Looking brand new

A major refurbishment exercise has transformed the Eastin Petaling Jaya into a chic urban hotel, writes Tan Bee Hong

DO you have specific food requirements? Don’t worry. At Eastin Hotel, the staff will try to accommodate all your needs. But naturally, you need to inform them ahead of time.

For instance, I don’t drink coffee or tea after 2pm or I won’t sleep a jot all night long. I ask for decaffeinated coffee from house-keeping but unfortunately, there is none. Then, when I go for breakfast the next morning, I am pleasantly surprise when asked if I’d like a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

It feels good to know your requirements have been noted.

Not only that but because I had mentioned earlier that I am observing a vegetarian diet the next day, the chefs go the extra mile and voila, there’s vegetarian bihun on the breakfast buffet counter too.

I check in on a quiet Friday afternoon. The temperature is an unbearable 32 degrees Celsius on the street but in the lobby of the hotel, a cool tranquil air soothes frayed nerves. I am shown to my Eastin Family Deluxe Room on the 6th floor, a two-bedroom suite with lovely views of the city and the pool area.

Tired after a particularly stressful week, I take a long soak in the bath and then make my way to the Executive Lounge on the 17th floor for a glass of wine before dinner.

Everywhere, there’s a feeling of being in a new hotel. Later, I am told that the hotel has undergone extensive renovations from the lobby and facade to the restaurants and rooms, transforming the 12-year-old four-star hotel into a chic establishment with five-star facilities.

Rooms are impressive and spacious. The Family Deluxe at 74 sq m can accommodate a family of 4-5. The two-bedroom suite with a large bathroom and walk-in closet, has a king sized bed and two single beds as well as a separate living area with a comfortable sofa and attached toilet.

But the smallest room, King Deluxe at 37 sq m, is nothing to be sneezed at as it has all the facilities required for a comfortable stay. Sleep is peaceful as I burrow myself under the soft duvet, my head resting on down pillows. So comfortable indeed that when I wake up and open the curtains, I see the sun is high in the sky and it’s way past 10am.  

Club floor members can head for breakfast on the executive lounge or to the Swez Brasserie. The choices at the former may be limited but the range is ample with specialty coffees and guests can opt for items from the a la minute menu too.

With three restaurants, there is nary a dull moment for those who opt to dine in. In fact, Klang Valley folk are known to make their way to Eastin for slap-up meals. The brasserie is popular for its buffet spreads for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as high-tea on weekends.

At Eyuzu Japanese Cuisine, chef Ricky Hui keeps to traditional recipes but is known to give dishes a personal touch while the Ee Cuisine is the place to go for delectable dim sum and fine Cantonese cuisine. Vegetarians with a discerning palate will love what the chef can do too.

After all that food indulgence, I head for the gym on the 2nd floor to work out some of the added calories though I resist going for a tempting cool dip in the pool.

One advantage of staying at Eastin, whether you’re on business or pleasure, is its location near major expressways (the Sprint Highway is practically at its front door).

Pleasure travellers will appreciate how easy it is to get to major malls and entertainment hubs in the city such as Tropicana City Mall (5 mins by car), 1Utama (7 mins) and The Gardens and Mid Valley Megamall (15 mins). Shuttle services are available.
 

FAST FACTS

HOTEL
Eastin Hotel, 17, Jalan 16/11, Pusat Dagang Seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7665 1111

GETTING THERE
Just off Sprint Highway, towards Petaling Jaya.

MAIN ATTRACTION
Convenient location near expressways, major shopping malls.

RATING
Four-star hotel.

FIRST IMPRESSION
Comfortable and cosy.

ROOMS
388 rooms in four categories.

RATES
From RM600.

F&B OUTLETS
Lobby lounge with live band, Swez Brasserie coffee-house, Ee Chinese Restaurant,  Eyuzu Japanese Restaurant, The Divan and Executive Lounge.

FACILITIES
WiFi. Business centre and boardroom. Ballroom that can accommodate up to 500 (banquet) and 900 (theatre seating). Recreation facilities that include a swimming pool, gym and spa.

OVERALL SERVICE
Polite, attentive staff.

PLACES WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
Shuttle service available to major shopping malls.

The inviting pool on the second floor

Sushi counter at Eyuzu

You can’t miss Eastin, just off the Sprint-Highway

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