A WEIL OF A GOOD TIME IN IPOH (PART 1)

Our recent staycation at WEIL Hotel, located next to Ipoh Parade Shopping Mall, proves Ipoh is very much on every travel hipster ‘must visit’ list. Be it within the hotel or out in town, the capital of this Silver State is fast gaining a reputation for its good local food.

 

Thanks to the generosity and courtesy of WEIL Hotel, our weekend staycation was thoroughly enjoyable from the get-go. For the uninitiated, the hotel name is a reversal of the owner’s surname – Liew – the family behind Malaysia’s famous Pagoda brand groundnuts.

This is our second stay at WEIL Hotel but I’m happy to note the 313-room property still appears as immaculate as ever and has established itself as a notable special events/weddings venue in this neck of the woods.

Flaunting soaring high ceiling with modern circular light fittings, the spacious lobby has clusters of cosy armchairs, ottomans and two-seater lounges that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also evoke a convivial welcome for every guest who steps in.

After a hassle-free and quick check-in, we spent some time lolling around in our tastefully furnished Premier room: neutral wood, sand, white and grey tones coupled with unfussy clean lines made us feel right at home instantly.

Later, we slept like logs, snugly tucked into the pristine white linen-covered bed laid with fluffy pillows. There’s plenty of space on the in-room elongated table top to keep our personal knick-knacks – the generous space is a boon for biz travellers who need to work.

Besides a two-seater sofa, we couldn’t resist nestling in the comfy chaise reading lounge; perfect for avid bookworms like moi. We also helped ourselves to the complimentary canned soft drinks and packets of Pagoda nuts provided. The little courtesies were in addition to our in-room coffee/tea-making facilities and comp bottled water.

My fave space is the glazed white tile, warmly lit bathroom with its dark marble-topped vanity area, walk-in rain shower cubicle and a standalone bath tub. Subtle luxe touches like fluffy towels and premium toiletries add to its allure.

Another plus point here is the handy smartphone – a complimentary guest amenity offering free connectivity, localised travel-centric and visitor-friendly content, relevant services and in-destination offers.

Facilities such as function rooms and a Ballroom are available on-site. I’d recommend heading up to the Rooftop Infinity Pool for a dip and a panoramic view of Ipoh. Fitness bunnies will find the in-house gym adequate for basic workout routines.

A canopied patio furnished with weather-proof outdoor mock cane-weave chaise lounges, and pool deck chairs make the poolside a relaxing haven for guests to while time away after their swimming and recreation session.

WEIL Hotel probably ranks as Ipoh’s best hotel at the moment. Its strategic location and comprehensive facilities make it a preferred choice for discerning travellers, for personal or business purpose.

Coming Up – Part 2: Wine, Dine & Party Options at WEIL

For reservations and more information, call tel: +6 05 - 2082 228. WEIL HOTEL IPOH is located at 292, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

OLD MEETS NEW AT E&O HOTEL’S VICTORY ANNEXE

A seamless blend of modern luxury and old-world charm is my ideal staycation at The Victory Annexe of The Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O Hotel) in Georgetown, Penang.

On a recent work trip up north, we decided to experience the E&O Hotel’s magnificent new wing which has 128 sea-view and sea-facing suites. Opened in March 2013, our plush but pragmatic 55sqm Studio Suite (one of the 118) is a serene haven with its own private balcony, tastefully reflecting the colonial style of 1900s and discreet Victorian trimmings. Modernity comes in the form of complimentary WiFi access, satellite TV, mini bar with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and a mini capsule-coffee machine.

We slept like babies in the cosy, comfy bedroom which includes a dark wood, retro-style writing desk and a reading corner furnished with a wing chair. However, it was the expansive bathroom with twin vanity cum basins, claw-footed long bath and a separate rain shower that left me weak in the knees. I especially like the bath’s vintage design of the taps and handheld shower as well as the seductive scent and lovely lather evoked by the bath amenities.

 

Should you wish to splurge a little, there are 14 Corner Suites available on this Victory Annexe. The 123sqm space comes with a separate living room, dining area and expansive sea views. Even the corridors wending through this wing are spacious and adorned with polished timber flooring, large windows with colonial-style moulding and photographic works.

As guests of the Victory Annexe, we enjoyed exclusive access to the Planters Lounge. We felt instantly at home in the welcoming, warmly lit outpost which boasts wraparound balcony seating, a reading cum dining room and a semi-partitioned long cocktail bar with high stools.

 

We thoroughly relished the more than ample Continental breakfast spread proffered: eggs cooked on request, international cheese board, assorted cold cuts, bread and pastries, cereal, fruits and juices.

Unsurprisingly, evening cocktails proved a major crowd-puller with the Victory Annexe guests. During our visit, the lounge was packed to the rafters with everyone downing copious amount of canapés and house pouring drinks: wines, spirits and liquors laid out. Complimentary coffee and tea is served throughout the day too.

The breezy Poolside Terrace is another fab refuge so we couldn’t help but sneak in a session in the windswept swimming pool. What touched me most is the intuitive gesture of serving water to us by the poolside personnel. It was a first in my hotel sojourns so E&O Hotel definitely earned extra brownie points with this thoughtful gesture. Other guest facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium, a ballroom and five meeting rooms with all the requisite amenities and services.

Owned and managed by the Eastern & Oriental Berhad, the stately E&O Hotel was reopened in 2001 after major refurbishment. Its colourful history harks back to 1884, with two Armenian brothers, Martin and Tigran Sarkies establishing The Eastern hotel. Due to overwhelming popularity, The Oriental was added in 1885. 

A grand hotel with Moorish minarets, a domed lobby and beautifully manicured gardens, the two properties were later combined to become the Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

Today, an aura of its illustrious historical past and old-world traditions remain evident in the Heritage Wing. Round-the-clock butler service and opulent setting are the norm rather the exception here.

Onsite, the E&O Hotel draw gourmands and guests with Sarkies, 1885 and Farquhar Bar; fine dining outposts serving extensive menus ranging from Penang’s famed local delicacies to fine European fare. (Separate F&B review coming up soon)

For reservations, call Eastern & Oriental Hotel, tel: +604 222 2000. Address: 10 Lebuh Farquhar, Penang. www.eohotels.com