Ever wanted to try a staycation in the heart of KL that offers a killer view without having to break the bank? Sure, there are always homestay properties that are dime a dozen, but there is still nothing better than sinking into a heavenly bed after a tiring day outside, and room service is just a call away.
Enter Element Kuala Lumpur. Strategically located in the heart of KL, its central location 900 feet above belies its close proximity to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Suria KLCC, and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. This is a Green Building Index-certified hotel, offering eco-friendly lodging with a cutting edge design. You will be able to do your part for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint by taking the LRT and alighting from the Ampang Park station. From there, it is just a stone’s throw away from Ilham Tower.
The ground floor features an eclectic mix of furniture and artwork to reflect the avant garde philosophy, as you are whisked to the lobby on the 40th floor. The lobby shares floor space with TRACE, the only eatery at the establishment. You will be greeted by an airy, open space, with acutely angled marble features and unique artwork dotting the entire expanse.
The rooms on offer boast an unobstructed view of the city skyline, since you would be heads and shoulders above many other buildings in the vicinity. Depending on the direction that you face, this might be a suitable spot to enjoy a show of fireworks during special celebrations.
All floors feature different artwork to deliver a unique experience. The maze of corridors will lead you from one piece to another, providing food for thought as you wait for the elevator to arrive.
In line with the eco-friendly philosophy, all rooms are equipped with a 3M water filter so that you can refill your own bottle without burdening the landfills with unwanted plastic bottles. Apart from the usual creature comforts, there is a semblance of a service apartment in the room with the addition of a full range of cutlery, a microwave oven, and a nifty kitchen sink. Should you prefer to tapao food from outside, you can always reheat it and wash up later with the provided dishwashing liquid. Being a Westin property, you are assured of a good night’s rest with their signature Heavenly bed in each room. Natural bath amenities adorn the bathroom that is spacious enough to get yourself ready for any event.
Want to sweat it out after a particularly stressful business meeting? You can take a dip at Ombak, the all-natural indoor saline pool that is also heated. You are able to swim laps in it while soaking in the unique design of the entire pool deck. Ombak is truly a rare gem in the city, successfully marrying both form and function. There are also lounge chairs that surround the pool in case you want to curl up with a good book for some much needed ‘me’ time.
If swimming makes you feel at sea, then the 24-hour gym that offers a commanding view of the city is another option you can consider to burn those calories in your home away from home. While it is compact in size, there are enough exercise machines and weights there to keep you in shape. Alternatively, the lobby offers bicycles on a first-come, first-serve basis for free to those who would like to explore the city on two wheels. Perhaps your stay might coincide with KL’s car-free mornings that are held every first and third Sunday of the month from 7am to 9am.
Long term residents will find the laundry room to be a useful addition, as you can wash as well as dry your clothes there. You will first need to purchase tokens from the lobby before doing so.
When you experience the munchies, TRACE is well worth your time. Depending on the situation and day, you can choose from the a la carte menu, buffet spread, or afternoon high tea. The view is to die for regardless of the time of the day (or night), where you let a 360-degree panorama of the KLCC skyline sink in while you enjoy your cuppa.
TRACE’s breakfast buffet carries your standard fare of pastries, bread, cheese, cold cuts, a salad bar, and fruits. Of course, those who cannot live without hot food will find the live omelette station to be heaven-sent, while the noodle station is well stocked with all the necessary condiments. There is even murtabak with red-coloured pickled onions, which is a rare combination that is normally enjoyed up north. Malaysian staples like nasi lemak (with sambal that provides quite the kick!) and teh tarik are present, accompanied by a coffee machine for those who need their latte fix to kickstart the day.
Spending a night here offers a staycation with a different element, making it a refreshing departure from the standard business hotel experience. If you are itching to cuti-cuti Malaysia without going too far, Element Kuala Lumpur would be right up your alley.
