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Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Some time ago, a friend and I took a trip around Kuala Lumpur (KL), and we stayed at a bunch of hotels there, including Hilton KL, Le Meridien, Four Points by Sheraton in Chinatown, and this place – Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
(review of the other KL hotels to come soon, I promise)
From Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), one can easily take the KLIA Express train to KL Sentral.
Aloft is a stone’s throw away from KL Sentral proper.
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral (right), next to the NU Sentral shopping center
Arrival and Lobby
Depending on the time of day, the check-in area can get pretty crowded, but there are large seating areas around the lobby to accomodate the crowds.
One of the few waiting areas
Lots of Seating
Rare moment of quietness
Check in and Room Upgrade
With my American Express Platinum Charge card, I possessed Elite Gold status for Marriott Bonvoy, and one of the perks is a possible room upgrade (subject to availability), and 2pm late checkout.
Check-in counter
At the check-in counter, I was informed that my room had been upgraded – from a Two Queen Beds Guest Room to a Two Queen Beds HIGH FLOOR Guest Room – essentially the same room type but with a better view. (Yes, it is a different price category).
Score? Your mileage may vary depending on whether a better view matters.
To the lifts
Off to the rooms we go.
2 Queen Beds Guest Room: higher floor
The room is exactly as described: Two queen beds on a higher floor.
Ta Dah
Simple but it does the job
The other side of the room has the work desk area.
A step away from the foot of the bed
TV, couch, workdesk
Simple coffee and tea amenities were provided. No nespresso machine here, but again, this isn’t a particularly high-end hotel.
Powdered Coffee packets and Tea Bags
And here’s the view from the room.
Buildings and Greenery
Bathroom
Both my friend and I had the opinion that the bathroom was the nicest part of the room – it was actually very well designed.
Bathroom Entrance
On one side was a sliding door – that alternated between a hanging area and the shelves and number-lock safe.
Bonus: sliding door’s a mirror
Oh, towels.
And the opposite side has the shower and toilet.
Toilet behind left glass door
Shower behind right glass door
And finally – there was a sink and a bunch of bathroom amenities.
Sink area
Quite self-explanatory, yes?
Overall, it is a simple but highly functional bathroom layout. Does the job, and great for the practical person.
Swimming Pool
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral has a rooftop pool.
Rooftop pool – overlooking the KL sentral skyline
View from the other end
Walking along the side
It is hugely popular with families – there’s always a crowd here, and the crowd usually comes with children.
The smaller ones tend to hang out at the kiddy pool in the corner.
Smaller Kiddy Pool
Visually, the smaller kiddy pool looks almost cordoned off from the main area – so it gives the illusion that little kids can have their own segregated water play space.
Shallow waters
Gym
For those who prefer the threadmill to walking through all of KL’s shopping malls, you’re in luck – there is a 24 hour gym here.
Aptly named ‘Recharge’, the 24 hour gym is accessible via the hotel guest card.
Even the carpet design resembles a walkpath
Admittedly, it has a good range of gym machinery and weight training equipment.
Dumbells galore
And it has a pink Aloft water dispenser.
Towels and water dispenser area
Breakfast at Nook Restaurant
The breakfast buffet is located at Nook Restaurant on Level 1.
Rise and Shine?
When my friend and I stayed, the breakfast was not originally included in our room package – but we took one look and everything looked so good that we HAD to include it.
Even the fruit looked inviting
At that time of stay, the cost of breakfast add-on was RM 60++ per pax – converting it to Singapore dollars, it was less than SGD 20++ per pax – coming from Singapore, this was a real steal. Do note that breakfast pricing is subject to change and may vary depending on the season and time.
Food-wise, there was…
An assortment of nuts and cheeses…
Noodle Station…
Indian fare that includes couple of curries and roti prata and naan…
Sweeter pastries – Muffins and Fruit Danishes…
A Doughnut Wall…
Sausages and Hams and Grilled or Sauteed Vegetables…
All kinds of Yogurt…
A variety of breads…
And a pancake and waffle stand…
The variety was very good for the price – the friend and I had a wonderful time here, so no regrets shelling out for the buffet breakfast add-on of RM 60++ per pax.
Overall Review
The 2D1N stay we had at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral was lovely. We did not expect something luxurious, and in fact we appreciated how practical and simple the room was. Everything was clean and staff were friendly. Truly, it was a hotel that did a job to host us and did it well.
Thank you Aloft KL Sentral!
Marriott Bonvoy Elite Gold Status: points earned
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral Review: as a Marriott Bonvoy Elite Gold Member, I also earned the following points from this stay:
– Base points: 815
– Elite Gold Status Bonus: 204
– Stay Extra Points Promotion: 250
Total points earned: 1269
Apply for an American Express credit card and get bonus points!
American Express Platinum Charge Card (Image source: American Express)
As a holder of the American Express Platinum Charge card, as part of the card’s benefits, I hold elite statuses in four major hotel chains, including a Gold Elite status in Marriott Bonvoy. Perks include complimentary room upgrades, 25% bonus points, and 2pm late checkout.
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- The Platinum Charge Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 30, 000 Membership Rewards points when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 20, 000 Krisflyer miles when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for each credit card's application and usage may be subject to change by American Express. Therefore, readers are recommended to check any matters with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.
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