Shamrock Guest House

We got to this guest house a little after 10pm, and just needed somewhere to sleep after arriving in Ipoh late. We weren't looking for a fancy hotel that cost a few hundred. The location is nice, about 2 minutes from the dim sum streets and 4 minutes from Ong Kee Restaurant.

At RM138, I’d expect the basic amenities to be included, but you have to pay separately for them here. My Shamrock Garden room, #12B on level 2, was completely dark, without a single light. I travel often and rarely review hotels, usually I only write about food, but this was so unacceptable that it’ll be my first and last stay. Even proper hotels in Ipoh, like De Hotel, Seemsoon, and Ritz Garden, aren’t that expensive. Seriously, it’s a shame.

My boys were happy with the space, and having three beds worked fine for me and my four kids. The room was clean, as were the pillows, comforters, and toilet. I checked for hidden cameras with special tools and didn’t find any. There was a fridge that kept the kids’ milk in good shape, plus an oven I didn’t use. The place is spacious and affordable, with a good location. I’d give it four stars, it’s not bad, and it feels perfect for what it is, though it’s not a five-star hotel. The furniture was dusty, though, and parking was difficult. Customer service wasn’t very good, and the old door needed a double check to make sure it was locked. The air-conditioning wasn’t cold and didn’t cover the whole bed. The iron and ironing board were outside the room, which made it awkward to get them when women wanted privacy to iron a hijab. Soap and shampoo cost extra, and there were no toothbrushes or toiletries, so luckily I brought my own. There was no free 3-in-1 coffee either, you had to buy it before making it. When I went downstairs for hot water at 2 AM, I noticed a few young Malay couples, about 16 to 23, hurrying upstairs. I don’t know if what they were doing was haram or halal. In general, this hotel gets very good reviews, and I think it can keep doing business for many more decades.

There’s plenty of parking, though you do have to pay for it. The room was simple and clean, with good water pressure and useful basics: TV with limited channels, towels, a hairdryer, kettle, cups, bottled drinking water, fridge, and safe. Staff were friendly, and the stay was pleasant and good value. It’s close to the main road and lots of places to eat and pubs, but on a weekday it wasn’t noisy. The city centre, where the famous chicken restaurants are, is about a 10-15 minute walk.