooms, large desks, and ample seating, as well as excellent river and village views.

One of the hotel’s standout amenities is the Spa Village, a tranquil, two-story space done in soft, earthy green and almond tones. Touches of hardwood warm it up, as does the natural light that filters through floor-to-ceiling windows, and all of its treatments are inspired by ancient Chinese therapies. There’s also a modern fitness center that overlooks an outdoor pool from behind floor-to-ceiling windows. Dining options at The Majestic Malacca are diverse, too. Guests can pop into the Mansion for breakfast or dinner, while The Lounge at the Mansion is open for lunch and traditional Chinese afternoon tea. Cuisines range from classic local specialties to Western fare to flavorful dishes from India, Portugal, and China. The Bar at the Mansion resembles an old-school saloon, what with its dark wood tones and sturdy barstools. Elsewhere, there’s an on-site library and three function rooms designed to hold up to 100 guests. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi, though many previous guests report that connections are sluggish.