Just to share my experience at Hatten. Drove into Malacca last week, and checked into Hatten Hotel on Friday around 1+ pm. Took me a little over 30 mins and all counters can do both check-in or checkout. Was told rooms not ready until after 3pm, but they register me first and told me to come back after 3pm to collect key. Since i read about this problem of theirs and was prepared, i had left my bags in my car. Headed straight to shopping at Palawan, and returned around 4+, no Q and key collection was swift. I checked out on Sat morning around 11, again less than 30mins. Guess i was lucky. Left the bags in the car and did last min shopping again. Came back around 5pm to validate the parking pass. (If you stay here, free parking at Hatten Square, but do not tap Touch & Go, just press for ticket which can be validated by hotel everytime u drive out.) Overall Hotel stay was good, bed is firm and comfy but pillow is too soft. Also no free wifi in room, and had to ignore the real estate salesman at the lobby (who were selling a condo project by Hatten group, and they are everywhere at hatten square and palawan).
One other thing, those going to Portuguese Village for Seafood should note that Stall No.1 is closed for holiday until end of the year. I took my chance at stall 7 since they had most the patrons

Food taste not bad especially the Garlic Crab [must try, diff from singapore]. Price dunnoe reasonable or not since this is my first time in malaaca, but cheap compared to Singapore. Ordered 2 large crabs, scallops, fried veggies, marmite chicken and a large portion BBQ stingray (sambal chilli also slightly diff S'pore - quite nice), total price including rice and drinks was RM170. But do go early as it got really crowded after 7pm.