We had heard rumors of a points devaluation at the Hilton Honors loyalty
program in 2012 and thought we better get rid of the majority of our
points before it became a reality, so we looked for the best value for
our points and managed to get an Executive Suite at the DoubleTree by
Hilton Kuala Lumpur for eight nights including Executive Club Lounge
access.
We had arrived the previous day in Kuala Lumpur with Aer Lingus and Malaysia Airlines and stayed a night at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur (Please see reviews for those).
We used public transport between the Hilton and the DoubleTree. We took the LRT from KL Sentral - the Hilton is just opposite - towards Gombak and got off at Ampang Park, just one stop after KLCC.
The public transport is efficient, clean and very affordable. Most single journeys per person didn't cost more than 2.90 MYR (ca. 0.67 Euro or 0.91 USD) and that were already the longer ones. Average was more 1 MYR to 2 MYR (ca. 0.23 Euro to 0.48 Euro or ca. 0.31 USD to 0.62 USD).
The DoubleTree is located in the Intermark development and integrated into a small upscale shopping mall. Another mall, Ampang Park Shopping Centre, is very easily reachable within a few minutes via an overhead connecting walk way.
The first impression of the DoubleTree was very good with an airy and large lobby in earth colors. There is also the reception, the Axis Lounge with jazz music every night and the Food Store and Cafe, serving delicious meals to enjoy there or to take away and DoubleTree merchandise including shirts and the infamous cookies.
We were sent up to the 34th floor, where the Executive Club Lounge is located. Thanks to an earlier electricity outage the computer system wasn't working and we were unable to check in immediately. We were given the DoubleTree cookies and invited to use the Executive Club Lounge. It was very large with a few nooks and crannies to hide; it was kept in light colors and offered sweeping city views. Most of the floor to ceiling windows weren't facing the Petronas Towers, but there was a terrace (also used by smokers) that offered the desired vista.
There were also two computer stations for guests, newspapers and magazines, plus iPADs could be borrowed too. During the day guests can help themselves to alcohol free beverages, sandwiches, fruits, biscuits and cookies.
After an hour or so the system was running again and finally the check in process could begin. We were explained we had free WIFI internet access and three laundry items per day were also free. Keith, the receptionist, explained they were flexible on this, so the number of items that needed to be laundered could fluctuate as long as there weren't more than twenty four items during our stay it was going to be free.
He explained the Executive Club Lounge benefits and mentioned we had a special occasion to celebrate - our anniversary. Keith gave us a letter, welcoming us as Hilton Honors Gold Members, which detailed again the benefits, and the key cards.
Our modern suite was very large with a separate living room and bed room, held in different shades of brown and contemporary artwork. The living room included a large writing desk, sink, mini bar, a sofa, chair, coffee table and a large TV. The bed room contained a large king sized bed, chair with ottoman, TV and a large wardrobe.
The bathroom was set up like a Japanese wet room with the shower right beside the bath tub. There was one sink and a separate room for the toilet and bidet. The amenities were the new Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey and Coriander. We enjoyed using them.
Our view was towards the Intercontinental (formerly the Nikko), in which we had stayed during our 2009 KL visit, or towards the club lounge, which was located opposite our windows, below the swimming pool.
The sofa was made for taller people and wave shaped. TV channels were regional and international.
The bed was very comfortable and made it difficult to get up.
The chairs were also comfortable and the rain shower heaven with very good water pressure.
The mini bar was stocked with soft drinks, water, juices (from 10 MYR or ca. 2.30 Euro or ca. 3.15 USD) and Carlsberg beer (25 MYR, ca. 5.80 Euro or ca. 7.80 USD).
In room dining was available 24 hours. Breakfast started from 35 MYR (ca. 8.10 Euro or ca. 10.95 USD), appetizers from 20 MYR (ca. 4.65 Euro or ca. 6.25 USD), mains from 38 MYR (ca. 8.80 Euro or 11.90 USD) and desserts from 15 MYR (ca. 3.50 Euro or 4.70 USD).
We used in room dining once after a long day out and about, otherwise we had dinner at the club lounge. We chose from the hawker stall inspired menu and had Chicken Satay Aneka and Beef Char Kway Teow, wok fried flat noodles with sliced beef, bean sprouts, scallion and ginger. It was delicious.
The Executive Club Lounge's breakfast was a mix of Western and Asian dishes buffet style with a wide variety and part of the buffet changed daily. Some hot items could be ordered a la carte, like omelet or pancakes. My absolute favorite was the Bircher Berner Muesli. It is so far the best I've ever had anywhere.
During Happy Hour a small selection of liquors, beers and wines was served as well as a local and international buffet. The cakes and desserts were a delight for both of us.
During our stay we used the internet and laundry services on a regular basis, which were all complimentary.
The internet was fast and reliable.
The laundry was always picked up quickly and delivered back at the stated hours in perfect condition and beautifully packaged.
Of course the hotel has other facilities too. The Makan Kitchen serves Pan Asian cuisine, Tosca Italian and the Cellar Door is a wine bar.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and the Sompoton Spa. I went for two treatments. I had the Malay and a foot reflexology massage. Both were fantastic and left me in a state of relaxation. I had the same room for both treatments. The Malay massage started punctual, but for the reflexology massage I had to wait, because another guest had arrived late for his treatment and his therapist was the only one who could do my massage as well. Since I was given a magazine and ginger tea in free flow, it wasn't too bad.
The treatment room was furnished in colonial style and overlooked the city. During the massages soothing music was playing. The therapists were friendly and knew what they were doing. They found the right balance to release the tensions.
We have only praise for the club lounge staff. They were always friendly, willing to assist and go the extra mile.
The ladies remembered our preferences for seating and our favorite beverages.
Charging our IPod Touch was done with a smile.
One day my better half was sick and couldn't attend breakfast in the lounge. I asked if I could take a few items for him, which is normally not allowed. It wasn't a problem as long as I brought back the plates and cutlery. When he felt better staff asked if his health had improved.
I will always think fondly about receiving a lesson how Beef Rendang is served correctly.
Our time flew by and soon it was time to check out. The receptionist was sad to see us go. We were also sad, but also looked forward to our next adventure in Kota Kinabalu, on the island of Borneo.
When we are back in KL this is a hotel we need to stay again for a few nights.
©2014
We had arrived the previous day in Kuala Lumpur with Aer Lingus and Malaysia Airlines and stayed a night at the Hilton Kuala Lumpur (Please see reviews for those).
We used public transport between the Hilton and the DoubleTree. We took the LRT from KL Sentral - the Hilton is just opposite - towards Gombak and got off at Ampang Park, just one stop after KLCC.
The public transport is efficient, clean and very affordable. Most single journeys per person didn't cost more than 2.90 MYR (ca. 0.67 Euro or 0.91 USD) and that were already the longer ones. Average was more 1 MYR to 2 MYR (ca. 0.23 Euro to 0.48 Euro or ca. 0.31 USD to 0.62 USD).
The DoubleTree is located in the Intermark development and integrated into a small upscale shopping mall. Another mall, Ampang Park Shopping Centre, is very easily reachable within a few minutes via an overhead connecting walk way.
The first impression of the DoubleTree was very good with an airy and large lobby in earth colors. There is also the reception, the Axis Lounge with jazz music every night and the Food Store and Cafe, serving delicious meals to enjoy there or to take away and DoubleTree merchandise including shirts and the infamous cookies.
We were sent up to the 34th floor, where the Executive Club Lounge is located. Thanks to an earlier electricity outage the computer system wasn't working and we were unable to check in immediately. We were given the DoubleTree cookies and invited to use the Executive Club Lounge. It was very large with a few nooks and crannies to hide; it was kept in light colors and offered sweeping city views. Most of the floor to ceiling windows weren't facing the Petronas Towers, but there was a terrace (also used by smokers) that offered the desired vista.
There were also two computer stations for guests, newspapers and magazines, plus iPADs could be borrowed too. During the day guests can help themselves to alcohol free beverages, sandwiches, fruits, biscuits and cookies.
After an hour or so the system was running again and finally the check in process could begin. We were explained we had free WIFI internet access and three laundry items per day were also free. Keith, the receptionist, explained they were flexible on this, so the number of items that needed to be laundered could fluctuate as long as there weren't more than twenty four items during our stay it was going to be free.
He explained the Executive Club Lounge benefits and mentioned we had a special occasion to celebrate - our anniversary. Keith gave us a letter, welcoming us as Hilton Honors Gold Members, which detailed again the benefits, and the key cards.
Our modern suite was very large with a separate living room and bed room, held in different shades of brown and contemporary artwork. The living room included a large writing desk, sink, mini bar, a sofa, chair, coffee table and a large TV. The bed room contained a large king sized bed, chair with ottoman, TV and a large wardrobe.
The bathroom was set up like a Japanese wet room with the shower right beside the bath tub. There was one sink and a separate room for the toilet and bidet. The amenities were the new Crabtree & Evelyn Citron, Honey and Coriander. We enjoyed using them.
Our view was towards the Intercontinental (formerly the Nikko), in which we had stayed during our 2009 KL visit, or towards the club lounge, which was located opposite our windows, below the swimming pool.
The sofa was made for taller people and wave shaped. TV channels were regional and international.
The bed was very comfortable and made it difficult to get up.
The chairs were also comfortable and the rain shower heaven with very good water pressure.
The mini bar was stocked with soft drinks, water, juices (from 10 MYR or ca. 2.30 Euro or ca. 3.15 USD) and Carlsberg beer (25 MYR, ca. 5.80 Euro or ca. 7.80 USD).
In room dining was available 24 hours. Breakfast started from 35 MYR (ca. 8.10 Euro or ca. 10.95 USD), appetizers from 20 MYR (ca. 4.65 Euro or ca. 6.25 USD), mains from 38 MYR (ca. 8.80 Euro or 11.90 USD) and desserts from 15 MYR (ca. 3.50 Euro or 4.70 USD).
We used in room dining once after a long day out and about, otherwise we had dinner at the club lounge. We chose from the hawker stall inspired menu and had Chicken Satay Aneka and Beef Char Kway Teow, wok fried flat noodles with sliced beef, bean sprouts, scallion and ginger. It was delicious.
The Executive Club Lounge's breakfast was a mix of Western and Asian dishes buffet style with a wide variety and part of the buffet changed daily. Some hot items could be ordered a la carte, like omelet or pancakes. My absolute favorite was the Bircher Berner Muesli. It is so far the best I've ever had anywhere.
During Happy Hour a small selection of liquors, beers and wines was served as well as a local and international buffet. The cakes and desserts were a delight for both of us.
During our stay we used the internet and laundry services on a regular basis, which were all complimentary.
The internet was fast and reliable.
The laundry was always picked up quickly and delivered back at the stated hours in perfect condition and beautifully packaged.
Of course the hotel has other facilities too. The Makan Kitchen serves Pan Asian cuisine, Tosca Italian and the Cellar Door is a wine bar.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and the Sompoton Spa. I went for two treatments. I had the Malay and a foot reflexology massage. Both were fantastic and left me in a state of relaxation. I had the same room for both treatments. The Malay massage started punctual, but for the reflexology massage I had to wait, because another guest had arrived late for his treatment and his therapist was the only one who could do my massage as well. Since I was given a magazine and ginger tea in free flow, it wasn't too bad.
The treatment room was furnished in colonial style and overlooked the city. During the massages soothing music was playing. The therapists were friendly and knew what they were doing. They found the right balance to release the tensions.
We have only praise for the club lounge staff. They were always friendly, willing to assist and go the extra mile.
The ladies remembered our preferences for seating and our favorite beverages.
Charging our IPod Touch was done with a smile.
One day my better half was sick and couldn't attend breakfast in the lounge. I asked if I could take a few items for him, which is normally not allowed. It wasn't a problem as long as I brought back the plates and cutlery. When he felt better staff asked if his health had improved.
I will always think fondly about receiving a lesson how Beef Rendang is served correctly.
Our time flew by and soon it was time to check out. The receptionist was sad to see us go. We were also sad, but also looked forward to our next adventure in Kota Kinabalu, on the island of Borneo.
When we are back in KL this is a hotel we need to stay again for a few nights.
©2014
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