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High-living, suburbia-style, finally!
Sun, 11/02/2008 10:31 AM | Supplement
In the Selangor state's Klang Valley's many dynamic suburbs, such as Petaling Jaya, it's rare to find a decent, much less a five-star hotel to pamper business travelers and high-end leisure tourists. Now they have an option apart from downtown Kuala Lumpur city hotels and that choice is One World Hotel.
Recently opened in PJ, as locals affectionately call it, the hotel is a 40-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur's city center on a good day without traffic snarls - and located next to the 1-Utama mall packed with international tenants like Tommy Hilfiger, Bimba and Lola, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, DKNY Jeans and Polo Ralph Lauren, among others.
Great, of course, for the fashion-conscious traveler, and even convenient for businessmen who are putting up at the hotel, but lack the time in seeking decent suits, shirts, trousers and ties, as the mall caters to these demographics and more.
Back at the hotel, its facade does not look impressive - actually, it's rather drab in appearance - but step inside the lobby where it's quite something else. The decor and ambience are opulent, with the partial polished wooden walls, Crema Valencia marble floor with white and grayish grained marble border finishing, grand as well as tasteful little chandeliers, and a striking spiral staircase leading downstairs to the restaurants such as Cinnamon.
Upstairs, there are Superior, Deluxe, Deluxe Plus, Executive Club-type rooms; suites, junior suites and executive suites. All rooms are soothing in amber and beige tones. When you enter, you'll immediately notice the very well-stocked pantry filled with snacks. Amenities include three telephones (one in the bathroom), shower and a separate long bath area, 32- and 42-inch LCD TVs, hair dryer, coffee/tea-making facilities, personal safe, and iron and ironing board (no need to specially call housekeeping to request the latter two).
Those staying at the Executive Club rooms can avail of a special personalized check-in service on the 19th floor. When registering, guests are offered refreshments and a hot or cold towel. The 40-square-meter rooms, meanwhile, are spacious enough for three people. For those who do not want to share a bed can request two queen-size beds instead. You can also use the Peridot Club lounge on the same floor. The lounge offers privacy and convenience, especially for those who want to hold a small meeting with business associates. At certain times of the day, you can enjoy free unlimited buffet and drinks, which include imported wines and beer. Not forgetting wired and wireless Internet access, fax, printers, purser service, complimentary pressing of one suit upon arrival, and free shuttle services to Kuala Lumpur City Center or the Kelana Jaya light rail station in another part of Petaling Jaya.
Recently, I stayed at one of the Executive Club rooms and discovered my favorite refuge within: the spacious bathroom. I enjoyed a lingering soak in the long bathtub, as well as soothing rainfall shower in a separate cubicle - best to take your time here and be left to your own thoughts, whatever they are. When you're done, get dressed up and head to the Cinnamon coffee house downstairs. The buffet here is delicious; the food doesn't taste "plastic" or "fake", unlike the crappy food I have had at many other hotels, even high-end ones, in Malaysia. At Cinnamon, you'll find rows of buffet tables; I recommend you attack the Japanese food, spaghettis, pizzas, desserts like pengat pisang, and an array of crepes. Oh, the outlet's service is thankfully prompt and the place is spacious to move around and make repeat visits to the scattered buffet tables. All in all, a memorable stay at the hotel, indeed.
For more info, visit www.oneworldhotel.com.my.
-- Tan Hee Hui/Contributor
