More Than A Boutique Hotel – Indulgence Living @ Ipoh
October 10, 2010 | 15,429 views
Giulianna @ Indulgence Living, Ipoh – Timeless Italian Influences
“Whimsical cabinetry is faux painted and small mirrors are flushed into the mantle piece. Above the king bed hangs the proud silver framed mirror of Toi. It is an art nouveau piece ….” (snippets from Indulgence Restaurant & Living)
Thanks to a kind (and timely) invitation from Julie Song, the proprietress of Indulgence Restaurant & Living, I was treated to a fabulous stay at one her passionately designed room; Giulianna.
“The underestimated elegance offers a Versace feel of grandeur with a plush avant garde leopard-printed seat placed against the windows ….”
Indulgence Restaurant has always been the hallmark of gastronomy in Ipoh. Setting an admirably-high standard amongst the dining establishments in town, Julie injects so much passion into her works; from the running of the kitchen (yes, she STILL cooks amidst the misconceptions about her delegating all the nitty-gritty stuff to the kitchen staff), baking her range of famously decadent desserts, on the grounds and taking orders from the diners, and overseeing the operations of her 7-rooms boutique hotel; aptly named Indulgence Living.
“The loud aqua walls with drapery of teal blue jacguard and similar brown hues transports you back in time to the foxy era of the silver screen …..”
There are a total of SEVEN different rooms available at Indulgence Living, situated on the upper floor of Indulgence Restaurant. Each room has its own theme; from Moroccan (Tzarrah) to Thai (Kinnaree), as well as English Country (Beverly) and contemporary (Ildi).
The interesting fact is that Julie designed all the rooms HERSELF; the diverse array of influences accumulated from her years of travel all over the world. If she feels that the room is not good enough for herself to sleep in, then it’s definitely not good enough for the guests.
How did she gauge this? She had slept in all the rooms before, experiencing the comfort and hospitality of Indulgence Living first hand, like a trial run. Much like how she stands adamant on the principle of cooking food that she loves; reflected in the passion and warmth that goes into her cooking.
Even after 3 years+ in business, the rooms at Indulgence Living are still of top notch quality; with constant maintenance being done and manual inspections by Julie herself.
Stepping into my designated room; the Italian-themed Giulianna parked at the end of the corridor with windows overlooking the lush green compound (and a fanciful jackfruit tree in clear view), I was mesmerized by the sheer amount of intricate details she went into.
To project a glitzy, opulent yet classic ambience; a throwback to the foxy era of the silver screen, Julie incorporated various elements into the design of the room. From the attractive combination of stark, bright blue hues of paint and teal blue curtains draping the walls and windows, to the cleverly-built closet that opens two-ways (so you can reach for your hair-dryer/bath robes from your room AND from the bathroom). And let’s not forget the leopard prints on the seat placed by the windows, and on the headboard of the plush, king-sized bed.
The windows to my room overlooking to the lush and tall trees commanding a swaying presence at the back of the compound
A personal touch – Welcome message from Julie herself.
But of course, no handwritten message can compete with the tiers of light bites provided complimentary to all hotel guests. Desserts and pastries from Indulgence, nonetheless.
Trying to create a swanky outlook yet retaining that homely charm. Difficult to explain on paper, but had to be experienced before concurring. I know I did.
My room came equipped with all the amenities you usually find in hotels; large LCD screen with Astro channels, safe deposit box, fridge with bottles of Evian water, coffee/tea making facilities, bath robes (for two, since every room at Indulgence Living is for TWO pax only), free Wifi for hotel guests as well as breakfast for two at Indulgence Restaurant.
Every ornament, every piece of furniture and every drawing on the walls speak volume of the effort she took in the design of the hotel.
Since the dining hall is but a flight of stairs away, one can’t help but feel so much at home when staying in any of the rooms. I was tempted to walk in my sandals and shorts for breakfast, but held back on the thought for I did not wish to project a sloppy/unprofessional image.
Only to be reprimanded by Julie herself, proving that people DO eat their breakfasts at Indulgence in their most comfortable self. Even the NON-hotel guests. And she never wanted Indulgence to be seen as a rigid/formal fine diner with all the bells and whistles anyway. But instead as just an unpretentious, cozy and homely place for one to fully indulge himself in his meal, taking his own sweet time appreciating her passionate cooking.
(More on the breakfast @ Indulgence in the next post)
The lounge for guests upstairs, where you can mingle with the other guests or just kick back and read some books/magazines.
Indulgence Restaurant & Living @ Jalan Raja Di Hilir (Tambun Road), Ipoh
Words can’t explain the complete Indulgence experience; it had to be felt to be understood. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the room, the hospitality (from the staff as well), the FOOD, and the overall experience. This was a whole world of difference from my initial reservations (to be fair, you can read about my previous not-so-positive experience at Indulgence) of the place.
And no, I did not get a single cent from Indulgence. Nor was I urged, compelled, forced, threatened, coerced, etc etc to write this review. Yes, the room and the ensuing meals (to be in the next posts) were on-the-house, but Julie extended this invitation without any clause or prior arrangement.
Plus, she had always known that I don’t mince my words anyway … 🙂
Indulgence Restaurant & Living
No 14, Jalan Raja Di Hilir (Jalan Tambun),
30350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Telephone : 605-255 7051
Business hours : 9am – 11.30pm daily.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Indulgence Living : All year round
Google Map to Indulgence
Website – Click for more information on Indulgence Restaurant & Living
(Rooms at Indulgence Living are priced from RM420/USD135++ onwards. Reservation is a must. The room comes with breakfast for two. Note that for children above 3 years old, sharing is prohibited)
Stay tuned for the next installment of The Indulgence Experience ……
this place is very very pretty!
[Reply]
i am totally IN LOVE with the room!!!! really tempted to just go to ipoh now for a weekend just to stay in one of those lovely rooms! plus i love the personal welcome message from julie! 🙂
so happy to see that so much love and passion goes into the food and the place!!
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 10th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Yeah …. I wish to stay another night, or even a full week if possible! Trying out all 7 different themed rooms!
[Reply]
And the decoration…some are quit unusual huh! 😀
[Reply]
Guess you’re the fist blogger who gets to step into the upper floor!
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 10th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Nolah … the place actually has attracted a lot of guests over the years. Just that mostly based on word-of-mouth, and tourists wishing for a different type of accommodation; away from the usual cold and lifeless hotels.
[Reply]
[…] More Than A Boutique Hotel – Indulgence Living @ Ipoh […]
Impressive.. am a fan of Indulgence since the times they were in their old shoplot..
Lurve the brownies..
Neway i have book the Kinnaree room for my Executive Director & that time that was the only room available out of the 7..
Julie have really put her heart & soul to make Indulgence one of the best in terms of dining & living.. She has put IPOH on the international arena.. Bravo Julie!..
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 10th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Yes, she has 11 types of brownies in her repertoire, and constantly adding new ones infused with seasonal produces. Amazingly resourceful, you should see how her eyes sparkle when she talks about Indulgence.
Almost a decade in business (since the Canning Garden outlet) and still so passionate.
[Reply]
I nearly wanted to ask why did you stay in an Ipoh hotel when you’re from Ipoh until I read the last part… hahaha~
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 10th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Haha … yeah, had it not for the kind invitation, I doubt I would have forked out for a room at a hotel situated less than 10km from my own home!
[Reply]
till today i’ve never been there..
nice room btw!
[Reply]
hey! what a lovely place…!!!
(ehemm treated like a king for a night..not bad;)
can’t wait for the post on food…do it fast !
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 10th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
Okay okay …. told ya we should have done a gathering there instead …. Next round?
[Reply]
i’ve always been meaning to eat at indulgence sometime, but have been waiting for a time when i’m actually visiting perak or driving through with time to spare. but it looks like the hotel is well worth staying at too! very tempting 😀
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 10th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Come come ….. bring the whole entourage. Julie did mention about meeting Nigel before.
[Reply]
the building looks exquisite… wat was it used for before??
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Ryan – Indulgence at this current location started about 5 years ago. They are still renting this bungalow from a certain doctor. Not sure if I should be dropping names here, but I think this was some residence way back then.
[Reply]
Peter Ng Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
this used to be my office ( a construction company) before Indulgence took over with a massive renovation. During my time it belongs to the group next door at no.16.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Oh, thanks Peter. I notice that No 16 is still there, but not sure what the building hosts.
Peter Ng Reply:
October 14th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
No 16 is still being used as an office. This group also owns Clear Water Sanctuary in Batu Gajah.
J2Kfm Reply:
October 14th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Oh thanks. And both Indulgence and the No 16 are still connected; border-less lots.
OMG! This is so nice …. live like a king
[Reply]
wow.. the perks of being a flogger… 🙂 c’est bon… ya…
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Hey… not only a flogger lah. More to a friend. 🙂
[Reply]
Being an Ipoh gal………, I trully love Indulgence!! What more can we describe it……………other than…..elegance,classy, chick, exquisite…………and like indulgence…….it’s a pampering world!! My husband and I love this place very much and whenever we head back to Ipoh………we love to indulge in this place!! 🙂
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I was skeptical initially, having had some bad runs with the service before. And now completely I’m wowed by the desserts, and deeper insight into the passionate cooking of Julie’s. The quality ingredients, the innovative mix-n-match, and the pleasant ambience.
[Reply]
The place looks really lovely! But reading your last part of the post, children above 3 years prohibited from sharing? What does this mean? What happens with families with kids above 3 years old? Not very practical to get another room for kids I guess? Or is this hotel not meant for kids..
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 11th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Yup, for kids above 3 yrs old, they have to get another room for the kids. Just part of their rules and regulations.
[Reply]
[…] Continued from Part 1 of The Indulgence Experience – Indulgence Living; More Than A Boutique Hotel […]
If I have to decide between virtual Vs Live Poker I will usually pick out the live alternative as playing virtual poker mostly makes me feel like a poker bot – counting cards and just getting by dry strategy
[Reply]
I refer to the last paragraph of this post. No doubt you’re not one to mince your words but think about this: knowing that you’ll probably review their establishment, do you not think that the people at Indulgence would give you special treatment so that there’s nothing bad for you to write about? What are the chances that when “regular folks” stay or dine there, they’ll get the same level of attention? A review done incognito (not by you, of course; they already know who you are!) would probably be more convincing. Meanwhile, Indulgence continues to only serve well those who are famous, well-to-do and/or reviewers. Their sub-standard service to “normal” patrons will persist. No food, no matter how divine, is worth being served poorly.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 7:47 pm
Hi TLS,
I can’t deny the fact that yeah … since they knew me and all, I might have gotten prefential treatment. Though I do not agree on the part about reviewing the hotel, as the main purpose of the invitation was for me to sample some of her new dishes.
Nonetheless, I have had relatives and friends of friends’ whom had stayed at Indulgence Living before and came out very satisfied by the sheer indulgence of being pampered.
After all, from RM420++ per room onwards, would you have tolerated a second class service?
[Reply]
Oh wow, this place is absolutely gorgeous.
Not surprised really though. Malaysia is one of my top 3 favorite countries and I make sure I visit every 2-3 months. Have put this hotel on my list. It’s lovely.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
October 15th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Yup, do consider dropping by Ipoh for the Indulgence experience alone. As there are out-of-towners who do that every now and then, en route up north or down south.
[Reply]
[…] checking in into the resplendent ‘mansion’ of a room; the glam and glitzy Giulianna, we proceeded to a wonderful feast during dinner; using the freshest of local and imported seasonal […]
Thanks for imparting such important information at all.
Nice post! your blog is also impressive one.
My friend is sitting near me also appreciate your information and blog.
[Reply]
I want to book a double room for the period of 6-8 MAY 2010, can you let me know the total price ? Thanks in advance.
Betty
PS: we are from Hong Kong
[Reply]
May I know is there any bathtub in the room.. i just got 1.5 day in Ipoh… struggling should i stay in Ipoh.. as Indulgence seems a bit far away fm ipoh town.. but the room is really nice…
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
May 2nd, 2011 at 10:26 pm
It is not far from Ipoh town. It’s in fact, between the old town and the newer part of Ipoh; Tambun and Ipoh Garden East.
My room did not come with a bathtub, but you can ask about the other rooms.
[Reply]
can i book all 7 rooms for my office family day date between 15-17 or 21-23 july 2011
[Reply]
Have read many negative comments about the place especially the staff and the Chinese chef. Wanted to stay somewhere but will not choose this place from the reviews I have read
[Reply]
Hey very nice blog!
[Reply]