Hi, my name is Laila and I am part of the Marketing team of Thistle Hotels in the UK. After working for Thistle for a couple of years, I was recently presented with the exciting opportunity to visit our hotels in Malaysia. I thought it worthwhile to share my experience with you. This is the first of two parts of my trip…
I was excited not only about getting away from the cold English weather, but also about the fact that it was my first visit to Malaysia. Although I had been slightly weary about the long flight in advance, the friendly air hostesses, movies and other nice interruptions (You get a warm cloth shortly before landing to refresh you) made the time pass astoundingly quick. The minute I stepped out of the plane, I was hit by the realisation that I was actually in Malaysia, which was brought about by the lovely warmth that I stepped into. Despite the long flight, I immediately felt positively energised.
I picked up my bags and made my way to Thistle Port Dickson. The drive is about an hour from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and gave me a great first look at the beautiful Malaysian landscape.
At the hotel, I was greeted by reception staff like all guests with the traditional Malaysian friendly smile and a fresh cold lemonade – a real treat after the long journey.
I briefly had my luggage dropped off in my cozy room and then wandered around the hotel and explored the grounds. Most of the 251 rooms have sea view on the Straits of Malacca; the others look on the rich green hotel’s own nine-hole golf course.
The guests staying at the hotel were a colourful mix of local and foreign holiday makers, families and business men/women. With nine meeting rooms, the hotel is a popular destination for business meetings and events. Children are well catered for with several swimming pools and a separate Kids’ Wet Play Zone but also the parents get to have some quality time relaxing in the Spa or enjoying the Fitness Centre, SWAT camp or golf course.
I ended my walk at the hotel bar Cumulus, which is overlooking the sea and picked a seat next to the infinity pool. Sitting there, I let the atmosphere impress me with the great views and sound of the waves just a couple of yards away.