Riveria City Kuala Lumpur Sentral: A Rooftop Pool Gem in Bangsar (August 9-10, 2025)
This relatively new residence, nestled in the vibrant Bangsar area along Jalan Tun Sambanthan, offers a compelling stay. I booked my studio apartment through the Trip.com app for a comfortable RM165.37. This price was inclusive of taxes, though it didn't cover breakfast. A unique aspect of this residence is its multitude of hosts, and I opted for Archos due to their more attractive pricing.
Checking In and Settling Into My Studio
Arriving at 3:40 PM, I headed straight for the Archos counter in the lobby. The lobby itself is quite compact, and upon my arrival, there was a noticeable buzz of guests checking in. The process was swift, and Archos required a RM200 deposit. I was then issued two access cards: one for building and facility access, and a second for entry into my studio.
The residence boasts an impressive 53 floors, yet only four elevators serve its residents. With the building's popularity, waiting times for the elevator could be a bit lengthy, though the elevator journeys themselves were quick. My studio was located on the 43rd floor. Spanning 297 square feet, it offered a cozy space with a minimalist design. Immediately to the right upon entering, a small kitchenette awaited, complete with a sink and an electric hob. Essential kitchenware was neatly tucked away in drawers. A generous-sized refrigerator stood beside the kitchenette. Adjacent to the fridge, an open area provided storage and a place to hang clothes, along with an iron and ironing board.
Room Amenities and City Views
The studio featured a comfortable, albeit compact, queen-sized bed. To the right of the bed, a work desk and chair were provided for guests needing to catch up on tasks. A bedside lamp illuminated the desk. Opposite the bed, a lengthy table ran along the wall, with an additional chair on its right side. Centered on this table was a 40-inch Smart TV. By the window, to the left of the bed, a cozy seating area offered a perfect spot to relax and soak in the breathtaking city views of Kuala Lumpur.
Bathroom Comforts
The bathroom was situated to the left of the entrance. A sink was centrally located, with the toilet on the left and the shower on the right. The toilet area included a bidet spray, and the shower offered two distinct spray options. Hot water was available, but only when using the handheld showerhead. Both the toilet and shower areas felt a tad snug.
Connectivity and Resident Facilities
The complimentary Wi-Fi provided by the host was remarkably fast, boasting download speeds of up to 309mbps and upload speeds reaching 350mbps. Mobile network reception, however, was a bit slower, likely due to my 43rd-floor location. CelcomDigi offered speeds of 46mbps, while Tune Talk registered at 27mbps. The Smart TV, while available, did not include free-to-air channels. I was quite pleased with the water pressure in the bathroom.
A significant draw for me to this residence was its stunning rooftop swimming pool, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city. Located on the 53A floor, the pool itself was of a good size, complemented by a smaller adjacent pool. The pool is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. Beyond the pool, the residence also features a gymnasium on the 53rd floor, and on the 30th floor, a lounge area and co-working space are available for guests. To check out, guests simply need to return their access cards and collect their deposit at the counter.
Strategic Location and Value for Money
For those visiting Kuala Lumpur, Riveria City is a viable option, provided you can overlook the occasional slow elevator wait. The residence offers an affordable price point and boasts an incredibly strategic location right in the heart of Bangsar. It's just a short stroll from the Tun Sambanthan Monorail Station, making access to KL Sentral a breeze – either by walking or a quick monorail ride. If you appreciate mesmerizing cityscapes, this residence is certainly worth considering.
My studio was exceptionally clean, though it provided only the basic necessities. The host supplied bath towels but no toothbrushes. The absence of a bath mat meant the floor could get a bit damp after showering. While the number of power sockets was limited, an extension cord was provided. Overall, considering the price I paid, the experience offered excellent value. I might consider returning, though the recent haze (with an AQI of 80) was a factor. I would aim for a weekday stay rather than a weekend next time.
I've included photos from my stay. For reviews of other hotels, please visit my section within this group. To delve deeper into my staycation experiences, follow me on Facebook. Thank you for reading.
Note: Check-in time for this host is 3 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM. Early check-in before 3 PM incurs a RM50 per hour fee (subject to availability). Late check-outs are charged at RM50 per hour after 11 AM.
