Hanna Hussein enjoys a fabulous stay at Empire Hotel Subang
A CHIC boutique hotel located in the centre or Subang Jaya, the Empire Hotel Subang is perfect for a getaway if you hate the traffic of Kuala Lumpur.
I get to do a bit of retail therapy at the adjoining Empire Shopping Gallery next door, and if I want to have theme park fun, Sunway Lagoon is just 15 minutes drive away.
The hotel is easily accessible by public transport with shutter bus services and train stations within walking distance.
WELCOME ON BOARD
Upon my arrival at the hotel, I immediately head to the lobby area on level three. The stunning lobby has bright creamy walls and red carpet. I love the combination of colours.
Check-in is a brief; within minutes I am all settled in my limited edition room which has more distinct features compared to other rooms — something like a train.
If you have never been on a luxury train, this room is exactly like one. It has a four-seater dining area which looks like a private dining coach, a wardrobe on the side, and a bathroom with sliding door. The room has a king-sized bed with plush mattress, and a really exotic feel.
Not many hotels can pull off the boldness of black, and orangey red but Empire really impresses me!
According to the staff, there are very limited rooms with this unique layout, but the hotel will be refurnished real soon, so this might be their new go-to-look! Well, I love it, and I’m sure many more would appreciate the uniqueness.
KITCHEN ART JOY
While we’re here, might as well try out the food at the Kitchen Art Brasserie, the hotel’s main restaurant serving all-day dining with International and local cuisine.
We had our dinner here on the first night. The restaurant isn’t crowded, so we get a nice table by the window, very private and quiet. The staff have set it up with candles for a romantic ambience.
For starters, we ordered a bowl of wild mushroom soup served with garlic pesto croutons. It’s a big bowl, so I’m glad that we decided to share. The soup is really thick, creamy, delicious and freshly made.
For the main course, I order the Pan Seared Norwegian Salmon which is cooked using Sous-Vide cooking technology with caper butter and served with green pea puree and vege skewers, which is cooked to perfection. Meanwhile, my husband opts for the Chilled Grain Feed Tenderloin which is truly satisfying. With every Grill menu, you’ll get to pick a selection of sauce, how you want your potato cooked, and choices of vegetables.
To end our dinner, we ordered a slice of durian cheesecake and matcha cake, both really delicious. The matcha cake is less sweet but still tempting.
The next day, we decide to enjoy lunch in the room so we ordered the hotel’s signature dish — nasi goreng petai. The spicy dish is served generously with prawns, petai, fried chicken, fried egg, pandan fish, crackers and sambal belacan and is priced at RM28. Verdict, this is the main reason we will be coming back to this hotel soon!
FAST FACTS
EMPIRE HOTEL SUBANG
Jalan SS16/1, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
TEL 03-5565 1388
EMAIL info@empirehotel.com.my
WEBSITE www.empirehotel.com.my
STAY
Empire Hotel Subang boasts 199 uniquely designed rooms. Guests can opt for Premier Essential, Premier Dualistic, Premier Clique and Empire Sanctuary. Each room is furnished with contemporary luxuries and amenities including Wireless Internet Connection, Iron and Ironing Board, Hair Dryer, Standing Shower, LCD TV with Satelite Channels, International Direct Dial (IDD) Telephone, Safety Box, Working Desk, Mini Bar, Coffee & Tea Maker, Laundry Services, Bathrobe and Slippers as well as 24-Hours In Room Dining.
EAT
To satisfy guests’ culinary palates, the food and beverage outlets boasts delectable international cuisine from Kitchen Art Brasserie, snacks and a wide variety of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) from the trendy Shout Bar and Di Wei Chinese Restaurant serves Non Halal Chinese cuisine.
DO
Nothing much you can do in the hotel, maybe you can go gaga shopping next door! Hotel’s swimming pool and gymnasium are managed by Fitness First, where trainers ensure the hotel guests get the most of their workout.
GO
Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is just 10 minutes away.
HIGHS
Perfect location with 30 minutes to Kuala Lumpur city, 15 minutes to Subang Airport, and public transportation is available nearby. Empire Shopping Gallery is adjoining to the hotel, while Subang Parade is just five minutes walk.
LOWS
I have nothing bad to say! Truly enjoyed my stay.