Crossing the threshold of the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur I am, quite remarkably, greeted by name.
I had sought a luxury hotel where my family and I could relax and enjoy the facilities. I know immediately that I have made the right choice.
The lobby is opulent but at the same time welcoming and of course cool, essential in the tropical climes of Malaysia.
The staff are courteous and professional, whisking me away to enjoy the privilege of a swift check-in at the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge before being escorted to my executive club room.
I admit that I am a complete sucker for club rooms. The business class of hotels, I love the feeling of exclusivity provided by the club lounge, the delicate canapes on offer and the feeling of getting something for nothing (even though I know deep down that it’s all included in the price!).
Exclusive access to the club lounge means indulging in a delightful culinary journey from morning till evening – starting with a hearty breakfast, transitioning to afternoon tea and culminating in early evening cocktails and canapes.
If my husband and I were travelling alone I expect we would have eaten all our meals here and been completely content.
However, we are travelling with teenagers who do their best to be hungry at inconvenient times and want something that’s not on offer so taking our young ones into account we forayed into the restaurants that the Shangri-La has on offer.
The Lemon Garden restaurant offers an expansive breakfast buffet included in the room rate. The choice is extensive including Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Western choices that will satisfy even the most fussy of eaters.
A culinary miscommunication means that my son also gets to try the Lemon Garden dinner buffet, particularly enjoying the fresh seafood on offer.
Zipangu restaurant provides a fusion of traditional Japanese and modern culinary styles under the expert guidance of Chef Kazuo Takizawa.
The restaurant’s open kitchen design allows diners to observe the culinary artistry firsthand. A highlight of our visit is the Zipangu sharing platter, a showcase of the chef’s signature dishes.
On Sundays, the restaurant offers origami sessions for children, allowing parents a moment of reprieve to enjoy their meal in peace.
For those with a penchant for Chinese cuisine, the Shang Palace offers authentic Cantonese dishes in a traditional setting.
From the succulent pan-fried lamb cutlet with chef’s special sauce to the exquisite wok-fried lobster claw, every dish is a testament to the chefs’ mastery.
During our visit, we have the pleasure of dining in a private room, adding an exclusive touch to our experience. We thoroughly enjoy the Peking duck pancakes and sauteed duck with iceberg lettuce.
Recreational facilities at the Shangri-La are second to none. Located on level 2, the pool is large enough at 20m wide for both lap swimming and leisure swimmers. It is a joy to find the area uncrowded, providing a tranquil oasis with ample loungers.
The adjacent gym is the most well-equipped I’ve encountered in a hotel setting, rivalling even my regular gym back home.
The spa at the Shangri-La features hot whirlpool baths, a sauna and a steam room, alongside a diverse menu of treatments including massages, reflexology and aromatherapy.
Situated in the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur, the hotel’s location is ideal – just a 15-minute stroll from landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and the KLCC mall and a 20 minute drive from Batu caves.
Our club room is both comfortable and spacious, featuring an extra-large bed and a cozy sitting area adorned with traditional décor. The bathroom is equally impressive, equipped with both a separate bath and shower for ultimate relaxation.
The level of service at the Shangri-La is impeccable. Throughout our stay, every staff member we encounter is not only attentive but genuinely committed to making our visit memorable.
In every aspect, the Shangri-La stands as a paragon of affordable luxury in the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur.
The price of the club room during our stay was MYR 990 per night (approx. $AU330).
