Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur: A Timeless Stay in the Heart of the City
My journey from Damansara led me to Jalan Sultan Ismail, to a hotel that has been a city landmark for over 40 years. Officially opening its doors in April 1985, this esteemed establishment, owned by the renowned Tan Sri Robert Kuok, stands proudly at the vibrant intersection of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan P Ramlee. I last visited this very hotel exactly four years ago, during a period of nationwide movement control.
I booked a Deluxe room through the Trip.com app, costing RM434.02. This price encompassed taxes but did not include breakfast. Arriving at 12:45 PM, I proceeded directly to the lobby counter. The hotel boasts a grand and beautiful lobby, and my check-in process was remarkably smooth. As a Deluxe room wasn't immediately available, I decided to upgrade to a suite for an additional RM480++. This upgrade not only included complimentary breakfast but also granted me access to the hotel's exclusive lounge for afternoon tea and evening cocktails.
A Luxurious Suite Experience
With my room access card in hand, I headed straight for the elevator, eager to reach my accommodation on the 24th floor. The hotel features eight incredibly fast lifts. The suite itself spanned an impressive 861 square feet. Upon entering, to the left, I found a cabinet housing a mini-fridge and amenities for preparing beverages. To the right was the guest toilet, equipped with a sink and toilet, but lacking a bidet.
The main living area was furnished with two comfortable sofas and a coffee table. In the far right corner, a striking glass desk served as a workspace, complete with a chair and a reading lamp. Adjacent to the chair were a telephone and a printer. Facing the sofas, a large 60-inch television sat atop a media console.
Next to the TV console was the entrance to the bedroom. The bedroom was spacious and elegantly appointed. It featured a super king-sized bed and a generous wardrobe to the right, offering ample storage. Inside, I found a safety deposit box, an iron, and an ironing board. Two plush bathrobes were also provided.
Opposite the foot of the bed, another 60-inch television was mounted. To the right of this TV, a shelf provided a convenient spot for personal items. To the left, a long table paired with a chair offered additional space.
The Opulent Bathroom
The main bathroom was located to the left of the bedroom entrance, accessible through a large, lockable sliding door. It felt quite spacious and maintained a fresh, modern, and beautiful appearance. The left side of the entrance featured a sink and a vanity mirror. To the right were the toilet and a beautifully oval-shaped bathtub. Similar to the guest toilet, there was no bidet. A separate shower area, though somewhat compact, offered a single showerhead. The hotel provided a comprehensive range of toiletries.
Hotel Amenities and Services
The hotel boasts an open-air swimming pool located on the second floor. While the pool itself is large, the surrounding landscaping could be more aesthetically appealing. A separate children's pool is also available. The swimming pool is open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the gymnasium, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi, operational from 6 AM to 10 PM. For those preferring to dine in, the 24-hour in-room dining service is readily available.
In-room Wi-Fi speeds were impressive, registering 179mbps for downloads and 207mbps for uploads. For mobile connectivity, Tune Talk offered 204mbps, and CelcomDigi provided 186mbps. The hotel offers a good selection of free-to-air TV channels, many in high definition. I particularly enjoyed the strong water pressure in the bathroom, making showers a delightful experience.
Culinary Delights and Dining Options
Breakfast is served at the Lemon Garden restaurant, situated in the hotel lobby. The spread was extensive, and I only managed to sample a few of the many offerings. As a suite guest, I also had the option to enjoy breakfast in the hotel lounge. I've included photographs to showcase the delicious food available during breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.
An Enduring Legacy of Excellence
Despite being in operation for over 40 years, the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is impeccably maintained. The hotel exudes cleanliness, beauty, and an enduring sense of luxury. The staff were consistently friendly and exceptionally helpful. It remains a popular choice for visitors, even outside of the weekend rush.
Its prime location is a significant advantage, being just 750 meters from KLCC and 1 kilometer from Pavilion Bukit Bintang. For those relying on public transport, the Bukit Nenas Monorail Station is a mere 450 meters away. While the price point, typically ranging from RM500 to RM600, is on the higher side, the exceptional facilities and outstanding service make it a truly worthwhile investment for a memorable staycation.
I've attached photographs of the hotel for your viewing pleasure. Should you wish to read my reviews of other hotels, please visit my section within this group. For updates on my staycations, follow me on Facebook. Thank you for reading!
