Casa del Rio Hotel has a fusion of history and modernity

MALACCA: Casa del Rio Hotel in Malacca, the newest addition to boutique collection of HPL Hotels and Resorts product portfolio officially opened its doors on April 20. The grandeur opening ceremony was filled with much pomp where dignitaries and guests had the opportunity to witness events and the inspiring details given by the creative team responsible for the development of the unique hotel. 


The opening ceremony was graced Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ibni Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj witnessed by Governor of Malacca, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam. In his speech, managing-director of Casa de Rio, Tan Sri Syed Yusof said the hotel had received several accolades since its soft-opening on May 6, 2011. He said among the coveted acknowledgements received was the “Best Weekend Break” by Expat Lifestyle magazine on October 2011 while the hotel was ranked No 1 among 115 hotels in Malacca by On-Trip advisor on Jan 1, 2012. 


Casa del Rio which in Spanish means “home by the river” is mansion of opulence where “classic elegance meets contemporary design”. Every effort has been made to ensure that the 66-room hotel is a haven of calm and luxury. It is sitting majestically on the riverbank of the historic Malacca river. With prime position, the hotel is located within a precinct of heritage buildings which gives a sense of tranquillity whilst guests could still relish the pulse and nightlife of the Historic city. The hotel’s location allows easy access to the shops, restaurants, harbour and other popular attractions. 


The luxurious and sophisticated theme is present in all rooms, each of which is individually designed with a lot of attention to detail. Most of the suites offer panoramic views of Malacca river and the city while the rooms have luxury fittings and bathrooms with sliding screens. Other in-room amenities include free high-speed internet access, a 42-inch flat screen TV, DVD/CD player, iPod docking station and more.


Designed by Abdul Harris Othman, the hotel features Mediterranean and Peranakan-inspired style with wrought iron railings and ornamental lighting. Though it blends well with its historical surroundings, the hotel still caters to its guests’ 21st-century needs with facilities such as a gymnasium, ballroom, seven meeting rooms, swimming pool, rooftop garden and three food and beverage outlets. Other facilities at Casa de Rio includes concierge, fine dining at riveside outlets such as Bar Rio, River Café and Rive grill. With elegance and modern amenities, the hotel also caters to the different needs of guests. 


The hotel is also situated closely to the list of heritage sites namely, Admiral Cheng Ho Cultural museum, A. Famosa, St. Paul’s hill, Stadthuys and St. Peter’s Cathedral. Hotel Manager, Andrew Drummond described his role at Casa de Rio as the pinnacle of 25-year service in the service industry. “Malacca is a community based city where ones feels at home and frankly I am enjoying my job here. “Case del Rio, will, without compromising on the efficiencies of modern demands, will provide guests with sublime pleasure of home comfort,” he added.
-thestar online.
www.casadelrio-melaka.com