Unbelievable Ipoh Getaway: Casa D'riana Awaits!
Casa D'riana: My Ipoh Getaway – Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Durian-Scented Air (Maybe)
Okay, let’s be real. Planning a trip to Ipoh? Me too, for the first time, and Casa D’riana kept popping up. The name just sounds… lush, right? Like a secret garden where you spill your tea and all the bad vibes…well, disappear! So, I booked. And now, I'm back, slightly sunburnt (thanks, outdoor pool!) and armed with the messy, honest truth.
Accessibility: The Good, the Could-Be-Better
First things first: getting there. Accessibility is a big deal for me, and while Casa D’riana boasts elevator access, I didn't fully scrutinize it for true wheelchair access. I'd advise calling them DIRECTLY - because this is stuff I need to REALLY know firsthand for my own travel purposes. From what I saw, they DO have a good intention, but I definitely wasn't equipped to review it meticulously. The entrance seemed okay, but again, call them to make sure!
On-Site Dining & Booze: Food Glorious Food (and Coffee!)
Let's dive into the important stuff: FOOD. I’m a fiend. Restaurants, a Poolside bar, a coffee shop – YES, PLEASE! I need my caffeine fix, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was pretty solid. Their Asian cuisine in restaurant was a delicious and spicy adventure (I’m talking my tastebuds did a happy dance!), and the desserts? Forget about it. I may, or may not, have ordered seconds. Okay, thirds. The Western cuisine in restaurant was also surprisingly good, though, for once I will choose the local experience over the familiar and the safe!
I didn't experience the breakfast in room, but seeing as their breakfast buffet was decent, I'd say it's probably a worthwhile expense. I also didn't experience happy hour. Maybe I should have. Next time, for sure.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, confession: I went full-on tourist. Swimming pool [outdoor] was the main attraction, and the Pool with view provided a stunning sight during the day. Seriously Instagram-worthy. I’m not usually the spa type, (I'm a "sweat in the gym" kinda gal, or at least that's what I try to be), but I broke down and went for a massage. Totally worth it. The spa/sauna looked promising, although I just went for the massage. Maybe it would be nice to indulge in the body scrub and body wrap? If I knew the real value (and that it's done well) I'd go for it! The fitness center, it's there, but I'm always on the go so it's okay for me.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (and Sanitized!)
This is important, folks. Given the current…situation…I was hyper-aware of the cleanliness. Casa D’riana nails it. Visible hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and a general feeling of sanitization. They’re seriously on it. They did room sanitization between stays. They used anti-viral cleaning products. They even had individually-wrapped food options at the buffet. I opted out of the room sanitization opt-out available because I really needed that cleaning service! The daily disinfection in common areas, and just seeing all the staff wearing masks and being vigilant gave me peace of mind.
Rooms: My Little Oasis (With Fabulous Blackout Curtains!)
Okay, the rooms. Pure bliss. I booked a non-smoking room (thank God for that!), and it was spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. I mean, real, solid, completely blackout curtains. The air conditioning worked like a charm, and the free Wi-Fi was FAST (Wi-Fi [free] AND Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!!). There was even Internet access – wireless! I felt spoiled. Also, the slippers and the bathrobes were a nice tough (and comfortable!). I especially liked the complimentary tea whenever I wanted, and the coffee/tea maker!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Front desk [24-hour]? Check. Concierge? Check. Daily housekeeping? Bless you. I'm a messy traveler. Laundry service? Yes, please! Cash withdrawal? Useful. Cashless payment service? A must. All the little niceties were there.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
Car park [free of charge]? Score! I rented a car, which was super convenient, but there also was a taxi service. Easy access.
For the Kids: Babysitters & Fun
I don't have kids, but I did see a family/child friendly vibe. They have babysitting service too.
The Unbelievable Ipoh Getaway: Casa D’riana Awaits! – My Verdict
Look, I've traveled a lot. And this place? This place is special. It's the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and that Ipoh charm. Casa D'riana isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to recharge, explore, and maybe even discover a new favorite dessert (or three).
My Quirky Observation/Emotional Reaction:
Okay, this is embarrassing, but I have to admit, I got slightly obsessed with the mini bar. It was stocked with all sorts of tempting treats and drinks, and I may have overindulged a tiny bit. Don't judge me.
The Pitch: Seriously, Book This Now!
Are you looking for a getaway that offers serenity and excitement? Do you want to be pampered, while still exploring a vibrant city? Casa D'riana is calling your name!
Here's the Deal:
- Luxury Redefined: Immerse yourself in stylish rooms, complete with all the modern amenities. The plush beds and blackout curtains ensure a restful night's sleep.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in a breakfast buffet. Plus, enjoy a delicious meal at their very own restaurants!
- Ultimate Relaxation: Unwind by the stunning outdoor pool, treat yourself to a rejuvenating spa treatment, or simply lounge on your private balcony.
- Safety & Convenience: Enjoy peace of mind with top-notch hygiene protocols and a range of convenient services, from laundry to car parking.
- Ipoh's Best: Explore the city's unique culture and attractions, all within easy reach.
Book your Unbelievable Ipoh Getaway at Casa D'riana NOW! Don’t miss out on this experience!
P.S. Ask for a room with a view. You won’t regret it. And, hey, maybe I’ll see you there! (I’m already planning my next trip!)
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Shiva Sanctuary Awaits in Dharamshala
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into Operation Ipoh Adventures: Casa D'riana Edition. Forget those pristine, airbrushed itineraries you see online. This is the raw, unfiltered, likely-to-involve-a-hangover version.
Day 1: Arrival & Oh My God, This Place Looks Amazing (But Where's the Parking?)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Ipoh! Thank God for budget airlines, even if the legroom is more "coffin-adjacent." Grabbed a Grab (shoutout to efficient transport!) to Casa D'riana. The first thing I saw? That iconic Art Deco facade. Whoa. Insta-worthy, for sure. Now, where the heck am I supposed to park? The narrow streets are a nightmare. This is my first real minor issue.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Met the owner, Auntie Fatimah (or whatever she called herself). Super sweet, made me feel like I'd known her for years. She even had a welcome drink – some kind of refreshing lime-infused goodness. Score! The apartment? Spacious. Clean. And that balcony overlooking the city? Swoon. Seriously, I could get used to this. But there's that darn parking situation again.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. Briefly. Okay, let's be honest, it's more of a "dump everything on a chair and hope for the best" kind of unpack. Got distracted by the view. Sat on the balcony, pretending to know what I was doing with my life. Failed spectacularly.
- 4:00 PM: Food hunt at Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken. This is the thing. I heard the hype. I craved the hype. Was it worth it? YES. A thousand times YES. The chicken was succulent, the bean sprouts were crisp, and the chili sauce? Absolute perfection. The crush crowd was so high that the lines was so long. But heck, worth it or not? I went for it anyway!
- 6:00 PM: Wander around Ipoh Old Town. This is the charming part. The mural art is great – snapped a billion pictures. Got lost like five times. Found a cute little coffee shop called Plan B. Seriously, if you need a caffeine fix and a place to chill, head there.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Restoran Aun Kheng Lim. Ipoh White Coffee to finish off the night. It hit the spot.
- 9:00 PM: Back to Casa D'riana. Collapsed on the bed, feeling immensely satisfied and already planning tomorrow’s food coma. Praying for a miracle in the parking department.
Day 2: Caves, Cafes, and the Inevitable Food Coma
- 9:00 AM: Woke up late. Blamed the jet lag. Actually, it was the glorious bed. The apartment is so good, I was so ready to be at ease.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast at a local kopitiam, indulging in some delicious kopi-o (black coffee with sugar) and roti bakar (toast). Embraced the chaos – the clatter of cups, the rapid-fire Malay conversations, the general buzz of Ipoh life. I love it. This is it!
- 11:00 AM: Exploring Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple. Now, THIS was awe-inspiring. Gigantic limestone caves, shimmering Buddhas, and a serene atmosphere. The sheer scale of it all was humbling. I almost fell down the stairs, though. Clumsy tourist alert!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the food court nearby Kek Lok Tong. Went to a local stall. I've no idea what half the dishes were, but I was game. And the food? Delicious. Cheap. And probably a bit dodgy, which made it even better.
- 2:00 PM: Drive to Tambun Pomelo Farm. The fruit itself wasn't as exciting. However, the drive was an absolute treat.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the apartment. Nap time. This travel thing is exhausting!
- 6:00 PM: Attempted to find a hidden speakeasy bar. Failed. Miserably. Ended up at a rooftop bar with a questionable view and overpriced cocktails. Lesson learned: trust word-of-mouth recommendations, not random Google searches.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at Restoran Moon De' (recommendation from Auntie Fatimah!). The food was delicious! We chose the 'signature' dishes and it was great!
- 9:00 PM: Passed out on the couch. Tomorrow: more food.
Day 3: The Day of the Lost Luggage and the Redemption Curry Mee
- 9:00 AM: Okay, so, minor issue. My luggage is missing. Or, more accurately, still in Kuala Lumpur. Apparently, budget airlines aren't exactly known for their stellar baggage handling. Sigh. This is where it gets messy…
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast with the help of Auntie Fatimah. She gave me some old clothes, but it looks a bit weird. Good thing is, its free and I don't have to buy any breakfast.
- 11:00 AM: Time to buy some emergency clothing. Had a great time at a local shop.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! Curry Mee for me! This is a must-do if you're visiting Ipoh. Tried a famous place which, sadly, sucked. It was so sad that I wanted to cry.
- 1:00 PM: Stroling around.
- 3:00 PM: Relaxing at Casa D'riana. The day is okay.
- 4:00 PM: Dinner at Restoran Sun Marpoh. This place is so good!
- 7:00 PM: Relaxing again at Casa D'riana.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure (and a Sudden Urge to Stay Forever)
- 9:00 AM: One last breakfast on the balcony, soaking in the morning sun and the memory of the most amazing stay I've had.
- 11:00 AM: A quick look around the house. Everything is clean.
- 12:00 PM: Grab to the airport. Goodbye, Casa D'riana!
Final Thoughts:
Ipoh, you sneaky little gem. You've charmed me with your food, your history, and your laid-back vibe. I'll be back. And next time, I'm definitely bringing my own parking space. And possibly a spare suitcase, just in case my luggage decides to go on another solo adventure.
Until next time, Ipoh. You were messy. You were imperfect. You were wonderful.
Subic Bay Paradise: Your Dream 2-Bedroom Condo Awaits!
So, Casa D'riana... Is It Really THAT good? (And why are you yelling?)
Okay, okay, breathe. The yelling? That's just enthusiasm. Or maybe the sugar rush from the ridiculously good Ipoh white coffee I just had (don’t get me started). Is it THAT good? Look, I’m a cynical travel blogger. I've seen it all. But Casa D'riana... It *felt* different. It felt... personal. It's not a sterile hotel; it's a lived-in, beautiful, slightly wonky home. Picture this: You're walking through the front door, and BAM! You're hit with this *amazing* scent – a mix of old wood, something floral (definitely jasmine), and, if you’re lucky, the faint aroma of someone baking something utterly delicious. I’m already sold. I'm talking the good kind of wonky too. Like, "slightly askew antique mirror in the hallway" wonky, not "falling-apart-at-the-seams" wonky. My emotional reaction upon entering: utter bliss.
What kind of place *is* it, anyway? Is it a hotel? A homestay? Do I need to bring my own towels? (Please say no, I'm terrible at packing.)
It’s a very fancy, very charming homestay. Let's be clear – it's not a budget backpacker hostel. Think tastefully renovated colonial house, brimming with antiques the owners have probably painstakingly collected over decades. The towels? Don't worry, they have those. Crisp, clean, fluffy ones. You’re good. You'll get the real deal treatment. The owners are *amazing*. They genuinely care that you have a good time. They’re not faking it. I’ve dealt with some seriously fake smiles in the hospitality industry, and these folks are the polar opposite. Which is, in my book, quite refreshing.
Okay, the food. Because let's be real, Ipoh is all about the grub. Tell me everything. (Specifically, the breakfast.)
Right. Food. This is where Casa D'riana really shines. The breakfast? Oh, mother of pearl, the *breakfast*. I’m still having dreams about their Nasi Lemak. (And I'm not a "breakfast person" AT ALL). It’s not just food; it’s an experience. First of all, the presentation. It’s Instagram-worthy, even though I usually roll my eyes at that stuff. The colours are *vibrant*, the portions are *generous*, and it *tastes* like a hug. It’s a feast. And honestly? It’s the real deal. Local ingredients, homemade sambal that'll make you weep (tears of joy, I assure you), perfectly fluffy coconut rice, the works. I'm pretty sure I ate three servings one morning. Don't judge me. This wasn’t a "diet" trip. This was an "experience" trip. And every morning I was very happy with that decision.
The rooms… Are they comfy? Are they air-conditioned? Because, let's be honest, Malaysian heat is no joke.
Yes. A resounding YES. They are comfy. Utterly, blissfully comfy. And yes, they have air-conditioning. Praise the travel gods! I'm a hot sleeper. Air conditioning is a necessity. The rooms are individually decorated. Think four-poster beds, antique furniture (that probably has a story to tell), and a general feeling of being transported back to the golden age of travel. Honestly, I wanted to just curl up and stay there and sip tea and never leave. You'll feel like you're in a really chic, slightly eccentric aunt's guest room – in the best way possible.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around? (And am I going to be stuck in awful traffic?)
Location, location, location, right? Casa D'riana is in a great spot. Walking distance to a lot of the action, like the old town with its incredible street art and even more incredible food stalls. You can easily grab a Grab (ridesharing) and get anywhere else you wanna go. The traffic? Well, it’s Ipoh. It's not as insane as, say, Kuala Lumpur, but don't expect a breezy commute. But honestly, the walkability and the general relaxed vibe of the area more than make up for any minor traffic woes. On my trip, I decided to just walk. That way, I could stop at every single coffee shop I saw (which was a lot, I'm not gonna lie).
Okay, let's be honest: What's the *worst* thing about Casa D'riana? Give me the dirt! (Don't worry, I can take it.)
Alright, here’s the thing. And I’m being brutally honest here, because that’s what you deserve. Okay; the "worst" thing? Leaving. Seriously. The moment I checked out, I had a tiny breakdown. I wanted to move in and become a permanent fixture. It’s that good. Maybe it’s too good. Maybe I’ve been spoiled. Maybe I should change my career and become a professional breakfast-eater at Casa D'riana. No, seriously, the *only* real "downside" is that it’s booked up a lot. So book your stay well in advance. And maybe, just maybe, try to convince the owners to adopt me. I promise to be good. I'll even help with the laundry! (Well, maybe not.) Okay, one more potential downside. This is super nitpicky, but if you're obsessed with super-fast Wi-Fi, it might not be the quickest in the world. But honestly? Who needs Wi-Fi when you're surrounded by delicious food, beautiful surroundings, and all the charm of Ipoh? Put the phone down, people! Seriously, the internet is available. It worked. It’s just… you're *there*. Experience it.
Is there a swimming pool? Because sometimes, you just need a dip.
Okay, so this is where I have to pause and be slightly disappointed. No swimming pool. I know. Tragic, right? But honestly, I barely missed it. Given that you can eat your fill of water-based, ice-cold, delicious cendol in the city, you won’t miss it all that much. And that's the honest truth. I’d take a bowl of cendol over a swimming pool any day!! I mean, you COULD spend your whole day floating in the pool..but in the heat of the Malaysian sun, who wants to spend all their daylight hours staring at the ceiling? You should be eating everything!
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