M BOUTIQUE STATION 18 - An Urban Charm From The Past

In the current hospitality market “bigger isn’t better” is a mantra that many small individual hoteliers are taking advantage of and the younger sister of the second home of M Boutique hotels that opened in Pengkalan, M Boutique Station 18 is no exception especially with its standout exterior design to admire. It’s always a different experience at M Boutique Hotels. mylifestylenews writes.

Ten years ago, we were lucky enough to unexpectedly came across the first M Boutique hotel in Ipoh, predominently the pioneer boutique design hotel in the region. Since then, it has gained numerous accolades including the BEST HOSPITALITY CONCEPT 2019 by the Asia Pacific Tourism Travel and Awards (APTTA) as well as recognition from local and international travellers flocking into the lovely town of Ipoh with a wider choice of accommodation especially to suit those that admire the quirky and playful design elements in side out.

For the love of Ipoh, the passionate creative team behind the scene has since expanded the brand with the same design ethos by curating three more properties and only in Perak state - Three in Ipoh and one in Kampar. It is like a love letter written to its beloved state of Perak and none other.

While Pengkalan may not be familiar with many travellers, the locale of the M Boutique hotels are carefully chosen, with the attempt to enlighten the local neighbourhood cultural aspect.

The M Boutique Station 18 also may not be centrally located at the most tourist hang outs of Ipoh City yet it is just minutes away from the the domestic Sultan Azlan Shah Airport as well as the those scenic temples caves exploration, not forgetting the reknown Tambun estates where one of the nation's finest and citrusy pomelos are produced just a short drive away.

Aeon shopping mall and Lotus hypermarket are within walking distance, so are plentiful choices of local street food adjacent to the hotel’s shop houses. The secluded Streetfood Beer Garden (七里箱）most frequented by locals in the evening is worth a visit especially settling into a breezy evening.

Inspired during a wander in the dark streets of Old town Ipoh, the sound of soothing tones emanating from one of the Straits Eclectic Pre War Shop houses set the inspiration going. As you approach the M Boutique Station 18, it is unmissable due to the external cladding that is referencing one of the Straits electric pre-war shop houses and the distressed shutters are a giveaway if you are familiar with this architecture.

The day and night vibe are very different and it is at night that the lighting plays into the “wow” card, as it looks like a beacon within the surrounding neighbourhood and creates an urban charm from the past.

At street level you realise how chic this boutique hotel is for its charming exterior and you can’t help but be drawn into the lobby to take in all the detail and wonderful eclecticism in the interior design elements.

The lobby is not huge, but thoughtfully laid out with thematic ornamental objects that are not just at eye level, start being nosy with your eyes to look up and look down, so try not to miss the wooden reindeers and suitcases positioned high up in the rafters! On being handed your room key envelope you may take a hint with the marketing slogan that the hotel “is populated with wonderfully crafted items and we hope to keep it that way”.

With the hotel’s casual chic M|Izakaya Restaurant & Bar adjacent (only open for dinner) and the huge chandeliers, figurines, old suitcases, bright animal print cushion covers and antique floorboards really set the scene, which continues when you step out of the lift onto your floor, where dimmer lighting sets the mood adorned with paper lanterns, wall hangings and other quirky design elements that continue the fun!

This hotel is the second iteration of the brand and has larger guest rooms than the first one, which is a bonus and they manage to keep their rebellious flair.

The Queen room allocated to us is monochromatic and designed in almost minimalist chic, singular color set against a start contrast of white by not clogging up the floor space with sensible free standing iron and wood “cage’ units for hanging clothes and putting your bags and suitcases.

The very high ceilings is a plus, so unlike other brands it stops the room from feeling claustrophobic and gives a sense of more space, along with polished floorboards, a four-poster bed frame, bedhead mural, all of which is juxtaposed with the signature black and white tiled bathrooms with a huge walk-in shower.

The bed is extremely comfortable, the bathroom toiletries are spot on. Despite the fierce air-conditioning unit that blows out the direct air to the bed that took us a while to get the air direction right for a soundless night sleep, there is nothing jarring about the look and feel and this definitely punches above its weight when compared with more big-name brands.

While no breakfast is available in the hotel which is not a big issue to any staying guest, there is a fabulous food court serving delicious local food right behind the hotel with plentiful local patrons that would simply satisfy your breakfast cravings. So, it makes sense that they focus on the staycation experience and let the local food do the talking within the lovely neighbourhood.

The overall experience is more than satisfying for a small design boutique like this for what they offer. The M Boutique brand offers a “design-able” and comfortable staycation experience as well as value for money, so it ticks all the boxes and gives you an excuse to go local for a chic blast from the past. And once again, it’s always a different experience at M Boutique Hotels.
 

Tried & Tested:

Location: 4/5
Design & Decor: 4.5/5
Room Amenities: 4/5
Housekeeping: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Experience: 4.5/5
  
M Boutique Station 18
 15-23 Jalan Pengkalan Barat 35,

Taman Pengkalan Jaya,

Station 18, 31650

Ipoh, Perak,

Malaysia

Tel: +6 05 321 1666

Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.