Whether it’s the eclectic energy of urban life or the charming appeal of cultural districts, the Hotel Indigo brand distinguishes itself by providing a gateway to become the world’s neighbourhood hotel. As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, each property embraces the spirit of its location and incorporates the latest influences in culture, culinary arts, beverages and design. Now, the Indigo brand has finally made its inaugural presence in Malaysia’s capital city, marking a significant milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts with a global total of 150 Hotel Indigo properties.
Situated in the Golden Triangle, Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park is a 180-room urban retreat that overlooks Bukit Nanas and is bordered by KL Forest Eco Park—the last remaining parcel of tropical rainforest in central Kuala Lumpur. The hotel’s design draws inspiration directly from the provincial neighbourhood, with global design company GA Group embedding communal nuances, historical elements and references revolving around a rainforest. “Our hotel celebrates the people, places and experiences that make the neighbourhood one of a kind,” says general manager Ashleigh Garside. “Alongside the brand’s signature charm and individuality, we are excited to be able to share these stories and inspire local discovery as our guests forge meaningful connections with this wonderful city and its people. Just like a good neighbour, we aspire to be a welcoming home for both local and international visitors, and to rejoice in what makes our neighbourhood so special.”
Sustainability is one of the core pillars in this newly opened hotel. Upon entering the lobby, guests will come across a living vertical garden, a central staircase crafted from repurposed old railway sleepers and reinforcement steel bars salvaged from the hotel’s construction site, as well as a large-scale installation made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Feature lights are made from upcycled bottles, artworks are crafted using old books, and reception desks are assembled from rescued tree roots found in Malaysia. Every corner permeates local character and Malaysian traits—from tiffin carriers and Hup Seng cracker tins to rattan furniture motifs in the guest rooms, ornate hand-painted Peranakan tiles, and pages from nostalgic Chinese calendars adorning the interior of wardrobes. The hotel distils authenticity into intimate spaces that pay homage to the history and traditions of its location, encouraging guests to explore the multifaceted aspects of Kuala Lumpur. “We only provide amenities upon request to cut down on waste and only offer water in glass to minimise our impact on the environment,” Garside says.
Hotel guests won’t need to venture far to enjoy Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine. At Wok Star, patrons will be able to sample some of the country’s beloved dishes, while those on the hunt for steaks can indulge at The Silver Monkey. Secluded within The Silver Monkey, MonkeyParlour offers an intimate space for eight, complete with a private balcony, while Silver Top is an outdoor space that provides an ideal setting for celebrations and gatherings. “We are so fortunate to be in Malaysia with the abundance of quality produce,” Garside says. “In our kitchens, we aim for 80 per cent of our purchase to come from within 180km of the hotel. Also, all lights selected are LED and we have solar panels that run The Silver Monkey kitchen.”
The rooftop features a 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor pool, granting guests with a bird’s-eye view of the Kuala Lumpur cityscape—a confluence of soaring skyscrapers, heritage buildings, and enclaves that encapsulate Malaysia’s diverse ethos. The lobby’s Library showcases a vast collection of works by local authors, which can be bought and taken home as a lasting souvenir. Items from guest rooms, including hand-woven baskets, are also available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Penan community—a nomadic indigenous group from East Malaysia. “We will be collaborating with Shawl Publika for our upcoming Borrowed by Hotel Indigo campaign to promote local culture in our hotel,” says Garside regarding the hotel’s other initiatives for community engagement and support. “Down the line, we will also be exploring partnerships with independent art curators to host activities, as well as collaborating with small independent businesses.”
As a member of the IHG Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, Hotel Indigo actively honours the discovery, or rediscovery, of the most inspiring and culturally rich neighbourhoods across the globe. Among them stands Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach. Positioned on the southern stretch of Seminyak Beach in Bali, the resort is easily accessible with just a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Spanning 11.6 acres in the lively Seminyak neighbourhood, this tropical haven displays contemporary interpretations of traditional Balinese values. This year, Hotel Indigo is set to open new establishments including Hotel Indigo Saigon The City, Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar, Hotel Indigo Bintan Lagoi Beach, Hotel Indigo Jabal Al-Akhdar and Hotel Indigo Palau.