Cover Capri by Fraser design by Blu Water. Photo: The Space Storyteller

More than a traveller's abode, these hotels in the city are also a magnet for designophiles

Social media has indeed changed the way we travel. These days, a significant determinant of our hotel choice is not just how comfortable or convenient it is but the Instagrammable opportunities the stay might afford.

Design-led hotels particularly have the advantage as they often present an aesthetically pleasing tableau or a quirky detail to make the perfect picture in every corner.

We've narrowed down three new hotels in Kuala Lumpur with such a distinctive design character that they will please both snap-happy travellers and design enthusiasts.

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1. Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur

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Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur is Pan Pacific Hotel Group's first Parkroyal Collection hotel beyond the iconic and lush Parkroyal on Pickering by WOHA Architects in Singapore. To this end, one of Bukit Bintang's mainstay hotels was reimagined by award-winning Singapore-based firm FDAT into an eco-chic hub.

 

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The biophilic facade is a bold statement featuring sky planters on its frontage and roof terraces showcasing 13,000 sq ft of plants and trees. Within the property, the F&B outlets continue on the eco-chic theme, with The Botanist Lounge & Bar and Thyme offering sustenance and refreshments in elegantly appointed spaces rich in natural materials. 

All 527 rooms were refurbished by FDAT and come in various sizes to suit different needs. They echo the hotel's concept in every aspect, from the photo-realistic headboards depicting botanical motifs to the sleek timber detailing, not to mention biodegradable in-room bath amenities and a filtered water dispenser.

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2. Capri by Fraser

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Inspired by Kuala Lumpur's past, present and future as well as the effervescence of the city, multiple award-winning Blu Water Studio captures this energy in the newly refurbished Capri by Fraser, Bukit Bintang.

Entering the ground floor lobby, visitors experience an instant jolt of energy through the symphony of creative components, from the customised rug with its bokeh effect to the dazzling lighting installation. The main lobby at Level 40 has a loft-like ceiling decked out in a festive palette of lilac, mint and coral set against sleek copper and wood finishes.

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On the same floor, the all-day dining space has a speakeasy vibe thanks to the use of copper and marble with curvilinear lines guiding the line of sight to maximise the views of the city. The hotel's common areas are given a playful twist with a touch of whimsy. The convertible meeting rooms and sky gymnasium are realised in more vibrant colours to encourage high energy, while the Club Lounge has a more restrained palette to inspire relaxation.

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As one adjourns to the guest rooms, the energy is softer but still lively, with abstract splotches of paint on the feature art wall. The studio-style layout is irresistibly cosy with pops of colour from the bright yellow side table and the cinema-inspired ombre rug. 

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3. Else

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Located in the Lee Rubber Building in Petaling Street, Else is an urban retreat set to open in July 2022. A modern take on hospitality with a deep reverence for the site's heritage, the building was once the site of KL's last Chinese Kapitan Yap Kwan Seng’s holiday home and one of the tallest buildings at the time of its construction in the 1930s. 

Local design collective Studio Bikin was tasked to reimagine the space, chosen because of their deft touch with contextually driven residential and commercial architectural projects. While the project is nearing completion, early release images showcase how Studio Bikin has stayed true to the location's spirit with a design that "embraces a modern, refreshing offering for today's travellers while celebrating elements of the past.”

 

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Wellness facilities span throughout the hotel including an outdoor pool terrace with cabanas, floating meditation pods, and a gratitude space. The Raw Kitchen Hall, an extension of its sister brand in Singapore, is a casual-chic gathering place serving comfort food while TheYellow Fin Horse on the fourth floor introduces a destination wood-fire restaurant combining Malaysian and international flavours.

All 49 rooms and suites are designed in soft palettes and natural tropical textures with local artisans and designers commissioned to provide the finishing flourishes.

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