Settling In Exclusively at The Settlement Hotel, Melaka

Located along the roadside of Jalan Ujong Pasir and adjacent to the Portuguese Settlement, The Settlement Hotel is a smart property that occupies a four-storey building built back in 1963. The owner decided to have the building gutted and converted into a contemporary designed boutique hotel. Gaya Travel team learned that the reason why the owner selected that particular location is because the area is due for a massive commercial and residential development in the next five to ten years as part of the state government’s plan to extend the city of Melaka.

Chic decor

When guests walk around The Settlement Hotel, they can witness the 1960s original tiled staircase from the ground up until the third floor, still preserved by the hotel as a tribute to the building’s past. At the same time, lovers of interior décor will also get to cherish the adorable 110-year old tiles manually coloured by hand – dismantled elsewhere and reassembled at the hotel – that grace the flooring located outside the Cool Room (which operates 24 hours a day as the hotel’s reception area) facing the courtyard. Our team was also smitten by the natural stone cladding that runs throughout the hotel, including inside the bathroom of each guest room, elegantly complementing the terrazzo sink and bathtub.

the-settlement-hotel-melaka

The property serves as the space where the owner Billy Leong – who is also the Managing Director of an established travel agency called BMC Travel Sdn. Bhd. – showcases the large collection of his furniture, antiques and artworks, encompassing porcelain wares, abstract paintings and prints collected over the years from his travels.  The hotel takes the eclectic approach when it comes to style, slanting more towards contemporary English that is expertly infused with modern Peranakan and South East Asian.

the-settlement-hotel-melaka

Gaya Travel team loves the property for opting motifs that pay tribute to Melaka’s heritage such as the colourful tiles embellished with Peranakan batik design that adorn the floor and staircases, including the ornate armoires reminiscent of the colonial times standing at the hotel’s Dining Room that seats up to 80 persons. The space above the Dining Room, located on the same level as the meeting room, functions as a permanent art gallery showcasing the incredibly detailed and vivacious artworks by Yeak Ping Lian who is an outstanding Malaysian-born and Australian-based autistic art savant, further adding to the hotel’s charm.

Conversation pieces

Truth be told, besides the style, accessories and artworks, the hotel has no shortage of impressive conversation pieces such as the huge 27-foot long teak dining table brought in from Pahang; the intricately carved 350-year old Sultan Bed from Palembang where guests can lounge like royalty, set at the entrance facing Jalan Ujong Pasir outside the Cool Room; and the traditional Palembang houses that are converted into a quaint Junior Villa, The Library Spa and Luxury Villa. It took three months for the houses to be dismantled from its original place then reassembled within the hotel’s grounds by experienced craftsmen.

The hotel’s spa, housed in one of the traditional edifices, offers complimentary five-minute head-and-shoulder massage to all guests, which Gaya Travel team finds stress-relieving. For those who crave for more rejuvenation, they are encouraged to opt for the spa’s signature treatment aptly called Traditional Massage. Guests are strongly recommended to make their reservations in advance due to its popularity.

Luxurious accommodations

The rooms in The Settlement Hotel are located on the upper three floors, with each floor containing 15 rooms. Besides complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity, the rooms also come with complimentary mini bar and dainty tea set for that spot of English tea.

The Settlement Suite (which accommodates four persons with two additional mattresses) is usually recommended for travelling families, group of friends or VIP with his or her entourage since it is connected to another Deluxe Room (that can fit another three persons) for easy access.

The Luxury Villa comes with a king-sized four-poster bed and instead of a bathtub, it is equipped with a small pool that the hotel will fill with water in case guests intend to soak themselves in it. The pool is also used whenever villa guests request for a refreshing mandi bunga (floral bath), dispensed by the spa next door.

Reliable facilities

the-settlement-hotel-melaka

Since The Settlement Hotel’s provides reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, business facilities and security, business travellers also choose to stay there. Its intimate appeal also attracts corporations in holding exclusive events there. The hotel has a modest ballroom that comfortably accommodates 100 guests based on the round table dinner setting. The Settlement Hotel also has a Rooftop Garden that is fitting for an intimate get-together or functions, also seats 100 people.

For a more meaningful and special meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) experience, corporations or organisations are welcome to take up The Settlement Hotel in its entirety under a private exclusive charter arrangement, starting at only RM25,000. The charter entitles corporations or organisations to utilize all 49 rooms, suites and villas, including exclusive private breakfast, lunch and dinner for the maximum of 90 persons.

For guests’ convenience, The Settlement Hotel provides daily shuttle service every two hours to Jonker Street and Dataran Pahlawan (including other places close to both stops) starting from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Conclusion

Bright, airy and tranquil, The Settlement Hotel is almost always full during weekends, and it is easy to see why. The owner successfully develops the property into an exclusive sanctuary ideal for those seeking privacy and downtime amid contemporary and homely tropical Asian art-inspired setting, which is why Gaya Travel team considers the hotel as one of the definite must-stays when being in Melaka city…

The Settlement Hotel

No. 63, Jalan Ujong Pasir
World UNESCO Heritage City Melaka
75050 Melaka

Phone number: +60 6 292 1133

Website: thesettlementhotel.com

About The Author

Juhan Kamaruddin

Juhan Kamaruddin has spent years sharing and editing stories that inspire people to explore the world with greater curiosity and purpose. Passionate about travel, culture, and meaningful connections, he works closely with tourism stakeholders, media partners, and industry leaders to showcase the best of Malaysia and beyond through storytelling, strategic content, and collaborative partnerships.

See author's posts