Popular weekend destination Melaka is a favourite for many local and international tourists alike. Being filled to the brim with delicious food choices and situated only 1.5 hours away from KL are certainly attractive points. What’s not to love about Melaka? It always makes for a cultural, relaxing, and delicious stay. If you’re planning a trip there soon, here’s a few charming boutique hotels in Melaka to choose from.

Rosa Malacca

Rosa Malacca is located directly opposite S.M.K. Infant Jesus Convent Melaka (my school!). The design style can be described as industrial, with a hint of shabby chic. Its red-bricked walls and black beams dotted with hanging bulbs of orange light also invoke a hipster feel. Following an ‘anti cookie-cutter’ approach, guests can look forward to a new kind of hotel stay experience. There is an all-day dining restaurant called Bica & Co Courtyard that serves light meals, sandwiches, homemade pastries, and freshly-squeezed juices. It is open to the public too.

Rosa Malacca, 212, Jalan Parameswara, 75000 Melaka, +606 2819 888, rosa.com.my

The Rucksack Caratel

Thoughtfully designed to accommodate both peace- or fun-seeking travellers, The Rucksack Caratel is split into two wings. For a livelier experience nearer the town, opt for their Jonker Wing. The Garden Wing might be favoured by families with children, as it is in a quieter area and features a swimming pool. The hotel also has its own burger and shakes place called Big Mamas, if the weather is uncooperative or you just feel like staying in. The Jonker Wing of the hotel has a very enviable address; it is literally steps away from the Stadthuys building and Jonker Street itself.

The Rucksack Caratel (Jonker Wing), 16, Jalan Laksamana, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, +606 281 1751, therucksackgroup.com/caratel/jonker/

The Rucksack Caratel (Garden Wing), 107, Jalan Banda Kaba, 75000 Melaka, +606 292 2107, therucksackgroup.com/caratel/garden/

1825 Gallery Hotel

Originally a storehouse for imported flour, the 1825 Gallery Hotel is now a lovely place for travellers seeking a heritage-rich stay in Melaka. It sits next to the river that runs through the town, and is conveniently a few minutes’ walk from the festivities of Jonker Street. Its décor is opulent, with antiques at every turn. The building was carefully refurbished with the intention to preserve and protect its authenticity; which can be seen from the walls to the sky well, and through the curated furniture selection.

1825 Gallery Hotel, 27, 29 & 31, Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka, +606 288 2868, 1825galleryhotel.com

45Lekiu

Fancy having an entire place to yourself with all the furnishings and amenities of a boutique hotel? 45Lekiu might just be the one for you. The property is split into two levels. There is an intimate lap pool, kitchenette, mini bar, garden, outdoor shower and washroom, and TV area on the ground floor, while the bedroom with a king-sized bed is on the first floor. To accommodate four people comfortably, there are two single beds in the attic bedroom. Maximum capacity is six persons. A stay here is enhanced with a rain shower and oversized outdoor bathtub, as well as access to a private roof garden with outdoor lounge seating. Sip on a cool beverage as you take in the view of bustling Melaka below for maximum enjoyment.

45Lekiu, 45, Jalan Hang Lekiu, 75200 Melaka, +6012 698 4917 (Sharen), www.45lekiu.com

Gingerflower Boutique Hotel

Image credit: Gingerflower Boutique HotelAnother tastefully restored Peranakan-style abode to choose from is the Gingerflower Boutique Hotel. Strategically located along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (previously known as Heeren Street), Jonker Street and its surroundings are just a stroll away. The hotel retains old world charms while including contemporary luxury fittings and amenities for a comfortable stay. There are 13 rooms in total, which is great for group travellers. Each comes with an ensuite Italian marble bathroom with a rain shower and high quality beddings. There are on and off-site parking lots that can be reserved in advance, and guests can also choose to rent bicycles from the hotel.

Gingerflower Boutique Hotel, 13, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, +606 288 1331, gingerflowerboutiquehotel.com

Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel

A crowd favourite, the Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel remains one of the most sought after boutique hotels in the Jonker Street vicinity. Its 14 rooms and suites are elegantly adorned in a mix of – you guessed it – old world charm and modern luxury. The richness of the wooden furniture and fittings combined with carefully restrained décor results in an understated elegance, the best kind. iPod and Android dockings are available via Bluetooth in the Deluxe rooms, and all room types are equipped with their own rain shower. Suitable for couples and families, there are rooms to accommodate up to four persons.

Courtyard @ Heeren Boutique Hotel, 91, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, +606 281 0088, courtyardatheeren.com