Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imperial

[Keith009]

Le Meridien at KL Sentral

Stay duration: 1 night (I was also booked here for the 4th night of my stay run but managed to find the regular rate for the Westin just in time so I canceled my booking here for the better Westin location)

Location

The LM is located at KL Sentral, the KUL City Air Terminal which offers ITCI for CX and MH flights (and possibly one other airline which I now struggle to recall) and just 30 mins away from the airport on the KLIA Express. Convenient if one is just overnighting in KL, but very out of the way from everything else. Besides being next to the KLIA Express, the only other positive is that Bangsar, one of the pockets of nightlife in this city, is only one stop away on the metro.

Room/Decor

I was given a room on one of the highest floors of the building. My room was a bit on the small side, with a rather cramped bathroom. Unlike the Westin and SI, the LM's bathroom did not have separate shower and bath. However, it had a Japanese-style toilet with little buttons you could push for hygiene purposes... similar to those found in Japanese hotels. The bed at this property was pretty average - a little too hard for my liking and the duvet felt threadbare.

 

[Keith009]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

Everything about this hotel felt pretty new, and I was informed that it'd only opened 2 (or was it 3?) years ago. The decor is contemporary with a rather clean and modern look, and accented with the Le Meridien pseudo-cultural 'flair.'

The only issue I had with this property was the rather warm hallways - I think the air conditioning wasn't functioning well during my stay. Also, the lifts were extremely slow - which is an issue if you're staying on a high floor.

Service and SPG Gold recognition

Staff were generally very friendly. The restaurant staff were courteous and efficient. The porter offered to escort me to the check in counters at KL Sentral before he realised that I was off to another hotel in the city.

I liked the fact that I could dine at the Hilton next door, and still be able to charge everything to my room account.

I was offered 4pm late check out before I even asked. And I was also cheerily told that I was upgraded to an identical room on the SPG floor...

In summary, I wouldn't mind staying here again if I had to overnight in KL due to its proximity to Sentral. However the downtown location is still preferred when I'm actually visiting KL.

That completes my experience of all 3 Starwood properties in KL (except the Sheraton Subang Jaya which is not actually in KL anyway). As a whole, hotels in KUL are very good value - offering 5 star luxury at 3-4 star prices!

 

[Keith009]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

The refurbished Sheraton Imperial

I stayed at the Sheraton Imperial for the 3rd and 5th nights of my trip. The hotel is under renovation until December which means that the rates are most conducive for a stay run. Renovation works occurred 0900-1830 every day. I managed to score refurbished rooms for both stays.

For the first stay I got upgraded to the Executive Suite!! For some reason the changes seem more visible in the standard room than the suite. Hmmm

The most obvious plus of the refurbishment was the installation of huge wall mounted plasma TVs. This also made the standard room more spacious as it meant that the entertainment stand was a lot slimmer.

I was also glad to see higher quality beds, with softer mattresses and more sumptous duvets.

The standard rooms now come with a MUCH nicer sofa.

The decor looked a lot fresher, with new light fittings and wallpaper.

On the whole - a very nice and welcome change.

The temporary lobby:

I somehow liked it better than the old lobby - less fussy somehow, and not as cluttered with random bits and pieces.

Executive Suite

Living Room:

 

[Keith009]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

Bedroom:

The huge bathroom:

 

[Keith009]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

Temporary Club lounge on level 3:

The lobby being renovated:

 

[Keith009]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

Standard Room

 

[straitman]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

More great pics. Thanks QF009.

 

[ioki]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

thx for the mini report..

i've plans to spend some 4 nights in KL late Nov and have been eyeing the starwood properties there and your report and pix gave a peek on what's available there!

 

[Keith009]

Re: Mini reports from KL: The Le Meridien Sentral, and the refurbished Sheraton Imper

i've plans to spend some 4 nights in KL late Nov and have been eyeing the starwood properties there and your report and pix gave a peek on what's available there!

I strongly reccomend The Westin! My fave Starwood pty in KL by far, best in terms of location, service and decor (ultra modern).
Did a report on this property back in July:
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/trip-reports/impressions-qf-ba-cx-10545-2.html#post135324

Go for the Sheraton Imperial if you're into Luxury Collection properties and their 'old world' charm, but its location is not nearly as good (apart from being next to Asian Heritage Row - a little alleyway of upmarket restaurants) and service IMO is inferior to the Westin's.

 

[drron]

Thanks for the pics.I really dont mind the Sentral position having stayed at the hilton but next year SPG may very well get some of my business.