MALAYSIA’s hospitality industry was hit hard during the long lockdown throughout 2020/2021 However, business started picking up again as guests flock back to hotels in droves during the ensuing endemic stage.
Not spared was LiùMén Hotel in Melaka that earned its name from the conversion of six shop lots to the boutique hotel. Happily though, once the hotel opened its doors during the endemic stage, it has been recording almost full house occupancy to date.
In fact, the hotel’s general manager Izhar Ibrahim testified that response has been overwhelming even as far back as Sept 15, 2021.
“When LiùMén Hotel first opened its doors to the public, the hotel witnessed returning guests coming from the Klang Valley and Johor,” he recalled. “With the opening of the borders on April 1, the hotel now welcomes international guests from Singapore, Australia and as far flung as Europe.”
Transition to endemic stage
Tracing its history, LiùMén Hotel’s co-owner Jason Pang Hee Li shared that a chanced opportunity presented itself as he came across the current property purely by coincidence.
The opening of LiùMén Hotel, he concured, is strategic as Melaka continues to solidify its position as a tourism destination.
“We initially had no plans to establish a hotel. But, as time went by and Melaka started experiencing revival as a tourism destination, we decided to embark on this boutique hotel project in 2016,” he told FocusM.
All in all, it took over one year of planning followed by three years of construction for the hotel to be built.
Izhar opined that the influx of guests coming to stay at the hotel is proof that the endemic stage has reignited Malaysia’s tourism industry as in the case of “revenge travelling”.
Filling up to near or full house capacity daily, he believes that LiùMén Hotel is right on track to recovery – a positive sign for the hospitality industry even in quaint Melaka.
“Our guests love the warmness of service from our hotel staff besides the cleanliness of the hotel and room besides the plush comfort of LiùMén Hotel’s beddings, linens and pillows plus the exclusivity of the rooms, amenities and toiletries,” explained Izhar.
“This is especially so as our hotel is situated in a unique location of just a stone’s throw away from Jonker Street which is famous among tourists.”
LiùMén’s allure
Imaginatively designed, stepping into LiùMén Hotel is akin to a walk down history lane drenched in an idealistic nostalgia of the past combined with modern day aesthetics.
Making one’s way via the corridor of the boutique hotel with its intricately patterned floor tiles bathed in sunlight streaming in via the transparent skyroof hotel complemented by an equally spectacular entrance is intriguing.
There are five types of rooms named after heroes from the pages of history books – Hang Jebat, Hang Tuah, Kapitan, Cheng Ho Suites and Parameswara Suites – which are uniquely-shaped and sized within an 80-year old building.
“Jebat and Hang Tuah offer a ‘go-back-in-time’ experience with charming rooms, ceilings and floorings. The location of these rooms gives guests a feel of living in the property before it was even transformed into a hotel,” revealed Izhar.
Kapitan represents the deluxe rooms that offer spacious areas, designer fittings and furniture and bathtub. Meanwhile, Cheng Ho comes with a large stylish bathroom and iconic free-standing bath.
Last but not the least, the Parameswara Suite comes highly recommended with its ultimate heritage boutique hotel experience with the largest rooms, private balcony, designer fittings and furniture.
Pivoting to remain competitive, LiùMén Hotel’s weekend Peranakan Bakulsia high tea comprising sweet and savoury treats of authentic Nyonya dishes – Nyonya Pie Tee, traditional otak-otak and pandan chicken complemented by colourful Nyonya kueh such as Ondeh Ondeh, Anko Kueh and Kueh Lapis served with local fruits and orange ginger beverage – are hits with both the hotel guests and outsiders alike.
LiùMén Hotel’s inner courtyard area is also perfect for parties and events as the hotel also caters to private and intimate gatherings, having hosted weddings, birthday parties, high-tea sessions and dinners besides being perfect for brand launches or lifestyle promotions.
The norm now sees 30 rooms of the hotel being fully-booked as per pre-lockdown with a total of 60 guests in total at any one time. Guests have feedbacked that they are fascinated staying in this heritage boutique hotel with its distinctive nostalgic charm complemented by its modern take on design, strategically situated within old Melaka town.
“Their search for an authentic travel experience in Melaka was found in LiùMén where attention to design details, workmanship, service level, comfort and convenience made their stay truly memorable,” shared Pang adding that among LiùMén’s notable guests include country ambassadors, business leaders and celebrities.
Natural marble tiles, cast iron and the hotel’s iconic staircase take precedence while natural timbers like Chengal appear on the doors and windows. Merbau also makes for sturdy flooring while Jati and Mahogany appear in the hotel’s repertoire of furniture. – Aug 24, 2022
Yvonne Yoong is Focus Malaysia’s contributing Property & Lifestyle Editor, seasoned in covering the property beat and other industries.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
