Else Kuala Lumpur is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The hotel is known for its modern design, high-quality amenities, and serene atmosphere, making it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers. It offers a mix of luxury and comfort with facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.6/5
Tripadvisor: 4.5/5
Expedia: 9.8/10
Booking.com: 9.3/10
The Highlights:
1. Boutique Luxury with Thoughtful Design
Else Kuala Lumpur is known for its carefully curated design that combines minimalist aesthetics with touches of local heritage. The hotel’s interiors feature bespoke furniture, warm tones, and natural materials, creating a calming ambiance. Each room is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and style, with amenities such as:
High-quality linens and bedding for ultimate relaxation.
Rain showers and luxury bath amenities.
Smart technology, including high-speed Wi-Fi and entertainment systems.
2. Unique Location in Historic Chinatown
Located in Chinatown (Petaling Street), Else Kuala Lumpur offers easy access to one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant and historically rich areas. Chinatown is known for its bustling markets, street food, and cultural attractions, all within walking distance of the hotel. Staying at Else allows you to explore the mix of old-world charm and modern energy that defines this district.
3. On-site Dining at Raw Kitchen Hall
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Raw Kitchen Hall, is a culinary destination in itself. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients. The space is both cozy and contemporary, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal or a special dining experience.
Try their seasonal dishes, which are expertly crafted and beautifully presented.
The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines and cocktails.
4. Rooftop Pool and Lounge
For a tranquil escape in the middle of the city, Else Kuala Lumpur features a rooftop pool with stunning views of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. There are plenty of lounge chairs, and the rooftop area offers a relaxing environment for guests to take a dip or enjoy a drink while soaking in the cityscape.
5. Wellness and Fitness Facilities
Else Kuala Lumpur features a wellness center that offers a serene atmosphere for relaxation, including spa treatments, massages, and yoga sessions. For those looking to stay active, the hotel also has a modern fitness studio equipped with state-of-the-art machines and free weights.
6. Art and Culture Focus
Else Kuala Lumpur has a strong focus on art and culture, with curated art pieces displayed throughout the hotel. They regularly collaborate with local artists, offering guests a chance to experience Malaysia’s burgeoning art scene. The hotel’s design and aesthetic celebrate contemporary art and design, making it a great choice for art lovers.
7. Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere
With only a limited number of rooms, Else Kuala Lumpur offers an intimate and personalized experience. Whether it’s the attentive service or the peaceful atmosphere, guests can expect a more personal and quiet stay compared to larger, chain hotels.
8. Walking Distance to Major Attractions
Else Kuala Lumpur’s location in Chinatown makes it easy to explore several of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous attractions on foot, including:
Petaling Street Market: Just a few minutes away, this lively street market is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs, accessories, and street food.
Central Market: This historic market is a hub for local arts and crafts, perfect for picking up unique Malaysian handicrafts.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple: Kuala Lumpur’s oldest Hindu temple, located within walking distance from the hotel, is a beautiful place to explore the city’s religious diversity.
Merdeka Square: A historically significant landmark that is a short walk or drive from the hotel, Merdeka Square is where Malaysia declared its independence.
9. Chic Café and Lounge
Else Kuala Lumpur also features a chic café and lounge area that serves freshly brewed coffee, tea, and light bites. The lounge is perfect for guests looking to relax or catch up on work in a comfortable and stylish setting.
10. Personalized Service and Local Insights
What sets Else Kuala Lumpur apart is its emphasis on personalized service. The staff is known for being approachable, offering insider tips on the best places to visit, eat, and explore in Kuala Lumpur. Whether you need restaurant recommendations or help arranging transportation, the hotel’s team is dedicated to making your stay special.
Official Website: ELSE - Experience Something Else (elseretreats.com)
Booking at an attractive price: Click Here
"This image is for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately represent the actual location."
Main Positive Reviews:
Close to the Train Station: The hotel is conveniently located near the train station, making it very accessible for travelers. Located in the city center, Else Kuala Lumpur is within walking distance to many local attractions, eateries, and shopping malls. Visitors love the convenience of the location.
Spacious Rooms, Quiet Atmosphere: Guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms and the quiet, serene atmosphere, which makes for a relaxing stay. The rooms are described as spacious, clean, and well-equipped with premium amenities like Dyson hairdryers, Bluetooth speakers, and high-quality toiletries.
Unique Atmosphere with Modern Amenities: Although the hotel retains some traces of the old building, the facilities and rooms are new. The hotel has a unique atmosphere, with tasteful touches in the corridors, room doors, and chairs.
Excellent Breakfast Included: The breakfast is included in the room rate, and it’s highly praised for its quality. The hotel’s dining options, including the restaurants and breakfast offerings, receive high marks for quality, variety, and taste.
Delicious Breakfast: The breakfast is very tasty (although it’s not a buffet). The selection is great, but unlike a standard buffet service, breakfast is served à la carte, with only one option per dish.
Guests consistently praise the attentive and friendly service provided by the hotel staff. Many reviews highlight the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
The hotel’s modern, stylish design and vintage-inspired décor have been frequently complimented. Guests appreciate the attention to detail in the room interiors and public spaces.
Main Negative Reviews:
Room Size and Noise Issues: The room is a bit narrow, and the semi-transparent bathroom door can be awkward when traveling with friends. Despite adjusting the temperature and settings, the room’s air conditioning is still stuffy. There was no turndown service, even though it was advertised on the website. The hotel is close to a mosque, so you can hear prayers at night and early in the morning, which might affect light sleepers. While the hotel is near Petaling Street, the area has many foreign workers running businesses, and street food options are limited. Additionally, the hotel does not provide parking, so you have to find parking next door. Overall, it was a good experience, but I wouldn’t return.
Poor Wi-Fi and Room Cleanliness: The so-called free Wi-Fi might as well not exist. Trying to connect was a futile exercise, making it impossible to get any work done. If I wanted to disconnect from the world, I’d go camping, not pay top dollar to stay in a so-called luxury hotel. Don’t even get me started on the room condition. The filth and grime made me question whether the housekeeping staff had any proper training. Stained bed sheets? Really? I’ve stayed in budget motels cleaner than this dump.
Due to its central location, a few guests reported noise from the surrounding city, particularly at night. This might be an issue for light sleepers.
Some guests felt that the room rates were on the higher side, especially when compared to other hotels in the area. This was a common concern among budget-conscious travelers.
Some guests mentioned the staffs were rude and unfriendly.
Overall Analysis
Cost: Average Nightly Rate: Approximately RM 600 - RM 750 (Malaysian Ringgit)
Else Kuala Lumpur remains a highly recommended option for travelers seeking a unique and stylish experience in the heart of the city. The hotel consistently receives praise for its excellent service, modern amenities, and central location. However, some guests have pointed out drawbacks, including room size, noise issues, Wi-Fi reliability and customer services.
Is it Worth Visiting:
For those looking for a chic, modern retreat in Kuala Lumpur, Else Kuala Lumpur is generally considered worth the stay, especially if you prioritize design and service over a budget-friendly option. However, potential guests should be aware of the specific issues highlighted by some reviewers.
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