The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is impressive. It has been around for a while now and had just completed its renovations, but the property feels and smells brand new.
Its location is perfect for both leisure and business travellers, being a short walk from shopping and entertainment central, Bukit Bintang Road, and connected via a link bridge to the adjoining luxury shopping mall, Starhill Gallery. Above the mall sits the JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, which is also owned by YTL Hotels & Properties. Both hotels are supported by a centralised sales and marketing team which makes it convenient for meeting planners and incentive houses with large groups on hand. Between the two properties, there is a total of of 925 rooms and 49 meeting spaces.
Meeting facilities The conference centre holds all the meeting facilities. Planners have the option of having a separate group check-in area in the lobby. Across the two floors, there are a total of 13 meeting rooms and a Banquet Hall which can accommodate 350 people classroom-style. The ballroom, with its large chandeliers, bright yellow walls and clever use of mirrors, makes an impressive venue.
Rooms There are 364 rooms, of which 144 are suites with one- to three-bedroom options, and all come with full butler service which is perfect for time-strapped business travellers.
Malcolm Sing, my butler, made sure I was able to attend my meetings looking dapper in well-ironed outfits, set up my mobile Wi-Fi and arranged for a two-hour itinerary that involved shopping and dining around the city.
My one-bedroom suite is a haven of comfort. I enjoyed the 60-inch HD TV which came with all the prime global news channels such as CNN and Bloomberg as well as National Geographic and Disney to satisfy a varied entertainment interest. I also enjoyed the amount of space I was given. The living room is large, accommodating a dining area, a study table and a cosy corner with chairs and a sofa bed where I could receive guests should I have any.
It is worth noting that guests across all room categories are able to purchase supplement access to the club lounge which is open all day.
F&B While my room was a delight, I discovered an even greater joy outside – the hotel offers five F&B outlets, including the Lobby Lounge which is loved by many for its afternoon tea. After having a go at the three-layer trays decked with sandwiches, cakes and pastries, all paired with freshly-brewed tea, I’ve become a fan too. It was an enjoyable experience, heightened by musicians who played in the background.
I am also now a huge fan of Li Yen, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant. It is just one of two hotel restaurants in Kuala Lumpur that serve pork dishes.
And if one’s still hungry after sampling all five outlets, there are more options to be found in Starhill Gallery.
Other facilities The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout – well done!
For relaxation, there’s an in-house Spa Village which can position therapists at the conference rooms to put tense delegates at ease, upon request. Spouse and post-conference programmes such cooking classes can also be arranged at Starhill Gallery’s Culinary Studio.
