Hotel Review: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Grand Executive Suite) - Luxurious Hotel with Best View of Petronas Towers
The Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is one of my well-loved Grand Hyatt properties in Asia-Pacific. Now, I have been to multiple Grand Hyatt properties in the region but ever since I have successfully managed to redeem one of my guaranteed suite upgrades in this property back in 2014, the property has become one of my favourite over the years. Now the city of Kuala Lumpur itself is a little bit of a chore to get to - if you hop on a car from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, it will take you around 45-60 minutes just to get to where the KLCC or Petronas Twin Towers are.
Click HERE to read my previous review of the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur!
I dropped by TGM in Terminal 2 of Changi Airport for a light dinner before flying in to Kuala Lumpur. While I typically do advocate traveling in Business Class, there is really very little reason for you to do so when it is a short-haul destination like this - the actual flight time is slightly over 30 minutes! I opted to travel on Malaysia Airlines (which I have not been on for the longest time) but was met with fairly drastic delays but once I got there, my airport transfer (which I have arranged prior to arrival) was already there and ready to take me to the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
Once you arrive at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, a quick ride in the elevator will take you directly to level 39 where the check-in area is located - you will notice the amazing view right from the moment you step out. Since I got in fairly late in the evening (no thanks to Malaysia Airlines), my room was ready when I checked-in.
I have previously made a reservation for a Grand Deluxe Room here at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur but I was somehow upgraded into a massive Grand Executive Suite with sweeping views of the KLCC Park as well as the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. In case you were wondering why the suite looks so bright, I actually look the photos the next morning because I was so tired (and hungry!) by the time I got there.
The Grand Executive Suite that I stayed in a few months back is one category above the Grand Twin Towers View Suite which I have stayed in 2014. While the previous suite was already really big (it was 105 sqm!), the Grand Executive Suite comes with a massive floor space of 152 sqm! In fact, you will probably be fairly impressed at how big the living area actually is since it comes with a full-size work desk, living room and dining area!
There are also two seats at the corner of the living room which I would imagine is where your guests will sit and wait for you before you emerge stylishly from the bedroom (more on this later!). Honestly, why anyone would require this obscene amount of space is beyond me - seriously, just look at the size of that living area! The living area of the Grand Executive Suite comes with a large LED television that is stocked with a wide selection of cable and satellite channels. In fact, there are also two Apple TVs (latest model!) here in the suite - one in the living room and one in the bedroom - so you can easily stream content from your laptop or mobile phone (assuming you are on macOS or iOS) without having to deal with wires or cables.
As if the sofa is not big enough, there is also a daybed for lounging by the side - this is the perfect spot to take in the sights from your suite. In fact, having stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur next door, the view from the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is significantly better since it is located slightly further away from the twin towers (which therefore gives you a better view).
The Grand Executive Suite here at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur comes with a dining area that sits up to six adults very comfortably. Honestly, look at that space - you can easily fit in a few more adults and do a couple of somersaults while you are at it. While the dining area is probably designed for you to enjoy a private dinner with your friends and family in the comfort of your own suite, I used it to snack on the food that I have brought back from Jalan Alor.
As part of my welcome amenities, I received some apples, chocolate pralines and a box of pineapple tarts - the last one took me by surprise since it was not Chinese New Year yet and honestly, the last time I visited, the welcome amenities were a little more predictable but once again, I am not complaining.
The dining area is probably one of the most beautiful corners of the Grand Executive Suite and having the view of the famous Petronas Twin Towers just outside of your window is quite something to behold - it looks especially impressive and trust me, you would love to have all your friends over to take in the sights!
Of course, no suite is complete without a personal pantry where you can find a wide selection of plates, glasses, cups as well as a Nespresso coffee machine. There is also a sink here for you to wash your dishes but let's face it, how many of us actually bothers to do that? Just make sure you leave a nice tip for housekeeping if you are a lazy traveller (do not be lazy and stingy!).
There is a full-size refrigerator as well as freezer here in the Grand Executive Suite and this is great for longer-staying guests since it allows you to stock up on your favourite beverages and snacks for later consumption. Complimentary Nespresso coffee pods were also provided and these are replenished during turndown as well as in the morning. With that being said, housekeeping has failed to replenish this completely on two out of four occasions. If you prefer, TWG Teabags can also be found in one of the drawers for your enjoyment.
There are one and half bathrooms here in the Grand Executive Suite. Apart from the full-size bathroom in the bedroom, there is also a powder room which is located near the foyer of the suite.
While the living room and dining area of the Grand Executive Suite is incredibly amazing, the bedroom is actually fairly similar to a regular Grand Room here at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. In comparison, I actually prefer the Grand Twin Towers View Suite which has a much larger and impressive bedroom (as well as bathroom!). Upon entering the suite, there is a sliding door on the right that will bring you to the bedroom and as mentioned earlier on, there is another bathroom here - your guests may use the powder room outside if necessary.
While I did like the bedroom of the Grand Executive Suite, it simply lacked the wow factor that I got from the Grand Twin Towers View Suite. In fact, after seeing how big the living room is, I have come to realise that this suite is probably more suited for VIPs with equally important guests. I remember Sebastian from LoyaltyLobby once said that 'presidential suites [are not] necessarily a good play to stay in' and even though the Grand Executive Suite was not the largest suite in the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (I know!), it certainly felt like a lot of the 'outside space' could have been better converted into a larger bathroom or bedroom.
The bedroom of the Grand Executive Suite also did not have a view of the Petronas Twin Towers which I personally thought was a shame. The bedroom is still fantastic if you look at it on its own but when you have got such an incredible living room, it is simply difficult to manage expectations.
I did however find the Apple TV in the bedroom great for catching up on Netflix series and movies - being able to AirPlay movies to the TV is truly something I value when I am on a vacation. The bed was also really comfortable and I wish I stayed in the suite a little bit longer to fully utilise all the facilities in here.
The main shower area is located directly behind the bed and the privacy glass (which can be toggled on and off with a flick of a switch) separates them quite elegantly. Bath amenities are provided by June Jacobs Spa Collection but instead of the 120ml bottles that I have gotten previously in the Grand Twin Towers View Suite, the bottles have been replaced with smaller squeeze-type bottles (which are easier to use but less impressive-looking). Even though the shower area is quite nice, I was secretly wishing for the same round tub that I have gotten in the Grand Twin Towers View Suite instead.
Staying in a Grand Executive Suite here at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur meant Grand Club access for you and a guest. Located on level 37 of the property, the Grand Club is reserved only for club and suite guests as well as World of Hyatt Globalist members. If you require a printer, you can access one here in the Grand Club for free. Some other perks of staying in a room or suite with club access includes the use of the Grand Club Boardroom (one hour per stay), two pieces of complimentary laundry per stay and all-day refreshments at the lounge.
The most important detail that I have left out would obviously be evening cocktails at the Grand Club from 6:00PM to 8:00PM daily. Apart from beer, wines and spirits, complimentary canapés are also served here at the Grand Club - I did find them to be quite good and definitely suitable for a light dinner. If you are hungry after evening cocktails and would like something else to eat, THIRTY8 has pretty delicious food but if you are willing to leave the hotel, there are plenty of restaurants (both fancy and otherwise) to choose from in the vicinity.
While I do not visit Kuala Lumpur often enough (maybe once every two years?), the view of the Petronas Twin Towers never fails to impress me. Perhaps it is the way the light reflects off these majestic towers or maybe because the towers seem to dwarf everything around it but they look magical at night and having this view from your very own suite is truly something to behold.
Since I had access to the Grand Club at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, I could choose between having my breakfast at the lounge or enjoy the full buffet spread at THIRTY8 instead. Considering how I have had a relatively light dinner the night before and how I remembered the food to be exceptionally good at the main restaurant, I decided to head to THIRTY8 for the full experience instead - it most definitely did not disappoint.
Upon entering the restaurant, I was shown to a table and was quickly offered coffee or tea - I requested for a double espresso and it was brought to me within a few minutes. There is a relatively wide selection of food here at THIRTY8 during breakfast and the star of this buffet is the local fare. If you cannot imagine eating noodles and rice for breakfast, the Grand Club is probably a better option since you may order from an egg menu there. Do not get me wrong though, you can still order from a live egg station here at THIRTY8 but if you are not going to have the local delights, you are better off with the peace and quiet over at the lounge.
If you are however happy to indulge a little (good on you!), THIRTY8 simply has one of the best breakfast spreads in Kuala Lumpur. One thing I really like about the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is even if your room or suite does not come with a view of the Petronas Twin Towers, you can always enjoy it in the Grand Club or the restaurant! The made-to-order waffles are also extremely delicious and I highly recommend for you to save space for dessert.
Having stayed in a handful of luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur, I dare say that the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is hands-down my favourite hotel in this city. The service that you get here is infinitely better than any of the other hotels that I have experienced but more importantly, that view of the Twin Towers is just something that you cannot get elsewhere. Sure, the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is located even closer to the real thing but due to the slightly further distance, the view from the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is actually that much better.
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
12 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 50450
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TRIBE Living Bangkok Sukhumvit 39 is a great value choice for budget-conscious travelers but its slightly longer walk from Phrom Phong BTS Station may make it less convenient compared to more accessible (but pricier) options in the area.