Having undergone a massive renovation exercise throughout the movement control order period, one of the city’s most well-known five-star hotels is set to welcome guests with a swanky new building.
Located just a stone’s throw away from the shopping mecca that is the Golden Triangle, Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur embraces a fresh look with a strong emphasis on the environment.
This eco-chic hotel announces its presence in Bukit Bintang with a lush green facade of 78 sky planters on its frontage. The roof terraces are no less impressive, boasting 1,207 sq m of plants and trees.
The lobby boasts a very high ceiling and an airy outlook, instantly transporting you from the hustle and bustle of the boisterous city to a serene and calm space.
A lush-ious room
Despite it being a city hotel, there is an organic feel to the whole property. It does look as though the trend of urban resorts is growing, as people seek a refuge from their hectic lifestyle in a resort setting without having to travel far.
Forget about the traditional, boxy look of the standard hotel room; the Collection Club room is simply luscious. It feels airy when you enter, with a cosy sofa that looks out the window.
Some rooms offer a view that overlooks the streets below, while others have sky planters that make you feel as though there were a garden right outside – albeit an inaccessible one.
You might find it strange that your room has no drinking water provided. That’s because each room is equipped with a water filter beside the bathroom sink as part of the hotel’s environmentally friendly image.
Toiletries at the hotel hail from its renowned Gregory’s Spa collection, while lush bathrobes that wrap you in luxury certainly make for a comfortable post-bath snuggle in bed.
The minibar is stocked with the usual suspects, while a Nespresso machine helps you get your caffeine fix at any time of the day. Guests have the convenience of an entire range of cutlery and glasses, unlike some other hotels that only provide them upon request.
For those on a business trip, you will find ample power plugs located all over – by each side of the bed, as well as at the working desk.
The television itself is mounted to an adjustable bracket, giving you the freedom of enjoying content from the bed, sofa, or workspace from a comfortable viewing angle.
Epicurean delights
There are three dining establishments at Parkroyal Collection KL. Skye Chill is the poolside café that serves finger foods, snacks, and drinks as you relax outdoors, while Thyme is the all-day dining venue that hosts guests for breakfast.
Pre-dinner cocktails and afternoon tea can be had at the Botanist Lounge & Bar, located on the same level as the lobby, where you can enjoy your coffee or imbibe in the poison of your choice while munching on canapés as you watch the world go by.
The breakfast spread at Thyme is more than enough to feed an army, and hygiene standards remain high with gloves provided as you make your way through the buffet line.
You should be able to find all the staples here: an egg station, a salad counter with all the accompanying condiments, fruits, yoghurt, porridge, freshly baked pastries, cereal, and the all-time favourite – nasi lemak!
A couple of coffee machines will certainly help jumpstart your morning, while those who are more adventurous can always request for something more exotic like masala tea.
You might want to head down earlier to grab a spot by the full-length windows and catch the rays of the morning sun; otherwise, there are enough seats inside for a comfortable dining experience.
Looking to burn off some calories after a slap-up meal? The pool at Parkroyal Collection KL might not provide an all-encompassing view of the city skyline, but it is an enclave that provides an urban escape. There are two here: a small one for children, and a general pool for everyone else.
The main pool has a jacuzzi function by the entrance for a relaxing dip as you enjoy a water massage. Surrounding the area are cabanas that provide respite from the afternoon sun while you sip on your favourite beverage.
Overlooking the pool is a small but well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, while across from it is a wellness space that lets you indulge in yoga poses undisturbed.
On the same floor resides the Collection Club lounge, where guests have a private space for breakfast, meetings, or evening cocktails and canapés.
At the end of the day, a hotel is only as good as its employees; and while guests can be forgiving when it comes to tired-looking rooms and dated furniture, poor service is often a sore point regardless of how “atas” the establishment is.
Happily, Parkroyal Collection KL’s service is exemplary, where you are greeted by a smile at every corner while being asked whether there is anything they can do for you.
From the moment you step through its doors all the way to checking out, the level of attention shown by its floor staff, coupled with the warm and relaxing atmosphere, will surely make your stay a memorable one.
This independent review is not sponsored by Parkroyal Collection KL. The views expressed are the writer’s and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
For more information, visit the Parkroyal Collection KL website.
Parkroyal Collection KL
Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang,
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Edwin Kee dreamt of being a pro-gamer only to have circumstances mould him into a programmer in a past life. He has since moved on to write about consumer electronics and other topics. Check out his blog at manatau.com.