A Refreshing Escape at Parkroyal A'Famosa Resort Melaka
Discovering a Revitalized Gem in Alor Gajah
My journey from Klebang led me to a charming resort nestled in Simpang Ampat, Alor Gajah. This property, situated within the expansive A'Famosa area, has a rich history, having operated as the former A'Famosa Resort since 1992. Last year, it was thoughtfully acquired by Parkroyal and, following a significant renovation, proudly reopened its doors on March 1, 2024. I secured a Superior room through the Trip.com app for RM288.66, a rate that conveniently included taxes and breakfast for two.
Arriving around 3:00 PM, I proceeded directly to the resort's open-air lobby for check-in. The spacious lobby, featuring a restaurant on the same level, buzzed with a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process was remarkably swift, taking only a few minutes. Armed with my room access card, I made my way to my ground-floor room. The resort itself is impressively vast, boasting a total of 213 rooms.
A Closer Look at the Superior Room
The Superior room offers a generous 344 square feet of space, feeling quite expansive. Stepping inside, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd entered a newly opened establishment, despite its long-standing presence. To the left of the entrance, a substantial wardrobe awaits, equipped with ample hanging space, a safety deposit box, a weighing scale, and a prayer mat. Two plush bathrobes are also neatly hung within.
On the same side, you'll find an iron and ironing board, thoughtfully provided for your convenience. Adjacent to the wardrobe is a cabinet housing a mini-refrigerator. Perched atop this cabinet are the amenities for preparing hot beverages, along with a set of elegant glassware. Notably, instead of bottled water, the resort offers filtered tap water readily available in the bathroom.
Further along, a convenient rack is available for guests to place their belongings. The sleeping area is anchored by a king-sized bed, complemented by a sizeable round table positioned to the right of the foot of the bed. A comfortable chair is available for those needing a space for work or to simply relax. To the right of the bed, by the window, a cozy sofa area invites you to unwind. A large television, approximately 65 inches, is mounted on the wall opposite the foot of the bed. The room opens onto a balcony with a view of the parking area, furnished with a small table and chair.
The Bathroom Experience
The bathroom, located to the right of the entrance, is compact but functional. It features a sliding door that cannot be locked. Inside, you'll find two sinks, a toilet, and a shower area. The toilet and shower spaces are cleverly separated by a mirror, with the shower enclosure entirely transparent. Two types of showerheads are available, and a convenient bidet hose is installed next to the toilet for added comfort. The resort thoughtfully supplies a comprehensive range of toiletries, including toothbrushes, hand towels, and face towels.
Resort Amenities: Pools, Gym, and More
One of the resort's standout features is its magnificent outdoor swimming pool. This sprawling aquatic haven includes several large pools and a dedicated children's pool, perfect for family fun. The pool area is accessible from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For fitness enthusiasts, a 24-hour gymnasium is located adjacent to the pool, and nearby, you'll discover the engaging Kids Club.
Dining Delights and Connectivity
My breakfast experience at the resort was pleasant, though the selection wasn't overly extensive. I found the available dishes to be tasty. Breakfast is served at the lobby restaurant from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. I also had dinner at the same restaurant and enjoyed the Bee Hoon Goreng, priced at RM35. While in-room dining is an option, the prices are on the higher side, with dishes like Nasi Goreng Kampung costing RM59.
Connectivity is excellent, with free in-room Wi-Fi offering impressive speeds of 263mbps for downloads and 247mbps for uploads. Mobile network speeds are also superb, with CelcomDigi reaching 864mbps and Tune Talk hitting 860mbps. The resort's televisions provide a wide array of free HD channels. While the water pressure in the bathroom was not particularly strong, it was satisfactory.
A Blend of Old and New
The resort's long history, dating back to 1992, is still subtly visible, particularly in its landscaping, even after a thorough renovation. However, the rooms themselves feel fresh, spotlessly clean, and incredibly comfortable. The pricing, around RM300, offers excellent value. With its vast swimming pool, this resort is an ideal destination for families seeking a relaxing getaway.
Location and Accessibility
Strategically located within the A'Famosa precinct, the resort is just 750 meters from Melaka Premier Outlet, perfect for those who enjoy shopping. Evenings can be rather quiet, as the resort is a bit removed from commercial areas. It's advisable to have your own transportation if you plan to dine out or run errands.
