Review: Dusit Princess Melaka - Newly Reopened Gem
This review covers my stay at the Dusit Princess Melaka, located on Jalan Bendahara in the heart of Melaka City, from October 18th to 20th (Year 25). Before being rebranded under Dusit International, this property was known as the Renaissance Hotel, having previously operated as the Ramada Plaza Hotel.
I booked directly through the hotel's website, taking advantage of a promotional offer tied to its official reopening on May 29th, 2025. The Premier Room rate I secured was RM584.28 for two nights, which included breakfast for two people and all applicable taxes.
Arrival and Check-in Experience
I arrived at the hotel at 4:45 PM and proceeded directly to the counter for check-in. The lobby is spacious and situated on the ground floor. Upon entering, one immediately gets the impression that the hotel has been operational for some time. Besides the reception desk, there is a restaurant area where breakfast is served.
The check-in process was swift, and I was promptly issued my room access card. My room was located on the 10th Floor. The hotel features four elevators, and the waiting time for one was minimal.
Premier Room Deep Dive
The Premier Room I stayed in offered a generous 398 square feet of space. Upon entry, there was an open area to the right housing a fairly large wardrobe. Inside the wardrobe, I found the safety deposit box, an iron, and an ironing board. This area also featured a cabinet housing the mini-fridge and beverage-making facilities.
In the sleeping area, besides the king-sized bed, there was a long sofa placed at the foot of the bed. To the left, there was a large sofa accompanied by a square-shaped side table at its end. A single armchair was positioned between this sofa and the bed. The working desk was situated in the left corner by the bed and was quite large. A 65-inch TV was mounted on the wall opposite the foot of the bed.
Bathroom Configuration
The bathroom is located to the left of the main entrance and is quite spacious. It features a sliding door that cannot be locked. In addition to the sink, there is a toilet and a shower area covered only by a curtain. There is a bidet hose next to the toilet, and the shower area offers two types of showerheads. Notably, the Premier Room category does not include a bathtub. However, the hotel provided a full set of toiletries.
Facilities Overview
The hotel boasts a large swimming pool located on the 9th Floor, with depths ranging from 1.2 meters to 2.7 meters. A sizeable dedicated children's pool is situated next to the adult pool. The pool operating hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
For fitness enthusiasts, the hotel has a 24-hour gymnasium on the 8th Floor, which is quite large. A sauna is also available on the same level.
Connectivity and Amenities
The complimentary in-room Wi-Fi speed was relatively slow at only 6mbps. For cellular connectivity, CelcomDigi provided a robust 456mbps, while Tune Talk offered 417mbps.
The television offered a large screen with numerous free channels, most of which were in HD. A standout feature was the water pressure in the bathroom, which was extremely strong—making it one of the showers I most enjoyed.
Dining Experience
Breakfast is served at the restaurant situated in the lobby. The menu selection was extensive and varied. I dined there on both Sunday and Monday mornings, and the offerings were distinct on each day. I found the food quality to be delicious.
In-room dining service is available from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM at reasonable prices. For instance, Nasi Goreng (fried rice) was priced at RM38, and a fruit juice at RM15.
For guests driving, the hotel provides free parking, although the access route to the parking area was somewhat challenging.
Final Thoughts on Value and Location
Although the hotel recently reopened in May 2025, it does not feel like a newly refurbished property. Both the hotel premises and the rooms look dated, not characteristic of a brand-new operation. Nevertheless, the environment and the room were clean and comfortable.
If the rate can be secured around RM300, I believe it offers good value. The location is excellent, being close to Kampung Morten and only about 1km from the main Melaka City center. On Sunday morning, I enjoyed a pleasant walk along the Morten River to reach the city.
As usual, I have attached the photos I took during my stay. Readers interested in my reviews of other hotels can find them in this group. For more details about my staycation experience, please follow me on Facebook. Thank you for reading! 😘
