Hotel Review: Casa Del Rio, Melaka

During my recent visit to Malacca, I was offered a complimentary stay at Casa Del Rio, one of the newest boutique hotels nestled directly by the mouth of Malacca River.  It was a wonderful experience to indulge in good food and comfortable stay with warm hospitality from the staff over the weekend.

 Concierge of Casa Del Rio

Entering the hotel, I was absolutely astonished by the old world charms of the hotel that complemented the town's Portuguese and Moorish heritage. Handcrafted wrought iron chandelier adorned the hallway, creating a vintage atmosphere around the place. 

Casa Del Rio is indeed an excellent hotel with dedicated and service-focused team. To welcome arriving guests, the staff prepared some cool lime sorbet on a wooden carved tray with a written message, "Welcome Home, Ms. Fish". The small gestures by the friendly staff had definitely made me feel homey. 

Deluxe Lago View room with a King-sized bed

Despite of the graceful Mediterranean decor with a touch of Straits Chinese influences, the luxurious room is fully furnished with modern facilities to cater for the needs of modern age. The combination of traditional and contemporary interior blends well with the historical surroundings and echoes of the past. 

The room is equipped with high speed internet access, 42" flat screen TV with satellite channels, CD & DVD players with iPod docking, hair dryer, ironing facility, and a private balcony with ceiling fan. 

The private, bougainvillea lined balcony of my room has a beautiful view overlooking the courtyard Lago, a calming sea of blue surrounded by warm lights and lago side cabanas. Overlooking the top floor of the building, there is a rooftop infinity swimming pool, adjacent to a poolside bar where you can enjoy a cool fresh juice or cocktail while sun-basking. 

 

I was lucky to have a room overlooking the historial Maritime Museum nestled by the Straits. As the sun sets, it was a great experience to spend some tranquil moments soaking in the glittering night scene of the river. 

Further exploring the room, I found a lovely letter with my name on it, along with a bowl of traditional welcoming delicacy--- Ondeh-Ondeh filled with liquid palm syrup and well-coated with fresh desiccated coconut.

The 50 metre-squared deluxe room has a spacious four-points bathroom, featuring sliding screens that open up to the room and views beyond the balcony. For convenience, the private bath tub is housed separately from the shower stall. Adjacent to the bathroom, you can find a dressing room where you can do ironing and changing. 

What attracted me were the beautiful collection of body care products in the bathroom. Handmade cinnamon soap, luxurious bath salt, and other toileteries were stored in a dainty wooden container with stopper. These items were available for sale at the hotel shop too. 

Another highlight of the hotel is Satkara Spa, the ideal place to indulge myself with body massage and foot scrub that uses pure and natural ingredients adhering to traditional recipes and rituals. How I'd wish I can stay longer to get pampered at the spa! 

 The Hotel Library: Pick a book and enjoy the read anywhere around the hotel.

  The Hotel Shop: Handmade soap and traditional kebaya for sale.

Overlooking the fountain, the lago side cabana was an ideal place to chill and relax.

I learned something during my stay, "Just make myself feel like home!"

It seems like the beautiful scenery is everywhere around Casa Del Rio! 

How could I miss this chance to record such memorable moment. 

When it comes to dining, I am in love with the picturesque scenery at the hotel's River Cafe which is located directly on the river. At night, you can enjoy open air views of the magnificent Melaka skyline.

Check out my dining experience at Casa Del Rio:

#1 Wine pairing dinner by the river

#2 Peranakan / Nyonya "Tingkat" lunch by Chef Baba William

Business travellers may consider the meeting room facilities as well as the grand ballroom available for private functions. 

The Piazza, right at the edge of the River

At The Piazza, you can also organize parties under an al fresco setting with the perfect backdrop of the river with a touch of Mediterranean. How I'd wish my future wedding to be held here too! 

Casa Del Rio is only 2 minutes walk from Malacca's heritage Jonker Street. It's an antique shopper's paradise as you can see antique shops lining the busy streets of Jonker Walk. Delicious Nyonya food, Melaka cruise and colorful trishaw rides are all within walking distance from Casa Del Rio! 

Casa Del Rio : Your Home By The River

Verdict:

1. A very satisfying stay, considering the beautiful atmosphere, luxury elements and top-notch services at the hotel. 

2. Since my breakfast, lunch and dinner were well taken care by Casa Del Rio, my gastronomical experience there was pleasant. No complaints at all! 

3. Location wise, Casa Del Rio is probably one of the most strategic hotels in town, near to various historical and cultural sites. Definitely worth every penny spent on the stay for such a wonderful experience!

Casa Del Rio
88, Jalan Kota Laksamana, 
75200 Melaka.
Contact: 606-289 6688 
Website: www.casadelrio-melaka.com
Facebook: fb.com/casadelriomelaka
GPS Coordinate: 2°11'20"N 102°23'4"E