With its third city hotel, Alila Hotels & Resorts has combined tropical chic with Kuala Lumpur's city setting
Occupying the 35th to 44th floors of a mixed-use development in the trendy Bangsar neighbourhood, the hotel’s wood-clad exterior is juxtaposed against serene interiors flooded with natural light and punctuated by tall, leafy plants.
1. An emphasis on sustainability
Alila Bangsar eschews plastic wherever possible, opting instead for refillable glass bottles and shower dispensers. It also cuts down on the use of paper by enabling guests to check in using iPads and order room service via a television console. In addition, rainwater from the roof is harvested to water its plants.
2. A minimalist-luxe aesthetic
Designed by acclaimed Shanghai-based architecture practice Neri & Hu, the hotel’s aesthetic blends natural elements with Art Deco nostalgia – think a palette of wood and stone accented by brass fittings that complement the tropical landscaping. While there’s an expansive sense of space, it also feels intimate thanks to plenty of warm lighting.
3. Dining with a difference
The hotel’s main restaurant, Entier, is built on nose-to-tail dining. Chef Masashi Horiuchi – who’s worked in Michelin-starred restaurants around Europe – sources ingredients locally wherever possible and even makes chicken heart palatable through his use of French culinary techniques.
The vibe here is relaxed, and some dishes are offered as large portions – such as a 1kg Josper-grilled côte de boeuf – to encourage sharing. After your meal, enjoy a nightcap at the hotel’s spacious Pacific Standard bar, which pays homage to old-world Hollywood charm and glamour with drinks like the Bel Air Fizz and Hollywood Highball.
4. A home away from home
The rooms feel like private havens, but equal attention is paid to making the communal spaces comfortable. On every level of the hotel, lifts open into a small living room furnished with comfy sofas, coffee tables littered with art and design tomes and a well-stocked self-service pantry.
5. Rooms with a view
The hotel’s lobby and multi-level rooftop bar occupy the topmost floors of the building, overlooking the pool and affording guests 360-degree vistas of the city. Every room comes with great city views too.
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