Juniper
Before checking into Ascott Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon, I did google the hotel (actually more serviced apartments than hotel but for the purposes of this post, I shall refer to it as ‘hotel’) to find out about their Premier Room. At 81 sqm or 872 sqf, I did expect the room to be big but even so, I was taken aback by just how HUGE the room is. The outer area consists of a sizeable living room, dining area and kitchenette which is very well equipped including a microwave oven and all the utensils and crockery you would need to throw a dinner party. In the living room is a massive tv but I don’t watch tv nowadays.
Checking into the hotel was easy as there was no queue unlike at one of the hotels I stayed in last December where the lobby resembled a train waiting room. If you drive, it’s RM10 flat rate per entry so once you check-in (if you drove) try to use public transport as RM10 for each entry is a lot if you are entering the car park multiple times per day. Breakfast is at La Bodega (more on that later). I was initially assigned a room on the 19th Floor but I had already requested for a room on the upper floors when I made the reservation. The 19th Floor isn’t that high when you consider that the hotel is 33 floors high and the swimming pool is on the 22nd Floor. They changed my room to the 32nd Floor fortunately as that gives me a better bird’s eye view. From my room, I can see KL Tower and part of KLCC Twin Towers.
I am so impressed with the size of the outer area as it might even be bigger than some people’s living rooms and if you had guests over, there would be plenty of space to move around. The inner area includes a spacious worktable with a view of the surrounding buildings, king size bed, walk-in wardrobe with ironing board, iron, hair dryer, dressing gowns, umbrella, laundry basket and a set of drawers. I think guests are meant to place their luggage in the walk-in wardrobe as there is no luggage rack near the bed. I would have preferred to have a luggage rack near the bed for convenience. Borrowed a chair from the dining area to use as temporary luggage rack.
The bathroom is so wonderfully spacious and has more amenities than I could have expected. The shampoo, conditioner and hand & body wash in the shower stall are refillable bottles while in between the 2 sinks (no need to jostle for space) are all sorts of amenities including cotton buds, shower cap, body lotion, hand cream and even lip balm which is so good.
The toiletries brand is Appelles from Australia and the 1st item I wanted to try was the bath salts as the bath tub looked so inviting and it has been years since I stayed in a hotel room with a bath tub. To soak in warm water with bath salts is so luxurious and comforting. This is something I can rarely indulge in.
Ascott KL is the ideal place for either short-term or long-term stays as each room is so well equipped. Furthermore, the location is fantastic whether you are in KL for business or leisure, You hardly have to go far for shopping as you are practically at Suria KLCC’s doorstep and it is but a short stroll to Pavilion.
Located at the 22nd Floor of Ascott KL are the swimming pool, spa and gym which has an unparalleled view of KL’s city centre which basically is the concrete jungle but a view nevertheless.
Although one can spend hours in the hotel with facilities such as the swimming pool, gym and spa, I would least likely spend time at the gym as I found the pervasive odour of pungent sweat somewhat off-putting.
In general though, a really nice hotel with polite and professional staff at the front desk and they actually provide seats for guests while waiting for the check-in process unlike many hotels where you have to stand at the counter as you would at a bank. So far so good and after I post this, I am off to slumber in that very big & comfortable bed.
Sweet dreams to me and everyone!
