Hangout @ Jonker’s terrific location and the smart and modern “Ikea meets Peranakan” style of the simple and squeaky-clean rooms are a winning flashpacker combo, however a tad pricey.

Run by the same crowd as the popular Hangout @ Mt Emily in Singapore, rooms here are a good step up from a hostel with air-con, small TVs, a desk and ensuite, but don’t expect many frills. Most are tiny and several are windowless or with no outlook, however beds are comfy and showers hot. Streetside rooms with windows are better, but pack the earplugs if you’re a light sleeper—they’re noisy.

A twin room. Photo: Sally Arnold

Options include singles (all no windows), twin, double, triple and quad rooms and as it says on the box, Hangout delivers on the chill spots: mingle or make a cuppa at “vegeout” and “timeout” on the ground floor, and survey the sights of Melaka at “lookout”, the rooftop (our favourite). Or if your idea of fun is watching clothes spin in a washing machine, there’s “washout”, a self-service laundry.

Staff are particularly friendly and helpful, too (yep, “helpout”). A simple breakfast is included, but you won’t want to fill up as too many of Melaka’s excellent eateries are on the doorstep. Hangout@Jonker is a few metres from Jonker Street — look for the grey and white four-storey building. Note that Hangout@Jonker will be closed for repairs in the early months of 2017.

Looking out from Photo: Sally Arnold

As an alternative, 906 Riverside offers somewhat bland but clean modern rooms and the riverside location is excellent (request a river-view room) or if you don’t mind being on the edge of town, Hotel Arissa is great value, clean and modern.