PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur 

Monica Tindall

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur opened with a green façade and a promise to future generations – we will be thoughtful in what we use today so there will be enough for you tomorrow. 

Consideration is seen at all levels of the property, from sourcing of supplies to rooms to food and beverage and waste management. Plenty of greenery not only looks attractive but filters the air, captures CO2 and makes the surroundings cooler. 

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur

I’ve heard hoteliers say that it’s just too hard to convert an older property to a green property, but the team behind PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur prove that even small changes can have a significant impact. For example, every room is fitted with a high-quality water filter gifting guests unlimited premium product far superior to anything that’s in a plastic bottle. Furthermore, Appelles bath products are provided in refillable pumps. Not only do these two simple changes avoid thousands of single-use plastic bottle waste daily but they shape a more luxurious experience for discerning guests. 

There are many more visible adaptations that guests can see (such as recycling bins and amenities packed in biodegradable packaging), but there are also countless examples behind the scenes. The team here is passionate about making change. I chatted for quite some time with the food and beverage director, Bala Naidu, and he oozes enthusiasm. Of course, management is always in a position to balance good work with profits for owners, but the plan is obviously grand, and the people seem steady in pushing forward bit by bit. Waste reduction, thoughtful sourcing of materials, and composting are just the beginning.

Location

Even the location of PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur facilitates low-impact transportation choices. Just steps away from Jalan Bukit Bintang, guests have malls, restaurants and entertainment all within walking distance. The monorail station is just across the road, and the Hop-on Hop-off bus station is just up the street. Going on foot and using public transport are easy ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur – Rooms

With well over 500 rooms, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur has several categories to meet varying needs. We stay in a suite, but even their entry-level rooms are quite comfortable – everything that is new is nice, right? Weaving green design elements into the décor of the room, the most striking feature is the forest mural above each bed. Amenities are as expected for such a property. Mattresses are supportive, bedding is of high quality, and the shower water pressure is strong. 

Guests can further fine-tune their stay with the choice of a COLLECTION Club room, gifting access to club benefits. A compact breakfast menu, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day and evening cocktails (canapes and just beer for now until they get a liquor license) are available in an exclusive and peaceful setting. Some prefer a wider choice for breakfast, but I’m happy with eggs made to order and to avoid the crowd of the popular morning buffet in Thyme.

Food & Beverage

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur has three food and beverage outlets – The Botanist Lounge and Bar (lobby lounge), Thyme (all-day-dining) and Skye Chill (poolside bar and dining). 

Thyme

Thyme offers a smorgasbord breakfast, ala carte during the day, a weekend high-tea, and some popular evening buffets. The Fabulous Seafood Night (Fridays & Saturdays) has proven a huge hit amongst locals. Priced at RM 228 nett per person, guests can feast on a spread of fresh seafood cooked ala minute to your preference. Choose from fresh fish, shellfish and crustaceans and the kitchen crew will cook it with Malay, Chinese, Western or Indian seasoning as you please. It’s backed up with a display of ready-made dishes to immediately satiate hunger, with the Indian section (chef hails from Kerala) meriting second helpings. The highlight of the buffet for me, though, is the duo of oyster shuckers at the entrance. Piles of oysters from the USA and Ireland sit on ice while the master shuckers slip their knives into the shells to reveal plump, tasty specimens. 

Skye Chill

Skye Chill, on the sixth floor by the pool, serves a menu of easy-eating recipes from around the globe. We particularly appreciate the Spa Cuisine menu, a list of dishes packed with nutrients and health benefits. Find some of our favourite choices here.

The Botanist Lounge & Bar

The Botanist Lounge & Bar in PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur’s lobby serves a variety of international dishes, a pretty afternoon tea and non-alcoholic beverages. Awaiting a liquor license, the team hope to include wine, beer, spirits and cocktails soon. 

I don’t have a sweet tooth, but the afternoon tea does look attractive. It’s served in a picnic basket, making a very pretty photo and holds a selection of sweets and savouries. More up my alley is the Botanist Board (RM 145). Large enough to share between two to four people, it’s filled with seasonal ingredients. Components vary but think along the lines of ricotta cheese, beetroot hummus, hard cheese, wagyu bresaola, Kalamata olives, garden vegetables, figs, nuts, grapes, sourdough, pita bread, fresh greens, and sweet potato chips. It’s fabulous for sharing. I can imagine after-work tipples here or long leisurely afternoons with the girls and Champagne. 

We also try a couple of items from the all-day-dining menu and find both choices delicious. We’d order both the Cajun Chicken (RM 50) and the Philly Steak (RM 52) again in a heartbeat. The first is a healthy plate of Cajun-seasoned chicken breast, guacamole, sour cream, tomato salsa, corn, black beans and tortilla strips with your choice of Japanese rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice. The sandwich sees Angus beef sliced and loaded inside a French baguette alongside bell peppers, onion, mushrooms and cheese.

Facilities

Besides meeting rooms, most of PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur’s facilities are on the sixth floor. Here you’ll find the pool, fitness centre, spa, and club lounge. The pool is bordered by sun chairs and day beds, and all are encircled by tropical gardens. You can see several of KL’s iconic towers from the deck. 

Fitness Centre

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur’s fitness city is equipped with the best of the best – Technogym. Not only is the brand top of the line, but as the hotel is brand new, they have the latest in the range. It’s a pleasure to work out with quality products. There are two studios. One is filled with cardio equipment (treadmills, cross-trainers and bikes), several strength machines and free weights. The other is a yoga and class space furnished with mats and Technogym Benches – all-in-one functional training kits including elastic bands, dumbbells, weighted knuckles and a mat. On the weekends, a yoga instructor provides a complimentary 15-minute session at 8:30 am, and 9:30 am. You can also pay for a full hour-length class if so desired. 

St. Gregory Spa

On the same floor as the pool and fitness centre is St. Gregory Spa. Until the end of September 2022, you can benefit from a generous 25% discount on all signature treatments as an opening offer. The space is compact with skilled therapists, and quality products and offers a range of massages, facials and body treatments. Check them out in detail here. 

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur Review

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur is far from reaching a zero-waste goal, but they are making a concerted effort to better itself. There are no excuses that it’s too hard or that guests won’t respond. Instead, the team is all on board, ready to educate, change mindsets and move forward step by step. Their efforts are worth supporting.

Reasons to stay at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur: convenient location in the centre of Bukit Bintang and its abundance of malls, dining and entertainment; just across the road from the monorail station and nearby the Hop-on Hop-off bus stop; great spa; support the team’s admirable efforts in working towards sustainability. 

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur
Jalan Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang,
50250 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6 03-2782 8388
Website

Find more recommendations for hotels in Kuala Lumpur here and stay up-to-date on the latest gourmet and travel happenings around Malaysia here and here.