Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Sep 4, 2012, 8:27 pm
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: All over
Programs: Most
Posts: 10,839
Taking a tour versus actually staying at the hotel and experiencing the service and the hardware are two completely different things.
Sep 5, 2012, 5:18 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Shangri-la Golden Circle
Posts: 302
Introduction
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (GHKL) is the third Hyatt property in Malaysia after HR Kinabalu (opened in 1977) and HR Kuantan (opened in 1979), as well as the first GH-branded property in the country. The hotel is located right in front of KLCC, adjacent to Traders (ranked 2nd on Tripadvisor at the time of writing) and Mandarin Oriental (ranked 3rd). The property features 370 rooms and 42 suites and is owned by Bahagia Investment Corp, a Malaysian entity that has Brunei Investment Agency as its largest shareholder. The development project was first proposed in 2005, approved in 2007 and costs RM 570 million to complete.
GHKL is designed by the architecture firm Bilkey Llinas Design, which is also responsible for the design of GH Erawan Bangkok, GH Fukuoka, GH Shanghai and GH Hong Kong. Like what the OP said, the design is reminiscent of GH Shenzhen/Guangzhou --- specifically the dark tone and minimalistic feel of GH Shenzhen, and the materials and furniture layout of GH Guangzhou.
As an interesting side note, GHKL has been a child of ill fate. Hyatt had been planning to build a GH in KL 18 years ago. In 1994, Hyatt was awarded a contract to develop Duta Grand Hyatt as part of the new headquarter of Mycom Bhd. However, due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the Mycom group suffered financial difficulties, which led to the halting of construction in July 1998, and the project remains abandoned to date. Currently, Hyatt is no longer associated with the project. If you are interested, you can see the abandoned building with green facade from the Grand Club.
Transportation
I went from the airport to the hotel by "Premier" taxi (~RM 100), which I find quite comfortable. Buy coupons for these taxis at the Airport Limo counters just before you exit the international arrivals gate, or just outside the domestic arrivals gate.
Since the hotel is quite new, drivers might not immediately recognize the address if you tell him/her "Grand Hyatt". I told mine to go to "Grand Hyatt, the new hotel on Jalan Pinang, close to KLCC" and that did the job.
There are other modes of transportation, like train, but I think taxi is the best option. You can also ask for the hotel limousine, but the price is not cheap, though not unreasonable (MYR290 for BMW5, MYR450 for BMW7, MYR390 for Toyota Vellfire or MYR490 for Toyota Hiace at the time of writing).
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (GHKL) is the third Hyatt property in Malaysia after HR Kinabalu (opened in 1977) and HR Kuantan (opened in 1979), as well as the first GH-branded property in the country. The hotel is located right in front of KLCC, adjacent to Traders (ranked 2nd on Tripadvisor at the time of writing) and Mandarin Oriental (ranked 3rd). The property features 370 rooms and 42 suites and is owned by Bahagia Investment Corp, a Malaysian entity that has Brunei Investment Agency as its largest shareholder. The development project was first proposed in 2005, approved in 2007 and costs RM 570 million to complete.
GHKL is designed by the architecture firm Bilkey Llinas Design, which is also responsible for the design of GH Erawan Bangkok, GH Fukuoka, GH Shanghai and GH Hong Kong. Like what the OP said, the design is reminiscent of GH Shenzhen/Guangzhou --- specifically the dark tone and minimalistic feel of GH Shenzhen, and the materials and furniture layout of GH Guangzhou.
As an interesting side note, GHKL has been a child of ill fate. Hyatt had been planning to build a GH in KL 18 years ago. In 1994, Hyatt was awarded a contract to develop Duta Grand Hyatt as part of the new headquarter of Mycom Bhd. However, due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the Mycom group suffered financial difficulties, which led to the halting of construction in July 1998, and the project remains abandoned to date. Currently, Hyatt is no longer associated with the project. If you are interested, you can see the abandoned building with green facade from the Grand Club.
Transportation
I went from the airport to the hotel by "Premier" taxi (~RM 100), which I find quite comfortable. Buy coupons for these taxis at the Airport Limo counters just before you exit the international arrivals gate, or just outside the domestic arrivals gate.
Since the hotel is quite new, drivers might not immediately recognize the address if you tell him/her "Grand Hyatt". I told mine to go to "Grand Hyatt, the new hotel on Jalan Pinang, close to KLCC" and that did the job.
There are other modes of transportation, like train, but I think taxi is the best option. You can also ask for the hotel limousine, but the price is not cheap, though not unreasonable (MYR290 for BMW5, MYR450 for BMW7, MYR390 for Toyota Vellfire or MYR490 for Toyota Hiace at the time of writing).
Last edited by kuponuts; Sep 5, 2012 at 9:48 am
Sep 5, 2012, 5:18 am
#33
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Shangri-la Golden Circle
Posts: 302
Firstly, some photos (Sorry, I only had my iPhone with me so the picture quality might not be great).
Preface
I apologize for the confusion that I might have caused from the deletion of my original review. I would like to explain what has happened over the last few days and why I have decided to revise my review of GHKL.
There is something I need to confess. Like many people on this forum, I like the Hyatt brand a lot -- to the extent that I would fly into another city to try their newly opened hotels. I was extremely excited about the opening of GHKL, not only because this is the first Hyatt hotel in Malaysia since 1979, but also because this is the first five-star hotel in KL since 2004 when Hilton Kuala Lumpur opened. And for those who are interested, Mandarin Oriental opened on October 1998.
The last time I visited KL was 29 years ago. I didn't know much about the culture of this city -- for example, its food and hospitality -- until this visit.
I have to be honest. Having stayed at a large number of newly opened Hyatt properties across the globe, I was utterly disappointed when I first arrived at GHKL. I won't go into the specifics, but I had a long list of problems (approximately four pages of notes) that I find unacceptable within the first three hours of stepping into the hotel -- things I didn't expect to see at a Grand Hyatt.
Minor problems, for example, include: residues on dishes and napkins, no DVD machine/writing papers in the room.
Major problems, for example, include: slow response, as well as a lack of common sense and empathy from staff.
Shortfalls at GHKL are common, and some of them are just laughable. However, I came to realise on the second day of my visit that these shortfalls are not unique to GHKL. They are everywhere in the city! The local people -- may it be a salesperson at the shopping mall or a waitress at a classy restaurant -- are simply not used to delivering solutions quickly and precisely.
If I ask for a toothbrush, the staff will tell me "sure, please wait" and I will get it in 20 minutes.
If I ask for a DVD machine, the staff will tell me "sorry sir, we don't have a DVD machine" and I will need to ask "why not?" before they will start finding a DVD machine for me. So after the second day, I realise I need to lower my standards to be fair in my review.
For your information, the top management (most of them are originally from GH Singapore and GH Taipei) has received my feedback and promised to take immediate actions on the problems. They are confident that GHKL has made an impact on the local market but acknowledged that they still have a long way to go before reaching international standards (e.g. GH Hong Kong, GH Erawan Bangkok and GH Singapore). I could see their frustration when they described the difficulties in changing the local culture, so for this reason I have decided to revise my review.
Preface
I apologize for the confusion that I might have caused from the deletion of my original review. I would like to explain what has happened over the last few days and why I have decided to revise my review of GHKL.
There is something I need to confess. Like many people on this forum, I like the Hyatt brand a lot -- to the extent that I would fly into another city to try their newly opened hotels. I was extremely excited about the opening of GHKL, not only because this is the first Hyatt hotel in Malaysia since 1979, but also because this is the first five-star hotel in KL since 2004 when Hilton Kuala Lumpur opened. And for those who are interested, Mandarin Oriental opened on October 1998.
The last time I visited KL was 29 years ago. I didn't know much about the culture of this city -- for example, its food and hospitality -- until this visit.
I have to be honest. Having stayed at a large number of newly opened Hyatt properties across the globe, I was utterly disappointed when I first arrived at GHKL. I won't go into the specifics, but I had a long list of problems (approximately four pages of notes) that I find unacceptable within the first three hours of stepping into the hotel -- things I didn't expect to see at a Grand Hyatt.
Minor problems, for example, include: residues on dishes and napkins, no DVD machine/writing papers in the room.
Major problems, for example, include: slow response, as well as a lack of common sense and empathy from staff.
Shortfalls at GHKL are common, and some of them are just laughable. However, I came to realise on the second day of my visit that these shortfalls are not unique to GHKL. They are everywhere in the city! The local people -- may it be a salesperson at the shopping mall or a waitress at a classy restaurant -- are simply not used to delivering solutions quickly and precisely.
If I ask for a toothbrush, the staff will tell me "sure, please wait" and I will get it in 20 minutes.
If I ask for a DVD machine, the staff will tell me "sorry sir, we don't have a DVD machine" and I will need to ask "why not?" before they will start finding a DVD machine for me. So after the second day, I realise I need to lower my standards to be fair in my review.
For your information, the top management (most of them are originally from GH Singapore and GH Taipei) has received my feedback and promised to take immediate actions on the problems. They are confident that GHKL has made an impact on the local market but acknowledged that they still have a long way to go before reaching international standards (e.g. GH Hong Kong, GH Erawan Bangkok and GH Singapore). I could see their frustration when they described the difficulties in changing the local culture, so for this reason I have decided to revise my review.
Last edited by kuponuts; Sep 5, 2012 at 11:44 am
Sep 5, 2012, 5:19 am
#34
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Shangri-la Golden Circle
Posts: 302
My booking experience
I will try not to whine about my booking experience, but honestly mine was slow and not informative. I emailed the GHKL three times, and in all cases, I received my reply from the Reservation Manager 48 hours after emailing. The hotel said they will look into this so hopefully your experience will be different.
My arrival experience
I asked the staff at the entrance to take me to the Grand Club for check-in, but they just pointed me the direction of the elevator. I would have preferred someone escorting me to the Grand Club (N.B. you cannot access the Grand Club without the right key card).
Everyone looked tense on the day (1 Sept) I arrived -- no smile, no greetings, and no helping hands. Fortunately in the days that follow, people became more relaxed. Staff began to smile and greet guests by their name. They would bow their head to the guest while placing their hand on their heart (the Malaysian way of greeting people).
Room
I got a 105-sqm corner suite on the 29th floor (using diamond suite upgrade), facing the Petronas Tower. The room was spacious and comfortable, featuring earth-tone decor, wooden floors, hand-woven rugs, two LG TVs, a marbled bathroom and two separate toilets with bidet (not TOTO bidet). Bathroom amenity is June Jacobs green tea and cucumber (as with most GH's in Asia). Coffee machine is Lavazza a Modo Mio Premium.. My Malaysian relatives who came to visit my room said that it is the best room they have ever seen in KL (I can understand why after seeing the traveler photos of Mandarin Oriental on Tripadvisor).
Diamond amenities was quite generous -- three glass jars of cookies and chocolates, two bottles of Evian water and a plate of tropical fruits (there was this one fruit called Salak that was new to me).
Wooden floor was unexpectedly slippery -- to the extent that I could skid on the floor on bare foot. A case of overpolishing?
The curtains were long and heavy. It certainly would help if they were electric curtains.
There was no instruction for the coffee machine. For people who have never used a Lavazza before, I advice you to watch this video beforehand or risk getting water all over the floor.
Wifi coverage was good. Bed was single-mattress Simmons.
The bathtub was the most enjoyable part of the whole suite. At night, I would turn off the light and have a hot bath while enjoying the view of the Petronas Tower -- it's absolutely an indulgence!
I will try not to whine about my booking experience, but honestly mine was slow and not informative. I emailed the GHKL three times, and in all cases, I received my reply from the Reservation Manager 48 hours after emailing. The hotel said they will look into this so hopefully your experience will be different.
My arrival experience
I asked the staff at the entrance to take me to the Grand Club for check-in, but they just pointed me the direction of the elevator. I would have preferred someone escorting me to the Grand Club (N.B. you cannot access the Grand Club without the right key card).
Everyone looked tense on the day (1 Sept) I arrived -- no smile, no greetings, and no helping hands. Fortunately in the days that follow, people became more relaxed. Staff began to smile and greet guests by their name. They would bow their head to the guest while placing their hand on their heart (the Malaysian way of greeting people).
Room
I got a 105-sqm corner suite on the 29th floor (using diamond suite upgrade), facing the Petronas Tower. The room was spacious and comfortable, featuring earth-tone decor, wooden floors, hand-woven rugs, two LG TVs, a marbled bathroom and two separate toilets with bidet (not TOTO bidet). Bathroom amenity is June Jacobs green tea and cucumber (as with most GH's in Asia). Coffee machine is Lavazza a Modo Mio Premium.. My Malaysian relatives who came to visit my room said that it is the best room they have ever seen in KL (I can understand why after seeing the traveler photos of Mandarin Oriental on Tripadvisor).
Diamond amenities was quite generous -- three glass jars of cookies and chocolates, two bottles of Evian water and a plate of tropical fruits (there was this one fruit called Salak that was new to me).
Wooden floor was unexpectedly slippery -- to the extent that I could skid on the floor on bare foot. A case of overpolishing?
The curtains were long and heavy. It certainly would help if they were electric curtains.
There was no instruction for the coffee machine. For people who have never used a Lavazza before, I advice you to watch this video beforehand or risk getting water all over the floor.
Wifi coverage was good. Bed was single-mattress Simmons.
The bathtub was the most enjoyable part of the whole suite. At night, I would turn off the light and have a hot bath while enjoying the view of the Petronas Tower -- it's absolutely an indulgence!
Last edited by kuponuts; Sep 6, 2012 at 9:51 am
Sep 5, 2012, 5:20 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Shangri-la Golden Circle
Posts: 302
Grand Club
Grand Club is situated on the 37th floor. The lounge has comfortable chairs and tables, great views, and looks out to the Petronas Tower, Mandarin Oriental and the Ascott.
Breakfast and cocktail hours at the Grand Club run from 0600 to 1000 (1030 weekend) and 1800 to 2000, respectively.
The breakfast spread was generous. There were juice (my favourite was starfruit juice), cereal, ham, bread (with Kaya), muffins, pastries (apple tart... hmm yum) and fruits (I liked the diced mango and berry compote). In terms of hot items, so far I was only offered omelette (it took around 15-20 minutes to make).
The cocktail canapes were okay too (two hot items available but they were not specified on a menu), though I didn't particularly like the Malaysian canapes (it is a personal taste). I really like the desserts during the cocktail hour though (thanks to Brett, the pastry chef).
At times, the Grand Club might get noisy because part of its ceilings is open air to the Thirty8, the restaurant above. What this means is that the music from upstairs (or the occasional birthday songs) can clash with the lounge music and consequently interfere with the ambience of the Grand Club. If you want to work/eat in a quiet environment, there are two rooms with closing doors for you to use.
Restaurants
JP Teres -- Malaysian items were okay. Price was reasonable. I sometimes find the dishes heavy (but then real Malaysian food tends to be oily, salty and covered with lots of sauce). Indian dishes were authentic and tasted great! My favourite was the prawn sambal.
Thirty8 -- Honestly, I didn't like the setup of the menu at first. It looked too confusing and I had great difficulty ordering. However, the quality of the food was quite good. My favourite dishes were Japanese sashimi salad, crab cakes, roast duck, lotus steamed rice, arugula and tomato salad and double-boiled chicken soup. In terms of dessert, everyone should try their Thirty8 signature cake.
Grand Club is situated on the 37th floor. The lounge has comfortable chairs and tables, great views, and looks out to the Petronas Tower, Mandarin Oriental and the Ascott.
Breakfast and cocktail hours at the Grand Club run from 0600 to 1000 (1030 weekend) and 1800 to 2000, respectively.
The breakfast spread was generous. There were juice (my favourite was starfruit juice), cereal, ham, bread (with Kaya), muffins, pastries (apple tart... hmm yum) and fruits (I liked the diced mango and berry compote). In terms of hot items, so far I was only offered omelette (it took around 15-20 minutes to make).
The cocktail canapes were okay too (two hot items available but they were not specified on a menu), though I didn't particularly like the Malaysian canapes (it is a personal taste). I really like the desserts during the cocktail hour though (thanks to Brett, the pastry chef).
At times, the Grand Club might get noisy because part of its ceilings is open air to the Thirty8, the restaurant above. What this means is that the music from upstairs (or the occasional birthday songs) can clash with the lounge music and consequently interfere with the ambience of the Grand Club. If you want to work/eat in a quiet environment, there are two rooms with closing doors for you to use.
Restaurants
JP Teres -- Malaysian items were okay. Price was reasonable. I sometimes find the dishes heavy (but then real Malaysian food tends to be oily, salty and covered with lots of sauce). Indian dishes were authentic and tasted great! My favourite was the prawn sambal.
Thirty8 -- Honestly, I didn't like the setup of the menu at first. It looked too confusing and I had great difficulty ordering. However, the quality of the food was quite good. My favourite dishes were Japanese sashimi salad, crab cakes, roast duck, lotus steamed rice, arugula and tomato salad and double-boiled chicken soup. In terms of dessert, everyone should try their Thirty8 signature cake.
Last edited by kuponuts; Sep 6, 2012 at 10:20 am
Sep 5, 2012, 5:21 am
#36
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Shangri-la Golden Circle
Posts: 302
Conclusion
GHKL has the hardware, view and location to make it an outstanding hotel. However, its F&B and service still has a long way to go -- and I mean a really, really long way -- before it can rival the other international GH properties.
Right now, I would say that the majority (~80%) of staff lacks experience and the sense of immediacy. The other 20% -- made up almost entirely of international Hyatt staff -- are magnificient and they are the people who helped save the day. I don't know when GHKL will fix all of is problems but I envision that it would take at least three months for things to change.
For those who are deciding whether they should stay at GHKL or MO, my advice is: if you prefer new hardware and have the patience to wait, then GHKL is for you. In terms of price, I picked a random date (28 Sept) to do dummy booking and found 540 MYR/night for GHKL and 559 MYR/night for MO. If you have a diamond suite upgrade to use, your cost performance will even be better (trust me there won't be another hotel in KL with such a nice suite at such a price). And given that GHKL is doing the opening GP offer until 31 December, I think GHKL still has the edge over other hotels.
GHKL has the hardware, view and location to make it an outstanding hotel. However, its F&B and service still has a long way to go -- and I mean a really, really long way -- before it can rival the other international GH properties.
Right now, I would say that the majority (~80%) of staff lacks experience and the sense of immediacy. The other 20% -- made up almost entirely of international Hyatt staff -- are magnificient and they are the people who helped save the day. I don't know when GHKL will fix all of is problems but I envision that it would take at least three months for things to change.
For those who are deciding whether they should stay at GHKL or MO, my advice is: if you prefer new hardware and have the patience to wait, then GHKL is for you. In terms of price, I picked a random date (28 Sept) to do dummy booking and found 540 MYR/night for GHKL and 559 MYR/night for MO. If you have a diamond suite upgrade to use, your cost performance will even be better (trust me there won't be another hotel in KL with such a nice suite at such a price). And given that GHKL is doing the opening GP offer until 31 December, I think GHKL still has the edge over other hotels.
Last edited by kuponuts; Sep 7, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Sep 5, 2012, 12:31 pm
#37
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
I came to realise on the second day of my visit that these shortfalls are not unique to GHKL. They are everywhere in the city! The local people -- may it be a salesperson at the shopping mall or a waitress at a classy restaurant -- are simply not used to delivering solutions quickly and precisely.
I had something similar happen to me when I was in the Hyatt Aruba this spring. Very slow service in the restaurant from some (not all) of the staff and an issue when moving to another room. About half of the staff were bad, and the other half were really good. I was rather annoyed at first until I realized that this percentage was better than at most other places and maybe my expectations were a bit unrealistic for where I was.
And at a hotel that's just opened, I can assume this becomes an even bigger factor. But on the other hand.... I would expect to see that incorporated in the rates.
Sep 7, 2012, 10:03 pm
#38
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Shangri-la Golden Circle
Posts: 302
I thought the price was a bit high too (FYI, I got 20% off 630 MYR after BRG), but I can tell you right now that 540-630 MYR is indeed a "discounted" price in the minds of GHKL. At this moment they might not be in the position to rival GH Singapore, GH Hong Kong, GH Shanghai or GH Erawan Bangkok, but this is what their next goal is and I think they will (i.e. by then they are going to increase the price for sure).
Sep 8, 2012, 12:01 am
#39
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Planet Earth
Programs: | *G | STE | HGP ♦ | SPG Au | MR Au
Posts: 3,772
Kuponuts: I do not blame you, I take those standards with me when I visit Hyatts in the US. The hotels are usually in for a rude awakening of the laundry list of complains I do lash out at them from time to time.
As for the GHKL, part of what you experienced is normal. If you want to learn more about it, read up on the Bumiputera. I sincerely doubt they could come close to rival the other Grand Hyatts, though I personally had a bad experiences with the GHHK.
Pricing point wise, I won't stay in that hotel because I think the pricing point is ridiculous, even with the 2000 bonus HGP.
As for the GHKL, part of what you experienced is normal. If you want to learn more about it, read up on the Bumiputera. I sincerely doubt they could come close to rival the other Grand Hyatts, though I personally had a bad experiences with the GHHK.
Pricing point wise, I won't stay in that hotel because I think the pricing point is ridiculous, even with the 2000 bonus HGP.
Sep 8, 2012, 9:02 am
#40
Moderator: Mileage Run, InterContinental Hotels
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,914
I stayed at GHKL for one night earlier this week, and had a positive experience. Note that in a hotel I look for a pleasant, clean, well appointed room, and competent service; I detest the whole bowing and jumping to attention and kissing the ground I walk on thing. My expectations were met. Exceeded, perhaps. Received a Diamond upgrade to a club room with Petronas tower view (didn't use a suite upgrade cert). Probably around 500sqft, nicely appointed and well furnished. Bed comfy, room service menu decent (good by Hyatt's often disappointing standards), staff friendly. I had a very pleasant and chatty front desk agent, and was escorted to the room by a friendly staff person (all locals). No interaction with the higher ups or special requests.
The club is nicely appointed, but the food options are limited. I'm not a fan of continental breakfast, so this wasn't too exciting for me. Evening spread a bit better, but really inferior to the DT, LM, Sheraton, and Westin (which all have spreads that can be very easily turned into a full dinner). I wish the GH would allow taking full breakfast in the restaurant for club guests or Diamonds (I asked, but was told 'no'). Spent a couple of hours at the pool and in the spa, which was quite nice. Happy Hour at the pool is perferable to the club, imo.
The rates are high, and it's hard to say whether it's worth it. My corporate rate (which at this property is a generic % off worldwide, not a locally negotiated rate) was MYR560++. For comparison, the same dates had the LM and DT at MYR370, Sheraton at MYR270, Westin at MYR470, IC at MYR 400 and Shangri-La/MO US$200 (all ++). The rooms at GH are probably the best in the city, the view is nice, location great, but the club and lack of suite upgrades (without certs) is a letdown. Given the difference in rates and elite treatment, I find it hard to justify staying at the GH, and will likely continue choosing the SPG options or the DT. For someone without status buying the lowest room category, the GH may well be the best option in town (I understand that the standard rooms are the same as the room I was in, except for view/floor).
The club is nicely appointed, but the food options are limited. I'm not a fan of continental breakfast, so this wasn't too exciting for me. Evening spread a bit better, but really inferior to the DT, LM, Sheraton, and Westin (which all have spreads that can be very easily turned into a full dinner). I wish the GH would allow taking full breakfast in the restaurant for club guests or Diamonds (I asked, but was told 'no'). Spent a couple of hours at the pool and in the spa, which was quite nice. Happy Hour at the pool is perferable to the club, imo.
The rates are high, and it's hard to say whether it's worth it. My corporate rate (which at this property is a generic % off worldwide, not a locally negotiated rate) was MYR560++. For comparison, the same dates had the LM and DT at MYR370, Sheraton at MYR270, Westin at MYR470, IC at MYR 400 and Shangri-La/MO US$200 (all ++). The rooms at GH are probably the best in the city, the view is nice, location great, but the club and lack of suite upgrades (without certs) is a letdown. Given the difference in rates and elite treatment, I find it hard to justify staying at the GH, and will likely continue choosing the SPG options or the DT. For someone without status buying the lowest room category, the GH may well be the best option in town (I understand that the standard rooms are the same as the room I was in, except for view/floor).
Sep 8, 2012, 10:30 am
#41
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: Hyatt Gold Passport, Shangri-la Golden Circle
Posts: 302
Sep 8, 2012, 10:40 am
#42
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Planet Earth
Programs: | *G | STE | HGP ♦ | SPG Au | MR Au
Posts: 3,772
Considering I can also get those hotels for under 300 MYR per night. That would be a much better promo for me, both cost and benefit wise.
Oct 25, 2012, 7:13 am
#45
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: BKK, CDG, TLS
Programs: QR G, A3 G, EK G, IHG Amb, GHA Black, WOH LT something
Posts: 1,306
Currently staying at the GH, for another 6 nights. Checked in late last night after taking the bus from SIN. Just a warning to everyone, the ATM in Malaysia shut down for maintenance i was told between midnight and 3 am, so if you are planning to arrive late at night have some Ringgits with you otherwise you're in for a hassle like i was...
Anyhow back to the GH. I will do a full review with pictures later on this week, but my first thoughts are :
- beautiful property, the rooms are great, used a suite upgrade and i am really happy with it. The bathtub is really nice and glamourous looking, but as my girlfriend is saying "how dare you take a bath in that when people are dying of thirst... ". Beautiful windows from the grand suite. Each room : bedroom, bathroom, and office/ living room have wall to ceilings windows. The furnishings are really nice ane make you feel at home not like for example the IC Manilla.
- not sure if diamond or suite amenity, but we had in the room three jars: one filled with candy like mini toblerone bars, one with cookies, one with nuts. There was also a large fruit bowl, with some asian fruits and a bunch of "american grapes" aka huge, tasteless and with no seeds but eatable nonetheless...
- Grand Club : staff is great, never had to wait or ask for a refill, extremely friendly and willing to engage conversation. Had an amazing staff set us up a very nice cheese plate without even asking. The hot offerings are delivered upon request and are not displayed on the buffet in the lounge. Not sure if for breakfast there are scrambld eggs or hot offerings.
- in room service, promptly delivered, decent prices and will call to let you know if there is even a 5 minutes delay from what was originally planned.
So all in all after 21 hours in the hotel i am extremely pleased. Three thumbs ups imo...
Anyhow back to the GH. I will do a full review with pictures later on this week, but my first thoughts are :
- beautiful property, the rooms are great, used a suite upgrade and i am really happy with it. The bathtub is really nice and glamourous looking, but as my girlfriend is saying "how dare you take a bath in that when people are dying of thirst... ". Beautiful windows from the grand suite. Each room : bedroom, bathroom, and office/ living room have wall to ceilings windows. The furnishings are really nice ane make you feel at home not like for example the IC Manilla.
- not sure if diamond or suite amenity, but we had in the room three jars: one filled with candy like mini toblerone bars, one with cookies, one with nuts. There was also a large fruit bowl, with some asian fruits and a bunch of "american grapes" aka huge, tasteless and with no seeds but eatable nonetheless...
- Grand Club : staff is great, never had to wait or ask for a refill, extremely friendly and willing to engage conversation. Had an amazing staff set us up a very nice cheese plate without even asking. The hot offerings are delivered upon request and are not displayed on the buffet in the lounge. Not sure if for breakfast there are scrambld eggs or hot offerings.
- in room service, promptly delivered, decent prices and will call to let you know if there is even a 5 minutes delay from what was originally planned.
So all in all after 21 hours in the hotel i am extremely pleased. Three thumbs ups imo...
Last edited by synd; Oct 25, 2012 at 7:24 am