After a 45 minutes smooth ride, we fronted the hotel reception and greeted by our names as their usual suspect for such “early arrival”, we were pleased that the registration was brief and precise in order for us to crash in before we could wake up in one of this signature properties of the Mandarin Oriental hotels for the epitome of cosmopolitan living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city.
Mandarin Oriental groups of hotels now has a record of 15 hotels with Forbes travel Guide Five Star Awards and a revisit is always made better by the presentation of something new. One of the many highlights of this stay was the recently renovated indoor/outdoor sports and leisure floor on level 3 as well as the gym, Spa and the adjacent poolside Aqua Restaurant & Bar (guest rooms to follow). With such a complete makeover that bodes well for the future direction of this Kuala Lumpur landmark, there is no question that you would want to spend more time to enjoy such provided facilities with such major updated refurbishment.
As the expression goes, “everything old is new again!” The makeover starts with a nod to Malaysia’s colonial past, with wood paneling, light colours and fabrics which transform the space from the moment you step into the lift lobby on level 3 and the impact is immediate. The spa reception is so much more inviting with the eye catching blue color toned wall, you feel like you are entering a Perakanan house in greater detail.
The gym is superbly broken up into different sections with a partial use of lattice screens to define different spaces and it is easier to determine where you want to start your work out and the brand new exercise equipment/machines will ensure you don’t forget any muscle group. We should also highlight that the view is sensational, overlooking KLCC Park, so motivation should not be an issue.
To add another dimension, the new yoga room is the perfect place to meditate and reconnect with your inner self, as we did one morning with the expert guidance of the in-house yoga master. A virtual indoor golf driving range for those fanatics that want to brush up on their swing without being exposed to the intense tropical heat is also another add-on.
Moving outdoors, poolside dining at Aqua Bar & restaurant will give you even more reasons for alfresco dining with its global tapas concept that has an open kitchen and wood-fired oven. Another highlight is the pool deck where they have created more space for pool-side cabanas and sun lounges, no more disappointment not being able to secure a sun lounge during peak periods.
The poolside space is also now nicely broken up into different levels with clusters of different seating arrangements that will appeal to young and old. Playing tennis in the tropical climate is a lot more enjoyable than before with the new surface putting a ‘new spring in your step’ as they have also resurfaced the tennis courts in a new fenced-in enclosure to avoid any distractions from the swimming pool deck.
The new look of the leisure facilities was the highlight of our staycation, plus the glorious tropical weather, blue skies every day for a change was an added bonus. There should be a lot more excitement with new things to unveil as the year progresses. Our experience felt like a New Year’s present that just keeps on giving and makes every day a joy to stay within the environs of the hotel to relax with that fabulous Mandarin Oriental hospitality.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 4/5
Room
Amenities: 4/5
Housekeeping:
4/5
Service:
4/5
Value
For Money: 4/5
Experience:
4.5/5
Highlights:
Infinity Pool
Spa
Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +6 03 2380 8888
Reviews are based on actual day of visit and experience. mylifestylenews reserves the right of final decision in case of any disputes. All images are photographed by mylifestylenews team without any photoshop enhancement and are the property owned by mylifestylenews unless otherwise stated.
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