There is a certain sense of romanticism attached to the InterContinental brand, simply because expectations tend to be sky-high.
The five-star InterContinental Kuala Lumpur has been around for slightly more than a decade, having taken over the Japanese-owned Hotel Nikko and undergoing renovation to reflect a new standard in luxury.
Stepping through the front doors, you are greeted by a majestic, jewel-inspired lobby design with an ostentatious chandelier and jewel-like patterns on the walls. An imperial staircase snakes upwards, while a small koi pond with a waterfall fixture on the outside helps you forget about the hustle and bustle outside.
Check-in is a breeze, and the bellboy will help deliver your luggage to your room upon receiving your key. The accommodation here is huge, the bed itself is far wider than what you would find at other hotels.
Keeping in line with the trend of a see-through glass for the bathroom, a roller blind is installed for additional privacy. There is a solitary sink separating the bathtub from the shower and toilet area. Premium Byredo hand wash, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in large-sized bottles are a nice, extravagant touch for weary souls.
While the minibar items are chargeable, you do get four bottles of complimentary mineral water and an Illy coffee machine should you need a caffeine boost. Plush bathrobes and thick bedroom slippers help you ease into a relaxing mood. There is also a working desk and a two-seater sofa to cozy up to.
Join the club
InterContinental KL is home to Tatsu, an award-winning Japanese restaurant that offers à la carte and omakase dining for those with discerning palates, while Tao is the ideal place for a delicious dim sum session during the weekend.
Bentley’s Pub caters to office workers who want to down a pint or two after hours, while OneFiveSix lounge on the ground floor serves stunning afternoon tea sets and giant macaroons to satiate the sweet tooth in you.
The hotel’s all-day dining venue is located at Serena Brasserie, offering both indoor and outdoor seating and a constantly evolving menu to suit the occasion.
When booking your accommodation, aim for a Club Room if you can, as it comes with several perks. Not only do you get a better view, you will be granted access to Club InterContinental, an exclusive lounge area where you can enjoy a free flow of hot beverages, juices, and soft drinks all day long.
This is on top of complimentary afternoon tea, an evening cocktail hour with canapés that will stave off hunger until morning, and breakfast. While the selection of breakfast items here is more limited than what Serena Brasserie offers downstairs, you get to choose items from a menu that will then be prepared à la minute.
A delectable spread of cheeses, pastries, cereal, fruits, and vegetables is available at the buffet table while you wait for your omelette to be prepared just the way you like it.
Best of all is the relative peace and quiet at this lounge, and the personalised service while gazing out upon the world from the 26th floor, which is something you will not be able to enjoy elsewhere.
The hotel has an adequately equipped gym on the same level as the swimming pool and surau. You will find a set of weights, a rowing machine, treadmills, and stationary bicycles to help burn away excess calories during your stay. Positive messages interrupt the wall mirrors to encourage those who embark on a fitness quest.
There are also showers available if you are too lazy to return to your room but wish to switch from your gym gear to a fresh set of clothes before the next social tête-à-tête downstairs.
The swimming pool area is adequate for a few short laps, where it is surrounded by neighbouring skyscrapers and condominiums. Surprisingly, the breeze that flows through during noon is refreshingly cool, allowing you to enjoy a good book under a cabana while sipping on a beverage of your choice.
There is also the opportunity to obtain a tan on the number of deckchairs that dot the landscape. A firm favourite with children, parents can request a number of floats from the counter at no extra charge. The little ones will love riding on a llama, a huge yellow duck, or even a unicorn while paddling around.
A firm favourite with Japanese clientele owing to its Hotel Nikko heritage, it is surprising that InterContinental KL lacks a hot tub, steam bath, and sauna facilities. This is certainly a point to take note of if you wish to relax in an onsen-like atmosphere.
Given that this hotel is priced on par – or even at a premium – with other five-star establishments in the city that offer such facilities, this is a clear disadvantage.
Nevertheless, if you like extremely large beds that can easily sleep three adults comfortably, warm and courteous service, a smorgasbord of food offerings for breakfast, and Japanese and Chinese cuisine that hits the spot, then you cannot go wrong with InterContinental KL.
While the surrounding views are blocked by other skyscrapers, its strategic location in the central business district, and its proximity to embassies, will appeal to those who have dealings in the city and want to retreat to an oasis of pampering and relaxation.
Parking is complimentary for in-house guests, and taking the LRT is another option as the Ampang Park LRT station is just a stone’s throw away.
This independent review is not sponsored by InterContinental KL. The views expressed are the writer’s and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
For more information, visit the InterContinental KL website.
InterContinental Kuala Lumpur
165, Jalan Ampang,
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.