Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang: A Fresh Rebranding of Swiss Garden
I recently stayed at the Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang from November 18-19, 2025. This hotel, formerly known as Swiss Garden, has undergone a complete rebranding after being acquired by Accor. Located on Jalan Pudu near the vibrant Bukit Bintang shopping district, the property offers excellent value and a noticeably refreshed aesthetic.
Booking and Check-In Experience
I booked a Superior Room through the Trip.com app, which measured 301 square feet. The room rate was RM328.32 (including tax, excluding breakfast), and after applying Trip Coins, I paid only RM131.75. Arriving around 2:45 PM, I was immediately impressed by the lobby. Despite maintaining the original Swiss Garden design framework, the interior decoration has been dramatically upgraded—it feels modern, welcoming, and genuinely new. The check-in process was seamless and took only a few minutes. The hotel features three elevators, and wait times were minimal due to moderate guest traffic when I visited.
Room Details and Amenities
The Superior Room is compact at 301 square feet. For comparison, during a previous July 2022 stay (when it was still Swiss Garden), I had occupied a larger Executive Room measuring 409 square feet. Upon entering, the left side of the door features open storage and a clothing rack, along with an iron and ironing board. A cabinet houses a mini-refrigerator, coffee machine, and beverage-making equipment.
The bedroom contains a single king bed with minimal additional furniture. A work desk and chair occupy the right corner near the bed's foot, ideal for business travelers. A large 60-inch wall-mounted TV faces the bed. The bathroom is located to the right of the entrance and features a lockable door. It includes a sink, toilet, and separate shower area. The hotel provides toothbrushes and standard toiletries. The shower features two shower heads with transparent glass enclosure—water pressure is excellent.
Facilities and Technology
The swimming pool is located on Level 3, accessible from the front of the building. It's an outdoor pool of considerable size with a raised deck. A smaller children's pool is also available. Pool hours are 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A compact fitness center sits adjacent to the pool area.
The hotel provides complimentary WiFi, though speeds are modest at approximately 4 Mbps. Mobile network performance varies significantly: CelcomDigi delivers 596 Mbps, while Tune Talk provides 351 Mbps. The hotel offers numerous free TV channels, including eight Vision 4 channels, all in HD quality.
Complimentary parking is available, though there is no elevator from the parking area to the lobby—guests must use stairs. This minor inconvenience is offset by the cost savings.
Location and Accessibility
The hotel's location is exceptional. It sits directly near Bukit Bintang's shopping district, with the famous Jalan Alor (a food lover's paradise) located just across the street. The property is approximately 800 meters from LRT Plaza Rakyat station, 800 meters from LaLaport Mall, and 1.5 kilometers from Pavilion Shopping Mall. This makes it ideal for travelers wanting easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation.
Overall Assessment
The transformation from Swiss Garden to Grand Mercure is striking. Everything feels fresh and thoroughly renewed. While room rates have increased compared to the previous Swiss Garden pricing, the upgraded amenities and modern refurbishment justify the cost. The rooms are exceptionally clean and well-maintained. For guests seeking strategic location, modern facilities, and reliable service near Kuala Lumpur's prime shopping and entertainment hub, this property delivers excellent value. The Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang successfully combines affordability with quality—a compelling choice for both leisure and business travelers.
