The Aurum Motel - self check-in -

I booked a room with a queen bed at the Aurum Motel for 5 nights in May 2026. It is a hipster youth hostel-style concept located in a 2-storey renovated heritage shophouse, with tents or private rooms that you can book, with common toilets, heated showers and wash basins at the ground floor area. The day I arrived, I received a WhatsApp text about an hour before my arrival with relevant information on the self check-in process, including the key PIN to the door, the key lock etc - rather fuss-free. The owner/operator Ah Xiang also happened to be there at the arrival timing I stipulated in booking.com, which was a nice touch. He showed me around the premises and to my room. The stay was comfortable. There were few people in the motel during the period of my stay. The common areas were cleaned daily. I noticed a dining table in the common area with utensils, a basin for cleaning, as well as free breakfast (bread with sugar and butter). There is also a water dispenser with hot and cold water. I also appreciated the smaller touches like how bath towels, toothbrushes, earplugs, hair dryers and slippers for the bathroom etc were provided. What struck me most was Ah Xiang's warmth in sending me numerous food and restaurant recommendations with Google Map links over WhatsApp. The recommendations spanned local cuisine at famous eateries, cafes, food you should try while in Alor Setar, etc. The stay itself was mostly comfortable. To manage expectations, I think people should prepare earplugs and eye masks if they are light sleepers, as the ambient light from the air con 'on' button and the sounds from the water pump and the street below may be distracting at night. Other than these, I think the stay was great and the service even better. The location of the motel itself is unbeatable.

The self check-in was a bit odd, but the host provided excellent instructions and offered lots of eating suggestions. The room was clean. The bed was comfortable and had a thick duvet. The AC worked well The shared bathroom and toilets were clean. Liquid soap was provided. There's a shared kitchenette with a fridge, plates, cutlery and packet coffee. There's also a hot/cold water dispenser The location is easy walking distance to the main attractions in Alor Setar and about 10-minutes to the railway station. It's easy to find when walking as there's a big sign outside.

Some minor points: The place is quiet even though there were other guests. The floor in the common areas need to be mopped. No soap at the washbasins, which were located in the showers

The location was good

Small rooms and not super clean, looks old

It feels more like a hostel than a motel, with its eccentric interior made of recycled materials. The room was clean and comfortable. The common bathrooms were very agreeable. Good WiFi. Excellent location right in the old town, within walking distance to the train or bus station. The striking beautiful mosque and city square is just 1 min away. Just around the corner, there's a cozy coffee shop with river view tables and 300 m away is Chill28, a bar and restaurant with outdoor tables and a smoking area. I appreciated this motel even more after I had left. In hindsight I wish I had stayed longer and done day trips to the Kula Perlis region instead of moving on up there. The self check in worked fine.

There's no outdoor furniture or any designated smoking area. The cost of the room needs to be more clear before we pay. We know we got to add 10 ringgits tourist tax per night , but here it was added some more for what?