Melaka is one of those places I never get tired of visiting. Just a couple of hours from Kuala Lumpur, this historic city is famous for its mix of Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Peranakan influences, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite escape for both locals and tourists. Between strolling along Jonker Street, climbing up to A Famosa, and indulging in local specialties like chicken rice balls and Nyonya laksa (you can check out my Melaka Travel Guide and Melaka Food Guide for more), there’s always something new to rediscover.
Because I come here often, I’ve made it a habit to stay at different hotels each time. Rather than going for standard chains, I gravitate toward the unique and quirky — places that have a story to tell and let me experience a different side of the city. On one of my recent visits, I decided to check out The Stable Malacca, a boutique guesthouse right in the heart of the old town. What caught my attention was its history as a 16th-century Dutch horse stable, transformed into a stylish heritage stay.
Location
If location is your priority, you can’t get more central than this. The Stable sits on Jalan Hang Kasturi, which means Jonker Street is literally just around the corner. You can walk to the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum in a minute or two, and landmarks like St. Paul’s Hill and A Famosa are also within easy reach.
For me, this was a huge plus because Melaka can get pretty hot during the day, and being able to pop back into the guesthouse to rest before heading out again made sightseeing a lot easier. Of course, being this central also means you’ll hear some noise from the street, but I’ll get to that later.
Ambience & design
From the outside, The Stable doesn’t look like much — more like a rundown old building you’d walk past without noticing. There’s only a tiny signage out front that’s easy to miss; I actually had to double check my map just to make sure I was at the right place.
But stepping inside, you’re immediately transported into another world. The exposed brick walls, timber beams, and Peranakan tiles give the place a heritage feel, but it’s not a dusty old-fashioned museum.
The owners clearly put a lot of thought into creating a space that’s cozy, vibrant, and stylish, with vintage furniture, bold accents, and Instagram-worthy corners that feel tastefully done. What makes The Stable feel extra special is that it’s actually a one-unit, two-story guesthouse. The lower floor houses the lounge area, couch, and the bathroom.
A staircase leads up to the lofted bedroom, which comes equipped with a comfy double bed, a TV, and a small washbasin, so that you don’t have to go downstairs to wash your hands or brush your teeth.
Also provided is a DVD player with a selection of DVDs, some books and magazines, a set of Jenga and playing cards, bottled water, and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Since The Stable is a private unit and not a typical guesthouse with a reception desk, the owner actually met us in person to hand over the key and give us a quick tour of the house. I really appreciated that personal touch. It felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home than just checking into a hotel.
She also explained that the upstairs loft (where the bed is) can get a little warm during the day, and showed us a neat trick: close the curtain that separates the room from the staircase so the cool air from the air-cond stays upstairs instead of escaping down to the lounge area. Simple but effective!
What I liked
- Heritage charm at its best — That combination of original beams, brickwork, and tasteful Peranakan flair is rare and beautiful.
- The history and uniqueness of it all — how many people can say they have stayed in what used to be a horse stable?
- Superb central location — Being this close to Jonker Street means you can be out exploring or pigging out on street food in seconds.
- Exclusive vibe — Only one unit = maximum privacy and a boutique feel that you won’t get at chain hotels or serviced apartments. Also, because there’s only this single unit, it can sell out quickly, and that scarcity makes it feel even more exclusive.
What to keep in mind
- Noise potential — Being in the thick of the action means you might hear live music or street chatter at night—earplugs come in handy.
- Narrow, steeper stairs — The stairs are charmingly rustic, but not the easiest with heavy luggage or for those with mobility challenges. There’s also no railing, so it can be dangerous for children or the elderly.
- The heat — With the low ceiling, it does get rather hot and stuffy on the top floor during the day, even with the A/C on.
- No glam amenities — If you’re after fancy add-ons like a pool, spa, free Wi-Fi, or free breakfast, you won’t find them here, but almost everything you need can be found within walking distance.
Final thoughts
My stay at The Stable Malacca felt like being given a backstage pass to a piece of Melaka’s history.
It’s perfect for someone like me who craves heritage charm, central access, and something out of the ordinary. It’s not for luxury seekers or ultra-light sleepers without earplugs, but for curious souls and heritage lovers, it’s a delightful experience.
If you’ve been to Melaka before and want to switch things up from the usual hotels, or if you want to feel like you own a little slice of Jonker Street, The Stable is absolutely worth considering.
💡 Planning a trip to Melaka?
Don’t forget to check out my full Melaka Travel Guide for practical tips and must-see spots, and my Melaka Food Guide if you’re mainly here to eat (like I usually am).
And if you’re looking for more travel inspiration, destination ideas, and unique stays around Malaysia, have a browse through the rest of my blog. I’ve got plenty more stories to share.
