I needed a quick 3D2N away from work and everything else in my life, so KL was a no-brainer.
I initially wanted to redeem my free night at Grand Millennium Copthorne but their room reservations decided to charge me an additional MYR450 to upgrade from the complimentary deluxe room to an Executive room with club access – when the rate difference shown on their website based on my exact dates is MYR120. When I asked why, they simply said it a special rate. Right, a specially expensive rate.
So with SPG Hot Escapes just in time, I made the switch to Westin, just diagonally across. Probably the smartest decision ever.
But I did have a bad start to the trip when my airport taxi counter’s assigned driver could not seem to find the hotel even after circling the same place 3 times. And he refused to admit he didn’t know where it is. Eventually we found the hotel, but he could not find his way to the main lobby and we alighted at the loading bay and dragged our stuff to the main lobby in front. Didn’t help that the loading bay guard decided to be nonchalent about it.
I arrived at the lobby starving, hot and pissed.
ADDRESS – 199, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, 55100 Malaysia. Website. Tel: (60)(3) 2731 8333.
LOCATION – Located at the tail end of the busy Bukit Bintang, it is close enough to, but yet enough away from the hustle. It right next door to Starhill Gallery / Marriot + Ritz, directly opposite Pavilion, and the shopping starts around the corner too. Very handy location.
PRICE – MYR570++ per night fo an Executive Room (42SqM) with Hot Escapees 20% off, totalling MYR1,329.24 for the stay. Not too bad a price and definitely value for money in my book.
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL – I recieved an email from a Westin Experience Manager who asked if there is anything I need. It is probably a standard SOP for Westins but its still nice to get this email nonetheless. I thus sent in my requests for early check in (12noon) and late checkout (4pm) due to my flight timings, and also high floor, king bed, and mouthwash to be made available. All noted with no hassle. And also reserved a set of M size Westin Gear Lending Programme for my workout – New Balance shirt, pants, shoes and socks (brand new socks which you get to keep, but the other stuff are cleaned up nicely).
CHECK IN – Upon seeing my reservation, a front desk agent ushered me up to the Executive Lounge for check in. I always love this special touch (which unfortunately alot of hotels don’t take the initative to follow through). Check in was fast and the Lounge staff was patient and attentive. But I did have to remind them about the Gear Lending. He even explained that it is better for us to take breakfast at the Living Room as there are more variety than what is offered at the Lounge.
ROOM – I was assigned 3209 and it was a nice room! Very clean and well appointed, with more than enough space for 2pax with luggage, and a sofa for chilling in. Bathroom was spotless and and white tea aloe amenities were quite nice too. Surpised that they offer 4 bottles of water which were replenished daily, although I wished it came in smaller bottles.
EXECUTIVE CLUB – One of the biggest executive lounge I’ve ever seen to be honest. But also one of the more empty ones. Which is good for me! Excellent service most times by efficient and attentive staff. I didnt have breakfast there so I can’t comment. Cocktails hours 5:30pm – 7:30pm was really good – big variety of bites which sufficed for dinner for me on both nights. Wines, beers, and spirits were good enough to keep people happy!
WESTIN GEAR LENDING PROGRMME – in Westin’s words:
“Pack light, stay fit with our Westin New Balance Gear Lending Program. We know that you like to maintain a daily routine while being on the road, but it can often be difficult to keep up your exercise routine while traveling. Westin has recently partnered with New Balance to provide athletic shoes and apparel during your stay, for a fee*. To request your gear, simply inquire at check in, call prior to arrival, or dial Service Express®. Your gear will be delivered to your room all prepared in your requested size. Shoes come with socks that are brand new and apparel is provided fresh and clean”. Find out more here.
I LOVE THIS PROGRAMME!
My first time trying it and I’m already hoping all other luxury hotels will follow suit. Its my version of having my cake and eat it too. Pack light, workout, and not get fat. Yay. The attire are really clean even for a germaphobic like me. And the gym is not too bad at all, with mostly good enough equipments for my usual routine. I wish they had a steam room too, but alas only a dry sauna which takes too long to be effective.
BREAKFAST / LUNCH – Breakfast @@ The Living Room on both mornings were never croweded. Quite plenty of food for anyone. Quality can be improved though. I also had lunch at Five Sen5es on day 1 and the dim sum was really good and not expensive at all – we had 5 dishes and the total bill was only 99MYR.
SERVICE – Smiley and efficient throughout, starting with my experience at the lounge. And the front desk, concierge, assistance hotline, breakfast, and doorman. Nothing to complain about and they all seemed genuinely happy to see you.
CHECK OUT – Fast and smooth at the lounge. My luggage was brough downstairs while I enjoyed my last cup of coffee and some chocolate cookies before leaving for the airport.
Thoroughly enjoyed my 3D2N at the property and will look forward to re-visiting this property again. Now that the Marriot-SPG merger has been completed, even if this doesnt quite work out for me next time, I will hop over to Marriot next door.