Simplified Luxury at ORMOND Chowkit in Kuala Lumpur

Simplified Luxury at ORMOND Chowkit in Kuala Lumpur

-Described by many travellers as a Stylish hotel it is perhaps the best Boutique hotel in the heart of KL

The Chow Kit rethinks the notion of luxury for the contemporary traveller. They  believe that the greatest luxury is a life lived with comfort, purpose and balance – the sense that you are not bothered with frivolity, but focused on what matters most. Ditching the  unnecessary and just keeping the essentials, is simplified luxury.This is evocative of the now post-covid  wisdom – Less is More!Located in the bustling heart of old Kuala Lumpur, The Chow Kit is a traveller’s sanctuary, but not only just for rest – also for exploration and inspiration.

 

Not surprisingly this  hotel was one  of the “52 Places to Go in 2020 by The New York Times”,and just this week, was a “Hotel winner at the World Travel Awards Asia.”

Chow Kit sits cheek-by-jowl with the city’s golden triangle of shopping and commerce, Bukit Bintang, and the lively, tourist-worn Petaling Street, Chow Kit is becoming  the first stop KL for smart travellers in search of a quality Boutique Hotel. There are rewards lying behind the Hotels tough, gritty exterior. The Interior design and decor is not only aesthetically pleasing on the eyes but it feels  elegant and cozy and provides guest with a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

There are 86 rooms and 27 suites which are all a  modern reflection of Chow Kit’s history. Each room features all the modern essentials a traveller needs – Free high-speed WiFi, Luxury Linen, Bespoke Organic Toiletries by Jeanie Botanicals and Smart TVs.

“The hotels architecture,design and interior decor was achieved with the collaboration of a select group  of designers, artisans, craftsmen and artists from the neighbourhood and afar, each inspired by the history,cultures and traditions of colonial Kuala Lumpur to develop the style and feel of this unique hotel.”

Whilst the  hotel was formerly part of the a Tune Hotel Group, (with affiliations to Air Asia), it has now been rebranded as the Chow Kit and is part of the Ormond Group which owns Tune Hotels. This correspondent  had a very pleasant and relaxed 3 day weekend KL experience,  and really had the opportunity to “chill out”,indulge in some great  wine and food from the Hotel Lobby Bar and Restaurant,..and do some shopping at the excellent SOGO Department store, a short distance from the Hotel. It is also close to the monorail station which can take you to other connection points so that you can catch trains all over Kuala Lumpur. It is  only two stops from Bukit Bintang which is regarded as one of the main nightlife areas with numerous restaurants,and Upmarket as well as more  standard level Malaysian shopping malls.

The hotel is very nicely decorated with a vintage or “colonial era oriental feel”and look”.

The staff are  friendly  and deliver an enthusiastic and sincere form of hospitality, and it is a nice relaxing experience to “chill out in the Lobby Bar area and compare travel notes with local Malaysians and fellow guests, who are a civilized and interesting bunch”.

Dining is good with an authentic Malaysian twist. I would definitely recommend this hotel and  definitely stay again as my preferred KL residence, in preference to a big name Hotel. This is the quintessential Boutique Hotel with a more intimate and personal feel about it.The staff were friendly and hospitable and very helpful and they will spend time advising guests about key local Sights and Touring Options. Parking is available for guests just next to the hotel.

 

Exploring the Neighbourhood

“Hotel guests can explore Kuala Lumpur city with a walking tour around the vibrant Chow Kit neighbour hood  with  streets full of character and life and  residents who have been present for generations, it’s KL’s most authentic neighbourhood, untouched by skyscrapers and suits. You can get to know some of Chow Kit’s most famous food stalls, reconnect with its history and landmarks as you unearth the hidden gems along its alleyways.”

 

Rooms and Suites designed for comfort

THE HOTEL HAS  86 rooms and 27 suites which are a modern reflection of Chow Kit’s history. They are contemporary spaces, “with subtle details like fringe on a curtain’s edge, relaying traces of late night revels that lurked in the shadows of Chow Kit in the 70s and 80s.” What is important to know is that each room features all the modern essentials a traveller needs – Free high-speed WiFi, Luxury Linen, Bespoke Organic Toiletries by Jeanie Botanicals and Smart TVs.

The Hotel offers the following Rooms

-The Towkay-Soh Suite, meaning ‘The Boss Lady Suite’ in the local Hokkien dialect, is the largest suite, with luxurious king-sized or twin beds and living area, perfect for longer stays. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the ever-changing Kuala Lumpur skyline, and the suite boasts a beautiful en-suite bathroom with rain shower and luxury organic toiletries. These suites also feature curated art pieces, a small reading corner and free high-speed WiFi.

-The King Den, named after Chow Kit’s historically infamous gambling dens, is calm and comfortable, with king-sized or twin beds to match. Complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, timber floors, luxury linens, Smart TV and ensuite bathroom with rain shower and bespoke organic toiletries. Every room includes free high-speed WiFi throughout the property.

This corresp0ndent was lucky enough to stay in The Little Towkay Suite, meaning “The Little Boss Suite” in the local Hokkien dialect, which is great for longer stays,..because it has a luxurious king size bed  (or twin beds) It is complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, timber floors, luxury linens, Smart TV and ensuite bathroom with rain shower and bespoke organic toiletries.The room includes free high-speed WiFi throughout the property. (Approx. 22sqm/240sqft.)

The room’s interior was tastefully decorated and had a relaxing feel about it without being too,luxurious, or modern.I would call it classic Malaysian understated colonial style.Great views over the Kuala Lumpur skyscape and the monorail…but with double insulation for the large glass window panes, there is no intrusive noise from outside, and guests (myself included) get a relaxing sleep.,..a perfect sanctuary style hotel..offering the best quality bedding and pillows. In addition there is a stylish and exquisite understated luxury finish in the the bathroom with brass door handles,taps and  showers etc.