Are you wondering if the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur is worth it? Then you’re in luck. I stayed at this 5-star hotel on my last trip to Malaysia and am excited to share my unfiltered opinion.
Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur opened in 1997 and was last renovated in 2016. It has garnered a slew of awards and has hosted such luminaries as Barack Obama.
Spoiler alert: One night in this hotel was not enough! Read my Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur review to discover why I loved it, and if it could be the right hotel for you.
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My Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur Review
So, what is it like to stay at the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur? Here’s my honest lowdown.
What I loved about Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur
#1 The hotel’s location
The Ritz-Carlton is located in Bukit Bintang (check here). In my view, this is one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
It’s centrally located and close to many of Kuala Lumpur’s top attractions, restaurants and world-class shopping malls, including Pavilion, the biggest and best. Jalan Alor, the famous hawker street food market, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel
#2 A friendly welcome
After a disappointing stay at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang, stepping into the Ritz-Carlton was like a breath of fresh air. From the doorman who helped me out of my taxi, to the reception staff, the welcome was warm, friendly and professional.
I was talked through a handy information sheet and given a voucher for a complimentary cocktail before being escorted to my room.
#3 My spacious Deluxe King Room
At 430 sq ft, this L-shaped room was large by Malaysian standards. Decorated in neutral tones with taupe carpeted floor, it had a light and airy feel, helped by dual aspect floor-to-ceiling windows.
A comfortable bed guaranteed a restful night’s sleep. There was good quality linen, plump pillows and charging points on either side of the bed.
The seating area had a generous day sofa, a 55-inch flat-screen TV and a desk. There was also a Nespresso coffee maker (always a positive for me!).
Want to watch TV as you’re soaking in the tub? Not a problem in this enormous marble bathroom. There’s a separate shower with a rainfall head, and amenity kits and high-end Diptique toiletries were provided.
Lighting was excellent throughout, and air-conditioning was efficient yet quiet. The Wi-Fi worked well, and there was an in-room safe.
The turndown treat was a nice touch. Club rooms and suites have 24-hour butler service.
#4 Elegant design
The hotel oozes 1930s sophistication with a modern twist. Its public areas are studded with cosy lounges, featuring plush sofas and easy chairs flanking low coffee tables.
#5 The hotel’s leisure facilities
Although I didn’t have time to try them, there are two outdoor swimming pools. There’s a general one for all guests and a smaller one in the Spa Village.
An impressive 24-hour gym with steam rooms and saunas is also on this level.
#6 Relaxing in the Lobby Bar
But I did make time to enjoy the complimentary mocktail in the stylish RC Bar. I also took advantage of the Happy Hour.
#7 Delicious breakfast
Purely in the interests of research, I breakfasted in the hotel’s Cobalt Room, a large but attractive dining space with curvaceous booths and tables. The breakfast buffet was extensive, featuring Western and Malaysian dishes. I loved the juice bar.
My research didn’t extend to lunch and dinner, which are served in the hotel’s Li Yen restaurant. I chose to eat outside the hotel at Jalan Alor.
#8 Stellar customer service
You might expect a certain level of customer service from a 5-star resort, but the staff at the Ritz- Carlton KL went above and beyond. I’ll give you a few examples.
When my Grab taxi taking me to the Batu Caves drove past the hotel’s entrance, the doorman called him to direct him back. Another doorman insisted on taking a selection of photos of me in the hotel lobby, determined to get the best shots possible in a few different locations.
What I was less keen on
So far, so excellent. To be honest, there’s not much I would change about the hotel.
A (very) minor quibble is the unusual journey from the lobby to the room. You have to take a short escalator and pass through the stunning mezzanine level and lounge to reach the lift area.
Why I Loved the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.
This one-night stay was the perfect end to my second Malaysia solo vacation. The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur is a sophisticated hotel with old-world charm and flawless Malaysian hospitality. I was made to feel as much of a VIP as President Obama.
But if this doesn’t suit your tastes, take a look at my review of the Traders Hotel KL. It’s in a fabulous location, opposite KLCC Park and the Petronas Towers.
Finally, if you are looking for a hotel at Kuala Lumpur Airport, check out my review of the Sama Sama Hotel KLIA.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.