A 2,000 sq ft penthouse on the top floor with four ensuite bedrooms that sleep up to 13. Every room has its own bathroom and air conditioner, which guests say feels like a hotel but with far more space.
The Space
The Honeybee Penthouse sits on the top floor of Garden City Straits Condominium, reached by lift, with skyline views across Melaka city. At 2,000 square feet it is one of the most spacious self catering stays in the city centre, and the layout is built for groups. Four large bedrooms each come with their own ensuite bathroom and air conditioner, an arrangement guests return to again and again in their reviews: it feels like a hotel, but every room is bigger.
Four queen beds plus extra single and double mattresses sleep up to 13, so large families travel together without splitting across two bookings. Past guests have comfortably hosted mixed groups of adults, toddlers and infants under one roof. The living room is generously sized with ceiling fans rather than air conditioning, and it stays cool thanks to the height and the open space.
“Great value for money. From the outside the building needs a new paint job but otherwise facilities are well maintained. Being at the centre of city saves time going around tourism spots.”
Airbnb guest review
What’s Inside
- Four bedrooms, all ensuite, all air conditioned
- Four queen beds with comforters, plus three single mattresses and one double mattress, sleeping up to 13
- Five bathrooms with hot showers and strong water pressure
- 100 Mbps fibre WiFi
- Sony 46 inch LED TV with Android TV and Chromecast
- Astro NJOI (28 TV channels and 20 radio channels)
- Refrigerator, microwave, water purifier and kettle
- Iron and ironing board, hair dryers in every room
- Clean towels, shower gel and shampoo for all guests, plus coffee sachets
There is no stove and no washing machine, though a launderette is a short walk away in Melaka Raya. The kitchen suits reheating and light prep rather than full cooking.
The Building
Facilities include a resort style swimming pool for adults and children, a children’s playground, 24 hour security, and three gated parking bays with additional visitor parking. Access cards cover both the lift and the car park. Lift access to the top floor keeps it easy for older travellers and young children. Guests single out the pool for its upkeep, noting it is cleaned promptly even after a windy night leaves it scattered with leaves.
Getting Around
Portuguese Settlement is within walking distance, best visited in the evening for seafood at the waterfront restaurants. Melaka Raya, a few minutes on foot, covers everyday needs with a 99 Speedmart, laundry and a wide choice of food. ElementX Mall, formerly Elements Mall, is also close by. Jonker Walk and A Famosa are 4 to 8 minutes by car or Grab, and 10 to 18 minutes by local bus.
Good to Know
The host meets every guest at the guardhouse on arrival to hand over access cards and show you the unit. The building exterior is older and due a fresh coat of paint, but the renovated interior is well kept and clean. There is a club in the area, and while guests report the bass is barely noticeable from most bedrooms, light sleepers may prefer the rooms furthest from the entrance.
