Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Hotel in KL Sentral, Staycation

Hilton Kuala Lumpur

Monica Tindall

We love a weekend getaway as much as anybody, but the time in travel and the cost of getting to a different destination is often prohibitive. Staycations, however, offer the best of both worlds – a break from routine, without the expense and time taken to get there. Money saved, we think we can spend a little extra on lushing up a weekend in the city. And, a recent stay in an Executive Suite at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur certainly fit the bill.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur Location

Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s location at KL Sentral makes it convenient for visitors coming from the airport via the KLIA Express. That also goes for anyone on a train, LRT or monorail line wanting to ditch the car (and traffic) for the weekend. Having a huge shopping mall next door (Nu Sentral), Lake Gardens across the road, Little India on one side and Bangsar on the other, there are plenty of opportunities for eating, entertainment, activity and shopping. We find though that there’s so much going on at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur that we don’t even attempt to make use of the conveniences in its neighbours.

Afternoon Tea at Hilton KL

Benefiting from meticulous management, everything at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur is shiny and contemporary. The lobby rises up three stories with a giant glass wall overlooking a sea of verdant treetops. This is an ideal spot to begin a weekend staycation with an elegant afternoon tea. During our stay, the set was pretty in pink, raising funds for breast cancer awareness. Afternoon tea, however, is served daily and you might expect some end-of-year influence in upcoming collections.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur are given high importance. Each outlet has a distinctive design transporting guests to the place of origin of each menu. You can travel from China to Japan to Europe, all within the same building with the restaurants Chynna, Iketeru and Graze. Chambers takes carnivores to the promised land with their meat cave, and Vasco’s furnishes an ultra-modern take on an international buffet spread. Don’t expect to see the same menu week after week either as Hilton Kuala Lumpur is known for hosting a range of wonderful events such as wine dinners and whisky tastings. Late nights with live bands and a mighty drinks selection is found at Zeta Bar, and classic and contemporary cocktails can be sipped at Aviary Bar.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur Rooms

With over 500 rooms and suites, the Hilton Kuala Lumpur accommodates an array of budgets and requirements. Entry-level rooms, with all of the expected amenities, begin at 38sqm and move up to rooms with Executive Lounge access, suites (89sq.m), and for those wanting additional luxury, there’s a Presidential Suite and Penthouse.

We take an Executive Suite for the weekend and find it generous in square footage. Spread over three rooms, there are distinct quarters for living and dining, including a guest bathroom, office and dressing area, and a bedroom with a luxurious bath. Elegance and style are portrayed in timelessly chic furnishings and lighting. A neutral palette with splashes of colour and metallics have a calming effect, as do the floor to ceiling windows.

The entryway opens to a dining table, mini bar, coffee table, couch and recliner. The armchair positioned by the window, overlooking the leafy park is immediately claimed as ‘my spot’ for the weekend. I image books, wine and coffee (courtesy of the in-room espresso machine) all in the same scene. Hubby has other ideas, and the lounge in front of the giant flat-screen TV is where he takes roost.

There is abundant storage hidden away behind doors in the office. It’s always appreciated in keeping hotel rooms clutter-free. Actually, two cupboards mean hubby and I can each have our own space for luggage.

A luxuriously dressed king-size bed, another flat-screen TV and bathroom, fill the sleeping area. The mattress is firm and supportive, and a pillow menu allows customization of where you rest your head. Double sinks, a bathtub big enough for two, large shower with multiple streams (rain, massage and spray) and separate toilet compose the bathroom. I note the bath products have changed since our last visit. I found the former products possessed more of a masculine scent. With the switch to Crabtree & Evelyn, the aroma is more neutral. I prefer this newer line.

If it weren’t for all of those food and beverage options, and leisure facilities (I’m just about to get to those), we might not have been tempted to even step outside the room.

Facilities

The eighth floor of the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, however, is just fabulous. What must be the longest pool in the city spans the decks of both the Hilton and its immediate neighbour Le Meridien. Winding in lagoon-like fashion, it is edged with recliners and umbrellas, more of those pretty views of the park in the foreground and city skyline in the background, and well-kept landscaping. A slide, water fountains and a bubbling Jacuzzi turn it into a playground for all.

On the same level, the fitness centre benefits from loads of natural light, and considerable square footage. The variety and quality of equipment here shows a degree just as high an independent-membership gymnasium, rather than a hotel’s fitness room. Strength and cardio machines are plentiful, as to are free weights and supplementary resources such as mats, and balls.

Of high interest, attached to the health centre, is The Spa. A quality menu of facials, body treatments and massages frame a solid list of services. Whether nipping in for a post-workout muscle de-stress or booking in for a more extended pampering session, therapists and products are of a high standard.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur Review

Hilton Kuala Lumpur is a top choice for business travel but also makes a great weekend staycation for KL residents. Rooms are crisp, clean and contemporary. Food and beverage choices are first-rate, and facilities are top-notch. The hotel has several packages that make a staycation even more attractive. Check out their latest offers via the website here.

Reasons to stay at Hilton Kuala Lumpur in KL Sentral: convenient location; excellent food and beverage outlets; beautiful pool; well-equipped gym and spa; contemporary rooms.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur at KL Sentral
3 Jalan Stesen Sentral
Kuala Lumpur 50470, Malaysia
+6 03 2264 2264
[email protected]

Find more ideas for staycations in Kuala Lumpur here.