Review: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur - Sophisticated luxury in the heart of the metropolis

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Almost everyone who has been to Kuala Lumpur has passed by the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur. The luxury hotel is located in the heart of the metropolis, right next to the KLCC – Kuala Lumpur City Center and the iconic Petronas Towers. There is hardly a more central location in the metropolis. From the hotel it is easy to explore a lot on foot and the KLCC Park is always a good place for a short walk.

We arrive at the hotel shortly after noon. Our luggage is taken directly by the porters and we are escorted to the reception. There we get a refreshing iced tea while the very friendly receptionist calls up our reservation. Since this includes access to the MO Club, we are escorted up to the 24th floor where the check in for club guests takes place.

The check-in is uncomplicated and gives a good overview of the hotel and its various offers.

Club Twin Towers View Room

Our room is located on the 29th floor of the hotel, which has a promising view – but more about that later.

The 40 square meter room has a nice size: When you enter the room, you find yourself in a small hallway, where you also find the closet. In addition to a comfortable king-size bed, the room has a small couch for sitting by the window and a desk. The room is elegantly decorated with high quality fabrics and furniture combined with wooden elements. The color palette is soothing and gives the room a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The bathroom is practically integrated into the floor plan of the room, so there is plenty of space. As usual in Asia, there is both a shower and a bathtub. The luxurious cosmetic items from Dyptique catch our eye.

The plugs are conveniently international, so you don’t need an adapter. The highlight of the room, however, is the unique view of the Petronas Towers.

Culinary delights at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

The Mosaic Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast every morning until 10:30 am. As usual in Asia, the selection of Asian and Western dishes is excellent, so there’s something for everyone. Egg dishes are freshly prepared at the egg station. Drink orders are taken on the spot. We also remember the quality selection of croissants and pastries.

One problem with breakfast is that the Mosaic restaurant is undersized for the hotel’s 629 rooms and suites. On busy days, it can get extremely crowded at the popular breakfast time, making a relaxed start to the day difficult.

The culinary highlight at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly the Mandarin Grill. The steakhouse is also very popular with the locals, so not only hotel guests visit the stylish restaurant. On our visit, we chose the Ravioli with Saffron Emulsion and the classic Spicy Angus Beef Tartare for starters – both excellent.

Then we all opt for a 200 gram tenderloin steak of Australian O’Connor Black Angus beef. We order a selection of side dishes, including truffle fries, grilled green asparagus with choron sauce, and La Baratte butter truffle mashed potatoes – an excellent combination.

If you’re looking for a relaxed dinner or lunch, Aqua, right by the pool, is the place to go. Here you will find a variety of comfort food, from burgers and spicy beef sandwiches to pizzas and truffle pasta. Especially in the evening, the temperature is very pleasant and nothing stands in the way of a relaxing evening with a cocktail and delicious food.

The best place for a nightcap is the elegant MO Bar, located next to the Mandarin Grill on the first floor. The beige and earth tones of the interior, combined with the soft piano sounds in the background, create an exclusive but not too “stiff” atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and courteous and mixes drinks with passion.

MO Club

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur’s exclusive Club Lounge is located on the 24th floor and is reserved exclusively for guests who have booked a room or suite with Club access.

The lounge is very spacious and is divided into several areas. Past the reception desk is the buffet room, which spans the entire width of the wing. The rooms behind it are connected, but at the same time somewhat separated from each other, creating multiple areas and making the lounge feel private despite its size. There are various seating options at tables in the rooms, and there is always room for two people at the windows. This is where the views are at their best. At the end of the lounge is another large living room with various sofas and seating areas. High-quality furnishings in muted colors and wood tones extend throughout the lounge, and the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows offer a beautiful view of the surrounding vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur. Breakfast is served in the lounge until 10:30 a.m. While the selection may not be as varied as the buffet at Mosaic Restaurant, you can still find everything your heart desires in the morning. In addition to several hot and cold options, egg dishes such as egg benedict are freshly prepared. Coffee specialties and soft drinks are available throughout the day until the lounge closes at 22:00. Afternoon tea is served in the MO Club between 14:30 and 16:30. Here you can enjoy a variety of sweet snacks, as well as sandwiches and some hot appetizers.

The cocktail hour is between 17:00 and 19:00. During this time, cold and hot dishes are served, from salads to canapés such as spring rolls, various hot dishes, dessert and cheese platter. Alcoholic beverages are also served, including various white and red wines, a sparkling wine, beer and various spirits, so you can also have a cocktail and long drinks mixed. Although the time from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. may seem a little early to us, this is a common time in Asia for club lounges.