Melaka Raya Budget Hotel Transformation

Located near the center of Melaka Raya Street in Melaka, this hotel occupies a three-stories contemporary shop lot that was converted into a budget hotel in 2015 after eight months of design and renovation. The owner, who also operates a chain of mini markets in town, envisioned a compact, affordable hotel that exceeded the typical expectations of budget accommodations. The project faced challenges, including renovating a basic shop lot with limited utilities into a 30-room hotel and addressing fire safety requirements within the building’s linear layout, which initially lacked accessible fire exits. To resolve these issues, a compact U-turn steel staircase was added at the rear of the building for emergency access, and the final design accommodated 28 rooms plus a rooftop suite, which became one of the hotel's most desirable rooms. Working with a team of civil and M&E engineers ensured that the design met local regulations and achieved approval. The ground floor, enclosed by front and side glass walls, was designed as an open, welcoming space that combines a mini market cashier with the hotel reception, allowing travelers to conveniently purchase essentials from toiletries to food. The lobby’s design features low-height oak wood shelving to create a warm, homey atmosphere, accented by modern yellow signage and decorative elements. While collaborating with another interior designer for the interior concept, I was primarily responsible for technical coordination, space planning, and project management with the construction teams. Today, the hotel operates successfully with 29 rooms and continues to receive positive guest reviews.

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