Arriving at a memorable colonial mansion, ten minutes’ drive from central Georgetown, is uplifting and raises expectations. A comfortable and interesting stay, but the high-end status of Macalister Mansion presents its challenges to the management and staff.
A lovely building with some striking original remnants, has been renovated in some cases well, but with less good finishes in parts. The room was spacious, modern, clean, well fitted with an outsized, well presented and working bathroom and some delightful art work. Aesop toiletries: nice. Good bed. But little things are missing; TV coverage limited; no USB connection; outdated sound system; window shutters clumsy to use. Corridors are not well finished; carpets could do with an overhaul. There is no elevator, though the building is only two storeys.
The staff were friendly, likeable and accommodating, not proactive, but satisfied all requests efficiently and with a smile, better than average Malaysian standards in our view.
The restaurant Blanc is quiet but warm. While the food is nicely presented, it is too complex for us and a bit pricey. The bar is disproportionately large for the hotel (just 8 bedrooms), with an eccentric mix of furniture, artwork and paraphernalia, giving a club feel: characterful. The café is friendly with reasonable café food, but the breakfast offering was limited and unexciting for a high-end hotel.
Outside, the pool and recreation areas are sizeable for the guest population, but the furniture and planting could do with some maintenance and perhaps replacement. The outside bar was being renovated – when open it could, if the service matches, solve the currently annoying challenge of getting an interesting drink in the daytime. The hotel’s and so the pool area’s proximity to the road and the overlook by buildings may discourage some guests, though it did not bother us.
Macalister Mansion has a charm. We would probably return. This would be more likely if some upgrading of décor, fittings and service were implemented to justify its high-end aspirations.
