November 2012
This Anglo-Malay style house was restored a few years ago. Since July 2011, it's owned by Jo and Jim Lim. They're both very hands on in the day to day running of Clove Hall's six spacious rooms and suites. The unique thing is the place's guesthouse ambience. All guests must make prior bookings. Walk-in guests are not encouraged. This is because, as their guests, the Lims prefer to be prepared for your needs upon your arrival.
There is something to love in every room here. ‘Star Anise’ is set around its own little garden; ‘Clove’ has a groovy sunken bath; ‘Cinnamon’ has a sitting room that overlooks the pool; and ‘Saffron’ and ‘Cardamom’ have balconies in the shade of the trees. Each room has beautiful pieces of functioning antique furniture for your aesthetic pleasure and except for one, all the four-poster beds are prettily framed by mosquito nettings. There are also magazines and books in each room for your reading pleasure. Thoughtfully, they have provided a map of the area and George Town in each room for you to get your bearings while locating interesting sites.
Breakfast for two is inculded in the RM550 room rate and RM650 suite rate. An extra bed is at RM100 including breakfast. There are cots for kids under 2 years old and breakfast for those under 7 years old is at RM15. Their morning meal offers the likes of familiar English breakfast fare, BLT sandwich, French toast, cereal or with prior notice, local favourites such as nasi lemak.
For lunch and dinner, there are a myriad Western and Asian eateries surrounding the accomodation to choose from since it is within walking distance to Jalan Burma and other streets that are known to have cafes, restaurants, bars and delis. Clove Hall is pet friendly but there are some ground rules to consider the comfort of their other guests. For those wanting to bring along a dog, please note that they advise a small to medium sized one and only one dog permitted. Parking is available within their premises.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the streets beyond its walls, Clove Hall offers serenity and there's a perpetual breeze blowing through its patio which overlooks the swimming pool. Its lush, well cared for garden is dotted with outdoor furniture for you to soak in the sun while reading or chatting over a bottle of wine from their drinks menu. Su Aziz