What's your pick in Kuala Lumpur?
Jun 6, 2015, 2:32 am
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
I would ring up the MO internal reservation dept and try to negotiate a suite with club at the right price.
Jun 6, 2015, 4:12 pm
#77
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany, Austria
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, ALL Silver,, Miles&More
Posts: 1,122
During my many stays in KL in the past I preferred the JW Marriott (sometimes the Hilton). It has club floor and lounge with nice view as well. Reason was the link to the Starhill Gallery, a large mall with many high class shops, restaurants, bars and evening live music. For future stays I would try out the Ritz-Carlton, which is also linked to the Starhill Gallery, what I think is very convenient during business stays.
Jun 11, 2015, 2:08 am
#78
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 116
We stayed at the SL last month and it was lovely. We could not fault the service, room, food or housekeeping. Everyone knew our names and were wonderful with our children.
We checked out the MO and liked the location there better, but it was being renovated and had scaffolding everywhere. The indoor golf section was still being built even though it was open to the public and the restaurants were packed full. It seemed that a lot of Asian tour groups were staying there as large groups were being herded into restaurants and group check ins.
That all said, we did not stay at the MO, but they were our initial impressions. It did look like a beautiful hotel though.
I cannot wait until the FS opens next year, that will be our pick. (I hope)
We checked out the MO and liked the location there better, but it was being renovated and had scaffolding everywhere. The indoor golf section was still being built even though it was open to the public and the restaurants were packed full. It seemed that a lot of Asian tour groups were staying there as large groups were being herded into restaurants and group check ins.
That all said, we did not stay at the MO, but they were our initial impressions. It did look like a beautiful hotel though.
I cannot wait until the FS opens next year, that will be our pick. (I hope)
Jun 11, 2015, 4:01 am
#79
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: QFF, AA, LM, EY
Posts: 762
We stayed at the SL last month and it was lovely. We could not fault the service, room, food or housekeeping. Everyone knew our names and were wonderful with our children.
We checked out the MO and liked the location there better, but it was being renovated and had scaffolding everywhere. The indoor golf section was still being built even though it was open to the public and the restaurants were packed full. It seemed that a lot of Asian tour groups were staying there as large groups were being herded into restaurants and group check ins.
That all said, we did not stay at the MO, but they were our initial impressions. It did look like a beautiful hotel though.
I cannot wait until the FS opens next year, that will be our pick. (I hope)
We checked out the MO and liked the location there better, but it was being renovated and had scaffolding everywhere. The indoor golf section was still being built even though it was open to the public and the restaurants were packed full. It seemed that a lot of Asian tour groups were staying there as large groups were being herded into restaurants and group check ins.
That all said, we did not stay at the MO, but they were our initial impressions. It did look like a beautiful hotel though.
I cannot wait until the FS opens next year, that will be our pick. (I hope)
Dec 7, 2015, 12:50 pm
#80
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: We love to Fly, Hotels and Discovery
Posts: 1,471
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [REVIEW:PHOTOS]
July 2015, 1 night / 2 days
Before our flight to Dublin via Dubai, UAE we had two nights in Kuala Lumpur. We've known where to stay on our last night - the Sama-Sama at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, because our flight was leaving early in the morning. Please see review.
The first night was unclear, but we definitely wanted to spend it in the city. He wanted to have a hotel near the Petronas Towers; I the Villa Samadhi, because I enjoyed our last stay very much. After agreeing we wanted to go to the Suria KLCC and see the fountain show, it was clear we needed a hotel that was centrally located, so we decided to book the Mandarin Oriental and a Twin Tower View Room, which had been on our bucket list for ages.
We arrived by taxi. The doorman and bell captain greeted us warmly. We were directed to the reception. The queue was surprisingly long, but waiting time was minimal.
The check in was quickly done and all important features of the hotel explained. We were then brought to the elevators.
Finding our room was easy and soon we were gazing out towards the Petronas Twin Towers, the park and the fountain.
Our room was large and held in different brown and beige tones. We liked it and didn't see any need of it being refurbished or renovated, because the furniture was in top condition and looked classic and timeless. We know, that's a personal taste thing.
We loved the comfortable bed and seating area. We also received two oranges as welcome gift. Free water was daily provided and replenished during turn down.
Reading material on the coffee table included the Mandarin Oriental Magazine, National Geographic, KL100, Vision KL and essential Kuala Lumpur.
There was a writing desk with two chairs and a complete set of office supplies, a credenza and flat screen TV with regional and international channels.
The minibar was stocked with Swell Juices, Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino water, Asahi Beer and different liquors, snacks and the obligatory pot noodles.
The wardrobe was spacious.
Our fully marbled bathroom was on the smaller side, but well equipped with a separate bath tub and shower and a sink. The toilet was in a separate room. The only critisism I might have is that the toilet room was slightly too tight and I banged myself a couple of times on the toilet tissue holder.
Amenities were by Senses, exclusive for the Mandarin Oriental KL. We liked them a lot.
We had in room breakfast on the day of our departure, but also went to the newly opened Aqua Restaurant & Bar beside the pool. A review about this is going to follow.
Beside 24 hours in room dining there are also The Mandarin Grill, Lai Po Heen, Mosaic, Casbah, The Wasabi Bistro, the MO Bar, the Sultan Lounge, Lounge on the Park and the Mandarin Cake Shop.
When we were staying a pop up restaurant Azimendi 88 by Eneko Atxa from Azurmendi Restaurant was also on offer for 88 days. Eneko Atxa holds three Michelin stars.
There is also a spa on the same level as Aqua.
We organized also Limousine transfer (Mercedes E-Class) to the Sama-Sama KLIA Hotel with the concierge. It went smooth and cost 375 MYR (ca. 81.15 Euro or 88.75 USD).
The wakeup call arrived punctual. We had the previous night thought about what we wanted to order for breakfast and were ready to order. Room Service advised it would be delivered within 30 minutes. My fiancé had ordered the Mandarin Breakfast and I had the Arabic. We both could choose a hot beverage and a juice of our choice. His included sliced fruits with berries, yogurt, a bakery basket and waffles. Mine included sliced papaya, honey and lime, Arabic mezzeh selection and Arabic bread, Shakshouka eggs (scrambled eggs with onion and tomato) and Ful Medames (mashed fava beans with onion and garlic). The breakfast arrived on time and the bill was correct. The amount was 170 MYR (ca. 37 Euro or ca. 40.25 USD). The waiter and I were chatting a bit and I learned that he is from Penang. The service was attentive. The breakfast was delicious, it was a lot on offer, all high quality. The Arabic pastries were a delight as were the different dips.
Before checking out we explored the lobby, bought a Mandarin Oriental branded polo shirt and took in the new design of the superb and memorable public spaces of this elegant luxury hotel.
Having visited the hotel before our stay, it was unrecognizable. We enjoyed the Chinese elements and the idea of a pop up restaurant.
As always check out came too fast. Everything was in order and the checkout was done efficient and friendly. Our limousine was already waiting and our luggage in the boot.
We would stay here again, when looking for a luxury option in the vicinity of the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, which is just a few steps from the lobby, when taking the right exit.
Would we recommend this luxury hotel to a friend? YES! ^
Would we want to stay at this luxury hotel again in our future? YES! ^
Here's a selection of images we took during our stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 2015:
https://insideflyer.com/forums/threa...photos.136784/
Thank you and safe travels.
Before our flight to Dublin via Dubai, UAE we had two nights in Kuala Lumpur. We've known where to stay on our last night - the Sama-Sama at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, because our flight was leaving early in the morning. Please see review.
The first night was unclear, but we definitely wanted to spend it in the city. He wanted to have a hotel near the Petronas Towers; I the Villa Samadhi, because I enjoyed our last stay very much. After agreeing we wanted to go to the Suria KLCC and see the fountain show, it was clear we needed a hotel that was centrally located, so we decided to book the Mandarin Oriental and a Twin Tower View Room, which had been on our bucket list for ages.
We arrived by taxi. The doorman and bell captain greeted us warmly. We were directed to the reception. The queue was surprisingly long, but waiting time was minimal.
The check in was quickly done and all important features of the hotel explained. We were then brought to the elevators.
Finding our room was easy and soon we were gazing out towards the Petronas Twin Towers, the park and the fountain.
Our room was large and held in different brown and beige tones. We liked it and didn't see any need of it being refurbished or renovated, because the furniture was in top condition and looked classic and timeless. We know, that's a personal taste thing.
We loved the comfortable bed and seating area. We also received two oranges as welcome gift. Free water was daily provided and replenished during turn down.
Reading material on the coffee table included the Mandarin Oriental Magazine, National Geographic, KL100, Vision KL and essential Kuala Lumpur.
There was a writing desk with two chairs and a complete set of office supplies, a credenza and flat screen TV with regional and international channels.
The minibar was stocked with Swell Juices, Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino water, Asahi Beer and different liquors, snacks and the obligatory pot noodles.
The wardrobe was spacious.
Our fully marbled bathroom was on the smaller side, but well equipped with a separate bath tub and shower and a sink. The toilet was in a separate room. The only critisism I might have is that the toilet room was slightly too tight and I banged myself a couple of times on the toilet tissue holder.
Amenities were by Senses, exclusive for the Mandarin Oriental KL. We liked them a lot.
We had in room breakfast on the day of our departure, but also went to the newly opened Aqua Restaurant & Bar beside the pool. A review about this is going to follow.
Beside 24 hours in room dining there are also The Mandarin Grill, Lai Po Heen, Mosaic, Casbah, The Wasabi Bistro, the MO Bar, the Sultan Lounge, Lounge on the Park and the Mandarin Cake Shop.
When we were staying a pop up restaurant Azimendi 88 by Eneko Atxa from Azurmendi Restaurant was also on offer for 88 days. Eneko Atxa holds three Michelin stars.
There is also a spa on the same level as Aqua.
We organized also Limousine transfer (Mercedes E-Class) to the Sama-Sama KLIA Hotel with the concierge. It went smooth and cost 375 MYR (ca. 81.15 Euro or 88.75 USD).
The wakeup call arrived punctual. We had the previous night thought about what we wanted to order for breakfast and were ready to order. Room Service advised it would be delivered within 30 minutes. My fiancé had ordered the Mandarin Breakfast and I had the Arabic. We both could choose a hot beverage and a juice of our choice. His included sliced fruits with berries, yogurt, a bakery basket and waffles. Mine included sliced papaya, honey and lime, Arabic mezzeh selection and Arabic bread, Shakshouka eggs (scrambled eggs with onion and tomato) and Ful Medames (mashed fava beans with onion and garlic). The breakfast arrived on time and the bill was correct. The amount was 170 MYR (ca. 37 Euro or ca. 40.25 USD). The waiter and I were chatting a bit and I learned that he is from Penang. The service was attentive. The breakfast was delicious, it was a lot on offer, all high quality. The Arabic pastries were a delight as were the different dips.
Before checking out we explored the lobby, bought a Mandarin Oriental branded polo shirt and took in the new design of the superb and memorable public spaces of this elegant luxury hotel.
Having visited the hotel before our stay, it was unrecognizable. We enjoyed the Chinese elements and the idea of a pop up restaurant.
As always check out came too fast. Everything was in order and the checkout was done efficient and friendly. Our limousine was already waiting and our luggage in the boot.
We would stay here again, when looking for a luxury option in the vicinity of the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, which is just a few steps from the lobby, when taking the right exit.
Would we recommend this luxury hotel to a friend? YES! ^
Would we want to stay at this luxury hotel again in our future? YES! ^
Here's a selection of images we took during our stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 2015:
https://insideflyer.com/forums/threa...photos.136784/
Thank you and safe travels.
Last edited by uggboy; Dec 7, 2015 at 12:57 pm
Dec 7, 2015, 2:09 pm
#81
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Thanks for sharing the informative update !
Glad to hear , as we have always liked MOKL ( Even if to me it falls short compared with MOHK which I just left ) .. Didn't get to stay last month as had to be in the Damansara area .
Did you get to see how the pool / spa area is now ? Can ' t tell from your photos .
When will the refurbishments / renovations be completed ?
Glad to hear , as we have always liked MOKL ( Even if to me it falls short compared with MOHK which I just left ) .. Didn't get to stay last month as had to be in the Damansara area .
Did you get to see how the pool / spa area is now ? Can ' t tell from your photos .
When will the refurbishments / renovations be completed ?
Last edited by FlyerEC; Dec 7, 2015 at 2:18 pm Reason: Add information
Dec 7, 2015, 6:53 pm
#82
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: We love to Fly, Hotels and Discovery
Posts: 1,471
Thanks for sharing the informative update !
Glad to hear , as we have always liked MOKL ( Even if to me it falls short compared with MOHK which I just left ) .. Didn't get to stay last month as had to be in the Damansara area .
Did you get to see how the pool / spa area is now ? Can ' t tell from your photos .
When will the refurbishments / renovations be completed ?
Glad to hear , as we have always liked MOKL ( Even if to me it falls short compared with MOHK which I just left ) .. Didn't get to stay last month as had to be in the Damansara area .
Did you get to see how the pool / spa area is now ? Can ' t tell from your photos .
When will the refurbishments / renovations be completed ?
In regards of the Spa itself, we haven't visited the proper spa, but the area in itself on this level looks "fresh" and beautiful.
In regards to the completion of the refurbishment, at Tripadvisor I've read the the first newly renovated rooms become available from mid-2016.
Glad you have recently stayed at the MO in Hong Kong and enjoy the MO Kuala Lumpur.
Cheers & Safe travels, we're equally glad that you enjoyed our MO Kuala Lumpur review and our images. ^
Apr 24, 2017, 4:53 am
#83
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,646
I am currently staying at the RC KL and thought I'd share some thoughts given how little is on KL hotels on this forum. There's reasonably little on the hotel since it was done up at some point last year.
I booked this hotel a night before checking in having become fed up with Indonesia. Like most hotels in KL the cost is not particularly prohibitive, I am paying around £150 night; as I recently left my job and deciding on what to do next, I opted for the cheapest room. The RC out of the top hotels seemed the best as the most recently renovated.
Rooms - typical of other new RCs I've stayed in in terms of decor, perfectly pleasant.
Bar/restaurant - I think they massively missed the beat when doing up the hotel. With 350+ rooms, and rates the night before for £150... I think they could have redesignated some space. The bar is a throughfare to some of the rooms, and organised as a passage of rooms, massive failure and the bar is simply a trolley. Why they didn't allocate some space on a high floor to a resto/bar suite is beyond me; maybe not typical in KL, but no one seems to use the space as a socialising point. The bar: I know martinis and until now, I've had a 40% success rate in getting the correct martini - twist vs dirty...
Gym/pool - again for me a failure, the gym overlooks the pool, which if I was using the pool I would hate. Water and towels do not get replenished often enough but modern and decently equipped.
Staff - all very nice and can't really fault them except errors such as martini above. Turndown service failed to show, per se I do not mind however if you say you do it, then follow through.
Would I stay again? Potentially, checking in to the Méridien in 48 hours as that was booked a few months ago, and from my research was on par (and more importantly chosen for its Sentral location), so should be able to compare at least one hotel. Briefly stopped by the MO and like the other MOs I've been to/stayed at, not to my liking.
I booked this hotel a night before checking in having become fed up with Indonesia. Like most hotels in KL the cost is not particularly prohibitive, I am paying around £150 night; as I recently left my job and deciding on what to do next, I opted for the cheapest room. The RC out of the top hotels seemed the best as the most recently renovated.
Rooms - typical of other new RCs I've stayed in in terms of decor, perfectly pleasant.
Bar/restaurant - I think they massively missed the beat when doing up the hotel. With 350+ rooms, and rates the night before for £150... I think they could have redesignated some space. The bar is a throughfare to some of the rooms, and organised as a passage of rooms, massive failure and the bar is simply a trolley. Why they didn't allocate some space on a high floor to a resto/bar suite is beyond me; maybe not typical in KL, but no one seems to use the space as a socialising point. The bar: I know martinis and until now, I've had a 40% success rate in getting the correct martini - twist vs dirty...
Gym/pool - again for me a failure, the gym overlooks the pool, which if I was using the pool I would hate. Water and towels do not get replenished often enough but modern and decently equipped.
Staff - all very nice and can't really fault them except errors such as martini above. Turndown service failed to show, per se I do not mind however if you say you do it, then follow through.
Would I stay again? Potentially, checking in to the Méridien in 48 hours as that was booked a few months ago, and from my research was on par (and more importantly chosen for its Sentral location), so should be able to compare at least one hotel. Briefly stopped by the MO and like the other MOs I've been to/stayed at, not to my liking.
Apr 24, 2017, 8:47 am
#84
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 852
I am currently staying at the RC KL and thought I'd share some thoughts given how little is on KL hotels on this forum. There's reasonably little on the hotel since it was done up at some point last year.
I booked this hotel a night before checking in having become fed up with Indonesia. Like most hotels in KL the cost is not particularly prohibitive, I am paying around £150 night; as I recently left my job and deciding on what to do next, I opted for the cheapest room. The RC out of the top hotels seemed the best as the most recently renovated.
Rooms - typical of other new RCs I've stayed in in terms of decor, perfectly pleasant.
Bar/restaurant - I think they massively missed the beat when doing up the hotel. With 350+ rooms, and rates the night before for £150... I think they could have redesignated some space. The bar is a throughfare to some of the rooms, and organised as a passage of rooms, massive failure and the bar is simply a trolley. Why they didn't allocate some space on a high floor to a resto/bar suite is beyond me; maybe not typical in KL, but no one seems to use the space as a socialising point. The bar: I know martinis and until now, I've had a 40% success rate in getting the correct martini - twist vs dirty...
Gym/pool - again for me a failure, the gym overlooks the pool, which if I was using the pool I would hate. Water and towels do not get replenished often enough but modern and decently equipped.
Staff - all very nice and can't really fault them except errors such as martini above. Turndown service failed to show, per se I do not mind however if you say you do it, then follow through.
Would I stay again? Potentially, checking in to the Méridien in 48 hours as that was booked a few months ago, and from my research was on par (and more importantly chosen for its Sentral location), so should be able to compare at least one hotel. Briefly stopped by the MO and like the other MOs I've been to/stayed at, not to my liking.
I booked this hotel a night before checking in having become fed up with Indonesia. Like most hotels in KL the cost is not particularly prohibitive, I am paying around £150 night; as I recently left my job and deciding on what to do next, I opted for the cheapest room. The RC out of the top hotels seemed the best as the most recently renovated.
Rooms - typical of other new RCs I've stayed in in terms of decor, perfectly pleasant.
Bar/restaurant - I think they massively missed the beat when doing up the hotel. With 350+ rooms, and rates the night before for £150... I think they could have redesignated some space. The bar is a throughfare to some of the rooms, and organised as a passage of rooms, massive failure and the bar is simply a trolley. Why they didn't allocate some space on a high floor to a resto/bar suite is beyond me; maybe not typical in KL, but no one seems to use the space as a socialising point. The bar: I know martinis and until now, I've had a 40% success rate in getting the correct martini - twist vs dirty...
Gym/pool - again for me a failure, the gym overlooks the pool, which if I was using the pool I would hate. Water and towels do not get replenished often enough but modern and decently equipped.
Staff - all very nice and can't really fault them except errors such as martini above. Turndown service failed to show, per se I do not mind however if you say you do it, then follow through.
Would I stay again? Potentially, checking in to the Méridien in 48 hours as that was booked a few months ago, and from my research was on par (and more importantly chosen for its Sentral location), so should be able to compare at least one hotel. Briefly stopped by the MO and like the other MOs I've been to/stayed at, not to my liking.
Apr 24, 2017, 4:08 pm
#86
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
As mentioned in another thread , we popped by MOKL a week ago to check out the renovations of the public areas .
Like ords said , we did not really like it either .
It seemed a bit " cold " rather than the warmth exuded before ( possibly the colour scheme and materials used ) . Even the elevators / lifts seemed a bit much somehow
The pool area has expanded lounging areas and looked nicer though
.
Rooms & club lounge are not done yet , possibly next year . Will be helpful if the bathrooms can be enlarged but doubt it as is constrained by the structure .
Hope the rooms and club lounge refurbishments keep their current warmth rather than be changed to the " minimalist " style of the reception area .
Like uggboy , we do not see the need to change the style but " refreshing / refurbishing " is fine
We will definitely stay here again if we have conferences at KLCC & even if we don't before the room renovation .
Like ords said , we did not really like it either .
It seemed a bit " cold " rather than the warmth exuded before ( possibly the colour scheme and materials used ) . Even the elevators / lifts seemed a bit much somehow
The pool area has expanded lounging areas and looked nicer though
.Rooms & club lounge are not done yet , possibly next year . Will be helpful if the bathrooms can be enlarged but doubt it as is constrained by the structure .
Hope the rooms and club lounge refurbishments keep their current warmth rather than be changed to the " minimalist " style of the reception area .
Like uggboy , we do not see the need to change the style but " refreshing / refurbishing " is fine
We will definitely stay here again if we have conferences at KLCC & even if we don't before the room renovation .
Apr 26, 2017, 3:02 am
#87
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,646
Thought I'd give a quick comment on the Le Meridien as I said I'd stay here. I will start by saying I shouldn't be posting this comment here at all but as people mention LM when talking about KL hotels, I feel fair warning should be given.
I am staying here for one night as I was meant to originally land at KLIA at 3pm and leave again next morning by 10am; main consideration being it being connected by walkway to the express. My understanding was that the hotel was better than the Hilton next door. I got fed up with where I was previously, hence I arrived in KL earlier and stayed at the Ritz.
Let me start by saying the hotel exudes all the charms of a Radisson - if this is typical of a Le Meridien hotel, then I am no covert.
Rooms - booked Superior and it is anything but (it is the basic room category, they should call it that). Multipatterened carpets, very small bathroom. No charm
Bar - (at least they have one) - very american chain hotel.
Gym - shared with the Hilton. Haven't used it yet, but the fact the hotel doesn't have its own gym is a negative but I shall concede it is a short walk only.
The hotels only redeeming feature is its connection to Sentral. As a business hotel it suffice but for leisure, no. I'd only stay here again if I needed a short (shorter than 1730-10a) hotel stay.
I am staying here for one night as I was meant to originally land at KLIA at 3pm and leave again next morning by 10am; main consideration being it being connected by walkway to the express. My understanding was that the hotel was better than the Hilton next door. I got fed up with where I was previously, hence I arrived in KL earlier and stayed at the Ritz.
Let me start by saying the hotel exudes all the charms of a Radisson - if this is typical of a Le Meridien hotel, then I am no covert.
Rooms - booked Superior and it is anything but (it is the basic room category, they should call it that). Multipatterened carpets, very small bathroom. No charm
Bar - (at least they have one) - very american chain hotel.
Gym - shared with the Hilton. Haven't used it yet, but the fact the hotel doesn't have its own gym is a negative but I shall concede it is a short walk only.
The hotels only redeeming feature is its connection to Sentral. As a business hotel it suffice but for leisure, no. I'd only stay here again if I needed a short (shorter than 1730-10a) hotel stay.