The Majestic Malacca Hotel - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

The story of The Majestic Malacca started in 1929 when a tycoon, Leong Long Man, built this mansion. Sadly, he passed away just two years later, and his son eventually sold it to Lim Heng Fang in 1955. Lim saw the potential and turned it into The Majestic Hotel, which quickly became the place to be in the 50s and 60s. British planters loved it, and it even hosted Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, in 1957 when the country gained independence.

Over the years, the hotel had its ups and downs. By 2000, it was a bit worse for wear, operating as a guesthouse. But thankfully, people realized how important it was to preserve such a landmark. YTL Hotels stepped in, acquired it in 2006, and carefully restored it, reopening in 2008 with all the charm and elegance of its original design, plus contemporary comforts. Walk through the mansion today, and you can still see the original porcelain tiles, the teakwood details—it’s like stepping back in time.

Over the years, The Majestic Malacca has also racked up quite a few awards along the way, like Top 25 Hotels in Malaysia, ranked 13th by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards in 2014, Best Boutique Stay from Expatriate Lifestyle, and Best Traditional Spa from Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia in 2016.

At the heart of The Majestic Malacca is a restored 1920s Straits Settlement mansion. Its original porcelain tiles and solid teakwood fittings are still in place, giving you a real sense of the past. Around this historic core, the hotel has been thoughtfully extended to add guest rooms, suites, and facilities that blend old-world elegance with modern amenities, including a spa and wellness center, massage services, a fitness room, library, gym, and a swimming pool.

The rooms themselves feel warm and inviting. Timber floors underfoot, a four-poster teak bed dressed in crisp cottons with a silk runner, and a chaise lounge by the window where you can sit back and watch the river flow. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed in silk drapes let in plenty of soft light, and the bathrooms feature clawfoot tubs, perfect for a long soak.

The Deluxe Rooms are smartly designed with sliding wooden doors between the sleeping area and bathroom, so you can adjust the level of privacy to your liking. For something more special, the Majestic and Tranquerah Suites offer 70 square metres each, with their own seating areas and powder rooms. Located on the top floor, they look out over the Malacca River and the traditional Malay village of Kampung Morten.

Malacca’s cuisine really is a melting pot—Portuguese, Dutch, Malay, Chinese, Indian, all mixing over centuries to create flavours you won’t find anywhere else. One of the most fascinating is Kristang cooking, born from Portuguese settlers and local spices.

The Mansion

This is the main restaurant, and the highlight for anyone curious about Kristang cuisine. Think recipes that go back generations, full of spice and depth, alongside Nyonya, Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western dishes. The setting is equally charming, with timber floors and Straits Settlement windows looking out over the Malacca River and Kampung Morten. If you prefer privacy, there are two private dining rooms upstairs.

The Lounge at The Mansion

Set right at the heart of the house, this is where people gather for conversation, tea, or just to snack on the colorful local treats you’ll see in glass jars. It’s relaxed, casual, and carries the mansion’s history in its atmosphere.

The Bar at The Mansion

You’ll find this by the entrance, styled a little like an old European saloon. It’s an easygoing spot to enjoy a whisky, a cocktail, or simply unwind after exploring the city.

Gin O’Clock

This is a fun twist The Majestic has introduced—an interactive gin cart that lets you try your hand at mixing cocktails. Recipe cards guide you along, and you can even take them home to recreate your Malaccan-inspired mixes later.

Celebrations here are inspired by a traditional Peranakan wedding, full of color, joy, and cultural charm. Couples start the day with a tea ceremony, dressed in an intricate Peranakan wedding ensemble, then enjoy a floral-decorated trishaw ride through the UNESCO World Heritage city, and end the celebrations with a Dondang Sayang performance where Baba-Nyonya singers exchange playful Malay poetry accompanied by live instruments.

Before the ceremony, couples can enjoy a complimentary session at Spa Village Malacca. It begins with a hair ritual and continues with either the warming Suam-suam Panas or the cooling Shiok-shiok Sejuk treatment. Both experiences include massage, scrubs, facials, and hair care.

The Majestic offers three function rooms that can host 12 to 100 guests, giving you plenty of flexibility. For something more unconventional, the dining room and public spaces can also be used. Their professional banquet and meeting planner teams work closely with you to create a seamless event, tailored to your needs. Couples can start with a traditional tea ceremony, followed by celebratory cocktails with canapés. The evening continues with a five-course Peranakan dinner with champagne and a choice of wedding cake, from butter, chocolate fudge, fruitcake, or cheesecake. Small touches like the bridal bouquet, the groom’s boutonniere, and a complimentary bottle of champagne at turndown are included. Newlyweds also enjoy a complimentary two-night honeymoon stay at any YTL Hotels luxury property in Malaysia, valid for 18 months from the wedding date.

Cultural and Outdoor Experience

The Spa Village Malacca is a real highlight. It’s the only spa in the world built around the healing traditions of the Peranakan culture, blending Chinese and Malay influences. The treatments themselves are based on the Peranakan belief in balancing warm and cool energies. You even begin with a traditional hair ritual before moving into therapies shaped by age-old Chinese medicine practices and local ingredients. It’s no wonder the spa has collected multiple awards over the years. Beyond the spa, the hotel offers plenty of ways to stay active and engaged. Play a round at the golf course, unwind with a good book in the library, or work out in the gym.

Step outside, and the surroundings add to the experience. Meander through 600-year-old narrow streets lined with red brick Dutch colonial buildings, or take a short walk to the famous Stadthuys, built in 1650, and the Jonker and Heeren heritage areas.

Just a short drive away, Menara Taming Sari is a revolving tower that offers a panoramic view of how centuries of trade, colonial rule, and local tradition have shaped the city. Then there’s A Famosa, the famous Portuguese fortress built in the early 1500s. Today, only one gate remains, a reminder of when European powers first arrived in Southeast Asia. It’s one of the oldest surviving European structures in the region. The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, set in a beautifully preserved townhouse, offers a window into the life of a wealthy Peranakan family. The carved screens, furniture, and heirlooms show how Chinese and Malay influences shaped a unique Malaccan culture.

The Majestic Malacca caters to both corporate and personal events with meeting rooms and a variety of flexible setups. The hotel offers tailored packages with special perks, including décor, menus, and service designed to suit your needs. Whether it’s a business meeting, birthday, or anniversary, their professional hospitality ensures every detail is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the occasion.