Lone Pine
Old-world charm with a sea breeze
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Cashed up and yearn for some old-world charm by the sea? Established in 1948, five-star Lone Pine, was the first hotel in Batu Ferringhi and along with service and comfort offers a good dose of romance and nostalgia.
Travelfish says:
The story goes that the original owner mistook the solitary casuarina tree on the front lawn for a pine, and a name and icon was born. Today a swath of shady casuarinas dot the grassy foreshore and the hotel too has grown from its modest beginnings, but the sense of calm and refinement remains and is quite simply enchanting.
Elegant airy rooms and suites recall the past with gleaming white walls, parquet floors and white louvred shutters, appointed with simple contemporary furnishings that are unobtrusive and comfortable although are beginning to look a tad dated. Many enjoy sea views, but not all, so enquire on booking.
Choose from the “old wing’s” premier or premier garden rooms, boasting two queen-size beds with serene courtyard or one king-size with lounge lizard daybed area. Louvred shutters open onto the garden and flood the rooms with light, but when closed they seem rather gloomy. Deluxe twins or super deluxe king-size bedrooms in the newer multi-storey wing have the added draw of an individual plunge bath on each balcony. Suites offer even more space with separate living and dining areas making them big enough for a brood to stay in. Stylishly decorated bathrooms, feature black and white mosaic tiles and enjoy standalone tubs and rainfall showers.
The resorts facilities include two swimming pools positioned side by side by the sea, one kid free and the other child friendly. As well as a handful of sun lounges and beanbags, teepees large enough for a family offer shade. The beach in front of the resort seemed fairly clean but underused and without any beachside deckchairs usually provide by resorts, although guests seemed content with the pool.
Additionally there’s a gym, a spa and a games rooms and as far as eating goes, Lone Pine offers three options—alfresco beachside dining, an elegant Japanese eatery and a chilled tapas bar. The most challenging thing about a stay in Lone Pine may be actually tearing yourself away from the resort.
Lone Pine may not be the biggest or glitziest of the luxury hotels dotting the beachfront, it is definitely the most intimate and couples, honeymooners or those seeking utter relaxation and refuge will adore this hotel. For folks with kids, nearby Park Royal Resort or Hard Rock Hotel may be a better choice, with more in the way of pool slides and distractions. If your heart’s desire is a heritage hotel that oozes history then head to Georgetown, since Lone Pine is rather contemporary, encased in a light historical crust.
Contact details for Lone Pine
Address: 97 Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi
T: (0488) 68 686; (0488) 68 600;
Email: style@lonepinehotel.com
Web: http://www.lonepinehotel.com/
Coordinates (for GPS): 100º15'1.74" E, 5º28'33.48" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Room rates: over 500 ringgit
Room rates
What we were quoted as a walk-in.
| Deluxe double room | 375 ringgit | 625 ringgit |
| Deluxe Suite | 546 ringgit | 910 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.