There’s more to Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur than simply being the newest luxury address in the city. Where the hotel now stands was once Wisma KFC, a spot steeped in nostalgia for many. As a tribute to its past, its original structure is thoughtfully repurposed, retaining architectural details like the fountain found by the lobby.
The inspiration of the hotel’s interiors, however, runs deeper than the memory of the building. Across the 21-storey building, housing 312 rooms, its design is characterised by the city’s origins as a tin-mining settlement. Rustic lighting and industrial details are layered with graffiti artwork crafted by local street artist Jefr, blending history with the modern soul of the city today. To match that rebellious spirit, the hotel’s team uniforms channel a similar bold creativity, with custom denim ensembles designed by Malaysian fashion designer Melinda Looi.
For lunch, I made a stop at TanBuri—a playful wordplay between tandoori and donburi, hinting at the innovative concept of the restaurant. Equipped with authentic tandoor clay ovens, expect freshly baked naans and smoky tandooris that remain true to tradition, alongside inventive creations such as the LambBuri and SalmonBuri—where the meats are prepared tandoori-style, then served Japanese donburi way. Local favourites such as nasi lemak and roti canai can also be found here.
Dinner at IL Forno, situated on the 19th floor, turned out to be a wonderful experience that felt like I was briefly whisked away to Italy. At the helm is chef Enzo Carbone, whose warm, charismatic presence makes anyone feel instantly at home. The extensive selection of pastas here is a standout, from Gnocchi con Fonduta di Grana—artisanal potato gnocchi with grana padano fondue and walnuts—to Spaghetti Mancini all’Astice—spaghetti with Atlantic lobster, cherry tomatoes, and basil. But one of the best dishes I had that night was the Neapolitan pizza. There is also a range of flavours, but you can never go wrong with the classic Margherita. IL Forno’s dessert menu doesn’t fall short either, whether you opt for a profitteroli or an affogato, but can you really leave an Italian restaurant without a taste of its tiramisù?
Additionally, Hyatt Centric City Centre comes complete with a gym, an infinity pool overlooking the skyline, and a rooftop bar that feels like a serene escape perched above the pulsing city. Outside the hotel, there’s more to discover. With a direct connection to Menara Hap Seng 3, there’s a diverse range of interesting dining spots, from Niku29 to Skillet KL. Each guest is offered a C Map, an insider’s guide to under-the-radar spots and neighbourhood gems, to assist you in navigating the city like a real local.
