As part of Ascott’s expansion strategy in Malaysia, the brand has launched several properties across the country
by AKMAR ANNUAR
IN 2022, CapitaLand Investment Ltd’s branch, The Ascott Ltd, introduced Ascott Star KLCC in Kuala Lumpur (KL) — a luxurious serviced apartment that stands among the city’s tallest buildings. This elegant 58-storey property, formerly known as Star Residences Tower 3, is prominently located on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng.
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, Ascott Star KLCC provides guests with easy access to and from the city’s central hub. As an outstanding urban retreat, the serviced apart- ment is surrounded by prominent structures such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Tun Razak Exchange Square and the KL Tower.
The Ascott group has extended an invitation to this writer for a one-night stay, experiencing its warm hospitality.
Ascott Star KLCC emanated a spectacular welcome from the moment we stepped in, adorned with awe-inspiring art pieces throughout the building.
Strategically situated, our apartment complex is encircled by shopping centres featuring flagship stores of well-known brands, inviting restaurants offering delightful culinary experiences and numerous entertainment hubs — all within a comfortable walking distance.
Additionally, art galleries, historical monuments, street food stalls and the National Museum are just minutes away by Grab or taxi, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of experiences around Ascott Star KLCC.
Notable attractions like Suria KLCC, Aquaria, KLCC Park, Petronas Art Gallery, KL Tower and the Central Market are must-adds to your itinerary during your stay, as they were to mine!
After a day of exploration, we returned to the hotel and enjoyed some of their comfortable interiors and a plethora of luxurious amenities, as our apartments provided a tranquil ambiance, allowing us to enjoy an intimate and homely stay.
Crafted with meticulous attention to grandeur, Ascott Star KLCC features 298 units, ranging from Studio Executive to 2-bedroom Premier.
Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the units are thoughtfully equipped with a designated living area, dining space, ensuite bathroom and fully furnished kitchen.
The plush furniture ensures a state of complete relaxation and guests can choose from a variety of apartments, including those with fully equipped kitchenettes, catering to different sizes and occupancy levels.
For the record, Ascott Star KLCC offers abundant recreation options, including access to a fully equipped gymnasium, rooftop swimming pool, jacuzzi, karaoke room, residents’ lounge and a playground for the little ones.
Perched on the 99th floor, the sky dining and grill restaurant at Ascott Star KLCC offers a panoramic view of KL’s four iconic towers: The KLCC Twin Towers, KL Tower, Exchange 106 and Merdeka 118.
The 99th floor also houses an infinity pool rooftop deck, providing guests with a breathtaking cityscape.
I am not much of a swimmer, but I did enjoy my time in the pool as I dipped in the waters, viewing the phenomenal view of the towers.
Additional facilities include a fully equipped gymnasium, kickboxing room, games room, yoga room, residents lounge, children’s wading pool, swimming pool and an outdoor pavilion for barbecue gatherings.
Oakwood Hotel and Residences, KL
As part of Ascott’s expansion strategy in Malaysia, the brand has launched several properties across the country, including Lyf Raja Chulan and Citadines Georgetown and it had acquired Oakwood Hotel and Residences Kuala Lumpur: Which this writer had the pleasure of staying at!
Oakwood Hotel and Residences, situated in the bustling heart of KL, is leaving an indelible mark with its distinctive approach to extended- stay accommodations.
The property, a proud member of the renowned Oakwood brand, stands out for its commitment to delivering a unique living experience that seamlessly merges the comforts of home with the services of a luxury hotel.
This distinct offering caters to both business and leisure travellers, setting Oakwood Hotel and Residences apart as a versatile and accommodating choice for extended stays.
This writer had the opportunity to once again experience the warm hospitality of the Ascott team. I noticed that the property’s commitment to providing a comfortable yet luxurious environment is evident from the moment guests step through the doors.
The Oakwood brand’s reputation for excellence is reflected in every aspect of this property. From well-appointed living spaces to attentive service, Oakwood Hotel and Residences Kuala Lumpur is designed to meet the diverse needs of its guests.
This writer was informed that whether visitors are seeking a temporary home during a business trip or a leisurely extended stay in the vibrant city, this property offers a seamless blend of sophistication and homely comfort.
I enjoyed having my meals in the cafe’s outdoor area, with a view overlooking a large swimming pool from a short distance.
Oakwood Hotel and Residences Kuala Lumpur exemplifies the Oakwood brand’s dedication to delivering a distinctive and memorable experience.
It’s more than just accommodation; it’s a considerate blend of comfort, convenience and luxury that makes a lasting impression on those who choose to make it their home away from home in the heart of KL.
Citadines Connect Georgetown proves to be a haven for both shopaholics and food enthusiasts (Source: capitaland.com)
Citadines Georgetown, Penang
Next, this writer travelled to Penang for business-leisure (b-leisure, they say!) and had the pleasure to stay at Citadines Connect Georgetown, which, nestled in the heart of historic George Town, proves to be a haven for both shopaholics and food enthusiasts.
The strategic location places flagship stores of world-famous brands within easy walking distance, offering guests a seamless blend of retail therapy and gastronomic adventures.
One standout feature is the RE-SPACE, a shared area allowing guests to catch a breather, connect and recharge before check-in and after check-out.
This thoughtful addition provides a welcoming retreat within the bustling city.
The Connect spaces offer flexibility for guests seeking extra privacy to catch up on work or engage in small group discussions. The Grab & Go concept takes convenience to another level, allowing guests to recharge at any time of the day with on-the-go lite bites.
This writer agreed that the 24-hour self-service Grab & Go station in the lobby is a practical and innovative touch that aligns with the modern traveller’s needs. These features contribute to the overall appeal of Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang, transforming it from a mere accommodation option into a dynamic and accommodating space that caters to the diverse needs of its guests.
This writer had the opportunity to explore the Festive Marche hosted within the hotel premises, marking the beginning of a series of bazaars dedicated to celebrating various festive occasions such as Christmas, Chinese New Year and Ramadhan/Aidilfitri.
The Festive Marche, commencing on Dec 1, 2023, vowed to span the entire festive season, providing visitors with an immersive and enriching experience as they explore a multitude of cultural celebrations.
Whether you’re a business traveller in search of a peaceful workspace or a tourist eager to explore the lively surroundings, this hotel effortlessly blends modern comforts with thoughtful amenities. Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang goes beyond being a mere accommodation; it’s an experience crafted to enrich your visit to historic George Town.
Lyf Raja Chulan, KL
During the final leg of my stay at Ascott hotels, I spent the night at Lyf Raja Chulan, celebrating my birthday with friends.
Welcomed at the entrance by the affable Lyf champion and hotel manager, Bob Yusof, along with the enthusiastic crew, this writer instantly felt a sense of belonging here.
Remaining true to its name (pronounced as “life”), Lyf Raja Chulan embraces a co-living concept tailored for digital nomads, techno- preneurs, creatives and self-starters seeking a dynamic environment to live their freedom.
The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is evident as water dispensers on each floor replace one-time plastic water bottles, aligning with environmentally conscious practices.
Recalling a heartwarming guest experience, this writer had a delightful memory of us immersing ourselves in quality time and engaging in a spirited game of UNO until the early hours of the morning as we celebrated the day.
The 104 rooms within the hotel are designed to emulate stylish apartments, adorned with artwork by local artists.
Guests can choose from various room types, including “Good for One”, “One of a Kind (Studio)”, “One of a Kind Plus (Studio)”, “Lyf Style (Thematic Studio)”, “All Together (Two-Bedroom)” and “All Together Four-bedroom Duplex”.
“We have curated the best amenities and facilities to create the perfect apartment for our guests. For instance, the ‘One of a Kind’ studio features a sumptuous queen-sized bed, an electronic safe, hairdr yers, reading lights and a writing desk,” explained Bob.
Lyf Raja Chulan embraces a co-living concept tailored for those seeking a dynamic environment
Beyond the well-appointed rooms, Lyf Raja Chulan distinguishes itself with communal social spaces and curated programmes designed to facilitate connections and foster communities.
The social areas are diverse, ranging from the interactive “Bond (social kitchen)” and fitness-focused “Burn (the gym)” to the collaborative “Connect (coworking space and lounge)” and meeting-friendly “Collab (meeting room)”.
During the night, we could unwind at the scenic “Hang Out (outdoor area with views of KL Tower and the city)”.
This writer was also informed that guests can enjoy a barbecue at the rooftop “Cookout”.
The hotel also features a downstairs cafe and a convenient laundromat service known as “Wash and Hang”.
Lyf Raja Chulan stands as a testament to redefining the hospitality experience, offering not just accommodation but a vibrant and communal space for like-minded individuals to connect, collaborate and create lasting memories.
All in all, my stay at these hotels was nothing short of delightful, leaving me with remarkable impressions.
On a final note, Ascott is continuing its business expansion, now in Sabah, as it invites guests and tourists to explore Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu Sabah this month.
This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Source: The Malaysia Reserve
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