Location
The great thing about the location is that it is very near to the airport and just a stroll away from the beach. It could be the scorching heat or I must have shorter limbs because as opposed to the many reviewers, I found the walk to the local shops and eateries quite a distance away. Also take caution that when night falls, the lighting along that stretch of road is not very good.
Facilities
The environs of the hotel charms with beautifully flowered trees and shrubs. The gardeners are a hard working lot, sweeping away the fallen leaves daily and yet will still greet you with smiles. The lobby is open air but the dark woods provide really good shade from the sun except for the little café right beside the lounge which was covered in glass and hence felt more like a green house to me. The only gripe was that you could tell most furnishing is rather aged and there are stains all around. And do check before you lean or put your hands around anywhere as insects and ants are aplenty. I was trying the hammock on the beach and was almost fell off when I found a HUGE red ant crawling on my arm. The pool was nice and huge with plenty of lounge chairs. Even though its considered peak season, you never really feel that the place is over crowded which is kind of amazing. As echoed by a few reviewers, there’s definitely no free wifi in this part of the world but you can use their internet service at a charge. Many complained about expensive charges but I think they are referring to hourly rate? They do charge a flat rate for 24 hours use (I think RM 50) which I think is very worth it. The only complaint was that the service was down from 11am to 7pm on the very day we subscribe but after giving our feedback, charges were waived immediately so cheers to that.
Room
We booked a double deluxe with pool facing view and was given a 2nd storey room. We liked that it was just a short walk from the lobby. I was put off by the musty smell when we were first entered the room but once the air was cooled, you kinda get used to it. Again, furniture and furnishings definitely needs some refurbishing though the old “malay kampong” feel certainly has its charms. The air con seems old as it failed to cool the temperature quickly especially during the day. I think the high ceiling is an attributing factor. We were also fascinated by the vat of water just outside each hut (apparently it is a malay custom to wash your feet before entering the house), which proved to be very useful after a day at the beach to wash off any remnants of sand.
Food
We tried almost all the restaurants in the hotel except the BBQ boat house. The food at the spice restaurant was horrid in our opinion - sandwich doesn’t taste fresh and my companion’s lasagne had an overdose of salt. The breakfast was served from the same restaurant so the quality failed to excite us as well. As there are cats in the compound, I also observed them jumping onto the tables with the table ware, so you pretty much can imagine what extra “ingredients” you had in your food. The thai restaurant is only opened in the evenings and though there was a smart casual dress code, I think they don’t really bother. The thai noodles had more veggies than noodles and the dessert was really too sweet. Even the ice cream I tried at Horizon bar at poolside was not too good. However, I must say I liked the ambience and deco of the restaurants but the quality of food failed to impress.
We did venture to the local shops but be prepared that 99% of them are not air conditioned and with the hot weather, your appetite really takes a nose dive.
Service
We had a rather smooth check in and most staff were cordial and ever ready to smile and greet you. We had one huge issue on the last day though. We booked for a day tour online from another agent in advance but to our dismay, the agent did not turn up! We went to the tour desk for assistance but as most tours are booked they could not offer any alternatives at all. We felt that they could offer some assistance as it was our last day and we do not wish to leave the island with regrets.
Verdict
The location wasn’t fantastic, food was horrible, service passable and if not for the beautiful landscape, our trip would have been terrible. Not to mention the rates are not cheap either. We would probably give this hotel a miss unless it offers very attractive discounts.
The lobby
Surroundings
malay kampong style room
double deluxe room
view from our balcony
bathroom
toilet
adjoining walk in wardrobe
minibar
This is the Spice Restaurant that serves buffet breakfast
One of the appetizers served with lunch at the Spice Restaurant
hotel pool and sea view at far end
massage hut on the beach
This is the vat that won my approval as it helped to clean your feet after a day at the beach.
pelangi beach resort on the map is the location of meritus pelangi
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