The Happy 8 Retreat @ Old Town

Recent Reviews: 54

• User:Bradley S

  Trip type: Couples

  What a disappointment - worst accommodation experience we had in Malaysia

  15 May 2024

  What a disappointment. The property looks really interesting - all sorts of quirky design elements - but the management is hopeless. Where to start.1) As we always do for boutique hotels, we tried to book online directly - rather than through a 3rd party website. The system failed at payment stage, so we tried to book through the provided email address. They responded by saying do it by WhatsApp. We did, however, despite our request they did not email a confirmation and we had to request confirmation on two occasions via WhatsApp.2) Property was shut on arrival, fortunately a friendly local made a call and a staff member turned up about 10 minutes later to let us in. But then the room was not made up so he asked us to wait for 10 minutes. More than 20 minutes later he re-appeared. (They claim 24/7 front desk - but we did not see any staff member there in the two days of our stay).3) Required payment in cash on arrival even though they had credit card facility at the front desk. Did not provide a receipt despite request via WhatsApp or acknowledgement of the request4) No wi-fi - not acceptable for a property in this price range or pretensions (see their website). However, the cafe on site - which is mercifully managed by someone else - does have wi-fi so we bought a coffee and accessed it that way.5) No coffee/tea making facilities, bar fridge or TV (we weren't fussed about the TV) and hopeless AC.6) Seriously uncomfortable bed - might as well have slept on the floor7) Dirty room, moldy bathroom etc. Cleaning is perfunctory to say the least.Interestingly, we met a former staff member who said that the property had been run well in the past but to cut costs they had removed facilities such as TV and coffee/tea as well as reducing both the quality and number of staff. A couple of Ipoh tourist operators were well aware of its poor reputation and were incredulous that they didn't have wi-fi.What is so annoying about this, is that it could be a terrific hotel. Architecturally it is interesting and well executed (although steep stairs and no lift will be a challenge for those with reduced mobility). It is also in a great location in the heart of old town.However, while management is so poor we would strongly recommend that other options be looked at. Without a doubt this is the worst accommodation experience we had in Malaysia. Reality bears no resemblance to their website or indeed the descriptions on the TripAdvisor website

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• User:Kellie G

  Trip type: Family

  Below average

  12 Sept 2023

  Sadly the happy 8 has seen better days. It looks like a shell of these photos and many of the reviews are correct. No exception staff, let yourself in and out, room wasn’t serviced, it’s run down and smelly damp. Bathroom is mouldy, the verhandah’s look like they might fall down. Rooms are small with no safe or fridge and we ran out of Lou paper. Hard to be too critical as it was like 100$Aud a night for 3 people. It’s in a good spot in old town, is probably the best part.

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• User:Dave N

  Trip type: Couples

  A hidden gem.

  31 Aug 2023

  A quirky little hotel full of fabulous art work throughout. Interesting place to stay and a good location. We booked the patio room with balcony. Small room but pleasant. Lacks sound proofing between rooms. Generally quiet though.

• User:jugsoon_kong

  Trip type: Family

  Avoid if you want to have quality sleep

  21 Jan 2023

  The only selling point is the hotel design and location. Big minus is that you wont able to get a good sleep at 10pm neighbour shop is on loud movie / open karaoke . Not recommend for family stay. Definitely a no place/location if you looking for quality sleep

• User:modacosta

  Trip type: Couples

  No wifi, thin walls, mosquitoes, dark room

  07 Aug 2022

  Location is great but....- no wifi despite it advertised on booking platforms- very thin walls, u can hear yr neighbours conversation- no TV- do not come before 3pm check- in, no one is at reception- mosquitoes, yr netting does not really cover a queen size bed- very loud karaoke from neighbouring shop till 12mn