The Smokehouse Hotel | Cameron Highlands | Hotel and Room Tour
The Smokehouse Hotel in the Cameron Highlands is one of the region’s most iconic accommodations, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience a slice of English heritage amidst Malaysia’s cool highlands.
Built in 1937, this historic hotel has maintained its colonial charm over the decades, with its Tudor-style architecture, ivy-covered walls, and perfectly manicured gardens. Stepping into the Smokehouse is like being transported to a traditional English inn, complete with fireplaces, wooden beams, and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
During our stay, we had the chance to experience two different types of rooms: | Although not intentionally | a smaller, more affordable standard room and a spacious suite with a separate living area.
This gave us a well-rounded view of what the hotel has to offer, from budget-friendly comfort to more luxurious accommodations for those looking to indulge.
This review will cover everything from the charm of each room to the overall experience of staying at this historic property.
Getting There: Location and First Impressions
The Smokehouse Hotel is conveniently located along the main road between Tanah Rata and Brinchang, making it easy to access from any part of the Cameron Highlands. Whether you’re arriving from Kuala Lumpur or nearby Ipoh, the hotel is well-positioned for exploring the highland’s main attractions, such as the BOH Tea Plantation, strawberry farms, Hobbitoon and the Mossy Forest.
We stopped off at Hobbitoon on the way to break up the drive, and have a video and review on the link above. We also did a trip to the Mossy Forest while we were there.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the sight of a classic English cottage, complete with stone walls, timber framing, and a garden filled with colourful blooms.
The exterior alone sets the tone for what’s to come—a nostalgic, country-style retreat that feels worlds away from modern city life. The hotel’s charming signboard, ivy-draped walls, and vintage touches instantly give you the sense that you’ve stepped into a different era.
The Small Rooms: Cosy Comfort with a Touch of Nostalgia
We started our stay in one of The Smokehouse Hotel’s smaller, more affordable rooms in the Hillside section. While compact, the room had a distinct charm, featuring classic English décor and simple wooden furnishings. Floral prints, old-style lamps, and vintage touches added to the overall character, making it feel warm and inviting.
The room included a comfortable double bed, a small writing desk, and a spacious bathroom. While the space was simple, it was perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option to experience the hotel’s unique atmosphere.
The main downside was that it could feel a bit tight for those who prefer more room to spread out. However, for a short stay, the cosy feel and historical vibe made it enjoyable.
The Large Suite Rooms: A Luxurious Colonial Experience
After a night in the smaller room, we had to move as the power and water went out due to a storm. We moved to one of the larger suite-style rooms, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
The suite was spacious and included a separate living area with comfortable armchairs, a coffee table, tv and a large bathroom. The extra space made the suite feel more like a private country retreat rather than a hotel room.
The bedroom was large, with a king-size bed, plush pillows, and windows overlooking the gardens. The décor maintained the same English cottage style but felt more refined, with heavier fabrics, a larger bathroom, and some unique antique pieces.
This room would be ideal for families, couples looking for more space, or anyone wanting to experience a more luxurious stay at the Smokehouse.
The Gardens: A Piece of England in the Highlands
One of the highlights of The Smokehouse Hotel is its beautifully maintained English-style gardens. Surrounding the main building, the gardens are filled with colourful flowers, neatly trimmed hedges, and classic wrought-iron benches, making it a perfect spot to relax with a cup of tea. The combination of the cool highland air and the lush greenery creates a serene atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere in the region.
We spent some time exploring the garden paths and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. If you’re curious to see more, check out our YouTube video on The Smokehouse Hotel, where we captured the iside of the rooms and the hotel.
Dining at The Smokehouse: A Taste of Traditional British Cuisine
The Smokehouse is known not just for its accommodation but also for its dining options, which focus on traditional British fare.
We had the chance to try their popular English breakfast and classic afternoon tea as well as dinner twice. Breakfast was served in a cosy dining room overlooking the garden and included options like eggs, sausages, baked beans, and toast, along with freshly brewed tea or coffee. You could also choose from a small menu with eggs benedict which was really good. While the afternoon tea could do with a little improvement, The highlight were the dinners.
Served in the dining room, we tried the beef wellington, the sirloin of beef, the lamb rack and the steak and kidney pie during our time there, while the prices are a little high the quality and portions are excellent and we really enjoyed it.
The Smokehouse also offers a full dinner menu, with dishes like roast lamb, fish and chips, and their signature Beef Wellington. If you’re looking to complete your stay with a proper English meal, it’s worth making a reservation in advance, as seating can be limited, especially during peak seasons.
Service & Hospitality: Friendly and Personalised Attention
The service at The Smokehouse Hotel was consistent with its reputation for warm, attentive hospitality for the most part. The second day was better than the first, and they seemed genuinely interested in ensuring we had a comfortable stay.
One standout feature was the attention to detail—whether it was arranging our room switch smoothly or providing tips on the best times to explore nearby attractions. We also noticed small touches, like turning down the beds in the evening which made our stay feel special. While the property has an old-world charm, the quality of service made it feel well-maintained and inviting.
Final Thoughts: A Memorable Stay Steeped in History and Charm
Overall, The Smokehouse Hotel offers a unique experience that blends colonial-era charm with modern comfort. Staying here is like stepping back in time, with its English-style décor, beautiful gardens, and cosy interiors creating a setting that’s both nostalgic and relaxing.
For those looking to experience a slice of British heritage in the Cameron Highlands, it’s a top choice.
While the smaller rooms are good for budget-conscious travellers who want a taste of the property’s charm, the larger suites are ideal if you’re looking for a more spacious, luxurious stay. Either way, the Smokehouse’s historic character and serene setting make it worth a visit.
If you’d like to see more of what the hotel looks like, be sure to check out our YouTube video on The Smokehouse Hotel. We captured our experience staying in both room types and shared more insights on what makes this place stand out in the Cameron Highlands.
