Photo Courtesy of The Majestic Kuala Lumpur
Once a place where sophisticated soirees went into the wee hours of the night; where government officials rested their heads; and where respected international travelers hung their hats, The Majestic Hotel has become quite the prominent figure in Malaysia since its construction in 1932. Throughout the years, it has undergone renovations and additions, but still retains all of its former colonial glory.
Located in a prime spot on the historical mile of Kuala Lumpur and a half hour by train to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the five-story Malaysia luxury hotel is close to some of the city's most popular attractions and museums. The 176 rooms and 112 suites are spread out between the original building?s Majestic Wing, and the more recent addition, the Tower Wing.
The detailing in The Majestic Tower certainly reflects the hotel's art deco style in timber floors under tufted carpets and bathrooms lined with black and white checkered tile with claw-footed bathtubs and rain showers. The Colonial Suite and Governor Suite are outfitted with modern furnishings in a homey setting and offer separate living areas and views of the city.
With over 1,000 square feet of space, the Majestic Suite offers even more opulence during your stay. But, if the lack of Majestic paraphernalia at first turns you against your chosen accommodations, keep in mind that all of the suites in the Majestic Wing are complete with butler service, so you really have nothing to complain about; and if you do, someone is available to listen.
The Tower Wing is attached to the Majestic Wing by a glass, air-conditioned walkway, in case the Malaysian heat gets too intense for the short journey. Generally similar in décor and amenities to its neighboring wing, the Tower Wing lacks one important detail: a butler. However, the views of Kuala Lumpur's skyline, its heritage sites or the hotel's gardens may make up for the luxury services that are missing.
The Premier Suites in this wing are primarily for entertaining, complete with separate living and dining areas, and a guest powder room. The one-bedroom Grand Suites overlook the lush gardens and the separate living area offers privacy or a place to gather with fellow travelers. In any of these suites, expect to find contemporary glass-enclosed bathrooms with deep soaking tubs facing wall-mounted TVs and two vanity areas. The Tower Wing also houses the hotel pool on the fourth floor as well as the gym.
True to the country’s history of English occupation, the Majestic Spa is designed like a Scottish Willow Tearoom. Traditionally, this was a place for dignitaries and businessmen to meet and talk shop, and for women to enjoy a social lunch or game of cards. Delicately feminine treatments at the spa include Queen Victoria’s Lavender and English Afternoon Tea—so if the butler service and colonial architecture didn’t make you feel enough like a lady, these spa services certainly will.
Dining at the Majestic is another classy affair. The bar and Colonial Café feature a gold-leafed, domed ceiling, a part of the original hotel, in the Majestic Wing. In this area of the hotel, guests can sip cocktails or taste classical cuisine from the colonial era, while being serenaded by descendants of musical legend Maestro Alfonso Soliano.
The Tea Lounge, also located in the Majestic Wing, features groupings of comfortable armchairs, subdued lighting, and English Tea with a Malaysian flare. The Tower Wing houses Contango, which serves a wide range of Asian, Japanese, Western and grilled dishes prepared to order, right in front of the patrons. This restaurant also features a 2,000-bottle wine cellar featuring a special collection from two big names in the industry, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.
In other corners of the hotel, guests can be seen getting lost in a good book in the Reading Room; relaxing in The Drawing Room, an exclusive lounge for those staying in the Majestic Tower; or visiting The Orchid Conservatory to explore the beautiful hanging garden and thousands of different orchids inside the glass atrium. This is a one-of-a-kind display in Malaysia and is constantly changing with the seasons to give returning guests something new to look forward to. And if you want to get away from the property for a little shopping or sightseeing, the hotel's Luxury Coach is happy to take guests to Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station, Starhill Gallery or to the chic mall in the Bukit Bintang district.