Refreshed and Ritzy

by Wan Zainal Shazali

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur by the YTL group, the pioneer of luxury hospitality in Malaysia, reopened in June this year to unveil a complete refurbishment of all its 364 guestrooms and suites, restaurants, spa and public spaces.

Located at the corner of Jalan Imbi, the exquisite Ritz-Carlton has welcomed guests from royalty and heads of states to personalities from the art and showbiz world since it opened in 1988. Post renovation, the hotel is back to its former glory, an iconic beacon of style and luxury in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Bukit Bintang, just minutes from the famed shopping attractions like Starhill Gallery and the Pavilion.

Having visited the property before the renovation, I was awed by the transformation of spaces. From the impressive porte cochere to the grand hotel lobby I was transported to a new realm of luxury. The gleaming marble flooring with dark wood paneling accented with contrasting metal details cleverly combine a contemporary design with a nod to classicism, while elegant furniture in sophisticated hues and designer light fittings complete the look.

Apart from the physical transformation, the refreshed Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur also offers a series of indulgent new imbibing and dining experiences within its exceptionally refined surroundings. Breakfast is served in the Cobalt Room where culinary theatrics take centre stage every morning at the open kitchens. You can lunch at the Pattiserie and take the popular afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge. What used to be the breakfast room is now The Library, where there is a nightly menu du jour to tantalise the most fickle gourmand. The different dining venues give hotel guests different signature-dining experiences throughout the day and these places extremely popular with the locals too.

The suite that I was assigned to, located on the 13^th floor, has large windows running the length of the bedroom and living room, offering magnificent views of downtown Kuala Lumpur. Furnished with sumptuous fabrics and soothing colour tones by renowned New York- based design studio Alexandra Champalimaud, the room provided a calm respite from the maddening tourist crowds in Bukit Bintang. A stay at the Ritz-Carlton also gives the added benefit of a round-the-clock butler, a handy service pioneered by them, who will expertly pack your suitcases while you lounge by the pool for one final drink.

And of course, no stay at this property would be complete without a visit to the Spa Village located in the hotel annex. The Spa Village is known for its holistic, Asian-themed treatments that are guaranteed to impress even the most jaded spa-goer.

During checkout, I met an longtime friend who was visiting from Brunei too, and we both agreed that what makes Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur so special is its location – it offers easy access to all the shopping and dining destinations in the area but at the same time, gives you the privacy that you yearn for, and with a service that is unmistakably Ritz-Carlton.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, click here.

Images courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton KL