Baba House is strategically close to the vibrant heart of Melaka city, conveniently located just steps from Melaka’s renowned attractions, including the vibrant Jonker Street, the scenic Melaka River Park and Cruise, the culturally rich Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museums, and the serene Cheng Hoon Teng Temple.
Upon arrival, the blue, grand façade of the stunning heritage building exudes an aura of nostalgia, transporting visitors to a bygone era of Peranakan splendour. Stepping through the entrance, I was enveloped in the warmth of traditional Peranakan hospitality, as the friendly staff greeted me with genuine smiles and a warm welcome.
The hotel which has been thoughtfully restored to its original splendour offers a perfect fusion of traditional Peranakan elegance and contemporary comforts. The walls are decorated with intricate Peranakan patterns, and the space is filled with antique furniture and artefacts. The interior and exterior decor features the iconic Peranakan tiles that reflect the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Rooms and facilities at Baba House
Each of the 100 rooms at Baba House is uniquely designed, marrying contemporary comfort with wooden old-world elegance. Options range from the simple Bilek Hibiscus rooms and the deluxe plus Bilek Ruellia rooms to the spacious Bilek Azalea junior suites, and Bilek Peony family suites.
We stayed in the simple deluxe which was comfortable but the window was tiny with no view so those who like a lot of light and a view should definitely opt for another room.
The hotel’s facilities aim to cater to a variety of interests and needs. The Kaki Minom rooftop bar and the adjacent tanning pools looked like a perfect setting for chilling and relaxing. Unfortunately, the bar was closed during our visit and the area looked empty which was a disappointment as we missed out on what could have been a delightful rooftop experience with a great view over the city.
There is a nice gym as well as a small Bilek Bacha Library, stocked with Peranakan heritage books, which offers a quiet corner for reading and resting.
We also appreciated that the hotel offers an outdoor cinema experience for its guests. Every evening features a different movie showcased in the outdoor courtyard.
Dining at Baba House includes Mari Chiak Restaurant, which serves authentic Nyonya cuisine. We only tried the breakfast which offered a somewhat limited selection of local and Western dishes. Lunch and dinner are a la carte.
The additional cafe/restaurant on the premises, Rumak Kecik, serves international cuisine and looked quite busy.
Although we enjoyed our short one night stay we did think that some of the staff could do with more customer training. Returning before 11pm from a concert to find no available service for a simple request like a glass of wine because the bartender had already left was a little frustrating on a Saturday night. The staff, whilst friendly and polite, seemed a little lost at times responding to our requests.
In conclusion, Baba House stands out for its distinctive blend of heritage and modernity and its convenient location within walking distance of Melaka’s key historical sites. While the aesthetics and the ambiance of the hotel are lovely, it needs to work a bit on improving service reliability and staff responsiveness. Nonetheless, for travellers keen on exploring Peranakan culture, Baba House offers a promising choice.
