River views from every room
Heeren House not only has a terrific location directly on the beginning of Heeren Street in the heart of Melaka’s heritage area, but every room offers at least a glimpse of the river and historical sights beyond.
The building began life as a warehouse and after several incarnations is now a comfortable guesthouse, with new management since 2015.
Air-con cooled rooms are bright and airy, with wooden floors and lime-washed walls furnished in a simple modest classic style with traditional solid wooden furniture, some with canopy beds. Pretty floral quilts add to the charm. You can make yourself a hot drink, but the tiny box-style TV with local stations is probably not going to win over the punters, although it possibly adds nostalgic value. Ensuite hot-water bathrooms are compact but clean and functional.
As Heeren House is small, you’ll quickly get to know the staff who provide personalised service and will cook you your full English breakfast included in the room rate. You can also try Peranakan specialities from the menu, too. We like the welcoming style of Heeren House, and our only quibble is the lack of communal areas for relaxing. You can however easily spend time in the street-facing cafe, which is open to the general public. Some guests may find the location too noisy, particularly on weekends when the surrounding streets get busy with music-playing rickshaws and general hubbub.
For a slightly quieter location, Wayfarer Guesthouse offers marginally better value classic-styled riverside rooms, but you’ll have to be quick to grab a room with a view.
Address: 1 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Melaka
T: (06) 281 4241; F: (06) 286 4241
Email: info@heerenhouse.com
Web: http://www.heerenhouse.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 102º14'51.88" E, 2º11'40.48" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: 120 to 250 ringgit
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
Standard double room Or twin. Weekdays. Weekends 181 ringgit. Discount for singles. | 161 ringgit | 161 ringgit |
Family room Weekdays. Weekends 291 ringgit. Four people. | 271 ringgit | 271 ringgit |
Reviewed by
Sally Arnold
Sally spent twelve years leading tourists around Indonesia and Malaysia where she collected a lot of stuff. She once carried a 40kg rug overland across Java. Her house has been described as a cross between a museum and a library. Fuelled by coffee, she can often be found riding her bike or petting stray cats. Sally believes travel is the key to world peace.
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