Opened in 2011, Ixora Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Perai. The hotel’s strategic location near the Perai Industrial Estate makes it a popular choice of accommodation among expatriates and business travelers.
The lobby is where guests are checked in. Alternatively, guests who have booked their rooms in advance can proceed to the self-service kiosk. Check-in and check-out times are 2:00pm and 12:00pm respectively. While exploring Ixora Hotel, be sure to look out for the elusive mascot cat called Hitam San!
Ixora Hotel has several room categories to accommodate guests with different needs. My room, the Executive King Room, covers 53 square meters and is one of the largest guestrooms in the hotel. Room amenities are flat-panel television, high-speed Internet access, clothes iron, electronic safe and more.
The ensuite bathroom contains a bathtub and a rain shower; the former is increasingly rare in hotels nowadays. Meanwhile, the toilet has a built-in bidet. Ixora Hotel provides complimentary toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo and body lotion.
In each guestroom, there is a handy Smartphone that gives the latest updates on hotel events and local attractions. Guests are encouraged to take the phone along while exploring Penang. To stay connected to the Internet, the handy Smartphone has 3G/4G and Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests can also make local and international calls through the smartphone.
As for refreshments, instant coffee and tea bags are provided. The drinks and snacks are replenished daily in the Executive King Room. I also have the privilege of enjoying coffee capsules from Arissto. As for souvenirs, Ban Heang cookies can be purchased from a kiosk at the hotel lobby.
The open space at Level 2 affords nice views of the surrounding area. A foot reflexology path cuts through the artificial turf. Cozy cabanas allow guests to enjoy the cooling breeze especially in the evening.
Next to the landscaped lawn is an infinity pool for adults. Clean towels are available. Meanwhile, guests who prefer to keep their feet dry can sunbathe on sunloungers next to the pool.
In effort to provide family-friendly hospitality, Ixora Hotel allows young ones to enjoy a splash at the plunge pool with a water slide. There are no lifeguards on duty, so parents should supervise their children at all times.
Also located on Level 2, the spacious fitness center has exercise equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles and weight machines. Water dispensers and changing rooms are conveniently nearby.
The Straits Cafe & Lounge is the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant. The restaurant is open from 6:00am to 11:00pm. Outside the restaurant’s operating hours, guests can still order food from the 24-hour in-room dining menu.
Keeping the needs of children in mind, the restaurant has constructed a small playground at a corner. This complimentary indoor playground allows parents to dine in peace while their children are entertained.
Adjacent to the dining area is a bar where drinks (including alcoholic ones) are prepared. Live music is performed every Friday and Saturday between 6:00pm and 9:00pm. Next to the stage are cozy lounge chairs where patrons can relax throughout the evening. Happy Hour runs from 6:00pm to 9:00pm daily.
Breakfast is served at The Straits Cafe & Lounge from 6:00am to 10:00am every morning. White bread and wholemeal bread are available in slices. A conveyor toaster is provided for the convenience of guests. Meanwhile, bread spreads include butter, strawberry jam and kaya (coconut jam).
Other pastries include croissants, muffins, Danishes, baguettes and country loaves. I am particularly impressed by the flaky texture of croissants.
At the egg station, popular choices are soft-boil eggs, scrambled eggs and omelettes. Other essential breakfast dishes are chicken sausages, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, French toast, pancakes, breakfast cereals and more.
Moving to the nasi lemak counter, coconut-infused rice is served with ayam kurma (braised chicken) and sambal tumis (chili paste). Other ingredients include hard-boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, sliced cucumbers and fried anchovies.
As for Chinese dishes, dim sum and baozi are served in steamer baskets. Baozi fillings are red bean paste, pandan paste and kaya. Rice porridge is also prepared every morning. There are a variety of ingredients to go with congee.
Guests in Executive King Room and above enjoy special access to the Library Lounge on Level 2. This exclusive lounge allows guests to relax and pass the time reading books and magazines. There is also a computer terminal should guests prefer to browse the web.
Privileged guests also enjoy evening cocktail at the Library Lounge, which is served between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. My favorite dish is cheesy French fries. Other popular choices are Waldorf salad, cheese sandwiches and fried rice.
As for pastries, there are petits fours like vanilla sesame sponge cake with peanut butter frosting. Meanwhile, ear biscuits and finger biscuits are provided in airtight jars.
To stimulate your appetite, ask for a complimentary glass of Australian wine. Shiraz Viognier and Chardonnay Pinot Grigio are poured upon request. On the other hand, non-alcoholic choices are coffee, tea and juices.
Ixora Hotel’s pillarless Grand Ballroom has a 300-inch giant LED screen and can accommodate up to 800 people in a banquet setting. For smaller events, the hotel provides smaller venues such as Baba & Nyonya Hall. As for weddings, Ixora Hotel offers attractive packages starting from RM988.00 net per table.
Ixora Hotel’s shopping arcade is occupied by tenants like Rosemary De Chi Family Wellness Centre. The massage parlor operates from 12:00pm to 12:00am. Prior appointment is highly recommended.
Be sure to visit the semi-permanent art gallery at the shopping arcade. If you are interested to purchase any of these paintings, simply approach the front desk staff for assistance.
Ixora Hotel is conveniently near large shopping malls like Megamal Pinang and Sunway Carnival Mall. Tourist attractions like Penang Bird Park are also within a short drive. Future visitors can easily make room reservations through Ixora Hotel’s website.
Name: Ixora Hotel
Address: 3096, Jalan Baru, Bandar Perai Jaya, 13600 Perai, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-382-8888
Business hours: 24 hours
Website: https://www.ixorahotel.com
Coordinates: 5.37817 N, 100.39833 E
Directions: From Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan (North-South Expressway), take the Prai exit and head west. After Megamal Pinang on the left, turn left and follow the road to Ixora Hotel’s basement parking.