A Luxurious Escape to The Westin Kuala Lumpur: A Review
First Impressions and Booking
This week, I had the pleasure of staying at a hotel under the esteemed Marriott umbrella. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, this establishment has been a part of the city's hospitality scene since 2003, undergoing a significant refurbishment in 2020. Although it's a Marriott Bonvoy property, I opted to book through Trip.com for a more budget-friendly rate. The Deluxe room, inclusive of taxes but excluding breakfast, came in at RM450. Interestingly, my previous stay here during the Movement Control Order in May 2021 was at a much lower price of RM290 for a Premium room.
Arrival and Check-in Experience
Arriving around 1 PM, I headed straight to the lobby counter. The lobby itself is modestly sized and tastefully simple. The check-in process was remarkably swift, taking only a few minutes, thanks to the exceptionally friendly and efficient staff. As my room was ready, I was promptly handed my access card. My room was located on the 22nd floor, and the hotel is equipped with four elevators for guest convenience.
Delving into the Deluxe Room
The Deluxe room, boasting a generous 452 square feet, offers ample space. Upon entering, a well-appointed alcove to the right houses a wardrobe, a safety deposit box, an iron, an ironing board, and a pair of plush bathrobes. Adjacent to this is the bathroom.
The sleeping area features a king-sized bed and a comfortable, medium-sized sofa situated by the window. Across from the sofa, a cabinet cleverly conceals a mini-fridge and drawers stocked with tea and coffee-making facilities, including an electric kettle and cups. Towards the foot of the bed, a functional workspace with a modest desk and chair is provided for those needing to catch up on work. A large television, likely a 60 or 65-inch screen, is mounted on the wall opposite the bed.
Bathroom Amenities and Views
The bathroom is quite spacious, accommodating a sink, toilet, a shower area, and a bathtub. The toilet and shower areas are enclosed by clear glass panels, with the shower cubicle being somewhat compact. The bathtub is generously sized and positioned next to the shower and sink. A pipe loop is conveniently located beside the toilet, and the shower offers two distinct spray options. The hotel provides a comprehensive range of toiletries. My room overlooked the rear of the hotel, offering a view towards The Ritz Carlton.
Hotel Facilities and Dining
The hotel's swimming pool is located on the 4th floor and is open from 6 AM to 11 PM. The pool area is expansive and beautifully landscaped, though the pool itself is not overly large. On the same level, you'll find a 24-hour gymnasium and a children's club. In-room dining is also available, and I found the prices to be reasonable. I sampled the Nasi Goreng Kampung for RM42, which I found to be delicious, albeit a touch salty. Parking is available for guests at a charge of RM6.
Connectivity and Comfort
The complimentary in-room Wi-Fi offered speeds of around 19mbps. For mobile data, CelcomDigi provided a commendable 217mbps, while Tune Talk delivered 100mbps. The water pressure in the bathroom was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed using the shower, despite its limited space. The hotel offers a wide array of free TV channels, including 8 Vision Four channels, all in high definition.
Overall Verdict and Location Advantage
As a Marriott property, The Westin Kuala Lumpur is certainly an investment, but considering the spaciousness of the room and its prime location, the price felt justified for the experience. The hotel is immaculately clean and well-maintained. My only minor critiques would be that the in-room air conditioning wasn't as powerful as I would have liked, though still acceptable for my comfort, and the lighting in the room was somewhat uneven, with a few darker spots. The hotel's location is undeniably strategic, right in the heart of Bukit Bintang and directly opposite Pavilion. For those relying on public transport, it's just a 350-meter walk to the MRT station and 550 meters to the Bukit Bintang Monorail station.
