The Bala's Holiday Chalet
The Bala's Holiday Chalet descritpion
Housed in a charming English cottage, Bala’s Holiday Chalet is located on a private hill from bustling city life. It offers a restaurant and homey rooms with free Wi-Fi.
The Bala’s Holiday Chalet is located in Cameron Highlands, a 5-minute drive from Tanah Rata.
Decked in pretty florals, antique lamps and armchairs, Bala’s Chalet creates the atmosphere of a home away from home. Rooms are equipped with a work desk and electric teakettle, while private bathrooms offer hot shower facilities.
Guests of the hotel receive free private parking privileges. Day tours can be arranged at the 24-hour front desk.
British India Restaurant serves a selection of homemade curries, Western cuisine and traditional Malaysian dishes.
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Facilities of The Bala's Holiday Chalet
Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Food & Drink ：Restaurant
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：24-Hour Front Desk | Tour Desk | Concierge Service | Laundry
General ：Family Rooms
Languages Spoken ：Malay | English
Reviews for The Bala's Holiday Chalet
Review 1：My first thought was, "I paid how much again for this?!" The place is definitely showing its age in the suite we stayed in and the bathroom was nowhere close to what I remembered in the past. Steps leading to the top suite were slippery and even a simple handrail would prevent plenty of potential accidents. Overall, a bit of TLC to the place will go a long way to make this a perfect weekend getaway.
Review 2：We revisited Bala's after 12 years (it was our first stay together as a couple). In fact, it was a lot more quaint than I remember it to be. Beautiful settings, a nice view of the sun setting over the mountains. Just a lot more more expensive now.
Review 3：Staff is at times not very welcoming, the kitchen made several mistakes (food not well-cooked) although the food is tasty enough, bedding could be cleaner, upholstery and furniture desperately in need of renewal. It is all not that bad, but overpriced.
Review 4：A charming place in a very good location, with lots of potential. We had a very good time staying there, but don't expect anything fancy.
Review 5：price not including breakfast. price high side for their restaurants. outside & inside compound have construction waste not carted away. occupancy rate was extremely low, they could have impressed us with an upgrade. furthermore knocked on our door at 1pm to pressure us to check out asap.
Review 6：staffs rather helpful to most requests, for example, to allow us order breakfast although its over the breakfast timing.
Review 7：The restaurant was pretty cold even though the fireplace in evening if you have dinner at night. Although the inside was nicely decorated most of the guests didn t stay for breakfast & dinner. Was missing a friendly atmosphere. The bathroom is basic with water lickage. If you choose a chalet for 6, be prepared to take some stairs before reaching your accomodation. We spent new years eve there, dinner was really basic, no desert, no party mood, staff were waiting for us to leave (already from 9pm)! Good place but staff could be more friendly.
Review 8：Beautiful view, old style & fire place in the evening making it cosy
Review 9：The frontcounter was very rude and hostile.
Review 10：The place was beautiful and scenery was breathtaking.The calmness and senerity was priceless.scones were amazing and totally worth the visit.
Review 11：maybe we just got a bad room in 2 nights 3 times a cockroach in our badroom, a fungy smell in the bed and our room did not get cleaned.
Review 12：nice building
Review 13：The food at the hotel is over price. Overall maintenance and cleanliness of the room can be improve. The staff should smile a little bit more.
Review 14：Like the environment of the hotel especially the garden. Very romantic view during sunset and at night. Love the chilling weather...
Review 15：The serve maybe be rated moderately & less warm welcome by a guy at the reception.
Review 16：Good location and nice view. Room was pleasant and comfortable providing for all our needs. This is a perfect gateway for relaxing holiday.
Review 17：The accommodation looks a bit tired, and my partner complained of a smell within the room. Shower water was not adequately hot.
Review 18：The staff were great to help arrange our tours and transits to other cities. The accommodation looked good on the outside with adequate space. Quiet neighborhood away from the crowded towns. Bed was comfy. Great view of surroundings.
Review 19：The food was not such good value for money.
Review 20：Great welcome when we arrived late after a dreadful journey from Pangkor. The gardens with lots of places to sit. Lovely rooms everywhere.
Review 21：sheet was abit unclean and it is good if slipper is provided because floor was cold. Bed frame is old and noisy.
Review 22：Quiet and tranquill. Superb for relaxation.
Review 23：My chalet is meant for 6 pax. There is only one mirror which is in the toilet ( yes only 1 toilet). So it was difficult for myself and my two gals to get ready. We had to wait for every one to shower before using the mirror to put on our head scarfs.
Review 24：The chalet is beautiful. I like the atmosphere there. The scones sold there are delicious. It's a five min drive from the town.
Review 25：Rooms lacked sufficient maintenance. Back of wardrobe was hanging off therefore shelves could fall off. Toilet cistern leaked, bath plug didn't work and shower had to be hand held. Slightly damp and furniture was dusty.
Review 26：Beautiful old English style country cottage feel with good views from the garden at the top of a hill. Authentic old english dining and lounge. With Christmas decorations on our visit.
Review 27：Some areas for improvement. Pls open the front desk 24hrs instead of closing at 10pm, add phone to each rooms to contact front desk, have a hospitality officer to attend to the guests to complement the beautiful surroundings,strengthen the upper wooden floors of the Raffles unit as currently it creaks when one is upstairs and gives an impression that the user floor is not secure
Review 28：It has a old British colonial feel, much like smokehouse. The landscape is done beautifully and has many areas for photo shooting. The food is good
Review 29：The rooms and the bathroom would benefit from some refurbishment.
Review 30：Great location, good staff and delicious scones. The atmosphere of the place is very special.
Review 31：The personnel was not friendly, wifi was not functioning, no telephone in the room
Review 32：Nice interior, comfortable, tranquil surrounding, privacy, near to Tanah Rata, Brinchang and most of the atractions in Cameron
Review 33：The location for us was perfect. Peaceful, relaxing,lovely garden and surroundings. Friendly, welcoming staff, at all times helpful, Food delicious and varied. It was like home from home for us. Room was pleasant and comfortable providing for all our needs. Even though staff were extremely busy catering for a wedding they still had time for us in this family run hotel.
Review 34：Its gonna be the first and the last. The resort is not well maintain, smelly room, water tap is dirty and smelly, there is a centepede in the bathroom, television is not clear with only 4 channels, unfriendly staff. I personally feel that the place is creepy until me and my family could not sleep at nite.
Review 35：None.
Review 36：My parents, wife and I had the misfortune of staying at Bala’s chalet. To future guests, I would like to advise all of you to not be deceived by the amazing beautiful pictures of the chalet and its surrounding area. We were also spell bounded by its beauty, however it is only a façade to cover what is really underneath it. Our holiday was not one bit enjoyable, instead we can only explain it as a nightmarish holiday. For a so called 4 star chalet, it did not meet any standards of even attaining 1 star. Hygiene levels were very questionable. The bed sheets were not only very old, they had lots of stains on them, rooms were very were not only dusty, they also reeked of mustiness and insect repellent, and finally but not least the toilets. To make matter worst, everything was very old and well used. There was definitely no form of maintenance within the building, which is a shame considering how beautiful the building is from the outside. Such absence of basic hygiene and lack of effort to maintain the chalet really highlights the owner’s and management’s capacity as a host. In terms of hospitality, I would not want to go in deep detail, however dishonesty is one of the displayed features. Our holiday experience in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia has definitely been ruined by the Bala’s Chalet. We have visited and stayed in many other places in Malaysia, whereby many had less stars or no stars, were all better than Bala’s Chalet. All of them left an amazing experience which truly reflect the Malaysian warm hospitality. As such, I would like to say shame on Bala’s Chalet for spoiling the Malaysian hospitality and culture.
Review 37：1. Breakfast is not included in price. 2. Breakfast timing is 7:30 to 10:30 but at 10:00 also you will get a rude answer that the breakfast is over and you can only order tea/coffee 3. The pricing of breakfast & meals is Very expensive. 4. The last shuttle service to come back is at 9:30 and the last dinner order is also 9:30. After that there are no options to eat.
Review 38：1.The property in itself is awesome and its so compelling to return and comeback and stay in the British style chalet. 2. The owner is also very friendly and the staff gives a good hospitality. 3. There is a free shuttle service from the hotel to the town by the hill (tanah rata) 4. i didnt expect this at first, as i booked this property due to unavailability of others, but the place is really something.. Now i feel that i will go back and stay there only.
Review 39：Front-desk staff was helpful enough but not very welcoming. Bathroom and room were unbelievably damp: we had to dry out all of our clothes in the next location. Breakfast disappointing and overpriced.
Review 40：Very pretty hotel and beautiful surroundings, good size room
Review 41：Please improve the car park facilities.
Review 42：The environment is the best. Both of us enjoy staying the old building but the only problem is a bit creppy at night. However we still plan for 2nd visit will my friend.
Review 43：it is unacceptable to have guests book a place when major work and construction is being done, sledge hammers and noise while we were there - this was not advertised (of course) when we booked so, not good, and that on top of very creaky (!) and loud beds... plus they close the place at 10pm, like a kind of curfew.... we were having dinner (no nice logs on the fire, but building materials) and then the fire went out and the lights, that was it.... very unwelcoming. The area is know for fresh strawberries but the breakfast includes nothing fresh at all !
Review 44：beautiful old house - quite romantic location
Review 45：No wifi in the rooms. Only in the common rooms and it didn't work very well.
Review 46：Very accommodating team. They changed our room so that it was easier to get to for my mother and made us a packed lunch for our tour.
Review 47：1. Wifi- poor signal. 2. The bell boy- he really helpful but wasn't even smile when serving the guest. 3. The staff should 'Service with a smile'. 4. The breakfast set for tea & scones is too expensive
Review 48：The place was beautiful with ambience of british heritage. Away from busy traffic because situated up on a hill. Peace, quiet the best place for relaxing. My room was perfect, clean and tidy.
Review 49：bed is too hard and not comfortable. building is old
Review 50：the garden is quite nice and able to let you enjoy tea with frds outdoor. overall consider ok, can't expect too much for a 3 star hotel.
Review 51：There's a problem with the shower heater, no wifi was detect. Most of the doors are locked at late night, it's a trouble for those who hang out late.
Review 52：The environment is lovely, the room is nice, the location is good.
Review 53：The place is damp and the bed and beddings/pillows smell mold.
Review 54：Gorgeous setting; area and property well kept except that the place is damp and the beddings/pillows smell mold...
Review 55：The WiFi is weak maybe due to the corner room, but it's not a big deal, still able to get connected. There's a construction site at the opposite area which is quite far away, however the noises might be noticeable during the day time.
Review 56：The breakfast is good. Quiet place with beautiful scenery. Lovely garden with flowers. Staffs are friendly and helpful. A good place to rest.
Review 57：Staff was just OK, but not very friendly. Breakfast is minimum (continental). Bedrooms OK but bathrooms would need a serious refurbishment.
Review 58：Good location. A nice setting and beautiful building (Tudor style)
Review 59：Mr. Bala is so double standard. He only saying hi to the foreigner. We only a table away from the foreigner. No talk even a smile to us.
Review 60：The building only
Review 61：The wifi service could really use an improvement.. the connections are weak and it's not moving...
Review 62：I love the serene and quite place of the location and the price is fair. Would recommend to have other minor add-ons though.. such as disposable toothbrushes and toothpaste. Maybe the room can be help with some fresheners to take away the mushy smell due to the cold weather....
Review 63：the dampness in the rooms is a little discomforting
Review 64：the lush green of the garden is spectacular and also the general atmosphere of this old building is intriguing. Apart from that I loved the Indian cuisine served in the restaurant.
Review 65：The bed comforter need to be change or wash, because got dust mites. The rest nothing much!
Review 66：At night time, peaceful, quiet n cold weather. value for money!
Review 67：1)astro-need improvement-no main channel (sports/maharaja package) 2. Hot shower not in proper control (very hot) 3. No proper dressing table 4. No breakfast included in package 5. Limited car park
Review 68：1. Good room service 2. Excellent staff 3. Clean 4. Good hospitality
Review 69：Staff was not friendly. Room was very dark and damp. Bed was terrible; very soft matrass. Food was okay, but too pricy for what you get. You'd better eat in Tanah Rata.
Review 70：The English cottage in which the hotel is located is very charming and the surroundings are nice and quiet
Review 71：there was a rat in the bathroom and when we told the reception , she just act as the normal thing. We we asked for refund and leave the hotel then she said we change your villa and promise that one is clean. We agreed and this villa was totally better than the first one and more cleaner.
Review 72：the location and the area was good and the garden was decorated beautifully.
Review 73：Great autenthic English/Welsh cottages, great Malay, Indian and other food served in the restaurant, great decor antique decor in both the main building and the cottages up the hill. Super friendly staff.
Review 74：The rooms could do with a refurbishment. Most staff were not that friendly, with the exception of one.
Review 75：The building itself was gorgeous. Full of character and a good location just outside Tanah Rata.
Review 76：This is an old but lovely place. As such the traveller does not get everything brand new and modern. I suggest you look past this fact and give Balas a try. It's gorgeous and unique!
Review 77：The most beautiful old colonial style property covered in vines and tons of quirky charm
Review 78：Had booked room with 2 single beds which was really old and in quite bad shape especially the bath room, musty smell in room, beds and bathroom (maybe other rooms are used more often and better ventilated?)
Review 79：The building is charming, nice english style, located away from heavy traffic roads with enough parking space and good Indian Restaurant.
Review 80：Over price.
Review 81：The ambience is great but lack of maintenance of the building ie. some of the room lightings are not working. Generally quite dark at night.
Review 82：1. The toilet is not clean with dust all over. 2. no parking space 3. basic amenities are not complete, not even mineral waters and plugs in the room are insufficient. Only 2 plugs by the TV. 4. There is hair stucks in the tower
Review 83：the garden for chilling at night.
Review 84：The rooms were shabby, Internet nonexistent, staff uninterested and the Muslim call to prayers at 430am was 1hour long and incredibly loud. My kids were awake from 4 onwards ..
Review 85：The location was very good and the outside facade and foliage was very pretty.
Review 86：The staff were really friendly and helpful. The building and garden are a draw for this hotel. The view from the room over the jungle was great! The fire was lit for us when we ate, which added to the ambiance. The food and wine were very good.
Review 87：Its a beautiful place away from all the rush. The garden, the view from the room, the weather.. everything is perfect for a holiday. The chalets are cozy and very clean.The wifi works just fine.The Spanish omelette for breakfast is yummy. My friends and I loved the place.
Review 88：The bed and blanket are so smelling..morning woke up, our pajama have a strong bad smell. When we try to discuss this issue to the staff, the staff was just ignore our feedback. Not recommended to anyone.
Review 89：The old english style chalet is attractive and amazing.
Review 90：Standard rooms and upstairs corridors need maintenance and refurbishing, breakfast rather basic. Unfortunately there is extensive construction work for apartments going on in town
Review 91：Lovely ambiance and splendid gardens, suites are elegantly furnished, nicely set dining room and excellent curries
Review 92：I could not able to keep my luggage in the cupboard. No additional plug points to charge my mobile are use the watercuttle. Watercuttle is not clean. The food in the resort is very poor. Not worth for the money i paid.
Review 93：Nice location.
Review 94：We enjoyed the hospitality and the location of the resort. It was perfect for a get away holiday! Beautiful!
Review 95：Insufficient parking lot. The furniture in the room is too old and some of the drawer can not be close. The price is too high for this condition.
Review 96：Staff service can be more improve
Review 97：Atmosphere with natural
Review 98：Nothing..
Review 99：Nice & peaceful view..very privacy
Review 100：television receiver too poor,less channel,wifi too slow....
Review 101：The environment,the building
Review 102：Staff were very helpful sorting out a room of a more suitable size than the one available from this site.
Review 103：- location - privacy - deco and design
Review 104：The way the staff communicate with their customer. A little of not polite and unfriendly.
Review 105：The ambiance is super good!
Review 106：Customer Service
Review 107：Customer Service has to be improvised
Review 108：The place needed maintenance, the bedrooms are stuffy with no ventilation
Review 109：The ambience and the setting
Review 110：Foods expensive above the rate & the taste not up to par.
Review 111：Cozy, relax place, best for stress relief.
Review 112：No A/C room smelled of damp.
Review 113：Location
Review 114：nothing..
Review 115：The interior is soo nice the whole area is acually nice.. the food is awesome
Review 116：Enviroment
Review 117：Water pressure is shower could be better, food could be cheaper
Review 118：very comfortable, nicely maintained, great location
Review 119：we should have more prorams on the TV. (they had only 4 channels), maybe some sports channel, HBO
Review 120：I liked the enviroment, the setup, facilities
Review 121：bad bad bad wifi !
Review 122：view,surrounding, garden
Review 123：The atmosphere of a Tudor designed home. The personal help and service by Mr. Bala himself, the owner.
Review 124：No hot water! In cold Cameron. No water pressure.
Review 125：The chalet and the outdoor gardens
Review 126：Bed uncomfortable, floors were creaky, room smelt damp.
Review 127：Charming little cottage
Review 128：some food and restaurant service could improve
Review 129：cosy lovely cottage great value for money great location
Review 130：Don't have
Review 131：very comfortable n peaceful
Review 132：mattress
Review 133：Environment, silent, design, spirit, size of room, hot water, service
Review 134：Privacy
Review 135：Facilities need to be improve and refurbish
Review 136：the surrounding is peaceful and calm with the cold weather of cameron highlands
Review 137：Room had a moldy smell.
Review 138：Their afternoon tea of scones and curry chicken pie are good.