A relatively young city if compared to South East Asia's other centres of development and economic strength, Kuala Lumpur's luxury hotels are generally younger buildings. The rapid development and expansive, even land of the Malaysian Peninsula's west coast has made it relatively easy to erect impressive feats of modern architecture.
Perhaps the most renowned example of this type of design and construction are the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers. Until being trumped by the Taipei 101 building, these towers held the record for being the world's highest inhabitable buildings. Today they remain record breaking, although it is only for being the tallest twin towers in existence. Nevertheless, they are iconic landmarks of Malaysia's capital and can be seen from all around, including the parts of the Klang Valley, which forms the main city's outer lying area.
The style and design of the Petronas Twin Towers is immediately recognizable for its near futuristic shape and the facade of glass and light. The sky bridge which joins the two buildings has become something of landmark in its own right. While Kuala Lumpur's five star hotels don't reach the physical heights of the towers, they certainly meet many other areas of excellence, especially when it comes to those which were built with the same commitment to striking modern designs.
On the subject of 5 star hotels, Kuala Lumpur is invested with this spirit of modern design and bountiful luxury and none more so than the Mandarin Oriental. Located in shadow of the Twin Towers, the Mandarin Oriental is almost as well known as its more statuesque cousins, not least for its remarkable angular design. Despite enhancing the sprawling cityscape with its ingenious shape, a stay at the Mandarin is more likely to please those who prefer a touch of colonial luxury.
Although this colonial style, one which is to be found in many areas of Malaysia, is not overwhelming, it is certainly discernible in the use of luxurious furnishings and the layered textures of many of the establishment's rooms and restaurants. Beautifully incorporated into the decor and design, are many Malaysian aesthetic elements. All in all creating a tasteful eclecticism which varies from the foyer to the rooms and right out onto the famous infinity pool with its surrounding tropical greenery. The pool is particularly noteworthy, not only for its amazing design, but that it stretches for 28 metres.
When not enjoying the host of fine international cuisines, which are to be found within the Mandarin Oriental's restaurants, or making use of the tennis and squash courts, or perhaps taking advantage of the great fitness centre or the many spa treatments, guests might take pleasure from the city centre park. The 50 acre park, across from the building, is a splendid place to while away a few hours, enjoying the phenomenal collection of indigenous plants or visiting the bird sanctuary. The perfect place to revitalize after a day at one or two of the city’s famed 66 shopping malls.
For 5 Star Hotels, Kuala Lumpur offers a fine selection of luxury establishments, all with their own aesthetic elements and interesting architecture, as well as providing the typically high standards of hospitality and great cuisine which have helped make it one of the most coveted destinations on earth.
