Planning a holiday with kids can be tricky. Still, Melaka makes it surprisingly easy, especially since it’s only a short 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur (KL). Packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a wide array of food around every corner, this city ticks all the right boxes for a stress-free family getaway.

Though Melaka is popular among travellers and frequently visited by Malaysians, it never gets old. With new cafes and attractions constantly popping up, this city-town remains a great place to explore for both the young and old.

For a recent family trip, we checked into the DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka. And right from the start, we were treated to a sweet welcome: their signature chocolate chip walnut cookie – warm, crunchy and delightfully satisfying.

Room with a view

We had the pleasure of residing in the one-bedroom suite for two nights. As we entered the room, our initial impression was the remarkable spaciousness, complemented by the expansive, tall windows that offered a breathtaking panoramic view of Melaka at a single glance. On the coffee table, we found cute little jars of candies, which the kids devoured.

The room features a nice living area with a large TV, on which we enjoyed playing video games connected to the Steam Deck we brought from home. The table in the living room is also big enough for board games or card games. For those who are always working on the go, the work desk comfortably fits two adults without having to squeeze for space.

Now, let’s talk about how comfortable the bed and pillows are. When you sink your head into the soft down pillow and 250 thread count sheets, you’ll know instantly that you’ll have a good night’s rest. True enough, we found it difficult to get out of bed in the mornings.

The rain shower offered a delightful massage with an ideal balance of water pressure. We also basked in the bubble bath alongside the children, enjoying the exquisite sunset as we did so.

Local dining

If you’d like to make the most of the hotel without going out to hunt for food, DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka’s got you covered. At the breakfast buffet, a dedicated chef flips fresh, flaky roti canai, perfectly complemented by a flavourful dhal that boasts the ideal consistency. Their mee soto is commendable as well, made with an array of spices and a subtle kick of heat.

For lunch, four options come in a meal set: Roasted Chicken Rice, Makan Kitchen Chicken Chop, Oxtail Assam Pedas, and Fish Head Curry. Each set lunch is accompanied by a refreshing chilled juice and an assortment of cut fruits. We found the chicken chop to be the most delightful, though we thought the assam pedas and fish head curry were somewhat heavy in sodium content.

The seafood buffet dinner has a myriad of fresh seafood prepared in a variety of cuisines, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian. Guests have the option to select their preferred seafood and request a delightful fry-up, complemented by their signature shell-out sauce. For those who prefer milder flavours, garlic and ginger are available, while the spice lovers can indulge in the spicy version featuring garlic and chilli.

Our favourite aspect of the evening is savouring our seafood feast while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The children particularly relished the chocolate fountain accompanied by fresh strawberries.

For the little ones, there’s a small nook in Makan Kitchen with kid-sized tables and chairs where they can play in while or after feasting. Parents or guardians can watch their children from the sofa bench while enjoying the sunset.

Activities for the littles

Kids club—two words which are music to parents’ ears. Every Friday to Sunday from 11am to 12pm, DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka organises a fun session where kids can decorate the signature Hilton cookie. Yes, another opportunity for a sugar rush!

Although the hotel doesn’t have many activities planned for the children, there are many sections of the club where children can enjoy, including the private movie room, a PS5 corner, dollhouses, and a reading corner. It can get pretty crowded during the weekends, as at least one parent is required to stay with their kids.

Not forgetting the infinity pool situated next to the kids club, which allows the kids to enjoy pool time after playing at the kids club. The adult pool, with a depth of four feet, allows even the youngest guests to swim with ease and without concern. Plus, the pool is also another location where hotel guests can take in breathtaking views of Melaka.

Keeping fit

For those who would like to run off their Nyonya Laksa or not run away from their usual gym routine, the hotel has an extensive gym. You’ll find weights and a wide variety of machines ranging from a step machine, bicycles, to the good old treadmill.

Most of the machines are facing the tall glass windows so you can enjoy the view while working up a sweat. After your workout, you can detox at the sauna or steam room.

Attractions nearby

During our three-day stay, we managed to explore some of Melaka’s historical gems: the Stadthuys, Dutch Square, A Famosa Fort, and the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum.

We really loved the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum as it was accompanied by an audio tour, voiced by the family members who previously lived in the home-turned-museum. Mr Chan, who lived there as a kid, shared how the family lived and the traditions they practised. We got to see the gong they used to call the kids for dinner, an old school ice-cream machine, an antique iron, a wooden bed, and many more.

If you’re in Melaka during the weekend, the Jonker Street night market is open from 6pm to 12am. It’s advisable to head there via Grab or taxi as finding a parking spot can be challenging. Some roads will be closed as well, and the Waze app might give you incorrect directions. Fridays are usually less crowded compared to Saturdays and Sundays.

Gorgeous views all-around

We relished the chance to savour the stunning panoramas of Melaka and the enchanting sunset from almost any location within the property. Whether it was from the cosy embrace of our room, the delightful restaurants, or the gym. The children were immensely saddened when it was time to leave. If this does not encapsulate the family-friendly essence of this hotel, I am uncertain what could.