The location is everything, with a prestigious position as part of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) precinct and the MOKL has had some regular refurbishments over the years, the most recent of which was the Club Lounge that re-opened in March 2025 and it is always exciting to see what changes have been made for the upgrading. Kuala Lumpur traffic can be frustrating at times and makes you wonder when you will actually arrive at any given destination, hence using public transport is so much quicker and we arrived via the KLCC network and had just an easy stroll to the MOKL.
As expected, the lobby is an oasis of luxury and grandeur with stylish Asian flair in an understated way for most Mandarin Oriental hotels around the globe. The 5-star hotel impression always leave you a seamless fusion of classic sophistication and modern luxury.
The contemporary rendering at the cathedral high lobby is effortlessly elegant. The bold black and gold marble flooring and the extended wall well juxtaposed with the gigantic multiple crystal pendant chandeliers, illuminated with sparkle bright yet soothing lights day and night.
The main lobby columns are clad in Royal Selangor pewter which adds that local Malaysian artisanal touch, highlighting the entire classic royal interior touches referencing the Malay culture with multiple gigantic and signature floral arrangements that changes over time to soften the expansive public areas. A pretty impressive ambience that is created for a great sense of luxury.
The valet and concierge service located at the hotel main entrance can be quite selective in whom they offer assistance to which we find rather strange. The service approach can well be robotic without much heart and soul unless you are being recognized as their very own mind of VIP lists, service could then turn around and you may well be looked after with a sense of 5-star hospitality.
We adjourned straight up to the Club Lounge located on the 24th floor via the speedy ride of the hotel lobby lift since the first impression of the arrival experience didn’t deliver quite as seamless as it should have been.
One of the MOKL Club benefits is the flexible check-in and check-out time in the privacy and comfort of the lounge, subject to availability. While each arrival and departure is handled with care and precision as advertised, this thoughtful privilege did not quite get delivered on our arrival experience. At the Club Lounge reception we were met by the morning duty staff who had a bit of attitude and seemed to have forgotten about basic pleasantries and was only interested in demanding our passports without any warmth nor greetings whatsoever. The cold robotic approach also lasted longer than we expected and having us waiting for the room assignment without being informed what was going on whereas public service offices these days can offer a much more proactive and prompt service.
#Room 3006. We are always excited when a hotel allocates a corner room as this usually means that you have two different aspects in terms of interior design, views and more space. Our Club Corner Park View King Room for the next few nights did not disappoint, although on first impressions it almost looked too ‘empty’ from its plain but not minimalist approach and our first thought was that more statement furniture, decorative artwork or objects was needed to brighten the interior ambience. As soon as you open the door, there is a minibar cabinet with some basic beers and soft drinks stocked up but wines and spirits are on request, a Nespresso coffee machine and variety selection of capsules alongside with a blend of TWG tea bags.
Next to this cabinet is a very long console table for placing loose items on top of which sat the television, as this was directly opposite the bed. Then adjacent to this in the window corner was a nondescript compact two seater sofa. On the other side of the room on the right just after entry is another small console table, a round glass top table which can be used for in room dining as well as a work desk with a lamp next to the wall mirror.
A large king bed takes centre place with elegant bedside tables and bedhead with built-in bedside lamps and reading lights facing out to the windows, looking out the lush KLCC Park and beyond. The fitted bed skirting and a pleated bed throw which is a little old-fashioned that does not exude the luxury factors but the bed linens were of a high quality and perfectly crisp in appearance. The blue lotus leaf design on the beige carpet is perfectly serviceable which is the only vivid colour elements added to the bare room.
Another floor to ceiling windows facing a different direction to the city skyline is an added bonus vantage point of a corner room to enjoy the uninterrupted view and draws good natural lighting into the spacious room. The room can be reasonably warm and take some time before it had cooled down properly if the curtain is drawn completely. The well allocated down lights around the edges of the room also well illuminates the entire room after dark.
Leading from the bedroom around the corner is a small walk-in wardrobe with a large old safe, branded slippers and two sets of bathrobes – one light cotton yukata style and one classic cotton waffle weave together with an iron and ironing board. Directly behind the bed is the marble bathroom which is original with the black floor and golden brown walls featuring an old-fashioned built-in bathtub since the hotel was built. Framed artworks adorned in the bathroom room and toilet referencing traditional Malay decorative arts brighten up the ambience. The one and only single black vanity design since day one is rather congested for two guests as well as an angular walk-in shower with only one shower head option. A separate toilet room at the other end all looking a bit dated but well maintained.
Thai brand Pan Puri toiletries are provided which are very pleasant but lacking the luxurious touch and the fruity fragrance might not appeal to everyone. Overall, the spacious room was perfectly comfortable, an interior more elevated in touch and feel would enhance the luxury styacation experience.
Upgrading to the Club Room will allow you to access to the signature Mandarin Oriental Club Lounge and this is truly one of the more impressive lounges among many other luxury hotels.
Elevated above the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Club Lounge is a tranquil sanctuary for exclusivity in hospitality and leisure enjoyment. The 24th floor elevation means that you have three different vantage points over the KLCC precinct, including a very close up view of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, so this is hard to beat by any means and this lounge affords you privacy, exclusivity and some food and beverage offerings that exude quality.
There is a feature wall at the city end covered in tactile wallpaper referencing abundance of kaki lima old Malay houses design that is quite stunning.
Furniture selection includes arm chairs that are covered in Missoni-like vibrant multicoloured zigzag patterned fabric that brighten up the already sophisticated and cozy residential ambience, so every alcove or section has something that catches the eye.
A huge circular hurricane lamp rondel chandelier hangs above the dessert section and a colourful stained glass light at the garden view end creates stunning contrasts from the high ceilings. The walls have mosaic tiles, some stained glass panels and huge colourful artworks in the bay window areas which create some fun with the subject matter. Dining tables and chairs are very elegant and comfortable beyond the normal expectations.
Breakfast is a grand affair with many stations: Malaysian, Chinese, Indian which are the standard from the norm offering the multi-cultural culinary specialties highlighted daily. Western section, pastries and eggs, cold cuts and cereals, fruits and salad bar, and so much more. Each station had at least 4-6 options all are very well presented.
Staff were in abundance with food being replenished quickly and the quality was very consistent delivered in very prompt and warm service. Juice selections were bottled up and not freshly squeezed a-la-minute which was the only negative – we expected something more artisanal deliveries from the Mandarin Oriental.
Lounge on the Park adjacent to MOSAIC is extended during full occupancy which is also an elegant lounge in the hotel at the lobby level at the far end opposite the hotel entrance that is popular for its afternoon tea.
With outdoor seating and glamorous interior exudes an Asian elegance and from afar there is a gravitational pull because it looks so attractive in interior design with plentiful Malay and Borneo design elements and fittings, the architecture akin to a mix of Peranakan and traditional Malay style with wood carvings, lattice screens, ornamental wooden hornbills, intimate pendant lantern lamps in glass and cast iron, enhanced with cushion fabrics in native patterns.
The seatings are deep upholstered sofas and armchairs with wooden accents and everything looks and feels luxurious. There is a huge lantern light rondel chandelier above the central counter and four signature lamps in a wooden frame with downlights on the bottom hanging from the ceiling. Simply elegant!
The lush outdoor veranda garden and fountain water feature provides a beautiful backdrop for the ambience and so much more detail that you need time to take them all in while unwinding yourself in this beautiful and relaxing lounge.
We savoured the “Flavours of the Tropics” afternoon tea and was a South-East Asia journey served in a hand-painted tiffin carrier box with four tiers, highlighting the best selections of the Asia Mandarin Orientals culinary delights with Banana Mille-Feuille from Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok; Harumanis Mango Pandan-Coconut Cake from its very own kitchen; White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse from Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast; Pineapple Sable from Mandarin Oriental, Singapore and Dadar Gulung from Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta.
Starting from the top, hot savouries, then scones with jam and cream, then cold savouries and lastly delectable desserts and all in an incredibly inventive presentation. The hot savouries were delicious and we enjoyed the accompanying tamarind sauce. The soft texture scones went well with the tasty cream and jam were equally pleasant and the cold savouries were each distinctively different and the prawn was the highlight. The tableware is elegant and stands apart from other outlets in the hotel, which we think is perfectly judged. The afternoon High Tea affords you two hours of free flow hot beverages from its extensive coffee and tea selection. Joanne looked after us and was well spoken with great product knowledge and we had enjoyed ourselves in a peaceful and very comfortable afternoon.
The hotel does not let guests get bored and provides some top tier amenities and facilities. Apart from multiple food and beverage outlets, the wellness floor on level 3 is second to none, with a fully equipped fitness centre that features more than the usual range of Technogym equipment, the spacious layout and a very stylish entrance with plenty of windows from the swimming pool and park views to enjoy while sweating off the calories.
The ubiquitous The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is not to be missed with a multitude of therapies in a beautifully fitted out Colonial-Malay style ambience.
The pool deck offers plenty of sun loungers that is very well kept and the capacious free form infinity pool that is perfect for laps when not too busy, a separate children’s wading pool and a poolside alfresco dining venue AQUA overlooking the serene KLCC Park and surrounding city skyline is a total haven in the bustling Kuala Lumpur city centre
Moreover, the separate male and female sauna, steam rooms and plunge pools amenities is worth extending your wellness indulgence that also comes with a peaceful and calm resting lounge area.
Food and beverage options are aplenty, with the all-day-dining MOSAIC; the halal Chinese restaurant Lai Po Heen; Lounge on the Park; AQUA alfresco poolside dining; the Mandarin Grill for superb steaks and seafood; and lastly the MO Bar for stylish cocktails and other beverages.
We had an incredibly immersive stay, sampling almost every outlet for wellness and food and beverage and in particular could not get enough of the club lounge facilities and the extra value of this amenity provides is second to none in this hotel. It truly is a residence home away from home and every moment spent in the club lounge was peaceful, serene and well serviced.
Overall it was a memorable stay. A little more consistency in guest service would go a long way to creating that seamless guest experience one expects of a Mandarin Oriental. There were key team members that delivered on the prompt and attentive service ethos every time they were in our orbit, so tweaking standards with team members not at the level would be an easy win. Big format hotels like this still have a unique perspective to offer when there is so much to do within the environs of the hotel itself and variety is the spice of life, which is what the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur does so well over decades.
No comments:
Post a Comment