Here are five new and upcoming boutique hotels to check out for an idiosyncratic staycation in KL.
The year 2018 saw a host of luxury hotels mushrooming all around KL – from W Hotel’s first Malaysian property, the loud and swanky W Kuala Lumpur, to the towering Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur, which begot one of KL’s best bars.
While we welcome the addition of globally renowned 5-star accommodations, there’s something about boutique hotels that offer a fresh perspective of design and hospitality. On that note, 2019 poses a line-up of promising hidden gems to add to your travel radar.
Here are five new and upcoming boutique hotels to check out for an idiosyncratic staycation in KL.
citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang
Netherlands-based boutique hotel chain citizenM made its inaugural mark in Malaysia with the opening of its Bukit Bintang location last July. Designed for the new generation of mobile citizens, the highlight of this colourful, quirky hotel is its “living room” where guests can eat, drink, work, play and mingle. Its modern interiors draw inspiration from local art and cultural elements whilst reflecting a common aesthetic in all of the brand’s hotels. If you’re looking for a spot of affordable luxury in the lively neighbourhood of Pudu, look no further. W citizenm.com
Learn more about the hotel here.
The RuMa Hotel & Residences
Though officially opened in November 2018, The RuMa’s full range of services, specifically its genderless spa, has only been available from this year (a good excuse to revisit if you were an early bird). And speaking of service, the Urban Resort Concepts property spares no expense in providing the kind of luxury you won’t find at most hotels. This includes 24-hour check-in and check-out as well as complimentary breakfast and drinks (yes, alcohol included) anywhere in the hotel. The bespoke factor we love: design elements that pay homage to local craftsmanship in the most modern and refined way possible. W theruma.com
The Chow Kit
Slated for launch in December, The Chow Kit – an Ormond Hotel will be the debut property of the homegrown Ormond Group. Opening on the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman with 113 rooms and suites, the boutique hotel aims to rekindle one of KL’s most notorious neighbourhoods with its take on modern luxury. Among key features to anticipate include contemporary spaces alluding to the late-night revelries of its locality during the 70s and 80s; a new Malaysian kitchen concept from the guys behind Troika Sky Dining; and an Art Programme put together by local curator Liza Ho. W thechowkit.com
Monopoly Mansion
After much hype surrounding its development beginning last year, M101 Holdings has announced that the first ‘Monopoly Mansion’ in the world will open its doors this December. The 14-storey hotel will boast art deco interiors and thematic floors and tokens inspired by the popular Hasbro board game. It will feature 225 rooms, a rooftop pool and a sky lounge – all exuding the charm of the Roaring Twenties, where the game’s icon, Mr. Monopoly originated from. W m101.com.my
J-Hotel by Dorsett
Also scheduled to open later this year is J-Hotel by Dorsett, which will be Dorsett Hospitality International’s first boutique hotel in KL. Its name is derived from its address along the iconic Jalan Jati, a few minutes’ walk away from sister property Dorsett Kuala Lumpur. A small hotel of only 154 keys, it is set to attract fast-paced travellers with its convenient on-the-go food and beverage counters. Design-wise, expect a retro chic look that draws on the old-world charm of its neighbourhood. W dcollection.com
Photos courtesy of respective hotels
