Belakang KongHeng By DreamScape

The location right on concubine lane was perfect, and Andy the manager was responsive when I called. The office can be hard to find, and when I was wandering around a bit lost, he came to meet us. We stayed in the deluxe king room in the old block. The place looked rustic, with polished concrete floors and antique furniture, but was very clean, including spotless-looking bed linen. It felt nothing like the reviews we’d read beforehand. I’d been apprehensive because of them, but this was one of the nicest stays on our trip, and we really liked the aesthetic. A few drawbacks: the bathroom partition between the bedroom/living space is thin, and we could hear road noise from our room. Other reviews said they didn’t have that issue in rooms at the back. You can also hear the call to prayer in the early hours, though personally I don’t mind.

I spent two nights in the "twin shared bathroom" room, and it was a horrible stay. The room looked nothing like the photos, more like an attic with thin wooden walls between rooms. I could hear people talking even when they whispered. The two beds were on the floor and stained with blood, and had bedbugs. I got red, itchy bumps during my stay. There was no bathroom in the room, so guests use the public toilet beside the pool, and share the shower and toilet with strangers. If you’re a female, avoid this room. The room had no water, tissues, or cups, just two beds, two towels, and a trash can. There were also lizards. The receptionist showed me the room and toilet, and the service was okay, though not very professional. I wish they’d told me ahead of time about the extra 30RM check-in fee and tax, as well as the 50RM deposit. The best thing is the location, right in front of concubine lane, above a cafe and near other attractions. There’s also a good Chinese restaurant serving amazing food at a cheap price. I don’t recommend staying here if you’re female or care about hygiene. Even with the low price, it’s better to stay 5 or 10 min away and pay extra for a clean room with a bathroom. Grab in Ipoh is really cheap and fast, so transport costs shouldn’t be a worry.

Great local Ipoh food is right downstairs, and Concubine Lane is directly across the road, so it’s easy to explore. The reception counter is tricky to find. If you care most about location and price rather than luxury or comfort, it’s a good choice. There are narrow staircases, so large or heavy luggage could be a problem. The raw, exposed industrial design gives the place character, though the sound insulation is weak and may not suit everyone. The pool feels natural and rustic rather than like a standard hotel pool. Shared showers are clean and well maintained, the air conditioning works well, and the bedding could use an update.

Finding the reception was a hassle. The hotel is tucked into an alley, and we had to ask around before we spotted it behind the big cafe with the large windows. The staff member was nice and explained there are two buildings. We had to pay an extra RM60 to stay in the same building as my friends, which I still don't think was fair. Inside, the rooms are lovely, with an industrial look, high ceilings and a bed raised on a platform. There's also cooking equipment, though I'm not sure why you'd need it. Parking is on the street without guards. Ipoh's walking street seems safe, but leaving expensive motorcycle parts, especially Ohlins, out in the open still made me uneasy.