This kind of atmosphere is fairly usual in that part of the world--Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines. Especially on weekends. It's not unheard of to see locals on staycations.

The JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are both owned by YTL. I believe the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur is one of just three Ritz-Carltons in the chain's portfolio that isn't operated by Marriott. The others are Chicago and Montreal. YTL is one of Marriott's biggest franchisees/licensees in Asia. They also have or had hotels in Australia and the UK. The Westin has or had different ownership. I remember when I had an issue at the JW Marriott and the service recovery offered was high tea with champagne at the Ritz-Carlton. I believe you can even eat or drink at the Ritz-Carlton and charge back to your room at the JW Marriott. So, in effect, they function as one hotel campus. There's certainly no shortage of Marriott properties in Kuala Lumpur. Many are quite cheap, too. At least when compared to Singapore, Tokyo, etc. From an elite standpoint, the Le Meridien in Kuala Lumpur has always had some of the best recognition of any Marriott property in Kuala Lumpur. And their butler service between the hotel lobby and the train platform for the fast train to the airport is wonderful.