HOTEL FEATURE FEBRUARY 2020

 

LIU MEN MELAKA – BY PREFERENCE

A Celebration of Cultures

By Hiranmayii Awli Mohanan

 

Liu Men Melaka is a storied pre-war shophouse-turned-hotel in Jalan okong. All its architectural clout and ric grandeur has been maintained, and its interior is contemporary renditions of 1930’s colonial art deco. The hotel embraces geometric shapes and bursts of vibrant reds – symbolising joy or luck in playful chaos, a representation of the Chinese Peranakan culture. Geometric nuances perpetuate its interior, from cylindrical chandeliers to hexagonal tiles. White walls embellished by dark, trimmed wood emanates elegance while a collection of Chinese Peranakan antiques fill the space with old world charm. 

Translating to six doors, Liu Men is a unification of six shop houses into a behemoth residence – once a family home. This lavish boutique hotel sits strategically a few kilometres away from the famed Jonker Street, Cheng Hoon Temple (oldest Taoist temple), A’famosa fort and the Stadthuys building. Saunter between the buildings reeking of history and character, take a picture with the Melaka River as your backdrop and embark on a short tour of the city on a beca (trishaw). On weekend evenings, the hawker stalls in Jonker Street come alive until a little after midnight, giving you a peak into Melaka’s multifaceted culinary offerings.

Liu Men Melaka captures the spirit of Malaysia’s past and present through the warmth of its rooms. Offering five room categories– Jebat, Hang Tuah, Kapitan, Cheng Ho Suite and Parameswara Suite, each takes a nod to the yesteryear of Melaka. We crossed the threshold into the Hang Tuah Room, which felt like a pied- a-terre – conceptually simple and unfussy. In the spacious attic-like room, pre-war colonial influence is evident in its wooden furnishings, integrated with modern amenities of 40” TV and minibar for your everyday comfort.

The contemporary-designed bathroom is enviable and strikes inspiration for us. White tiles run through the walls, complemented by a dark-wood vanity with marble top and hexagonal chandeliers on either side. Our favourite fitting in the bathroom is the shower system; while modern, it exudes antiquated aesthetics, complete with brass hue and phone receiver-like shower head. The evenings at Liu Men Melaka warrant a libation in hand, at the rooftop lounge area to bask in the tropical breeze and wind down while people-watching.

Breakfast at the Courtyard is not only stunning, it’s delicious. Sit under the glass ceiling that allows natural sunlight to stream in and indulge in a mélange of local as well as Western breakfast. Being true-blue Malaysians, we ordered the Nasi Lemak and with the first bite, it immediately earned our seal of approval for its authenticity. For something lighter, opt for the American Breakfast or relish in fresh fruits and yoghurt.

Address: Liu Men Melaka – by Preference
                 48-56, Jalan Tokong, 75200, Melaka
Tel:          06 288 1161

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