The Shangri-La in Kuala Lumpur remains one of my favourite hotels, but a return trip to Malaysia’s capital presented an opportunity to try out another hotel in the group.
The Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur is a 5-star Shangri-La property that has garnered numerous awards since its opening in 2006. But does it deserve these gongs?
Get the lowdown in my Traders Hotel KL review.
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Traders Hotel KL Review
So, what is it like to stay at the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur? Here’s my honest lowdown.
What I loved about Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
#1 The hotel’s location
The Traders Hotel is in a fabulous location, facing KLCC Park with unobstructed views of the Petronas Twin Towers. It’s a great base for exploring Kuala Lumpur.
I highly recommend strolling around the park and seeing the KLCC Lake Symphony. This daily water and light show in KLCC Park takes place at 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm.
If you are up for a spot of retail therapy, there’s an underground walkway to Suria KLCC Shopping Centre.
Here’s the location if you want to look it up on Google Maps. The address is Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
#2 Efficient check-in
A warm and efficient check-in is what you yearn for after a long-haul flight, and the reception staff at Traders Hotel didn’t disappoint.
#3 My Traders Club Room
Traders has rooms to suit every budget, from “entry level” Deluxe Rooms through to suites. You’ll pay a premium for a room with that prized view of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Although not as spacious as my room at the Ritz-Carlton KL, at 344 sqft, the Traders Club Room was a decent size by Malaysian standards. Decorated in neutral tones with a wooden floor, it felt light and airy.
I slept well in the comfortable king-size bed, helped by good quality linen and plump pillows. The room had a day sofa, a 55-inch flat-screen TV and a desk. There was also a pod coffee maker (always a plus point for me!).
Lighting was good throughout, and air-conditioning was efficient yet quiet. The Wi-Fi was fast and robust – it coped well with streaming content – and there was an in-room safe.
The bathroom had a soaking tub and a separate shower with a rainfall head. Amenity kits and proprietary toiletries were provided.
#4 The Club Lounge
I booked a Club Room for access to the Club Lounge. This serves complimentary food and beverages, including breakfast, drinks and snacks throughout the day, afternoon tea and evening cocktail & canapes.
Eating my breakfast whilst gazing at the Petronas Towers was something special.
#5 The hotel facilities
Traders comes with the bells and whistles you would expect of a 5-star hotel.
The small, rectangular rooftop pool is next to the famous SkyBar, which felt a little odd (great views though). Because of its location, it closes at 7 pm. There is also a sauna, steam room, well-equipped gym and spa.
I made use of the complimentary buggy service to the Suria KLCC Shopping Mall (from here you can access KLCC Station for public transport).
#6 SkyBar Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Aside from the weirdness of it sharing space with the hotel’s pool, I could see why this rooftop bar has scooped up so many awards. The view is sensational, and prices are not outrageous. It is wildly popular for sunset drinks (book a table here)
The SkyBar also serves food, but I didn’t sample this here or in any of the other hotel restaurants
What I was less keen on
So far, so good. To be honest, there’s not much I would change about the hotel, but I do have a few minor quibbles.
Some of the areas felt a little tired and in need of a bit of sprucing up.
The Club Lounge was busy for evening cocktails, and I found I needed to get there early to grab a good table by the window. That said, there was room for everyone and food and drink were plentiful.
And that’s a wrap!
I enjoyed my stay at the Traders Hotel KL and wouldn’t hesitate to book a room there again. But if I were forced to choose between this and the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, my vote would go to the latter.
Although the location of the Shangri La is not as good (although you are on the right side of town for visiting the Batu Caves), the property feels more high-end and service standards were higher.
But for a return visit to KL, I would look first at the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur. This exceptional hotel surpassed my wildest expectations and proved to be surprisingly affordable.
Finally, if you are looking for a Kuala Lumpur airport hotel, take a look at my Sama Sama Hotel KLIA review.
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.