Bata Merah Boutique Hotel

The room was extremely tight, with hardly any floor space around the bed, and the attached bathroom was narrow too. It had just enough space for the shower and sink, but may not suit larger guests. The TV didn’t work, perhaps because the remote batteries were dead. Air conditioning was good, though, and the staff greeted me warmly, made sure I had what I needed, and handed over my key. There’s no elevator, and the hallways are narrow, so carrying heavy bags upstairs could be difficult. I could also hear outside noise through the thin walls, which made privacy feel a little uncertain. Shops and food are close by, including Watson, 7-Eleven, KFC, and Domino's. Daytime parking can be tricky, but it’s easier at night. Fine for a basic overnight stop, but I wouldn’t choose it for a relaxing stay.

The price is one of the cheapest around, so I was happy to accept a bit of noise and the parking hassle. It's right beside the main road, with Domino's underneath and a Watson shop next door. The room was spacious for two, clean, and the toilet was a decent size and in okay shape. Check-in and checkout were easy. It’s also near Banting hospital, which was one reason I stayed while visiting relatives. For me, it was a reasonable trade-off, and I quite liked the place.

The reception staff were really friendly, and the location was good. But the room felt like a jail cell for what I paid. A single room had a foldable single bed that didn’t feel like a proper bed, and the house rules made the place feel more like a dorm than a “boutique” hotel. In my windowless room I could hear every conversation at reception. There was no kettle, and the amenities seemed more like a budget hotel. I also wish they’d provide a proper duvet.

My room and toilet were clean, and there was no cigarette smell. I felt the safety and security were good too. Housekeeping did a great job, and the room was clean when I got back. If you’re staying more than a day and want it tidied, hang the room tag on your door or let the front desk know. The staff were friendly.