Malaysia is known for being a shopping paradise and at its apex is the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur shopping centre, which boasts a mélange of luxury brands such as Saint Laurent, Dior and Christian Louboutin, to name just a few. Occupying a prime spot adjacent to it with direct access to Levels 2 and 3 of the mall is Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur Managed by Banyan Tree. Many may not realise it is under the umbrella of one of the world’s top luxury hotel and resort brands, but it is indeed one of the hospitality group’s properties. It’s a five-star hotel that puts you right in the heart of Bukit Bintang while being a den of serenity, as one would expect of the Banyan Tree brand.
I checked into the Club Grand Oasis room with floor-to-ceiling windows, which provided a televisual view of the moving city—which was especially gorgeous when lit up by nightfall—with specific views available upon request. The room also came with club privileges, including being served evening cocktails and checking-in at the Club Lounge on 13A instead of on level 8 with the rest of the masses. The icing on the cake was its complimentary laundry service for three pieces of clothing per room per day, which cuts down on the chores once you head back home.
Its voluminous quarters include an L-shaped sofa, ample USB ports, a rain shower, a small walk-in closet with a vanity for a hint of sophistication, as well as plenty of room to hold purchases from the latest season’s runways. A delightful surprise was the artisan chocolate delivered to the room, perfect for nibbles while I luxuriated in the bathtub with therapeutic bath salts. Its plump king-sized bed comes with an extensive ‘pillow’ menu, so if you can’t find a perfect one, it’s not the pillow—it’s you.
The Courtyard
In the morning once I reluctantly stirred from the plush bedding, it was time for breakfast at The Courtyard, where you can choose to sit indoors or better yet enjoy the sight of the cascading artificial waterfall while you tuck in al fresco under the Centre Court skylight. Here, gourmands have a plethora of options in the excellent buffet selection of Malaysian, Asian and European dishes, with a BBQ buffet dinner on weekends and an extensive à la carte menu. Start your morning right with a Nespresso coffee, a velvety soft omelette from the egg station, stacks of fluffy pancakes, and satay grilled to perfection on the spot before you hit the sights nearby such as the Petronas Twin Towers.
Jade Pavilion
This authentic Cantonese establishment is worth a visit to the hotel on its own, with the gastronomic experience lingering in my mind long after I’ve laid down my chopsticks. Inspired by the Summer Palace in Beijing, eight private dining rooms that accommodate between 4 to 20 persons flank the regal walkway lined with a red carpet that will make you feel like an Imperial Chinese royal. The restaurant is designed to make its diners feel indulged, as the lighting comprises tasteful floral and mountain motifs to create a space that oozes modern Shanghai chic.
Its refined menu showcases an array of Cantonese gourmet dishes and dim sum specialities, crafted using remarkably inventive techniques and sustainable, pork-free ingredients. A dainty must-try is the skilfully executed and creative take on the Chinese staple––Crispy lychee Dumpling in Three Varieties. Unexpectedly, my favourite dish was the golden-fried bean curd made in-house with smashed hard tofu, crab meat and prawn paste.
With the best the city has to offer at your doorstep and numerous in-house dining options, such as The Cove Private Bar, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur Managed by Banyan Tree is an exceptional way to live it up luxuriously in the city and to put you in a KL state of mind.
