A&R Urban Hotel: A Stylish Stay Near Kuala Lumpur
Fresh from a trip to Kuantan, I decided to make a stop at a hotel conveniently located near Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur. This charming establishment, known as A&R Urban Hotel, actually stands for Aaron & Rachel, the hotel's owners. Arriving around 5 PM, I headed straight to the counter for a smooth check-in process. The hotel occupies a compact space within a row of shop houses.
My Urban Suite Experience
I had booked the Urban Suite, a spacious room that promised a comfortable stay. I secured this through the Trip.com app for RM224.40, which included taxes but not breakfast. This two-level suite spanned an impressive 432 square feet. While the hotel does have a lift, my room was conveniently situated on the lower level, just behind the lobby.
Exploring the Lower Level
Upon entering the suite, I found myself in the inviting living area downstairs. To the left, a long sofa offered a cozy spot to relax. A 32-inch TV was mounted on the wall opposite the sofa. A good-sized round table occupied the center of the space. Along the wall facing the entrance, a functional work desk with a chair provided a place to catch up on tasks. The desk was equipped with amenities for preparing beverages, and towards the right end, a mini-fridge and a safety deposit box were neatly placed. Above the fridge, a metal bar with several hangers offered convenient storage.
The Bathroom and Its Touches
To the left of the table, a rather generous bathroom awaited. Its interior was visible through a translucent, yet frosted, glass partition. Inside, you'll find a sink, toilet, bathtub, and a shower. The showerhead is integrated into the bathtub, offering a single spray type. The bathtub itself isn't massive, and a pipe coil is located next to the toilet bowl. I was pleasantly surprised by the provision of basic toiletries, including a toothbrush. What truly stood out, however, were the luxurious, high-end brands used for the shower gel and shampoo, a delightful touch.
Ascending to the Upper Level
The staircase to the upper level is located to the right of the main entrance. The upstairs area is dedicated solely to a king-sized bed, with no other furniture present. This level also features a bathroom, though it's equipped with just a sink and a toilet. The space upstairs feels intimate, comfortably fitting the king bed, and it possesses a certain aesthetic appeal.
Connectivity and Amenities
During my stay, the in-room Wi-Fi delivered a strong performance, averaging 89mbps. For mobile connectivity, CelcomDigi provided speeds of up to 276mbps, while Tune Talk offered a respectable 159mbps. The hotel offers a Smart TV, but it does not provide free-to-air channels. The water pressure in the bathroom was excellent. My only minor quibble was with the shower type and its placement within the bathtub.
Overall Impression
I found the A&R Urban Hotel to be both beautiful and spotlessly clean, making it an ideal choice for travelers visiting the Selayang and Batu Caves areas. Its location within a vibrant row of shop houses means a variety of convenience stores, restaurants, and eateries are just steps away. For those on a tighter budget, standard rooms are available for less than RM100. For guests relying on public transport, the hotel is approximately 4.8 km from the Kampung Batu MRT Station on the Putrajaya Line.
