A Vibrant Stay at Riveria City Kuala Lumpur Sentral (August 9-10, 2025)
This relatively new residence, nestled in the heart of Bangsar on Jalan Tun Sambanthan, offers a compelling city escape. I booked my studio room through the Trip.com app for RM165.37, a price that was inclusive of taxes but notably excluded breakfast. A unique aspect of this accommodation is the presence of multiple hosts; I chose Archos primarily for its more budget-friendly rates.
Arrival and Check-in Experience
Upon arriving at 3:40 PM, I headed straight to the Archos counter located in the lobby. The lobby itself is quite compact, and at that moment, it was bustling with guests eager to check in. Thankfully, the process was swift. Archos required a deposit of RM200. I was then handed two access cards: one for general building and facility access, and the second to enter my room.
The Apartment: Compact Comfort with a View
The residence boasts an impressive 53 floors, yet access is provided by only four elevators. With the high volume of guests, elevator waiting times could be a bit lengthy, although the journey upwards was remarkably quick. My room, situated on the 43rd floor, spanned 297 square feet. While compact, the interior design was tastefully minimalist. As I stepped in, a compact kitchenette greeted me on the right, equipped with a sink and an electric stove. All necessary kitchenware was neatly tucked away in drawers. A generously sized refrigerator stood beside the kitchen area. Adjacent to that was an open space for storage and hanging clothes, complete with an iron and ironing board.
Room Amenities and City Views
The room featured a queen-sized bed, which felt a little on the smaller side. To the right of the bed, a functional workspace with a desk and chair was provided, perfect for any work tasks, complemented by a bedside lamp. Along the wall opposite the bed, a long table spanned the width, with an additional chair on its right side. Centered on this table was a 40-inch Smart TV. The window area, positioned to the left of the bed, offered a cozy seating nook. The highlight of my room was undoubtedly the breathtaking panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur cityscape, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed.
The Bathroom: Functional and Efficient
The bathroom was located to the left of the entrance. It featured a sink positioned centrally, with the toilet on the left and the shower area on the right. The toilet had a bidet spray, and the shower offered two distinct showerhead options. Hot water was available, but exclusively through the handheld showerhead. Both the toilet and shower spaces were somewhat confined.
Connectivity and Building Facilities
The host provided complimentary, impressively fast Wi-Fi, with download speeds reaching 309mbps and upload speeds hitting 350mbps. Mobile network reception, however, was a bit sluggish, likely due to my 43rd-floor location. CelcomDigi offered around 46mbps, while Tune Talk clocked in at 27mbps. The Smart TV offered streaming capabilities but no free-to-air channels. I was particularly pleased with the water pressure in the bathroom.
A significant draw for choosing this residence was its stunning rooftop swimming pool, offering spectacular city vistas. Located on the 53A floor, the pool is generously sized, with a smaller pool adjacent to the main one. The pool is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. Beyond the pool, the residence also features a gymnasium on the 53rd floor. Additionally, a relaxation lounge and a dedicated work or reading room are available on the 30th floor. To check out, guests simply return their access cards to the counter and retrieve their deposit.
Location and Value Proposition
Riveria City Kuala Lumpur Sentral presents a solid choice for a Kuala Lumpur visit, provided you're not overly bothered by potential elevator delays. The rates are remarkably affordable, and the location is incredibly strategic, placing you right in the heart of Bangsar. The building is mere meters away from the Tun Sambanthan Monorail Station, offering easy access to KL Sentral either by foot or a short monorail ride. For those who revel in the vibrant energy and skyline of Kuala Lumpur, this residence is an excellent option.
Room Cleanliness and Minor Considerations
My room was exceptionally clean, though it provided only the most essential amenities. The host supplied bath towels but no toothbrushes. The absence of a bath mat meant the floor could get a little wet after showering. While socket outlets were not abundant, the host thoughtfully provided an extension cord. Considering the overall experience, the value for money was excellent. I might consider returning, though I'd aim for a weekday stay, ideally when the weather isn't hazy, as the Air Pollution Index was around 80 during my visit.
I've included some photos from my stay. For reviews of other hotels, please visit my section within this group. To learn more about my staycation adventures, follow me on Facebook. Thank you for reading!
Note: Standard check-in time for this host is 3 PM, with check-out at 11 AM. Early check-in before 3 PM incurs a RM50 fee per hour (subject to availability and prior guest status). Late check-out after 11 AM is also charged at RM50 per hour.
