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Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur is certainly different. From its location near Brickfields to its minimalist, nature-inspired design, a lot of effort has gone into making sure this hotel stands out. What will catch most people’s attention, however, is the price.
Despite being a Hyatt property, staying at Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur won’t break the bank. In fact, my stay in November set me back approximately $75 a night. That rate is not unusual to find on the hotel’s website for most weeks. So, what gives?
Location
Well, the location won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. It is adjacent to the Bangsar and Brickfields neighborhoods which isn’t exactly the most traveled part of Kuala Lumpur, at least in theory. The hotel is connected to the LRT Red Line via the Bangsar Station and happens to be one stop away from both KL Sentral and KL Eco City.
Around the hotel, there isn’t much happening. It is a high-rise surrounded by a primarily residential area. The MOA Bangsar office complex is close by but that’s about it. Not being within walking distance of the city’s main sights may not be your preference, although I didn’t really mind.
Basic information
Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur takes up the top six floors of The Est condominium building, although each has a separate lobby, elevators and amenities. The hotel has two restaurants, an all-day dining option on the ground floor, and a dinner-focused eatery with a bar next to the lobby. I didn’t eat at either during my stay.
A foyer greets guests on the ground level where they will catch an elevator up to the lobby on the 41st floor. This isn’t particularly spacious, and the seating is kind of awkward, if I’m being honest. It’s not awful but everything feels low to the ground.
Additionally, another foyer can be found just outside the elevator of each floor with a coffee machine and some more seating. The coffee isn’t amazing, but I have had much worse at much fancier hotels. That’s something I suppose.
Amenities
The fitness center is a pretty decent size focusing mainly on cardio equipment. The weight area takes up a small corner of the room which limits the number of people who can lift at any one time. The swimming pool itself isn’t all that big but the area focuses more on hanging out than taking a dip.
There are various areas to lounge near the pool and take in the skyline views. This is what most folks would prefer to do anyway.
Rooms
I stayed in a studio room at Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur on this occasion. It’s the hotel’s entry-level room type and takes up 38 square meters. The accommodations seem much bigger than that due to a clever bathroom design and an emphasis on what I’ll call the winter garden space or what essentially functions as a separate work area.
Your attention is immediately drawn to the windows, making it feel like the entire city is at your fingertips. Interestingly, I stayed during the Diwali holiday which also gave me a front-row seat to the fireworks shows in Brickfields. That was pretty cool.
Ultimately, I spent quite a bit of time working in the winter garden or simply lounging on the couch. This space is exceptional and does an excellent job of utilizing the views to be something beyond a window you occasionally gander at.
Beyond that, Hyatt beds and pillows are always amazing, and the bathroom had plenty of toiletries. Finally, a nice note from the general manager and some butter cookies welcomed me upon arrival to the room. I really enjoy small touches like that.
The best thing…
It has to be the views. Everywhere in the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, an emphasis has been placed on maximizing the views. From the rooms to the lobby and down by the pool, you can enjoy always the breathtaking scenery.
The worst thing…
The elevator situation is a mess. If you’re coming from public transit, you’ll need to take three separate elevators to get to your room. This entire production takes five minutes at the very least and can be upwards of ten minutes should you need to wait for one to come down. I understand why this is the case. It’s still annoying.
Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur review: Outstanding value for money
For only $75 nightly, you can enjoy some of the best views in all of Kuala Lumpur at an upscale hotel with stylish rooms. That is outstanding value for money assuming you are okay with a location that doesn’t have much within walking distance.
It must be stressed; you aren’t out in the sticks. KL Sentral is one stop down the LRT meaning you can get from the hotel to KLIA fairly quickly. Moreover, the city’s robust public transportation means it is easy to get anywhere else you could want to go. Personally, the quality, affordability and views of Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur more than compensate.
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