1. The Happy 8 Retreat, Ipoh
Although I have passed by The Happy 8 Retreat in Ipoh Old Town a number of times, it was only recently that I had the opportunity to check out the rooms.
2. The Yasoh Family welcomes you to The Happy 8 Retreat
Opened since the fourth quarter of 2013, the retreat, in the heart of Old Town, is the owners’ second retreat after their first venture, The Happy 8 Retreat in Pasir Puteh Ipoh. They also recently opened a third retreat in Kuala Sepetang.
3. shots around the lobby
The Happy 8 Retreat in Ipoh Old Town is a work of art. While the original façade of the building has been maintained, stepping foot into the lobby, you would be swept away by the many different works of art, all calling for your attention.
4. walls as canvas
Your first visit to this art boutique hotel could be a little overwhelming. After all, some people have trouble locating it because it doesn’t carry any signage. Worry not! There’s a large number 8 by the entrance!
5. walls as canvas
There are a total of 13 rooms here that accommodate from two to four guests each. Every room features a different design. The doors are painted with the wau, Malaysia’s traditional kite, and each one is painted with the colour of Malaysia’s 13 state flags.
6. one of the rooms
In fact, I would say that every room is a surprise for the guest and one is hard pressed to get bored. You’d need at least 13 stays here before you’ve seen them all!
7. one of the rooms - check out the air-conditioner
As the mascot of the hotel, you will see the Yasoh Family all over the building. It’s interesting to learn that the entire hotel was painted by a Nepalese artist, who was given a free hand to paint whatever that came to his mind, and I would commend it was a job well done.
8. one of the rooms
Many of the furniture and decorations were made from old or unwanted wood pieces that have been reused or repurposed. And so, The Happy 8 Retreat makes an ideal platform for budding artists because the owners as art lovers themselves willingly provide an avenue for their work to be appreciated and talent recognised as works of art are permitted to be put up for display and sale here.
9. one of the rooms that pays tribute to the building’s past life as a swiflet hotel
As the hotel is located near to many of the popular wall murals in Old Town, guests can also hire the rickshaw and be driven to these spots without having to walk, or waste time searching for them. Nothing beats having a local guide, eh?
10. contrasting room types – attic room & family room
By the way, the owners of the hotel also manage The Happy 8 Café on the ground floor. Guests, who are given a sample of coffee beans in their room upon check-in, have the pleasure of having the beans brewed and be introduced to a different blend of coffee every time.
11. different rooms, individual decorations
Rooms start from RM159 (off-peak) up to RM212 (peak). All rooms are equipped with basic amenities, including Astro channels, air-conditioning, rain shower, hair dryer and coffee & tea-making facilities.
The Happy 8 Retreat
Add: 46, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Tel: +605-2438388
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