Inside The Magnificent Urban Sanctuary, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
It s being hailed as a major step forward for hospitality in Kuala Lumpur. The Banyan Tree opened a 55 room, 7 floor hotel in the middle of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping precinct Bukit Bintang earlier this year.
And it’s exquisite.
An elevator whizzes you to the 53rd floor reception with towering ceilings and a warm welcome of cold towels and a cool drink.
The highlight of this urban sanctuary ( as Banyan Tree are calling it) are the rooms, which are modern, light and bright but still feature the calming natural stone and interiors Banyan Tree properties are known for.
The rooms are luxuriously understated, with clean lines and a neutral colour palette. They offer huge, comfy beds, full modern egg-shaped baths with views, and rainforest showers complete with flashing lights in different colours (meant to calm the senses).
There is a separate study desk, and plenty of space to chill out. You select the fragrance for your incense burner upon check in, and the staff light it each night to create an ambience of relaxation and Banyan Tree calm within your room.
The huge floor to ceiling windows capture the striking views, many have spectacular views of the famous Malaysian Petronas Twin Towers.
Some suites even have their own relaxing pool.
These are the kind of rooms you don’t have to (or want to) leave. There is even a Bose sound system.
That is, until you see the glamorous, marbled top-floor restaurant, Horizon Grill on the 58th floor which is one of Kuala Lumpur’s best western restaurants right now in every sense, from food to ambience, interiors, cocktails and crowd.
It has indoor and outdoor seating, and the view is directly onto the Petronas Twin Towers.
This is one restaurant where the view will make you want to slow down your meal, and fortunately it is also where breakfast is served.
Breakfast is a vast buffet of hot, cold, western and Asian delights. Really spectacular with plenty of healthy offerings in true Banyan Tree style.
Dinner is amazing, with world class steaks, oysters, fish and a range of American style fare cooked to perfection.
One level up, escalators take you to Vertigo, a stunning rooftop cocktail bar with views, and fabulous cocktails. Even if you are not staying in the hotel, a drink here is a must.
Another bonus of a stay at this five star hotel is not only that you are staying in Kuala Lumpur’s most upmarket shopping enclave, but that Pavilion Malls are accessable via an air conditioned walkway.
The open air rooftop pool is on level 53, along with the well fitted out gym.
A stay here is pure heaven, for couples, singles or a family.
