Ipoh has grown into one of the most rewarding weekend escapes in the country, and where you stay makes or breaks the trip. The city pairs a walkable heritage Old Town full of cafes and murals with limestone caves, hot springs and some of the best street food in Perak. Rather than a cookie-cutter chain room, more travellers now want a homestay with character, a place that feels like a proper base for exploring rather than just somewhere to sleep.
We did the legwork so you do not have to. Every stay on this list holds a Google rating of at least 4.0 from real guests, and we have left out anything that has closed or slipped in quality. From restored shophouse retreats in the middle of Old Town to boutique guesthouses near the food streets, here are the 10 best homestays in Ipoh to plan your next weekend around. Each one is ranked by how many guests have reviewed it, so you can book with confidence.
Which Area of Ipoh Should You Stay In?
For first-timers, Ipoh Old Town is the obvious base. You are within walking distance of the concept stores, kopitiams, murals and the famous white coffee, and heritage stays like Sarang Paloh and Kong Heng Square put you right in the thick of it. If you would rather have easy parking, malls and quick access to the highway, the newer side around Bandar Meru Raya and Greentown suits you better. Places such as M Boutique and 1969 D’Kelly sit closer to those conveniences while still keeping you a short drive from the action.
What to Look for in an Ipoh Homestay
Ipoh homestays range from social, backpacker-style guesthouses to private boutique units built for couples and families. Think about your group first. Solo travellers and pairs do well at guesthouses like Ninety and The Host, where the vibe is relaxed and coffee is close. Families and larger groups get better value from stays with self-catering kitchens and multiple rooms. Wherever you land, confirm check-in times, parking and whether breakfast is included before you book, since these vary a lot from one homestay to the next in Ipoh.
Table of Contents
- 1. M Boutique Ipoh
- 2. 1969 D’Kelly Hotel
- 3. French Hotel Ipoh
- 4. Ipoh Bali Hotel
- 5. Bedrock Hotel Ipoh
- 6. The Happy 8 Retreat @ Old Town
- 7. Kong Heng Square Artist Homestay
- 8. The Host Hotel Ipoh
- 9. Ninety Guest House & Coffee Bar
- 10. Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay
1. M Boutique Ipoh
M Boutique is the most reviewed stay in the city for good reason. It leans into a playful vintage-Americana theme, with a lobby that looks like a film set and rooms dressed up with retro touches you will want to photograph. Sitting near Bandar Meru Raya, it is handy for the highway and the newer shopping side of town, yet still an easy drive to Old Town. Couples love it for the styling, and families appreciate the space and the on-site cafe. If you want a homestay-feel boutique property that is polished, quirky and reliable, this is the safest first booking in Ipoh.
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (Daily); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 2, Hala Datuk 5, 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-255 5566
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
2. 1969 D’Kelly Hotel
1969 D’Kelly is the highest-rated pick on this list and one of the friendliest stays in Ipoh. Guests keep coming back for the warm, hands-on hosts who treat you more like a house guest than a room number, plus clean, comfortable rooms at a price that feels fair. It sits around the Taman Gopeng and Ipoh Garden side, an easy hop to eateries and the city centre. The homely service is the standout, and it suits solo travellers, couples and small families who want a calm, well-kept base without resort prices. Book ahead, because word has clearly got around.
Operating Hours: Reception 24 hours (Daily); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: A-1-1 D, K Premium, 150, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Taman Gopeng, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-618 1969
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
3. French Hotel Ipoh
A long-running favourite just off Ipoh’s food belt, French Hotel earns its spot through consistency and value. Rooms are simple, tidy and quiet, and the central location on Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar puts you within easy reach of both Old Town and New Town eateries. It is the kind of dependable base that lets you spend your money on food and attractions rather than the room itself. Parking and helpful front-desk staff round out the package. If you want a no-fuss, wallet-friendly stay in a genuinely convenient part of Ipoh, this one rarely disappoints regular visitors.
Operating Hours: Reception 24 hours (Daily); Check-in 2:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 62, Jalan Datuk Onn Jaafar, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-241 3030
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
4. Ipoh Bali Hotel
Ipoh Bali Hotel brings a slice of island resort styling into the city, with Balinese-inspired decor, warm wood tones and a calm atmosphere that makes it feel like a proper getaway. Tucked along Lorong Cheah Cheang Lim, it is close to the padang and the heritage core, so you can walk out to coffee and murals. The themed rooms are the draw, giving couples a romantic, slightly indulgent feel without a big price tag. It suits weekenders who want their stay to be part of the experience rather than an afterthought. Rooms book up fast on holidays, so plan early.
Operating Hours: Reception 12:00 pm – 12:00 am (Daily); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 12, Lorong Cheah Cheang Lim, 30350 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-242 0222
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
5. Bedrock Hotel Ipoh
Bedrock is one of the best-rated boutique stays in Ipoh and a favourite with couples and small groups. It pairs modern, clean-lined rooms with genuinely attentive service, and guests consistently praise how comfortable and quiet the space feels. Sitting in Taman Jubilee, it keeps you close to the New Town food scene and a short drive from Old Town’s attractions. The look is contemporary rather than kitsch, so it appeals to travellers who want style without theme-park decor. If a spotless room and helpful hosts matter more to you than a big-brand name, Bedrock is an easy recommendation for an Ipoh weekend.
Operating Hours: Reception 7:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 13-15, Jalan Che Tak, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-241 3031
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
6. The Happy 8 Retreat @ Old Town
The Happy 8 Retreat is what most people picture when they think of an Ipoh heritage homestay. Set inside restored shophouses on Jalan Market, it blends rustic timber, greenery and thoughtful design into a stay that feels artsy and personal. You are right in Old Town, so the murals, concept cafes and kopitiams are on your doorstep. Rooms lean cosy and characterful rather than large, which is part of the charm. It suits creatives, couples and travellers who want their accommodation to match the vintage soul of the city. Come for the atmosphere and the unbeatable walkable location.
Operating Hours: Reception 24 hours (Daily); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 46, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 011-5301 9493
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
7. Kong Heng Square Artist Homestay
Kong Heng Square sits at the creative heart of Ipoh Old Town, wrapped around the same block as the artisan market, concept shops and some of the city’s best cafes. The artist homestay units keep the raw heritage character of the old building, with exposed brick, timber and an open-air feel that design lovers adore. Step out the door and you are among craft stalls, coffee and street art. It is compact and atmospheric rather than luxurious, so it suits travellers chasing a genuine Old Town experience. For a weekend spent wandering murals and sipping white coffee, few addresses beat this one.
Operating Hours: Reception 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed Tue); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 75a, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: —
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
8. The Host Hotel Ipoh
The Host lives up to its name, drawing steady praise for the kind of warm, personal service that turns a good stay into a memorable one. It is a tidy boutique guesthouse in Taman Jubilee, close to New Town food and a quick drive to Old Town, making it a practical base for a food-focused weekend. Rooms are comfortable and well kept, and the hosts are happy to point you to the best kopitiams and caves. It suits couples and solo travellers who value friendly service and a quiet night over frills. A reliable mid-range choice that punches above its size.
Operating Hours: Reception 24 hours (Daily); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 5-1, Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-241 1163
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
9. Ninety Guest House & Coffee Bar
Ninety is a guesthouse and coffee bar rolled into one, which is exactly the kind of double duty a weekend in Ipoh calls for. The cafe downstairs means your morning brew is a staircase away, and the rooms above keep things cosy, clean and quietly stylish. It sits in Taman Jubilee, handy for the New Town food streets and an easy run into Old Town. The relaxed, social feel makes it a good match for couples and solo travellers who like a spot with a bit of personality. Coffee lovers in particular will find it hard to leave in the mornings.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Closed Tue); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 23, Jalan Chua Cheng Bok, Taman Jubilee, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-241 8557
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
10. Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay
Rounding out the list, Sarang Paloh is a beautifully restored heritage stay on Jalan Sultan Iskandar, right in Old Town. Set inside a row of old shophouses, it keeps the high ceilings and period bones while adding comfortable, tastefully done rooms and a striking event hall. You are steps from the concept cafes, murals and kopitiams that make Ipoh’s core so walkable. It suits couples, families and small groups who want heritage charm with a proper sense of place. Because it doubles as an event venue, weekends can be lively, so ask about scheduling if a quiet night is your priority.
Operating Hours: Reception 24 hours (Daily); Check-in 3:00 pm, Check-out 12:00 pm
Address: 12, 14, 16, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-241 3926
Google Review: View on Google
Google Map: Navigate Now
Ipoh rewards travellers who pick the right base, and this list covers every kind of weekend. For a stylish, well-reviewed boutique stay, M Boutique and Bedrock are the safe bets. For the warmest, most personal welcome, 1969 D’Kelly is hard to top. And if you want to wake up in the middle of the heritage magic, the Old Town homestays like The Happy 8 Retreat, Kong Heng Square and Sarang Paloh put you right where the murals, cafes and kopitiams are. Every stay here clears a 4.0 Google rating, so you can book any of them with confidence.
Room availability, prices and check-in times do change, especially over school holidays and long weekends, so it is always worth a quick call or a check on Google before you set off. Now pick your homestay, pack light, and go make a weekend of Ipoh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay in Ipoh for first-timers?
Ipoh Old Town is the best base for first-timers. Heritage stays like Sarang Paloh, The Happy 8 Retreat and Kong Heng Square keep you walking distance from the murals, concept cafes and famous white coffee kopitiams, so you can explore the core on foot without needing a car.
Are there budget-friendly homestays in Ipoh?
Yes. French Hotel and guesthouses like Ninety and The Host offer clean, comfortable rooms at wallet-friendly rates, letting you spend more of your budget on Ipoh’s street food and attractions. Rooms fill up on weekends and holidays, so book a little ahead for the best prices.
Do Ipoh homestays have parking?
Most homestays outside the Old Town core, such as M Boutique, Bedrock and 1969 D’Kelly, have easier parking. Old Town heritage stays sit on busy heritage streets where parking can be tighter, so check with your host in advance and factor in nearby public car parks if you are driving.
When is the best time to visit Ipoh for a weekend?
Ipoh is a great weekend trip year-round, but weekdays and non-holiday weekends are quieter and cheaper. If you visit during public or school holidays, book your homestay early, as the most popular Old Town and boutique stays get fully reserved well ahead of time.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
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