Hotel Excelsior Ipoh

This hotel is widely recognized for its strategic central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's attractions and culinary scene. Its proximity to numerous popular eateries, shopping areas, and tourist spots like Ipoh Parade and Concubine Lane makes it a top choice for sightseers, families, and groups looking for convenience. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness and the generally friendly demeanor of its staff. While the hotel is an older establishment, many appreciate that it has been well-maintained or recently refurbished. For an enhanced stay, guests are advised to be prepared for potential delays during peak check-in times and to consider requesting rooms on higher floors to mitigate street noise. Navigating the multi-storey car park also requires careful driving.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers various facilities, though guest experiences are mixed. While the lifts are generally efficient and provide convenient access to rooms and the car park, the latter is frequently described as having a narrow and winding access route that can be challenging for larger vehicles. Wi-Fi connectivity is a significant point of contention; many guests report it as spotty, slow, or even non-existent in their rooms, often requiring them to use the lobby for a stable connection, while some found it to be good. Room air conditioning receives mixed reviews, with some finding it effectively cold and good, while others experienced issues with it being hot or noisy. Some rooms are noted to have insufficient power sockets, and the TV quality is often described as poor with limited channels. The gym is available but considered basic, sometimes lacking essentials like towels or water.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, including the floors, bathrooms, towels, and sheets, describing them as cozy and comfortable. The beds and pillows are frequently highlighted as comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. However, some reviews mention specific cleanliness issues such as stained bedsheets, dust, mold in bathrooms, or even cockroaches. Room soundproofing is a recurring concern, with many guests reporting significant noise from the corridor, street, and nearby entertainment venues, especially at night. The bathroom design and functionality also receive mixed comments; while some rooms feature a bathtub and separate shower, common complaints include shower doors that do not close properly, leading to water overflow and poor drainage, as well as noisy toilet air conditioning and eerie flushing sounds.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, elicit a wide range of opinions. Many guests describe the breakfast as decent, offering a good spread with a satisfying variety of local and international options, including an egg station. Some found the food quality to be above expectation and delicious. However, a notable number of guests expressed disappointment, labeling the breakfast as "the worst," "pathetic," or of "poor quality," citing limited choices or specific dishes like scrambled eggs and nasi lemak being unsatisfactory. Some also reported issues with the coffee quality or the breakfast not being ready at the stipulated time. Despite these mixed reviews, the Dulang Restaurant is mentioned positively for its food and hospitality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, making it highly convenient for guests. It is situated within easy walking distance of numerous popular eateries, shops, and key tourist attractions such as Ipoh Parade shopping mall, Concubine Lane, and the vibrant night market. This prime position allows guests to explore the city's culinary delights and cultural spots effortlessly. Parking is available on-site, offering a covered and guarded multi-storey facility, which is a significant advantage in the city center. However, the access ramp to the car park is frequently described as narrow and challenging, requiring careful maneuvering, especially for larger vehicles.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receive high praise for their friendliness, politeness, and helpfulness. Many guests commend the attentive service provided by the front desk, concierge, and restaurant staff, noting their willingness to assist with requests and provide local recommendations. The check-in and check-out processes, however, receive mixed feedback; while some describe them as smooth and fast, a significant number of guests report long waiting times, bottlenecks, and a perceived lack of initiative from staff during busy periods, suggesting an outdated or understaffed system. A recurring issue is the key cards frequently deactivating, requiring guests to return to the reception for reactivation, which can be inconvenient. Housekeeping services are generally good, though some specific incidents of dissatisfaction regarding thoroughness or staff attitude have been reported.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is an older establishment that has undergone refurbishment to maintain its condition. The car park is guarded, providing security for vehicles, though its narrow access can be a challenge. A deposit is typically required upon check-in. The surrounding area is noted for its abundance of foot reflexology and massage parlours. Some guests have reported issues with tourism tax being incorrectly applied. While the hotel aims to provide a comfortable stay, some guests have noted that the overall experience can be impacted by noise from nearby entertainment venues that feature live music, particularly on lower floors.