With the destination settled, the question of where to stay arises. Resorts World Genting is often packed with tourists, so, perhaps, an alternative would be preferable.

For quieter and comfortable quarters, check out the Grand Ion Delemen instead. Located just a short drive away from the area’s main attractions, the hotel is built on a higher altitude than Resorts World, giving guests a glorious view of rolling hills and the surrounding countryside – assuming everything isn’t concealed by the morning fog.

Speaking of which, be careful on the road: the path is winding and sometimes the fog can get perilously heavy.

Once you do arrive, rest assured check-in will be smooth and easy. In fact, as Google reviews on this five-star hotel indicate, the service here is impressive on all levels.

Staff are polite and quick to respond to requests and will often provide you with useful information, sometimes on their own initiative. Feel free to tip them.

There are more than 500 rooms split between four tower blocks, with six different room types available. The smallest can accommodate two adults and one child; the biggest seven adults and three children.

Whichever you choose, the rooms are spacious and clean, equipped with modern-day comforts including Wi-Fi and satellite television.

Nevertheless, there are some aspects the hotel could improve on. Housekeeping, in particular, could change for the better – one of the towels provided had a thumb-sized hole in it.

The bedside clocks were also not operational, even with a change of batteries, while the televisions failed to play any channels until a repairman came around to fix them. One could assume the management figures guests would much prefer to depend on their phones and devices.

Still, these issues are ultimately minor in the grand scheme of things. More importantly, first impressions matter: what do visitors think when they see the building’s facade?

Paintwork is understandably hard to maintain in the location’s cold and rainy weather – but setting sights on stained walls and algae-covered windows does a disservice to the hotel’s reputation. Some refurbishment and attention to detail would certainly be to its benefit.

These aside, there are many pluses one gets to enjoy from a stay here. Shuttle services to and from Resorts World Genting are provided, meaning you won’t have to drive and pay for expensive parking.

If you don’t plan on visiting the attractions, the hotel has enough facilities to keep you occupied and entertained.

Kids can check out the playground and the arcade, while adults can indulge in karaoke or rock climbing. Those wishing to keep fit on holiday will likely enjoy the fully equipped gymnasium.

And no hotel would be perfect without a pool: the one here is sheltered from the elements, so hop in whenever you wish.

Then there’s the most important component of any good vacation: food! Thankfully, Grand Ion Delemen does not lack in this regard.

Of particular note is Tavern in the Sky, a bar that serves Thai food. Given the chilly weather, spicy fare is always welcome, and it helps that the dishes here are legitimately tasty.

While the eatery offers mookata sets – those barbeque-hotpot combos – you can also order other dishes. Among them, the tom yam soup and chilli lime steamed tilapia are particularly good.

Buffet breakfast from 7am to 10am is also available at Kembali Kitchen, the hotel’s main eatery that is open throughout the day. Being an early bird would be a good idea here, lest you like waiting in line in the morning.

The spread, while standard, isn’t subpar. Of note is the roti canai, which is equal parts crispy and fluffy; and the entire experience is enhanced by attentive staff who clear plates quickly and are more than happy to serve you.

Ultimately, this hotel is definitely worth a stay at if you’d like an alternative choice of accommodation while vacationing in the Highlands. So grab your jackets and put on your mittens – Genting beckons, and so does Grand Ion Delemen!

This is a non-sponsored review. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.

For more information, visit Grand Ion Delemen’s website or contact 03-64332200.

Grand Ion Delemen Hotel
1, Jalan Ion Delemen,
69000 Genting Highlands,
Pahang