Unbelievable Potato Hotel in Taiping, Malaysia: You Won't Believe Your Eyes!
Unbelievable Potato Hotel in Taiping: You Won't Believe Your Eyes! (A Review that's Actually Real)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the spuds… I mean, beans, on my recent stay at the Unbelievable Potato Hotel in Taiping, Malaysia. And let me tell you, the name isn’t kidding. This place… well, it's an experience. Let's just say "unbelievable" is putting it mildly.
Metadata for the Search Engines (Because, You Know, the Internet is a Thing):
- Keywords: Unbelievable Potato Hotel, Taiping, Malaysia, Review, Hotel Review, Accommodation, Things to Do, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Accessibility, Family-friendly, WiFi, Cleanliness, Safety, Food, Dining, Rooms, Services, Hotel Experience, Quirky Hotel, Taiping Hotels, Malaysian Hotels, Weekend Getaway, Vacation, Travel Review
- SEO Title: Unbelievable Potato Hotel Review: Taiping's Quirkiest Stay (Honest & Unfiltered!)
- Meta Description: My honest review of the Unbelievable Potato Hotel in Taiping! See if the quirky charm lives up to the hype. Packed with details on rooms, food, amenities & more!
Let's Dive In (Before I Get Side-tracked by a Random Thought):
Firstly, the accessibility situation. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a hotel that thinks about accessibility. The website claimed to be wheelchair accessible. We'll, the lobby had a ramp, which was great. Then, I saw that the pool (more on that later) wasn't necessarily easily accessible to all types of accessibility needs. It's a bit of a mixed bag. They try, bless their hearts.
The Arrival and the Initial "Wow" (and a Bit of "Uh-Oh"):
Pulling up was a visual assault. In a good way? Maybe. The hotel is… architecturally interesting. Let's go with that. It's a mishmash of styles, and honestly, it does kinda resemble a… potato? Maybe that's the point. The exterior corridor situation reminded me of an old motel, but with more… personality. The elevator was thankfully functional, because the thought of lugging my suitcase up the stairs after the drive had me already needing a massage.
Checking in was surprisingly smooth, a big thanks to the 24-hour front desk. But here's a confession: I'm terrible with names. I think the receptionist's name was… Agnes? Angeline? Something vaguely biblical. Either way, she was lovely, efficient and pointed us toward our room.
The Room: Home Sweet… Potato (and the Amazing WiFi!):
The non-smoking room was spacious, and for once, the blackout curtains actually worked! I'm a light sleeper and appreciate that, honestly. The air conditioning was a lifesaver, because Taiping gets hot. The bed, well, it was comfortable enough. Not cloud-like, but perfectly adequate for my weary bones.
Now, the good stuff: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked! I'm a sucker for good internet, and this was a major win. I spent a solid chunk of time uploading photos to Instagram (guilty as charged!). The internet access – wireless & LAN combo was appreciated. There was a desk, perfect for pretending I was going to write a novel (I didn’t). They also had a complimentary tea setup, which is always a nice touch. They even thought of the power plugs, and had sockets near the bed! This is a huge win for me, as I loathe charging anything overnight across the room.
There was a mini bar with overpriced snacks (the usual, naturally), a refrigerator to keep my drinks cold (essential, because heat), and a safe box. I also appreciate that they included slippers.
Let's Talk Cleanliness and Safety (Because, Well, COVID):
Okay, this is where the Potato Hotel really got points. They were rocking the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Individual-wrapped food options and a Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I actually felt safe, which is not always guaranteed right now. They've clearly put some thought into the whole hygiene thing. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available! This is smart, for those who are sensitive to all types of sprays.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Surprises):
The Asian fusion breakfast buffet was an adventure. I'm talking spring rolls, noodles, dim sum, and some kind of mystery meat that I think was chicken. But hey, it was included, and I’m not one to say no to food. They also had a Western breakfast option, which was my safe space, and I did appreciate the coffee/tea in the restaurant & breakfast takeaway service!
The restaurants were decent. They had Asian cuisine in restaurant which was pretty good and a full a la carte menu if you did not want to eat from a buffet! Happy hour was a must-do (for research purposes, obviously). I did encounter some slightly salad in restaurant choices - and honestly, they were better than I expected. There's a Poolside bar, but it was a bit… quiet.
The Spa and Relaxation Zone (or, The "Maybe I'll Get to This Tomorrow" Zone):
Okay, here is the truth: I did not experience every service. But I peeked. And it looked… relaxing. They have a Spa, with Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, and Steamroom. This is all very nice. The Body wrap was calling my name, but alas… time. I did not go to the Fitness center - I'm on vacation, people!
The Swimming Pool: A Tale of Two Emotions:
This is where things get… interesting. The swimming pool [outdoor] is the hotel's center piece. And it's gorgeous! A Pool with view – of the hills, the mist, the whole shebang. I mean, it's picture-perfect. But… finding a sun lounger was a battle. And once I got a spot… well, let's just say the pool was very popular. The kids splashing and screaming did make me chuckle.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Count (and Some That Don't):
They had Air conditioning in public area, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, and Luggage storage. All the essentials. There's a Convenience store which is perfect for late-night snacks (see mini-bar comment above). The Concierge was helpful with arranging taxis (thank goodness for Taxi service). There was a Gift/souvenir shop, but the souvenirs were a bit… random. Lots of potato-themed items, naturally. I considered a potato-shaped stress ball, but decided against it.
For the Kids (A Parental Note):
The hotel is Family/child friendly. They had Kids facilities, and Babysitting service. I did see tiny, screaming humans everywhere.
Getting Around:
They have a Car park [free of charge]. Airport transfer is available. Taiping is generally easy to navigate, though.
The "Unbelievable" Verdict:
Okay, so, am I glad I stayed at the Unbelievable Potato Hotel? Yes. Absolutely. It's quirky, it's memorable, and it's got a certain… charm. (Even with the, ahem, potato overload). It's not perfect, but it's genuine. It's got heart. It tries.
The good: Excellent internet, good safety measures, a great pool (once you get a lounger!), the breakfast (even the mystery meat). The not-so-good: The theme is a little overwhelming (are we sure this is a potato theme?), and the accessibility could be improved.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm snagging that potato stress ball. And I'm definitely going for the body wrap.
Escape to Paradise: RedDoorz Plus Megamendung Puncak Bogor Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a trip to Potato Hotel Taiping, Malaysia! Prepare for a travel itinerary that's less "precision Swiss watch" and more "slightly-burnt toast with jam smeared all over the place." This is gonna be messy, honest, and probably involve me yelling at a cockroach at some point. Let's go!
Potato Hotel Taiping: My Soul’s Journey (and the Struggle for Decent Wi-Fi)
Day 1: Arrival & That First, Slightly Panicked Impression
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The flight! Ugh, airports. Anyone else find the sheer volume of luggage a constant source of existential dread? I swear, I saw one person lugging an entire inflatable kayak. Why?! Anyway, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The humidity hits you like a wet blanket. Immediately regretting my choice of skinny jeans. (Note to Self: pack more loose clothing! And maybe a fan. And a therapist.)
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The drive to Taiping. Hired a car (hopefully they are safe!). The scenery? Gorgeous. Lush green landscapes, palm trees swaying, and the general vibe of "tropical paradise." My inner cynic, however, is already composing sarcastic observations about the traffic. The driver seems unfazed. Good for him. I’m already hangry.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Lunch at a roadside stall! We are supposed to eat something here! The food looked amazing. Smells amazing too. I pointed at something that looked vaguely familiar. It was… spicy. Really spicy. My first impression of Malaysian food? Delicious…and possibly weaponized. (Note to Self: learn some basic Malay phrases, particularly "not so spicy.")
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Arrival at the Potato Hotel. What a name! My expectations were… well, they were low. But honestly? It's cute! Quirky. A charming, slightly-faded charm. The lobby has a weird but endearing collection of local art. My room… clean enough! But that's when the Wi-Fi betrayed me. Ugh. The digital nomad in me started to panic. Must. Get. Connected. (I've got a travel blog to feed, people!).
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Wandered around the hotel grounds. Met a gaggle of giggling school kids. They were fascinated by my (very enthusiastic) attempt at taking photos of a particularly beautiful hibiscus. Their laughter was contagious, and it felt good.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ordered something safe this time. Chicken satay. Heaven. The hotel cat, a sleek black creature with a regal bearing, strolled in and decided to dine beside me. I swear, it judged my table manners. (Note to Self: Learn to befriend cats more gracefully.)
- Night (8:00 PM - onwards): Struggling with the Wi-Fi. Seriously, Potato Hotel, you're killing me. Eventually gave up and switched to airplane mode. Journaling. Reflecting. Feeling grateful for the quiet. And planning my strategic wifi assault for tomorrow. Also, a cockroach decided to visit my room. Let me tell you, I feel like I can't trust anything.
Day 2: Taiping Lake Gardens (and the Quest for Inner Peace…and Better Photos)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast. The hotel breakfast buffet was pretty standard – a mix of Western and Malaysian staples. The coffee was…weak. Needed a caffeine kick to kickstart my day.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Taiping Lake Gardens! Oh. My. God. Gorgeous. The sheer scale of it is breathtaking. Ancient rain trees arching over the lakes, creating this ethereal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Spent hours wandering, taking photos, and trying to capture the magic. (Note to Self: Practice the art of taking scenic photos without looking like a complete dork.)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Had lunch at a small cafe near the lake. More noodles. More spice (but manageable this time!). People watching, observing the locals. It's the best way to understand the culture.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Continued exploring the Lake Gardens. Saw monkeys! (Stayed a safe distance, though. Those little dudes can be sneaky.) Found a secluded spot to sit and just…be. Attempting to embrace the serenity of the place. Actually succeeding for a few glorious minutes. Then my phone buzzed with a notification. Damn it, Wi-Fi! (just kidding)
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Visited the Perak Museum. Not my usual thing, but it was interesting. The history of Malaysia is rich and complex. (Note to Self: Read up on Malaysian history before you come next time, so you can actually understand what you're looking at).
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant recommended by a hotel staff member. The food? Authentic. Delicious. Spicy. My face got red. My eyes watered. But I kept eating. It was worth it. (Note to Self: Maybe carry some antacids.)
Day 3: More Taiping, More Impressions (and the Farewell)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast. Managed to get a slightly stronger coffee. Victory!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Took a local bus to some nearby temple. The bus ride itself was an experience. The driver didn’t speak much English, but everyone was friendly. The temple was stunning - ornate, colorful, and filled with local devotees. Felt a bit out of place but in a good way.
- Mid-morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Shopping for souvenirs! Found a beautiful batik scarf. And some ridiculously cute keychains. (Note to Self: Must. Not. Overspend.)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Quick and simple lunch. Wanted to try another local dish.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Back to Potato Hotel. Packing up. Saying goodbye to the hotel cat. This place, despite the questionable Wi-Fi and the occasional cockroach scare, has grown on me. It's all the little quirks that make the hotel charming. It's a real place with real people. It's a little imperfect, just like me!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The drive back to KLIA. Feeling strangely melancholic to leave. Taiping is a nice place.
- Evening (5:00 PM - onwards): The flight home. Reliving the trip. Thinking about all the pictures I took. Planning my return trip to Taiping. (And, first thing, I'll check the Wi-Fi situation.)
Final Thoughts:
Potato Hotel Taiping? Not the most luxurious place in the world. But it's got heart. It's a place where you can experience the real Malaysia, away from the tourist hordes. It's a place that sticks with you, even after you leave. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just bring your own strong coffee and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. And maybe a flamethrower, just in case of cockroaches. (Kidding! Mostly.) Cheers to adventure!
Penang's Hidden Gem: Mid-Century Retro Paradise with Ocean Views!
Okay, Seriously… Is This Hotel REALLY Shaped Like a Potato?!
YES. Yes, it is. I’m not kidding. I mean, the pictures don’t quite do it justice. You *think* you're prepared. You see the photos, the cheeky angles, the potato-shaped signage… but then you pull up and BAM! Massive, bulbous, perfectly-contoured… potato. Honestly, it’s a spectacle. It’s like a fever dream materialized. I actually gasped. Twice. Once from the sheer absurdity, and again because… well, it's actually kinda beautiful in a totally weird way. Okay, maybe *I'm* the weird one.
What's the Vibe Inside the Potato?! Is it all Fries and Mashed Potatoes?
Alright, so, thankfully, no. No mashed potato wallpaper (though, the thought is… *interesting*). It’s not a total potato immersion, thankfully. The interior is surprisingly… normal. Clean, modern, a little minimalist. There are subtle potato nods, of course. Little potato-shaped coasters. A print of a potato in the hallway. But it’s not overwhelming. Thank goodness! My biggest fear was walking into a room that *literally* smells like a baked potato. (shudders)
Are the Rooms Actually Comfortable or Are You Basically Sleeping *Inside* a Garden Vegetable!? (Help!)
Okay, deep breaths. The rooms are comfortable! Seriously! I’d booked a standard room, and it was… well, it was a room. A perfectly acceptable room. The bed was comfy, the air conditioning worked (a MUST in Malaysia, let me tell you!), and the bathroom was clean. No complaints there. It's not the Ritz, mind you. Don't expect gold-plated taps. But it does the job. But here's a confession: the first night, I kept imagining I was… you know… *inside* a potato. I kept looking at my window and wondering if it was a tiny little potato eye. Honestly, I didn't sleep GREAT night one, but it was probably the jet lag. Or the potato-ness.
What about the Food? Do they Serve Potato-Themed Cuisine? Does the Breakfast Include… Potato Salad?
This is where I got *really* nervous. I mean, a hotel advertising itself on a potato *shape*? The food could have been… anything. Thankfully, the breakfast buffet was pretty standard. Toast, eggs, some local Malaysian dishes (which, by the way, were delicious!). There *were* some potatoes, of course. Hash browns, potato wedges. You know, the usual suspects. But thankfully, no potato salad. Whew! Because honestly, I was starting to feel like I'd entered a potato-themed fever dream. (Remember, I'm still recovering from the potato-shaped building exterior)
Is There Anything ELSE to Do Around the Potato Hotel Besides… Stare at the Potato?
Yes! Absolutely! Taiping itself is fantastic! Taiping is a charming, historic town. It's got beautiful lakes (Taiping Lake Gardens are stunning!), a zoo (which, disclaimer, I skipped because I’m a vegetarian), and delicious food. The hotel is well-located, that's a huge plus. Which is the very best part. You shouldn't stay JUST to look at the potato. Though, the hotel is a convenient jumping-off point for exploring the area. But, don't just sit there. Go out and see the sights!
Okay, So… Should I Stay at the Unbelievable Potato Hotel? Be Honest!
Okay, here’s the real deal: Yes. You should. But here’s the thing. You have to go in with the right mindset. You have to embrace the ridiculousness. You have to be prepared to giggle. You have to be prepared to tell *everyone* about it afterwards. It's not the fanciest hotel in the world. It's not going to win any awards for avant-garde design. But it's an *experience*. It's memorable. It's quirky as heck. And that, my friends, is what makes travel so much fun. The stories! The memories! The time you stayed in a giant potato. Don't be a boring traveler. Go. Stay. Say you did. I'm SO glad I did. But don't blame me if you start craving fries.
Is it Actually *Unbelievable*? Or Just a Clever Gimmick?
It's… both. Honestly. It's definitely a gimmick. That's the whole point. But it works! The sheer audacity of building a hotel SHAPED like a potato… that’s undeniably unbelievable! But the fact that it’s clean, comfortable, and in a great location? That’s the practical, everyday part that balances out the wonderfully weird. The actual construction seems really well done, too. Like, a *very* well-thought-out potato. Which… okay, I'm losing myself again... It’s truly unique, and that's why I'd say, it's "unbelievable" because of how it makes you feel - you go in expecting a joke, and come out with a genuinely unique experience.
Was There Anything *Bad* About the Hotel? Come On, Spill!
Okay, okay, fine. Even potato-shaped perfection has its flaws. The elevator was… slow. Painfully slow. I walked to my room most of the time. And remember that print in the hallway? Yeah, it was slightly… crooked. And one morning the hairdryer was a little… temperamental. But honestly? These are minor quibbles. The weirdness of the hotel almost forgives all sins. And it still blows me away that someone even THOUGHT to build it! It's a minor imperfection in the face of this incredible feat of architecture.
Did You Have Any Weird Potato-Related Dreams While You Were There? Serious Question.
Okay, this is where things get… weird. Yes. Yes, I did. On the second night, I dreamt I was being chased by giant, sentient French fries who were trying to… well, I don’t even want to remember the details. Let's just say it involved a lot of ketchup. After waking up, I spent maybe 1Stay Collective
