Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur: A Luxurious Escape with a Touch of History
Embarking on a journey from Damansara, my destination was Jalan Sultan Ismail, to a hotel that has graced the city for over four decades. Officially opened in April 1985, this esteemed establishment, a jewel in the portfolio of tycoon Tan Sri Robert Kuok, stands proudly at the intersection of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan P Ramlee. My previous visit was exactly four years ago, during a period of national movement control. This time, I booked a Deluxe room via the Trip.com app for RM434.02, a price inclusive of taxes but exclusive of breakfast.
A Suite Upgrade for Enhanced Comfort
Arriving at the hotel 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 was not yet available, I opted for an upgrade to a suite, with an additional charge of RM480++. This upgrade not only included complimentary breakfast but also granted me access to the hotel lounge for afternoon tea and evening cocktails – a delightful bonus.
Exploring the Spacious and Well-Appointed Suite
Upon receiving my room access card, I headed to the 24th floor via one of the hotel's eight swift elevators. The suite itself is a generous 861 square feet. As I entered, a cabinet on the left housed a mini-refrigerator and beverage-making facilities. To the right, the initial washroom featured a sink and toilet, though lacking a bidet.
The main living area offered ample space with two comfortable sofas and a central coffee table. In the right corner, a large, elegant glass-top work desk with a reading lamp and an office chair awaited. Adjacent to the chair were a telephone and a printer. Facing the sofas, a substantial 60-inch television was mounted on a TV console.
Adjacent to the TV console was the entrance to the bedroom. This space was both spacious and beautifully designed. Beyond a super king-sized bed, a large double-doored wardrobe stood to the right of the bed. Inside, I found a safe, an iron, and an ironing board, along with two pairs of bathrobes. Opposite the foot of the bed, another 60-inch television was positioned. To the right of this TV was a shelf for personal items, while to the left, a long table and chair provided additional convenience.
A Luxurious Bathroom Oasis
The bathroom was accessed through a large, lockable sliding door to the left of the bedroom entrance. It presented a modern and pristine appearance. On the left side of the entrance, a vanity area with a sink and mirror was situated. To the right, the toilet and a beautifully oval-shaped bathtub were located. Notably, no bidet was provided in the bathrooms. A separate shower area, though somewhat compact, offered a single showerhead. The hotel provided a comprehensive range of toiletries.
Leisure and Wellness Facilities
The hotel features an expansive outdoor swimming pool on the 2nd floor, complemented by a separate children's pool. The pool area operates from 7 AM to 9 PM. For fitness enthusiasts, the gymnasium, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi are accessible from 6 AM to 10 PM. In-room dining services are available around the clock, ensuring convenience at any hour.
Connectivity and In-Room Amenities
The complimentary in-room WiFi was impressively fast, boasting download speeds of 179mbps and upload speeds of 207mbps. For mobile connectivity, Tune Talk offered 204mbps, and CelcomDigi provided 186mbps. The hotel offered a wide selection of free TV channels, many in high definition. The water pressure in the bathroom was strong, making for a most enjoyable shower experience.
Culinary Delights at Lemon Garden
Breakfast was served at the renowned Lemon Garden restaurant, located in the hotel lobby. The spread was extensive, and while I only managed to sample a few items, the variety was outstanding. As a suite guest, I also had the privilege of enjoying breakfast in the exclusive hotel lounge. My photographs offer a glimpse into the delicious offerings at breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.
Timeless Elegance and Prime Location
Despite being in operation for over 40 years, the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur is meticulously maintained, exuding cleanliness, timeless beauty, and enduring luxury. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. The hotel remains a popular choice for visitors, even outside of weekends. Its strategic location is a significant draw, being just 750 meters from KLCC and 1 kilometer from Pavilion Bukit Bintang. For those utilizing public transport, Bukit Nenas Monorail Station is a mere 450 meters away.
While the room rates, typically ranging from RM500 to RM600, may be on the higher side, the exceptional facilities and service provided make it a truly worthwhile experience.
I have included photographs from my stay. For more hotel reviews, please visit my section within this group. To follow my staycation adventures, connect with me on Facebook. Thank you for reading.
