MH Hotel @ Ipoh

After the past two years of staying in Regalodge Hotel during our annual "balik kampong" trip, this year I decided to book a different hotel.  It wasn't because we weren't happy with Regalodge, it was just that we wanted to try some place new.

I checked the various hotel options on Agoda and finally settled for MH Hotel @ Ipoh because of its location. It's a 3-star hotel with 111 rooms spread over 20 floors with a user rating of 7.4 (I use this rating as a guide...7 - 8 is Very Good, 8 is considered Excellent and I usually wouldn't consider anything below 7).  

This is what greets you as you walk into the hotel.  Service is warm and friendly...and attentive.  The staff warmly welcomes and greets you each time too (and never fails to open the door for you).

Decor @ Hotel Entrance

Hotel Lobby

Lift Lobby

The cost for one night's stay in a deluxe premier room was around RM250 nett.  Checking in was a breeze and took less than 5 minutes.

I must say that the room was a lot more spacious than the one in Regalodge and there was lots of table space. Room was big enough to be furnished with a single seat sofa and small side table (handy if you intend to order room service...hehe!).  

The clothing cupboard was a bit peculiar as it was "doorless" but I actually prefer it this way since it's so convenient.  Another plus was the full length mirror.  The lights were a bit dim as there was just one main hanging light near the TV (Astro channels are limited though) and one in the doorway other than two small bedside lights.

Coffee and tea making amenities (but who needs that when we have MH Lyfe & McD a whisker away)

What I liked about the bathroom was the separate glass shower compartment and large shower-head with great water pressure.  This also helps to ensure other parts of the bathroom stays dry.  I'm one of those who dislikes bathtubs...and, in Regalodge, we were given that! >.<  What I didn't fancy was the hair dryer attached to the bathroom (I would have preferred it to be in the room).  All toiletries are provided including toothbrush and toothpaste.

View from our room on the 9th floor (early morning prior to breakfast)

In-house cafe, MH Lyfe, on the first floor

Another amenity provided by the hotel to their guests was the free flow of refreshments (coffee, tea & water) and snacks (biscuits & candies) at MH Lyfe (up to 9pm daily).

You can come in and help yourself to the coffee/tea and snacks all day long.  We enjoyed our free coffee but nasi lemak bungkus (packet) is payable @ RM3 (and it's available for room service at the same price). 

When we checked in, we were given a complimentary voucher for free ice cream at MH Lyfe which can be redeemed only once though.

Since we enjoyed the nasi lemak, we decided to order room service on another night and had their meehoon and kway teow goreng bungkus @ RM3 each.  You can add-on a hot drink...Nescafe, Milo or Teh Tarik for just RM2.  What a bargain!  Now, where can you get room service for only RM8 (okay-lah, RM10 with tips)....hehe! ;D  And, mind you, the noodle packets were fairly huge portions...the fried kway teow even came with a large prawn...what....for RM3! O_o  They'll even warm it up for you before sending it to your room.

On yet another night, we had the 'conveniently located' McD for supper ;)

There's also a Chinese restaurant (located next door) which can be accessed from the hotel lobby itself.  I can't remember the name since I didn't dine there.

Free parking is available on three floors (levels 2, 3 & 4) for guests and we had no problem finding parking space on level 2 itself whenever we returned to our hotel.  The parking pass is just a simple note left on your car dashboard for a hassle-free, uninterrupted parking throughout your stay.

As I booked my hotel (through Agoda) rather late this year (about a month before Chinese New Year), I couldn't find one with an option without breakfast, so the room rate came bundled with breakfast and I had to eat breakfast at the hotel for 3 consecutive mornings (that'll be in a separate post).

My Personal Opinion

For me, it was worth paying an extra RM70 on top of Regalodge Hotel's rate of RM180....and these are my top 5 reasons why:

1.  Room was a lot more spacious & had better furnishings.

2.  Separate shower compartment (with great water pressure) in bathroom.

3.  Cheap room service @ MH Lyfe & McDonald's (next door) to cater to night time snacking.

4.  Buffet breakfast (included in room tariff) was pleasant with a good enough variety.

5.  Located less than 5 minutes away from my spouse's family home.

All in all, it was a good stay (good enough amenities for the price we paid) and you may want to give this hotel a go the next time you visit Ipoh.  It'll probably be our choice for next year as well....it could be yours too! ;)  

MH Hotel

PT 212695B Jalan Medan Ipoh 1A

Medan Ipoh Bistari

31400 Ipoh

Perak

Tel: 05-545 1000