Kuala Lumpur Hotel Tips by dmy2000

Recommendation:
Yes – if you are on Business and you need a comfortable room with ADSL modem and internet connections but not fussed about using other facilities like the gym, the pool and spa facilities.

No – if you are on vacation and want to be pampered on holiday.

The main plus about the Ritz-Carlton is that it’s a 5 star hotel with a difference, in that the meaning of boutique here refers to the personalised service one gets when staying here. They make a point in remembering your name and you are greeted by about 3-6 members of staff each time you enter the min doors to the Hotel.

The butler service is simply a glorified room service – but he is also there to make your coffee for you at the push of a button – hence you will not find coffee making facilities in your room. Our butler actually wrote to us as he was concerned as to why we have not asked for his assistance.

There is however a lounge on the top floor that serves up free coffee and nibbles through out the day, couple with the free laundry service makes this hotel stand out from the rest.

From a gay perspective, we did not sense any discomfort from any member of staff. Its either because things have become more liberal, or the staff were oblivious to the fact that we were a gay couple, I however think that it’s the former.

But because they made a point in remembering our names, and the number of hotel staff that greets you as you come in – its perhaps awkward if not slightly embarrassing if one tries to bring a guest back to the room (if you catch my drift).

Our BIG minus is the fact that

1. The gym is tiny
2. The pool – built with Malaysians in mind (who prefer to stay out of the sun whenever possible) is completely shaded.
3. There is no grand entrance hall – more like a reception at a luxury condo.

Would Joel and I stay there again, possibly not as Joel likes the sun and I like the gym.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Address: NO 168 JALAN IMBI, Kuala Lumpur, MY 55100
Directions: Bintang Walk - Bintang is the Malay word for Star.

2 weeks over Christmas in 2005. The hotel is not new to me and having lived in London since 1990, I tend to stay at hotels each time I return to KL for a visit. I think I have sampled most of the top hotels in KL, and none comes close to the comforts and splendor of the Mandarin Oriental. For a two weeks stay, they threw a lot in – breakfast, discounts and a room with a magnificent view of the park. We had fresh fruits delivered each morning and the frond door staffs were quick to remember our names. Made us felt like Royalty. All for RM300 nett a night over the Christmas holidays... bargain.

Unique Qualities: What set this hotel apart from all others is the sheer grandness of the lobby. Its not one to discount heavily for vacationing families with young kids, so the riffraff factor is low. Avoid Singapore school holidays and you are almost guaranteed screaming children free stay. The gym is a good size, probably the plushest for hotel standards, though the pool is a tad on the small side. Of course, to top it all off, its next door to KLCC….

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Phone: 6 03 2380 8888
Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Directions: KLCC and the Twin Towers