AS the bustling week came to a close, I found myself yearning for a quick escape from the daily grind. With a desire for comfort, convenience, and a touch of vibrancy, I set my sights on the newly opened Ibis PJCC (Petaling Jaya Commercial Centre), Petaling Jaya.
The promise of a seamless blend of modernity and affordability had intrigued me, and a friend's glowing recommendation only fuelled my enthusiasm.
"Whereeeeee is it?" I mutter impatiently as I navigate my way to the hotel, eager to unwind in a home-away-from-home setting. The prospect of a spontaneous retreat in the vibrant city of Petaling Jaya, strategically located near the Sunway Pyramid mall, beckons me.
"Affordable and convenient," my friend had enthused, setting the stage for my weekend adventure.
Nestled within the vibrant Klang valley region of the country, Petaling Jaya, or PJ, stands as a city renowned for its diverse commercial, residential and recreational areas. The hotel, which seems ideal for both business and leisure travellers, is strategically located in the new urban landscape of Petaling Jaya Commercial Centre, featuring seamless connectivity through major expressways.
Fast forward to a sun-kissed Saturday afternoon, and I find myself standing in an unfamiliar locale, gazing up at the towering Ibis PJCC. My initial grumpiness soon gives way a growing sense of anticipation as I take in the surroundings whilst hoisting my small luggage bag out from my car boot.
Looks like a well-developed area, I muse to myself, contentedly noting the abundance of eateries, especially mamaks and Nasi Kandar shops, cafes, sundry shops and more. The promise of a diverse culinary journey outside the hotel walls lingers in the air.
COLOURFULLY RETRO
Stepping into the hotel, the vibrant and trendy atmosphere of the spacious lobby immediately catches my attention. Soaring ceilings, large windows inviting natural light, and colourful furnishings seamlessly blend modern comfort with functional elegance. The lobby's retro collectibles add a touch of nostalgia, making it a space I wouldn't mind lingering in, laptop in hand.
Thanks to the absence of other waiting guests, the check-in process proves to be swift. Renowned for its enthusiasm for live music with the Ibis MUSIC programme, I'm duly informed during check in that Ibis also provides guests with specially curated playlists tailored to suit any mood, along with access to exclusive performances featuring emerging musicians. Sounds awesome, I say to the friendly front-desk lady, mind already contemplating my play list!
The hotel's 161 contemporary rooms, featuring Sweet Beds by Ibis, Smart TVs, and complimentary WiFi, promise a perfect retreat. My Superior category room located on the higher floors even came with a complimentary minibar — a delightful surprise.
Families with children will like the fact that the hotel offers a beautiful swimming pool, overlooking PJ's vast skyline, in addition to a modest children's playroom and a fairly well-equipped gym for the adults in the group. As I envision my weekend of relaxation, the rooftop swimming pool suddenly swims into my periphery, swiftly moving up my shortlist of things to do this weekend.
NEWFOUND GEM
Dining at Ibis means indulging in the offerings of the Ibis Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant with a selection of local and international menus. Super spacious, complete with a colourful ambiance, makes it an inviting space not only for dining but also to just hang out over coffee or poring over work on the laptop.
For corporate events or private functions, I'm informed that the hotel offers four versatile meeting rooms catering to up to 70 delegates. One feature that certainly stands out is the hotel's commitment to minimising its carbon footprint, evident in its no-single-use plastic policy throughout its premises.
As a friendly concierge rushes to open the lift door for my ascend to my room, I couldn't help but anticipate the weekend of total relaxation ahead. With the rooftop swimming pool, vibrant lobby, and the promise of curated music experiences, I'm ready to immerse myself in the fluid world of Ibis PJCC — a newfound gem in the city's landscape.
Ibis PJCC Petaling Jaya, 1, Jalan PJS 5/29, Taman Desaria, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
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