Riveria City Kuala Lumpur Sentral: A Studio Stay in Bangsar
Checking In at Archos Host
Embarking on a staycation at the relatively new Riveria City Kuala Lumpur Sentral (August 9-10, 2025) in Bangsar, located on Jalan Tun Sambanthan, offered a fresh perspective on city living. I booked a studio apartment through the Trip.com app, securing it for RM165.37, a price that thoughtfully included taxes but excluded breakfast. With numerous hosts available, I opted for Archos, drawn by their more budget-friendly rates.
Arriving at 3:40 PM, I headed straight to the Archos counter in the lobby. The lobby itself is compact, and upon my arrival, a throng of guests were navigating the check-in process. The check-in was swift, and Archos required a deposit of RM200. I was then handed two access cards: one for building and facility access, and the second for my apartment.
Life on the 43rd Floor
Riveria City boasts an impressive 53 floors, yet access is provided by only four elevators. During peak times, the wait for an elevator can be noticeable, though their transit speed once inside is commendable. My apartment was situated on the 43rd floor. Measuring 297 square feet, it felt cozy, with a minimalist interior design.
Upon entering, the kitchen area to the right features a sink and an electric hob. Essential kitchenware is neatly tucked away in drawers. A generously sized refrigerator stands alongside, with an open shelving and hanging space adjacent for storing items and hanging clothes. An iron and ironing board are also provided in this area.
Comforts and City Views
The apartment houses a queen-sized bed, which felt a tad compact. To the right of the bed, a functional desk and chair were set up for guests needing to attend to work matters. A bedside lamp sat atop the desk. Along the wall opposite the foot of the bed runs a long table, with an additional chair to its right. Centered on this table was a 40-inch Smart TV. By the window, to the left of the bed, a comfortable seating nook offered a perfect spot to relax and admire the stunning panoramic views of the Kuala Lumpur cityscape from my room.
A Functional Bathroom
The bathroom is located to the left of the apartment's entrance. It features a sink positioned centrally between the toilet on the left and the shower area on the right. The toilet area includes a bidet spray, and the shower offers two showerhead options. Hot water is available, but only when using the handheld showerhead. Both the toilet and shower spaces are somewhat narrow.
Connectivity and Amenities
Archos provided complimentary, remarkably fast Wi-Fi, boasting download speeds of up to 309mbps and upload speeds of up to 350mbps. Mobile network coverage, however, was weaker, likely due to the 43rd-floor location. CelcomDigi offered speeds of 46mbps, while Tune Talk registered at 27mbps. The Smart TV did not come with any free-to-air channels. I was pleased with the water pressure in the bathroom.
Rooftop Serenity and Fitness
One of the key draws for choosing this residence was its breathtaking rooftop swimming pool, offering spectacular city vistas. Located on the 53A floor, the main pool is sizable, complemented by a smaller adjacent pool. The pool is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. The residence also features a gymnasium on the 53rd floor, and on the 30th floor, guests can find a lounge area and a space for work or reading.
To check out, guests simply return to the counter to hand back their access cards and retrieve their deposit. This residence is a viable option for those visiting Kuala Lumpur, provided the elevator wait times are not a major concern. The apartment is affordably priced and boasts a highly strategic location in the heart of Bangsar. It's just a stone's throw from the Tun Sambanthan Monorail Station, making travel to KL Sentral effortless by foot or a short monorail ride. For those who appreciate city skylines, this residence is a compelling choice.
A Value-for-Money Stay
My studio apartment was impeccably clean, though it came equipped with only basic amenities. The host provided bath towels but no toothbrushes. The absence of a bath mat meant the floor could get a bit wet after showering. While the number of power sockets was limited, the host thoughtfully included an extension cord. Considering the overall experience, the stay was excellent value for the price paid. I might consider returning, though my recent visit was marred by hazy weather with an AQI of 80. For a future stay, I would opt for a weekday rather than a weekend.
I've included photographs from my stay. For reviews of other hotels, please visit my section within this group. To learn more about 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 is subject to a RM50 per hour fee (if no prior guest). Late check-out incurs a RM50 per hour charge after 11 AM.
