Ritz Garden Hotel

This hotel is primarily noted for its central location in Ipoh, making it an excellent base for sightseers and tourists eager to explore the city's attractions and diverse culinary scene. Its proximity to numerous eateries and key landmarks is a significant draw, appealing to those who prioritize convenience and accessibility during their travels. While some aspects of the hotel show their age, the friendly and helpful staff consistently receive high praise, contributing positively to the guest experience. The presence of a swimming pool and gym also adds value, particularly for families and short-stay travelers looking for affordable accommodation with some recreational facilities. To make the most of your stay, it is advisable to clarify all room tax details upon booking and be prepared for a somewhat unconventional check-in and parking arrangement, which might require navigating through different building sections.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, including a swimming pool and a gym, which many guests appreciate as value-added amenities for the price. There is also an on-site restaurant or cafe. However, feedback on these facilities is mixed; some guests noted the pool was not well-maintained, with concerns about cleanliness. The air conditioning in rooms is frequently described as old, noisy, and difficult to control, impacting comfort. Many rooms lack essential amenities such as a mini-fridge, iron/ironing board, and a telephone to contact reception. The televisions are often reported as old, not working properly, or having very limited channels. Additionally, Wi-Fi connectivity is a common point of frustration, with many guests finding it unreliable or non-existent.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest experiences regarding room cleanliness and comfort vary significantly. While some guests found their rooms to be adequately clean, a notable number reported issues such as dirty bedsheets with visible stains, crawling insects on mattresses and bathroom floors, and an unpleasant smell in the rooms. The beds are a frequent source of complaint, often described as hard, old, and noisy, with guests sometimes feeling the springs. Many rooms are noted for being small and lacking windows, which can contribute to a confined feeling. Noise levels are a major concern, with poor soundproofing leading to disturbances from street noise, other guests, and the loud air conditioning units, making a restful night's sleep challenging for many.

Dining & Food Quality
While the hotel itself has an on-site restaurant or cafe, guest reviews primarily highlight the abundance of dining options available just a short walk away. Guests appreciate the convenience of being close to various popular eateries, including local favorites like famous mee goreng, soya bean stalls, and Nasi Kandar restaurants. This makes the hotel an ideal choice for food enthusiasts looking to explore Ipoh's culinary scene. However, it is important to note that despite some booking platform listings, the hotel does not consistently provide breakfast, which has been a point of confusion for some visitors. The focus remains on the excellent external food accessibility rather than internal dining services.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently praised as its strongest asset, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous tourist attractions and a wide array of eateries in Ipoh town. Its proximity to the Ipoh airport is also a convenience for travelers. However, navigating the hotel's layout can be confusing for first-time visitors; the main check-in lobby is not street-facing and is located further inside, often requiring guests to use a skybridge to access their rooms from the parking area. While parking is available and often free for guests, it is frequently described as challenging, narrow, and located behind the hotel in a different block, which can be inconvenient.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as very friendly, helpful, and attentive. Many reviewers highlight their positive interactions with the team, noting their willingness to assist with requests and provide a welcoming atmosphere. The check-in process is generally reported as quick and efficient. Staff responsiveness, including through messaging platforms, is also appreciated. However, there are isolated instances of negative feedback, with some guests reporting rude interactions with reception staff, particularly concerning additional charges for early check-in or unfulfilled promises regarding refunds. Despite these few exceptions, the overall sentiment towards the staff's service is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests citing it as a primary reason for repeat stays.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's somewhat unconventional layout, where the main entrance is not street-facing, and accessing rooms or parking often involves navigating through different buildings via a skybridge. Some guests have reported being charged an additional room tax upon arrival, even if they believed it was already included in their booking. The hotel has undergone a name change and is now referred to as "Ipoh Concept" by some. While the hotel offers amenities, some guests found the operating hours for these facilities to be inconvenient. For those traveling with vehicles, the parking lot is located behind the hotel, and while generally considered safe, it can be challenging to maneuver.