Travel from the airport was easy by taxi, if not somewhat lengthy due to heavy traffic. The twin towers of the Le Meridien and the Hilton gloomed in the distance. The hotel is not centrally located for shopping, but sits next to the KL Sentral station, making it easy to move around town. While KL's public transportation is limited, it is cheap, clean and easy to use. The air was humid as I stepped out of the cab, but the bellman quickly whisked me inside the air-conditioned lobby of the hotel. This is my review of the Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur.

At check-in, as a Platinum-carrying member of Starwood Preferred Guest, I am immediately upgraded to a suite. I appreciate when they do this proactively without me having to ask. The staff at the front desk is service-oriented, but young, and all smiles, welcoming me to Malaysia. With my keycard in hand, I head up to my suite.

One slide of the card and I'm in, feasting my eyes on the well-designed room and an alluring fruit basket. Much like a U.S.-hotel suite, this room has all the great bells and whistles, including a sauna room! The amenities re by l'Occitane (a high-end, French perfumerie), including lotion, soap, shampoo and conditioner. The countertops were marble and the rest of the finishings were exquisite. The bed was firm, not Heavenly, but comfortable with lots of pillows! The hotel is new, and it shows.

As a Platinum, I was given executive club access on the 33rd floor. It is a comfortable place with a stretching panoramic over the city of Kuala Lumpur. There is not much food, however, in the afternoon, so don't expect much. I stayed at the Renaissance last time I was through KL, and its offerings were quite similar. The staff here makes an effort to remember my name, although difficult to pronounce, and welcomes me back with a smile whenever I come through. I sit down to use the free wifi connection with my laptop. For a two hour window in the evening, you can have drinks there, not quite what I'm used to; and the staff was not very attentive to refilling my glass or servicing the table.

It is very easy to move between the Hilton and the Le Meridien, which is good since many of the hotel's facilities are located over there, including the gym and the spa. Le Meridien's pool is large and inviting, with waterfalls, palm trees and the whole works. The concierge was helpful in booking a table for me at the Top Hat restaurant, which I heartily recommend.

The return to the airport was easy. I went down to the Sentral train station and actually checked my luggage with Malaysian Airlines right there! They handle the airport transfer of the luggage, and went down to the train to the airport. The train was reminscent of the S-Bahn in Munich -- clean and comfortable. I was there within 30 minutes. There's no question I would stay at the Le Meridien again when coming through Kuala Lumpur. Nevertheless, I would also like to try out some of the other Starwood properties in town.

Review by Tim R.

Posted at June 8, 2006 10:12 PM