Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur has managed to stand the test of time as one of the capital’s most trusted names, despite the fact that new luxury hotels seem to pop up every year in Kuala Lumpur (KL), each one shinier than the last.
This, of course, is largely due to the immaculate upkeep of the gleaming hotel. Ongoing updates since its inception in 1998 ensure its glint doesn’t fade even if KL’s surrounding façade does. And of course, its location adjacent to KL’s poster icon — the Petronas Twin Towers — doesn’t hurt, either.
The luxury experience is epitomized when you step into the lobby; a sprawling, gold-accented entrance sets the tone for the rest of your stay. Rich carpeting, glitzy chandeliers, jade and black marble, and a smiling staff greet you the moment you walk inside. The amenities are equally impressive, including an outdoor pool with skyline views, two tennis courts and a luxurious spa.
This, of course, is largely due to the immaculate upkeep of the gleaming hotel. Ongoing updates since its inception in 1998 ensure its glint doesn’t fade even if KL’s surrounding façade does. And of course, its location adjacent to KL’s poster icon — the Petronas Twin Towers — doesn’t hurt, either.
The luxury experience is epitomized when you step into the lobby; a sprawling, gold-accented entrance sets the tone for the rest of your stay. Rich carpeting, glitzy chandeliers, jade and black marble, and a smiling staff greet you the moment you walk inside. The amenities are equally impressive, including an outdoor pool with skyline views, two tennis courts and a luxurious spa.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Fabric panels in the lobby and reception area are draped in songket, hand-woven silk made up of elaborate designs that date back to Malay royalty.
- In-house restaurant Mandarin Grill displays artwork by local gallery Shalini Ganendra Fine Art, and you can purchase pieces you like after a fine steak dinner.
- Private tennis sessions can be booked on request for adults and children, and resident coach Peter Burwash will see you through those backhand slices during your stay.
- If it’s pouring outside, you can still play a round of golf at the indoor golf center, which features a sophisticated golf simulator and a copious supply of beer.
- Don’t skip Ren, the Japanese-inspired cocktail lounge complete with hanging origami and tatami-style seating. It’s still largely under-the-radar in KL’s bar scene.
Things to Know
- While parking is available, peak traffic times in the city center are a force to be reckoned with. Ditch the car and hop onto the LRT rail service from Suria KLCC, the shopping mall connected to the Twin Towers.
- If you’re looking for a souvenir to bring back home, look past the fountain pens and keychains at the in-house gift shop and head to Suria KLCC Mall for a more personal token.
- Mandarin Oriental is an immensely popular venue for large wedding banquets; the hotel’s grand ballroom can fit up to 1,800 guests, and an events team will sort out everything from ice carvings to eight-tier cakes.
The Rooms
- The luxury hotel offers 623 guest rooms, all of which embody a classic-contemporary aesthetic, with rich browns, plush fabrics and plenty of wood accents.
- The Twin Towers View rooms have work desks that look out to the magnificent skybridge connecting the two towers. All rooms have views of the city.
- Bathrooms are clad in marble and have separate showers and bathtubs, plus comfy terry bathrobes.
- There are seven Club floors, and its guests have access to the Club Lounge, which serves breakfast, deli lunches, evening cocktails and even employs a suited musician stroking keys on a grand piano.
The Restaurants
- Mandarin Grill is home to some of the most premium steaks in the city. It’s an impressive, marriage-proposal-worthy space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, crystal chandeliers, a crackling fireplace and an unending wine list.
- Order Peking duck, fish maw soup, and black pepper beef tenderloin at the opulent Cantonese restaurant, Lai Po Heen. Don’t leave without trying the D24 durian pancakes made with Malaysia’s love-it-or-hate-it national fruit.
- The dessert island at all-day-dining restaurant Mosaic stretches beyond the usual cheese platters and chocolate fondues at most hotel buffets. The spread here is right out of a French patisserie with dainty things like candied orange chocolate cake, and mango and coconut dacquoise.
- Several other dining options at the Kuala Lumpur hotel include a poolside restaurant and bar, a Californian-Japanese spot, a sultry lounge and even a cake shop.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Golf
Gym
House car
Outdoor pool
Spa
Getting There
Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
TEL60-3-2380-8888
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
KUL (45 min-1 h)
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