Just spent a quick, 18 hours in Melaka, but really only explored during the evening, eating our way through the night market on Jonker Street. It's similar to George Town in many ways: UNESCO historic cities with European colonial ruins, heavy Chinese influences, and lots of street food. It's more "historical" as it is older than Georgetown, being a major port in the 1500s and went through Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Its colonial buildings remind me of the ruins in Macau. At the same time, Melaka is a tackier/kitschier version of George Town, where you see people in [unsanctioned] character costumes (e.g. Winnie the Pooh) hanging out in the square for photo ops. There are tuks tuks, but the ones in Melaka are decorated a theme (Pokemon, Hello Kitty, Frozen), lit up and blast music ("Let It Go"). I'd say their target visitor/tourist who would enjoy Melaka the most are Chinese-speaking who are there to eat street food, shopping for traditional confectionaries/snacks to bring home, and enjoy (or at least, don't mind) the kitsch. I know this because my parents really enjoyed Melaka :-P

That said, I probably would have enjoyed having 1 full day, or 1.5 days days (i.e. stay 2 nights) there, but we could only fit in 1 night on our way from KL to Singapore. I think the biggest draw is the Jonker Street night market. Yes, it's totally for tourists, but it's got that chaotic energy that entices senses. The market only runs Friday - Sunday nights, so I'm guessing the city center has a different vibe during the week. The way Really wished we could have had time to have lunch in town, as many of the hawker centre restaurants are only open during the day. I think Melaka is a good option for 1 or 2 weekend night stay that's convenient from KL or Singapore, but not worth going out of your way for if you don't enjoy busy night markets.

We stayed at the Liu Men hotel, which was 1 block off of Jonker Street. Some reviews said it can be affected by neighborhood noise, but it ended up not bothering me that much. I heard the morning call to prayer in the distance, but only because I was already awoken. The biggest noise came those annoying tuk tuks blasting songs, but luckily, I think they stop passing by around 11 pm. Liu Men is very solid 4-star boutique hotel, in some traditional shops renovated with high-design Art Deco elements.The rooms are small, and they don't have onsite restaurant, gym, pool, etc. but it's a good location to go out and explore. I didn't go by The Majestic, as it is a bit farther away from Jonker Street. But if you're looking for 5-star hotels with all the amenities, maybe look at the Casa Del Rio? It's right on the river, 1 block from Jonker Street and you can see Dutch Square. I just wouldn't expect Langkawi level service/amenities from any hotel in Melaka.