RELAXING GETAWAY AT NOVOTEL MELAKA

 

Work is a constant in life so it's important for us to take an occasional break to recharge and rejuvenate our spirit. Since going overseas may not be viable in view of time and budget constraints, us Malaysians are lucky we have local options when it comes to taking short breaks.

Opened just last year, we found the Novotel Melaka perfect for a relaxing getaway to the historical state. With 351 rooms and suites ranging from Superior to Premier Suite, the hotel has a edgy modern feel to it which should appeal to us city folks who prefer a strategic location coupled with the necessary creature comforts of home.

The main lobby boasts plenty of linear dimensions with a central back-lit pillar rendered with tree silhouettes and contemporary design lounge settees, ottomans and armchairs.

 

Similarly, the streamlined concept is replicated in-room. The beds are comfortable, complete with smart pillows which ensured we all got a good night sleep. Besides free WiFi, I like the many in-room plug points to charge smartphones and gadgets.

Even the vanity area inside the bathroom is well-designed and pragmatic with hairdryer and vanity mirror placed for easy reach. Another plus point is the powerful rain shower. Of course, the higher category of rooms and suites come with extra perks like coffee making machine and entry into the Premier Lounge. Perfect if you're in Melaka for business and meeting purposes.

Guests can surf the Net inside the Exec Lounge with sleek Apple desktops

Multiple sections in the Exec Lounge include breakfast nook and meeting room

Being the busybodies that we are, we couldn't resist sneaking a peek of the Premier Lounge. The decor is restrained and polished, exuding a sense of professionalism in the overall set-up. Besides the breakfast nook with its trendy seats, we found a nicely appointed meeting room and a row of super-comfy high back chairs by the panel windows. You can even surf the Internet with the Apple desktop machines provided.

A pillarless ballroom that can fit 480 guests comes in useful for those wanting to hold weddings, special events or conferences in the Novotel. We are surprised by how spacious the foyer is which also has plenty of natural daylight streaming in. Five meeting rooms with all the usual high-tech necessities for workshops, training sessions or whatever functions you may have in mind are also available onsite.

I don't know about you but I love staycations in hotels precisely because there's bound to be a swimming pool. The outdoor pool at Novotel Melaka lives up to expectations, for a splashing good time. Have kids in tow? They'd go bonkers over the playground nearby which has a slide going into the children's pool. Deck chairs and oversized sun parasols also line the poolside to provide ample shade.

Fitness buffs would like the well-equipped gym too. Known as InBalance, the work out space has treadmills, weights, strength-training equipment and the usual facilities: shower rooms, sauna and changing areas.

We also went up to the rooftop deck which has ample indoor and outdoor event space. The layout is functional to suit corporate and personal purposes but what really stands out is the panoramic view of Melaka. 

Ah, what's a weekend getaway without some good food? We didn't go hungry at all since The Square (open 6am-11pm daily) serves buffet and a la carte specialities to keep us satisfied.

Breakfast and dinner buffet spreads draw a good crowd among hotel guests. Choices range from Malaysian and Peranakan dishes: mee siam, curry mee, chicken pongteh, pan-fried oyster omelette and Nyonya kuihs to temptations from around the world: stuffed pita bread, roast lamb slices, salads, pasta, cakes, jellies, puddings and pastries.

Most of us prefer the air-cond indoor seating but if you're the outdoorsy type who likes to watch the world go by, the wide patio area has overhead fans to ensure adequate comfort.

 

If you decide to lunch at The Square, the a la carte menu is surprisingly extensive. Bear in mind it takes slightly longer to prepare the dishes you want but hey, it's a holiday so just chill and enjoy a cool drink while you wait. Dishes that are worth the wait include Pasta Carbonara (RM22) and Yong Chow Seafood Fried Rice (RM18).

Come dinner, the live cooking action stations are top crowd-pullers. Keep you eyes peeled for freshly prepared noodles, grilled meat and spring rolls. DIY gado-gado and ais kacang are part of the line-up too.

 

  Mocktails, cocktails and light snacks can be partaken at the Gourmet Bar (1. Stylishly adorned with an undulating wood-accented feature wall and futuristic seating, this cosy yet edgy lounge is splendid for casual chilling out sessions.

Pix courtesy of Novotel Melaka

Should you feel famished after dinner hours, there are some local eateries opposite the Novotel. I recall sipping on local kopi and feasting on curry mee so if you're constantly hungry like us foodies, this hotel location is spot on.

 For reservations, call NOVOTEL MELAKA, tel: 06 6289 8222 or visit http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-8155-novotel-melaka/index.shtml for further information.