Chariton Hotel Ipoh

It was mostly okay for me, except the shower kept going cold. The hot water lasted only briefly before cooling again. The assistant said it needed time because the system uses solar energy, but the water was still cool.

I didn’t take photos, but wanted to share how it felt staying here alone as a woman. The room itself was acceptable for the price, with clean sheets, a large bed, good water pressure, decent TV channels, and working air conditioning. Check-in at 7pm on Saturday went smoothly. You need to pay the deposit and tourist tax in cash. Prayer mats and hair dryers can be requested at reception, where there’s also a water dispenser. I was given a key for the room and a separate card to turn on the electricity. My room was upstairs and reached by stairs, with irons and ironing boards in the corridors. The location has some pluses: it’s good value, in a quieter part of the city, not too far by car from town, and within walking distance of Chang Jiang Kopitiam, which has fantastic coffee. There’s guarded parking too, with a security guard posted near the entrance at night, so the cars seemed safe. But getting there can be tricky, as the hotel is behind office shop lots. Drive to the end of the street and look for the sign pointing up to “Parking.” At night, the street outside is very dark, and nearby construction has left some sections behind high fences. Even the lobby is dim. I felt unsafe at times, though fortunately I was only there briefly. I wouldn’t advise a woman travelling alone to stay longer. The door gave me particular concern. The outside part of the keyhole was missing, as if it had been forced, and the deadbolt on the inside was broken. These seemed like low-cost repairs that could have helped guests feel much safer. The soundproofing could also be better: I heard muffled conversations, footsteps, and the shower from the next room and the corridors. Considering the price, the short stay was okay, but I can’t shake the feeling about those damaged locks and the dark surroundings. I probably wouldn’t return.

The hotel’s a short walk from several interesting local kopitiams, which was a nice bonus. I booked online at the last minute during a peak period for an overnight stay in the ex-mining capital of the silver state, and the price was very reasonable. Check-in was easy, and the staff were courteous and friendly. For a no-frills stay, I had little to complain about. The solar-heated shower took a while to get hot because the water had to travel through centralized plumbing. I also appreciated having a power outlet and working USB charging ports at the bedside. I’d be happy to book another night or two if I’m in the area again.

A cheap, comfortable enough option for backpackers, and the reception staff were really nice and helpful. The bed was comfortable, the sheets were clean, and the bathroom had warm water. There’s no real view because a hotel is being built right beside it, though we didn’t hear any noise at night. Don’t expect a perfectly clean room. It’s a two-star hotel.