This is a reader review by Bernie.
Kuala Lumpur has some of the best rates for 5* luxury hotels in Asia, such as Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur and Park Royal collection and the city is buzzing with new 5* hotel openings, fabulous restaurants and some of the finest luxury shopping malls.
Having recently stayed at one of the oldest 5* hotels in Kuala Lumpur The Shangri La, and one of the newest 5*, The Park Royal collection, here are my reviews.
The Shangri La is ideally placed equidistant to the Pavillion central shopping areas and the Twin Tower attractions. It is walkable, a good 15 minutes in either direction or a short taxi ride by Grab, which is fast, cheap and highly recommended. You can easily download the app and pre-pay or pay cash to your driver.
The Shangri La is the Grand Dame of Kuala Lumpur, very traditional, built-in 1984. However, do not let that detract you, the entrance is opulent and luxurious, and the old-school service overcompensates for the lack of high tech in the rooms.
Check-in was smooth and relaxing, and we stayed in one of Horizon Club Rooms. Highly recommended to pay the extra for inclusive sumptuous breakfasts, afternoon teas and evening canapes and cocktails.
The staff are wonderful, the hotel has a small gym and spa and a wonderful outdoor pool, and overall although it may lack modern-day technology, it has a traditional and luxurious feel and provides exemplary guest service, almost like staying at an older Orient Express style property, remembering the bygone days of the 90s and 00s. With fabulous restaurants on-site and a piano player in the lobby, you almost don’t have to leave the hotel.
The rooms are large and traditionally furnished, luxurious with L’Occitane toiletries, sumptuous towels, lots of amenities and fabulous, comfortable beds, some have large window views over the KL skyline, and soundproofing is excellent.
My next stay was at the newly opened Park Royal Collection. It feels new, has a youthful vibe and is in the heart of the shopping area, Bukit Bintang. You can just walk out of the hotel, and you are surrounded by restaurants and shops. No need for taxis.
The rooms are modern but a bit modular, large and functional, and they have the most amazing beds, so comfortable. I would not say the rooms are super luxurious after staying in the Shangri La, but they are very contemporary, comfortable and functional. There is a fresh drinking water tap in the bathrooms, and they are large and have all the amenities. We stayed in a Collection Club Room, which gave us access to the club lounge on the 6th floor, dedicated check-in, welcoming drinks, amazing breakfasts, and beautiful food in the evenings, highly recommend upgrading for this extra as the food was excellent.
There is also a spa and gym on the executive lounge level, a fantastic pool area, with a lovely bar, somewhere you could linger all day on the lovely day beds and sun loungers and forget you are in the heart of a city.
Overall it depends on your taste. If you want old-school luxury, opt for the Shangri La. If, however, you are into contemporary and want to be at the very beating heart of KL, The Park Royal Collection ticks all the boxes.
Like our Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur and Park Royal collection review? You can read more hotel reviews here.
You may want to read Take A Chance On Sri Lanka Inc Reviews Of Shangri-la, Marriott And Anantara, which is also written by the same author.
2 comments
I can concur that the Shangri La in KL is indeed a beautiful placed to stay. We were upgraded to a suite due to membership status and had club access. This time however we are venturing to the Ritz Carlton club floor for our 4 night stay prior to flying North West to one of the best hotels in the world again…….
I agree. The Shangri-La KL is fabulous. We stayed there twice over the years, both times in club rooms. The club lounge is a destination in itself. Traditionally elegant and welcoming with very attentive staff. They went around with white and red bottles of wine just before free closing time for top ups. I loved their eggs Benedict for breakfast and the very eye catching, full size honeycomb.
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