If you are looking for the perfect resort in Port Dickson, by a great beach with over-water chalets where you can relax with no need to leave then the Avillion Port Dickson hotel could be the perfect match for you!
From the amazing Avillion Hotel Port Dickson over-water chalets to the beautiful pools, coastline and great food on offer, staying here can be a good experience whether you are on your honeymoon or looking for a family friendly option.
However, I do have mixed feelings about this resort and the experience I had when I first stayed here in 2013 didn’t match the experience I had most recently in December 2024.
In this Avillion Port Dickson review, I share with you our experiences on multiple occasions at this resort including a look inside in our Avillion Port Dickson water chalet review, an overview of the facilities and Avillion Port Dickson activities.
So this is the perfect place to read more about what a stay in a Avillion water chalet PD is like in this Avillion Port Dickson review.
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Contents
Avillion Port Dickson Review
I actually first discovered the Avillion Port Dickson Malaysia from the air – I was flying into Kuala Lumpur airport when I looked out the window and straight down on what I was to learn was the Avillion water chalet Port Dickson. Snaking their way into the water, they looked like the ultimate luxurious experience to me and I later looked up on Google maps what they were.
I was surprised to find that not only did the Avillion Port Dickson sound as good as it looked from the air, but the Avillion water chalet price was an affordable experience for our then family of four. I was excited to visit for this Avillion PD review. A few weeks later, we were staying in an Avillion water chalet Port Dickson Malaysia.
We had very high expectations which always worry me with a travel experience as it’s easy to be disappointed. However, we were far from disappointed on those first couple of stays. More recently, it’s just not the same and we have found aspects disappointing. You can read about it all here in our Avillion Port Dickson blog and decide if it’s right for you.
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Check-In
I had read mixed reviews about Avillion Port Dickson before arriving for our most recent stay in December 2024. So I didn’t have high expecations. But even my low ones were not met on our check-in.
We arrived towards the end of a huge thunderstorm. I was surprised when no one helped me carry our suitcase up the slippery stairs to reception (the staff just watched), but it only went downhill from there.
Check-in itself was smooth enough. But then we were given a map with instructions to our room. Since I was already familiar with the resort and knew we would be walking in the rain, I was confused why no one was helping.
Later, when I realised most bars and restaurants at the resort were not open, I also wondered why they didn’t tell me that on check in too and cross them off the map.
Our chalet was nearly as far away as possible (room 827) and we had to walk it in the rain. Worse, there are many stairs and parts of the path were flooded. So I also had to carry our heavy luggage off the ground for parts of the walk.
It is very confusing how a resort thinks they are 5 star when you can’t get to your room without walking through flooded paths with luggage.
Our room arrival was not much better. The room was all shut up, dark and incredibly hot and stuffy. We wished we hadn’t come. There was an umbrella in the room which made me more frustrated – why not give that to us on check-in so we weren’t as wet?!
Even if it wasn’t wet, you can’t stay here if you can’t comfortably carry your luggage. It is only for the able-bodied.
I had another issue the next day when we returned from lunch and our room key didn’t work. We go to reception and wait over 20 minutes!!! (and we were first in line, staff are ridiculously slow and don’t seem to know what they are doing)
They initially tried to check us out and then said the key expires every day, like we should have known and expected that. They then wanted us to give them the second room key before they would reset it. I explained it was in our room which we couldn’t enter and they took a couple of minutes to comprehend that.
It was quite ridiculous but eventually we were able to enter our room. Which was hot as the air-conditioning has also turned off.
Avillion Water Chalet Review
There are a wide range of room types both on land and sea, but if you are coming here, I think it’s a shame to book an Avillion Port Dickson garden chalet or smaller Avillion Port Dickson room. You should definitely stay on the water in one of the premium water chalet Avillion offers!
We always pick the standard water chalet as it suits our needs well, but there is also the option of an Avillion premium water chalet or a one, two or three-bedroom water villa. These are perfect for families or when you want more space.
The main difference between a Avillion Port Dickson premium water chalet and the standard one we had is that the premium ones are located further out on the water, with better sea views and no obstructions. They are also a little larger (but not much).
With the standard PD Avillion water chalet rooms, there’s a chance you may be partly looking onto a walkway or overlooking other water chalets. So a premium water chalet Avillion Port Dickson is the one to go for if you want extra privacy. Any Avillion premium water chalet review is likely to be similar to a standard water chalet one.
The standard Avilion water chalet is still a great size. They come with a king size bed or two singles as well as a double size matress turned into a day bed right by windows. The day bed is actually my favourite place to be with great views (and sounds!) out to the water. It is also perfect if you are staying here with kids as it can be used as a bed for them.
The water chalet rooms also have a great open air bathroom. There is a bathtub as well as a massive shower right next to an opening down to the water below. I loved having a shower outside while watching the water below in complete privacy.
There is also a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, desk area, a safe and plenty of space for your luggage. And, of course, a great balcony with chairs so you can enjoy your setting over the water.
On the surface, the chalet is great – like it looks in the photos. And it was clean and comfortable. I had a great night’s sleep here.
But look up close and everything is in desperate need of renovation. Here are some examples below. Most areas of the room were showing bad signs of aging.
The lack of accessible plugs is a huge problem. We were having to move and crawl underneath furniture and pull out lamps (that didn’t work anyway) to access one. The one close to the bed was burnt out. It is ridiculous. The resort should add a power board at least.
Our balcony only had one chair while the others seemed to have two. The fan was so loud we kept it off.
While all this was disappointing, after the room cooled down and I got over my annoyance at the terrible check-in experience, I did really enjoy being in this room. We could hear the sea and that day bed… I loved it.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities at this resort. A lot of advertised dining and lounges did not seem to be open, but things we could access were great.
There are multiple pools here, including an adults only one. There is a water slide into one which younger kids will love. I loved both the bigger pools. This recent stay was with my 14 year old so we lounged by the adults-only one which was stunning and peaceful. It is meant to be 18+ but we were the only ones there anyway.
Other facilities and things to do here include a gym, water sports and the Avillion Port Dickson Spa if you are looking for total relaxation. There is a kids club, but we didn’t check that out. It wouldn’t suprise me if it wasn’t running given how much else wasn’t. There is a karaoke lounge which definitely was open and looked fun.
When you get hungry or thirsty, there is meant to be multiple restaurants and lounges including one over the water. Only the one by the pool seemed to be open when we were there. It was ok. Again, the service struggled a little. We went after the storm and they took us to a table outside, but it was very wet and they didn’t realise they should dry it until I went and asked. Most food items were about RM40+tax. I never saw any alcohol at this resort.
My favourite part of the facilities are the great grounds. There are nature trails and small enclosures and attractions all over the resort, Avillion Port Dickson. These range from an orchid enclosure to a spice farm. I loved being able to walk around while I kept discovering new things. The grounds are still great on our most recent visit.
There is also a petting zoo which was especially awesome for kids, and my daughter loved visiting here. Every morning, you can visit and feed and pet the animals.
You can access the beach directly from the resort.
Avillion Port Dickson Location
The hotel, Avillion Port Dickson, is located on a great stretch of coastline in Port Dickson by Saujana beach. There are a few places to eat within walking distance (we like Seafood MIB Bagan Pinang) and it’s a nice area to be as the sun sets.
Getting to Port Dickson is easy especially from KL Airport, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Click here for detailed instructions from the airport or Kuala Lumpur or here for Singapore.
If you are coming from elsewhere, you need to get to Seremban where you will find local buses to Port Dickson.
5 Star Resort?
If you have read this far, I’m sure you can guess whether I think this resort is 5-star like it advertises.
Definitely not.
It’s a shame as it has the potential to be but the rooms are far from 5-star standard and the service is worlds away. The gardens and pools are great though.
Final Words
So what would I say overall?
I don’t hate the Avillion Port Dickson. It really depends on how much you spend and what is important to you whether this is a good choice of accommodation.
The grounds, pools, sea and the surrounds are gorgeous. The day bed and water chalets have their good points. There really is nothing better than staying over the sea like this. And given most water chalet resorts are very expensive, in some ways, this resort is good value.
The beach nearby is nice and there are some eating options in walking distance.
But if you look up close at anything in your room, you’ll be disappointed. The check-in experience is disappointing, and why should you need to get your room key reset every day?! The resort has not made any effort to give a good customer service experience.
If you’re looking to stay in an overwater bungalow during your stay in Port Dickson then Avillion is definitely the cheapest resort to consider, but I still think its overpriced.
It’s not all bad though and overall, I did enjoy our stay here. They should definitely drop calling themselves “5 star” and “luxurious” though and it should be cheaper. And they definitely should train their staff and stop room keys expiring.
If you can afford it, the Lexis Hibiscus here is far better.
If you’re wondering about the Avillion Port Dickson water chalet price then use the link below to check for your dates. I hope this Avillion Port Dickson review blog has helped you decide if this is a good place to stay for you.
Click here for the latest prices or find more hotel options in Port Dickson here.
You can also read our full Port Dickson guide here.
I hope you enjoyed this Port Dickson Avillion review. Any questions? Have you stayed at the Port Dickson resort, Avillion? Did you love it too?
