Review: Alila Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur - SilverKris

"Occupying the 35th to 44th floors of a mixed-use development in Bangsar, this hotel pairs a wood-clad exterior with serene, light-filled interiors punctuated by tall leafy plants and a verdant green, wood-and-marble palette. Designed by Neri & Hu, its minimalist-luxe aesthetic blends natural materials with Art Deco nods—wood, stone and brass fittings—creating an expansive yet intimate atmosphere warmed by soft lighting. Sustainability is a focus, with refillable glass bottles and shower dispensers, iPad check-in and TV-based room-service ordering to cut paper, and rooftop rainwater harvesting to water the plants. Dining centers on Entier, a nose-to-tail restaurant led by chef Masashi Horiuchi, who sources locally and uses French techniques to elevate ingredients (even making chicken heart approachable); dishes are often large and meant for sharing, such as a 1kg Josper-grilled côte de boeuf. The Pacific Standard bar channels old-Hollywood glamour with cocktails like the Bel Air Fizz and Hollywood Highball. Rooms feel like private havens with sweeping city views, while communal spaces on each level—where lifts open into small living rooms with comfy sofas, art-and-design tomes and a self-service pantry—reinforce a relaxed, home-away-from-home vibe; the lobby and multi-level rooftop bar offer 360-degree vistas overlooking the pool and city." - Emily Ding