A hotel in the city is built for guests who appreciate considerate designs and thoughtful gesture that make a difference to the Earth, writes Syida Lizta Amirul Ihsan
IN the words of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami from Kafka on the Shore: "When you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in."
I'm not one for quoting a line as an introduction for a story. In fact, I'm not one to use "I" so early in my written words, but the global health catastrophe that took the world two years to slowly recover from has shown us that, in many aspects of life, we are not who we were.
Some level of consciousness, at least, should have set in by now, whether it's about social justice, empathy for under-served communities on the fringes of society, loving oneself or looking after the Earth.
It is quite apt, therefore, that my first staycation after hotels reopen for leisure is at Element by Westin Kuala Lumpur, at Ilham Tower, a smart building that focuses on long-term sustainability and minimal environmental impact.
The hotel, which is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels and resorts, is deceiving, but in a very good way. It's designed for the customers' comfort in mind, minus the frills (and space wastage) often seen in luxury hotels.
The lobby, on the 40th floor, is a small area, neighbouring Trace, its all-day dining outlet. The staff are efficient and friendly but as a first-timer, I am still finding my way through the room and its amenities.
By the time I open the door to our one-bedroom suite, I realise immediately that here, luxury is not defined by thick sofas at the lobby or metal sculpture for aesthetics.
Element by Westin Kuala Lumpur defines luxury as space, autonomy and abundant sunlight through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows that generously and beautifully bathes the room. These are elements (pardon the pun) you cannot buy, but that you could get through thoughtful design by people who understand what really matters.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
The room has non-carpeted flooring, something I appreciate very much due to hygiene. It's easy to clean, and particles don't get stuck in between fibres. It is minimally furnished so there's a big space for Murshid, my 4-year-old son, to run around.
The sofa in front of the smart TV is minimal, but we're not the TV-watching type, so that's fine by us.
The full-size fridge and mini kitchen, complete with cooking tools,
give guests the freedom to decide on their own meals without having to depend highly on what's provided by the hotel.
You can buy your food and heat them up just before eating. You can eat hot food on ceramic plates and stainless steel cutlery instead of takeaway containers. You can eat at a proper dining table, something not many hotel rooms provide, unless you book a suite.
On its website, the 65sq m one bedroom suite is listed for RM440, which is a fraction of the price of a suite with the same space in other bigger establishments. And coming from a staycation junkie, for the location, space and amenities, it is really worth the price.
The two-and three-room suites, I am told, are elusive. Long-term guests stay for weeks and it's really easy to see why. It's like home away from home.
TRIP TO KLCC
It is sunny when we are there, so we decide to take a Grab ride to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre area to go up the Skybridge. Neither my husband nor I have been up the bridge so we thought taking our son would be great.
Limited visitors are allowed in at any one time and the guided tour takes 45 minutes. After watching the safety video, we are taken to the first stop, the Skybridge, on the 41st floor.
It's 170m above street level and the lift takes just a few seconds. On the sides of the lift are images of how it would look outside.
The tour will then bring you up to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor, and this is where the view gets breathtaking. You get a bird's eye view of the city. Here, you learn about this phenomenal architecture masterpiece through scale models and interactive Augmented Reality screens.
After that, you go to the 83rd floor to experience digital displays and informative videos.
We also take Murshid to Petrosains. He loves dinosaurs and robots, but unfortunately, the movements of the robot's mouth scare him. The roar of the animatronic prehistoric animals sends him into a state of fear that he insists we leave immediately.
But it's nice to see children learning about science at the various stations. The place is crowded even at 11am, perhaps because we all, especially children, have been cooped up for so long that it's just great to be able to be out again.
THOUGHTFUL FACILITIES
When the day is cool and windy, Element by Westin Kuala Lumpur offers bicycles that guests can borrow. They can cycle around the area and on bicycle-friendly routes near the KLCC Park.
While Kuala Lumpur isn't exactly known as a bicycle-friendly city (I am talking about leisure cycling in normal clothes, not people in lycra on expensive bikes), it's heartwarming to see a hotel offering such an amenity, giving guests another option on how to view the city.
I also like the indoor saline pool. The water is slightly cold because it's indoors, but on the upside, the pool is very clean and given the Covid-19 protocols, movement is swift. One family is allowed only an hour and prior booking is mandatory. It is never crowded, something, I think, everyone appreciates.
If you appreciate sustainable practices, then the hotel will tick all the right boxes. The building harvests rainwater and uses non-chemical water treatment. Its rooms have certified water filtration system by 3M to eliminate use of plastic bottles.
It also uses energy-saving light fittings and plant-based body cleanser and shampoo with wall-mounted dispensers, which reduces plastic packaging and wastage in travel-sized amenities in hotel rooms.
There are also recycling bins to encourage the habit. These bins are not limited
to hotel rooms but include public spaces too.
Our stay at Element Kuala Lumpur is like discovering a gem in the middle of the city we didn't know existed.
With a spacious and airy room, full
kitchen facilities, great service, and unparalleled view and distance from the city centre, it really is a wonderful staycation spot for those living in the Klang Valley and a great hotel choice for those living outstation.
And with sustainability built into its practices, you know you are a step into a better future... and that's a good feeling.
FAST FACTS
Element by Westin Kuala Lumpur
Ilham Tower 8 Jalan Binjai 50450 Kuala Lumpur
TEL 03-2771 3388
WEBSITE www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/kulel-element-kuala-lumpur/
STAY With 132 stylish studio units, plus one, two-and three-bedroom suites, the hotel reinvents the extended stay experience. Each suite has a kitchenette with energy-efficient appliances, including induction cooker, refrigerator and dish washer.
EAT Trace serves delicious breakfast and each dish is cooked in small batches to reduce wastage. It uses local produce to reduce carbon footprint. Food is cooked to order, also to reduce waste.
DO Ride around the area with its Bike to Borrow programme and go for a dip at the indoor saline pool. The KLCC Park is a few minutes' walk away for your morning walk or run.
GO One-minute walk from the Ampang Park LRT station, this allows guests to venture to other parts of the city with ease. The Kuala Lumpur City Centre area is very near if you don't want to go too far out.
HIGHS I love the abundant sunlight and spacious room. The location is also unbeatable. Whether you want to go out for a meal or order in via food delivery services, both are easy and convenient.
LOWS None I can think of.
Apply Agoda Promo Code to enjoy extra discounts on your future staycations in Malaysia.