In the wake of societal shifts and technological breakthroughs, the evolution of work, domestic life, and family dynamics has given rise to new travel patterns. Gone are the days when business and leisure travel stood at opposite ends of the spectrum, as recent turbulent events have reoriented our values and priorities. For years, the Crowne Plaza brand has embedded an adaptive blended traveller approach, allowing guests the freedom to toggle between corporate affairs and leisure pursuits—making both work and vacation time more productive and rewarding.
Abiding to this blueprint, the all-new Crowne Plaza property in Kuala Lumpur has welcomed a steady influx of guests from the corporate world, as well as a solid flow of leisure visitors. Those familiar with our local hospitality landscape may recall the hotel’s earlier days as Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur, which previously operated on Jalan Sultan Ismail until its closure in 2013. The departure, however, was only momentary. It made its return last December as Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, now situated at Jalan Yap Kwan Seng—one of the latest additions to the IHG Hotels & Resorts group, fully reviving the brand in Kuala Lumpur.
Many habitual travellers value ease and proximity, and this hotel delivers on both fronts. Beyond its immediate vicinity to Kuala Lumpur’s famed Petronas Twin Towers and public transport services, the 33-story building is set beside embassy offices, a myriad of dining spots, boisterous bars, and numerous retail malls—making it an ideal base for navigating the city. The property is enveloped in an undulating crystal glass facade, perched at the apex of a triangular site overlooking the neighbourhood and the Twin Towers. Inside, the uncluttered and elemental composition echoes the calming influence of Malaysia’s tropical rainforests, featuring chandelier-esque lighting fixtures reminiscent of tumbling raindrops as well as bronze sculptures that mimic the intricate inner patterns found within a sliced tree trunk.
All 320 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites are consciously arranged to meet the needs of today’s new-age business travellers, varying in size from 36 to 146 sq m each. Each dedicated space accommodates different needs, providing a flexible balance between work and relaxation. The rooms are bathed with ample natural lighting through its vast windows, ensuring a well-optimised workspace. If you’re seeking a greater workstation experience, the hotel offers a coworking lounge called NEST@13, located at level 13. This purpose-built space fosters a stimulating backdrop, complete with functional alternatives, multiple setups, and a private meeting room. You can also take advantage of the solo work pods at the RhymBa Lobby Lounge and Bar, which come equipped with charging ports in the sofas, ensuring you stay powered throughout your work session.
Breakfast is served each morning at the Merchants all-day dining on level 13 in a buffet style. Apart from its breakfast spread, there’s a tempting selection of local signatures and crowd-pleasers, such as chicken satay, Javanese beef rendang, and pandan burnt Basque cheesecake. Le Midi, on the other hand, stands out as a French brasserie, bar and terrace on level 32. The stunning Parisian-inspired interior and pleasing outdoor terrace harmonise splendidly with menu items such as trio de tartines, Muscovy a l’Orange, and salted baked barramundi. Guests can swing by for snacks and drinks from 3pm onwards. The private Club Lounge is an additional perk as well. Here, you can unwind or conduct business calls while indulging in a free-flowing bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as bite-sized treats from 5:30pm onwards.
After a fulfilling workday, you can decompress in a bubbly bath with organic bath amenities from New Zealand’s beauty line, Antipodes, or head up to the rooftop on level 33 for a refreshing dip in the infinity pool. But if you’re looking to break a sweat, the fitness centre is situated right by the pool. A key takeaway that should not be overlooked, in my personal experience, is the quality of their hotel beds. It’s often rare that one can enjoy a good night’s sleep in unfamiliar places, but that’s not the case here at Crowne Plaza. Their bed cocoons you as you lay down, which makes a comforting aspect for insomniacs like me. It may well be one of the few hotels that allows for a steady seven hour of pure, undisturbed slumber—perhaps the deciding factor for anyone considering a stay at this dual-friendly hotel.
More photos of Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre
