HollyGlen

OT but it was Chef Chew's Kitchen, No. 52, Jln 19/3, Seksyen 19 Petaling Jaya

nov11

Thank you . That's very close to where I usually hang out in SS2

applejax

I thought I would comment on my recent KL trip and the hotels I stayed at:

JW Marriott w/ PP/Titanium:
PROS: Really attentive staff, Very nice remodeled rooms, Lots of shopping and restraunts close by, Lounge has fairly nice spread for evening cocktails, Rooms well appointed, Management is mostly excellent (I'll explain in the cons why I specify "mostly")
CONS: Room upgrade wasn't offered upon check in but I did ask and it was given a JR. Suite so not too sure if this is really a con, Seems they got a new GM recently while having breakfast in shook (LG level) I saw him stroll down the escalator walk up to the hummus and other dips area and start sticking his fingers in the food and licking it off (yes he did sample several dips with the same finger as I watched on in shock) I asked one of the employees ... he was doing they laughed uncomfortably and explained he was "testing" the quality of the food. And yes people were still eating, and no they didn't change it out with new food. IDK where they got this guy but he is obviously not tried in food services and should keep his dirty paws out of the food.
~ JW is one of my favorite hotels here in KL, I would stay here again for sure but I hope this new GM is temporary ~

Majestic Hotel with PP/Titanium
PROS: Beautiful historic property, Exquisite Orchid Conservatory thats really one of a kind, I was upgraded to the best available 1 bedroom suite without asking on check in, Extremely attentive staff, Well appointed room, Very clean, Wonderful "call to prayer music" that can be heard from the hotel from the Mosque next door.
CONS: The hotel isn't really close proximity to any shopping so they have a shuttle service to take you to the gardens mall and Bukit Bintang (Its great option to make up the difference)
~ I checked into this hotel for 4 nights and ended up staying 3 weeks so that says it all right? ~

hockeyinsider

I would not have hesitated to complain to the general manager himself. That's inexcusable. In the United States or Canada, a health inspector could shut them down for this.

For what it's worth, the J.W. Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and The Majestic, Autograph Collection are managed by Malaysia-based YTL Hotels. I believe the Ritz-Carlon, Kuala Lumpur is one of only two properties in the brand not managed by Marriott International.

applejax

Hockeyinsider, I'm not sure confronting him would have been a great situation but my point was this GM is obviously a newbie. I'm guessing possibly nepotism or maybe he lied on his resume. The JWM use to be managed by Mahmoud Skaf, who was excellent. They recently promoted Mr. Skaf to district manager of JWM, RC and the two Autograph hotels.

hockeyinsider

When I stayed in September 2017 the property's general manager for YTL was white, in his 50s and American. He oversaw both the Ritz-Carlton and the J.W. Marriott.

I'll see if I still have his card.

helvetic

That's absolutely shocking. I would write an email about this to both Marriott corporate and the old GM who presumably is now this guy's boss.

applejax

Maybe I should leave my experiences dealing with Mr. Marriotts office for another thread but lets just say I really don't think contacting them would do anything for me. personally I try to keep my complaints to only things that directly affect me ie: Hotels not honoring your status, CS failures, Room issues. Typically, and from my own experience complaing to the hotel directly is usually your best defense. In this scenario I really don't see a winning outcome for me, they might even give me some sort of bad mark on my profile and this is one of my favorite hotels. I know the situation is outrageous and thats why I posted it here. To give you savvy travelers some insight to what I witnessed and this whats so great about Flyertalk. It's nice to share the experience and know that you all can commiserate with me.

hockeyinsider

You could always send an anonymous email to Marriott, but seeing this is a YTL-managed property you could contact YTL. YTL is one of the better hotel owners and third-party operators.

Pocatello

If the price were similar between the JW Marriott and the Westin across the street... which would you prefer?

What kind of recognition for Titanium Bonvoy?

The prices for later this month are about $12 per night higher at the JW Marriott. Inconsequential, right?

This is my first trip to Kuala Lumpur. Thanks!

HollyGlen

JW for sure. The recent renovations mean it is a good class above the Westin, which is looking rather tired. The hard product is quite impressive for a non-luxury tier property.

Titaniums will get lounge access and upgrades where available (I didn't on my recent stay as it was a weekday).

Have fun in KL, and please drop me a PM if you need any tips.

bigshooter

I stayed at JW December 2016. Does breakfast benefit still provide breakfast in the restaurant vs in the lounge? I remember that being very good although crazy busy. I was Platinum Premier during my last stay, but was not upgraded... I had a very low corporate rate though.. maybe that had something to do with it? I was in the remodeled tower though and standard king room was more than adequate.

Don't forget the added benefit of the kind ladies standing outside the main entrance offering to come to your room for massage

hockeyinsider

J.W. Marriott. Hands down.

potm

asian_journeyman