The luxurious design of the revamped Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur has a modern persona matching the tastes of today’s discerning clientele.
Location
The hotel is very conveniently located within a short walk to Bukit Bintang road, famous for its shopping and nightlife. It connects by a link bridge on level one to the adjoining luxury shopping mall, Starhill Gallery, and above it, the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur Hotel, providing easy access even on a rainy day.
Another luxury shopping mall, The Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, is just across the road.
Room
I stayed in a one-bedroom suite, which has a large living room with built-in toilet, a dining table set and a lounge area for watching television. I must stress that the flat panel television, with a humongous 60-inch HD screen, provided an experience akin to a cinema.
The dining and TV area is separated from the bedroom by a wall and a door, which keeps light and sound out when someone’s trying to sleep while others may use the living room space freely.
What I loved most was the butler service provided for all guests, regardless of which room category they paid for.
My butler, Malcolm Sing, was very professional and courteous. He helped me with ironing, setting my mobile to access the complimentary hotel wifi and took me on a short tour of the hotel so I could get my bearings. He also helped arrange a two-hour itinerary which involved shopping and dining in the city.
Facilities
I loved the Spa Village and highly recommend it. I had a one-hour foot steaming session which is in a whole different league from the foot reflexology sessions in shopping malls.
The session involved rubbing oils from the soles of my feet up to my knees before soaking them in a huge, wooden tub and giving them a steam treatment for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the therapist gave me a head, shoulder and back massage. The foot steaming was followed by a foot massage ending with the therapist hitting a tool that resembled a hammer against my feet in a continuous pounding motion. The entire one hour session felt really good.
The Jacuzzi was another memorable experience as the water was warm and the jets were powerful, just the way I love it.
F&B
There are five F&B outlets. My two personal favourites are Cantonese restaurant Li Yen, which serves delicious pork dishes, and The Lobby Lounge for its afternoon tea. In fact, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is well-known for its daily afternoon tea traditions which comes with three-tiered pastry stands decked with sandwiches, cakes and pastries and served with freshly brewed tea. My favourite choice of tea is Irish Whisky which has a pleasant aroma.
Service
This is an area The Ritz-Carlton brands truly excel in and which has made my stay a truly memorable one. The staff are warm and friendly and always seemed concerned on whether I was having a good time during my stay. Plus, the butler service was a true indulgence.
Verdict
A modern, luxurious aesthetic combined with impeccable hospitality makes any stay here a truly memorable one.
Name: The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur
No. of rooms: 364 guest rooms & suites
Rates: From 750 ringgit (US$192)
Contact details
Tel: (60)-3-2142-8000
Email: ritzkl@ritzcarlton.com.my
