Celebrity Life

The wealth of Kuala Lumpur's hospitality scene is thriving. And when it comes to what travellers and local city dwellers alike are looking for, location is a huge draw. KL Sentral has become one of the top addresses for hotels as the hub of all trains and buses, and its direct train routes to and from the airport. Smack in the middle of KL Sentral, guests at Le Méridien can easily hop on a train to venture the sights and sounds of the city, while a variety of shops, restaurants and bars are just outside the hotel.

The Parisian brand that is Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts was formed in 1972 and has since become synonymous with its European heritage and flair. Admittedly, we've been holding hotels to international standards, but in the recent years that's all changing with the hospitality industry encouraging more local aspects and aesthetics. Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur is a part of the movement with its newly refurbished look reflecting the character of our city.

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On the outside in, the hotel operates like one busy terminal. Its different areas have been renamed to imagine an arrival destination. First, guests arrive at the Porte Cochere with a cartography design that's meant to look like movements and motions. The contoured white ceilings even have Malay literature known as "pantun" on them.

The lobby, now known as the 'hub' is a mix and match of different seating areas including high and low communal tables. The featured wall behind the reception counter is an abstracted map of old Kuala Lumpur in a blurred dot matrix pattern form, and the illuminated coloured changing wall channels the progression of the city from the past into the future. The art piece was created just for the hub by Mr Noor of ZDR, an international Architecture, Interior and Design firm.

One thing you can't miss is the 'Symphony of Lights', an art piece depicting a wind chime-inspired chandelier created by an architect named Keiko Miura from Japan. Completely handmade, each glass piece resembles an interpretation of light and the whole assembly took one year to perfect.

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Rooms have been modernised with a very futuristic, monochrome design. If you're lucky, you'll nab a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur from your bathtub. Look out also for nods to Kuala Lumpur in the art and decor. Marble floors, contrasting textures and patterns give the rooms a very stylish finish.

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Food is always the order of the day. In-room dining here is very pricey so you'll want to eat out, or experience the best of culinary at the hotel itself. Favola was our favourite restaurant, serving authentic Italian cuisine with a menu of Venetian and Sardinian dishes.

While you're here, Prime is known for serving some of the finest imported steaks which are halal certified from Australia, and you can't check-out without trying the the hotel's signature eclairs available at Latitude 03.

The Prestige traveller will love the exclusivity of the Le Méridien Club Lounge on the 33rd floor, with access sole for Platinum members and guests with room bookings inclusive of club lounge access. Club Lounge privileges include all day refreshments, usage of the private meeting room, and daily laundry credit with amenities include an open kitchen and shower rooms.

Could use a staycation? Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur is now offering a weekend staycation package inclusive of late checkouts at 4pm, 50% off food and beverages at Pool Bar & Grill@8, and if you're lucky, free upgrades.

The post Weekend staycation: Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.