Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Located in Kuala Lumpur's upscale Golden Triangle neighborhood, the Four Seasons hotel and private residences occupy a gleaming 65-story skyscraper that’s become one of the most identifiable structures on the city skyline. The tower itself is part of the vast Kuala Lumpur City Centre complex, so guests just have to venture downstairs to access a wide array of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Like the rest of the area, the hotel oozes crisp, contemporary luxury. What's the backstory? Opened in 2018, the sanctuary is part of the international Four Seasons chain, but it’s clear there’s been a dedicated effort to represent the destination. Works by local artists, the use of traditional materials like rattan, and colors like imperial blues weave Malaysian history and culture into the otherwise airy, contemporary décor. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Located on the 8th through 18th floors, the rooms, in classic Four Seasons fashion, have been designed to feel like polished upscale residences. There are clean-lined furnishings, soothing color palettes, and oversized windows framing views of KLCC Park and the surrounding skyscrapers. (Of course, you’ll also find those signature Four Seasons mattresses.) All 198 rooms and 11 suites have iPads loaded with the Four Seasons app, through which you can order room service, make restaurant and spa reservations, and live chat with concierges to plan itineraries. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is fast and complimentary throughout the hotel. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? At the signature Yun House, Cantonese-focused prix fixe, a la carte meals, and a popular dim sum menu are served in an ornate, garden-inspired room lined with huge picture windows looking out at KLCC Park. Pair your dishes with one of the tea-infused cocktails and mocktails, or something from the extensive tea list. Amid a celebration of mirrors and glass artwork, Curate lets diners serve themselves from an international buffet or watch as their pizzas get tossed and their noodles get pulled right in front of them. The East-meets-West menu and traditional afternoon tea draw the city’s chic set to the lobby level Lounge. while the Pool Bar and Grill goes from serving Middle Eastern mezze light bites during the day to a shisha bar after dark. Locals and guests alike meet at Bar Trigona for cocktails that incorporate herbs and spices found throughout Malaysia. The bar is named for a native species of bees, and guests can sign up to adopt a hive of honeybees at an organic farm that the hotel supports. What type of travelers will you find here? A refined, well-heeled crowd of both locals and travelers. Given the location, the place attracts a fair number of business types, as well as sophisticated leisure travelers loyal to Four Seasons. Both contingents appreciate being so close to dining, shopping, and the park, as it’s easy to run out and grab something—or get in a quick run—in between meetings or sightseeing. On the local front, it’s the place to catch up with friends over a refined afternoon tea after a day of shopping, as well as a top venue for society weddings and events. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene? If your time in Kuala Lumpur is short, this is where you want to stay, as there’s so much to see and do close by. In addition to boasting its own luxury retail hub (located on the six floors below the hotel), the property is adjacent to the Petronas Twin Towers, perhaps the most iconic building in the city, so it’s easy to whiz over there to check out the 88th floor observatory deck or visit the mall on the ground floor. Another 100 acres of shops, restaurants, and nightlife can be found throughout the KLCC complex, which is also home to the 50-acre KLCC Park, complete with running tracks and tropical gardens. Just across the park is the convention center, while a 10-minute walk brings you to the Aquaria KLCC aquarium and a five-minute walk leads to the nearest metro station. Any other hotel features worth noting? You’ll feel like you’re floating among the skyscrapers at the outdoor pool, which is a refreshing retreat after a day of sightseeing. At the spa, most of the skin and body care services use products imported from aboard, but the signature massage uses a wooden rattan tool and a traditional herbal oil to deliver a deep-tissue rub-down. Check in to one of the Club rooms or suites to enjoy access to the Executive Club lounge, which puts out a spread for breakfast, afternoon tea, and cocktail hour. Club level guests also get access to a dedicated concierge and enjoy two complimentary pieces of dry cleaning per day—a welcome touch for those in town on business. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? An ideal pick for those who want to be in the center of Kuala Lumpur's vibrant Golden Triangle, while enjoying Four Seasons' signature residential-style respite." - Sandra Ramani