Symphony Suites

The suite was the highlight for me. It was roomy, spotless, and well cared for, with a soft bed and four good pillows. I’m fussy about pillows, so that mattered. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and the bathroom and every other corner were clean. I was happy just staying in the room. Check-in was quick and easy after a long drive, though I wish the front desk had been more attentive. A room upgrade for longer stays or a food voucher would have been a nice touch. The café serving breakfast and lunch didn’t match the room. Breakfast choices were limited, there’s no egg station (though you can ask for particular egg dishes), and the coffee could be better. It wakes you up, just not in an inspiring way. Getting here is convenient: the hotel is on the main road near the PLUS highway exit, on the way to Ipoh city centre. Shops selling the famous Tambun pomelo are close by, so you can pick up a box within minutes of checking out. It’s a bit hit and miss, like ordering cendol and not knowing if you’ll get extra gula Melaka or mostly ice. Still, the location, rooms, and reasonable price give the hotel a lot going for it. I’d come back for that comfortable suite at that price, but I might get my coffee elsewhere first.

The best thing about these rooms is that each one has two toilets. We had two rooms, and both were comfortable and clean, though one was rather dim and there weren’t enough power outlets. Breakfast was adequate for a business hotel. It’s a little way from the city center, but the suite was the cheapest in town.

I booked through Agoda and got a spacious room on the fourth floor that seemed recently renovated, with a lovely hill view. Parking inside the hotel on level two was really handy for driving. The welcome drinks were a nice surprise: coffee and tea, plus unlimited green bean dessert and bread pudding, all self-service in the lobby. Very good stay.

The parking ramp inside is a bit tricky, with sharp turns that need a confident driver. There’s an open car park right by the hotel if that’s not for you. Inside, the rooms are spacious and clean, and the brick walls between rooms help keep noise down. Staff were professional and friendly. I’ll definitely stay again.