SUNDAY morning is quiet at Damansara City, save for some construction workers at their workplaces. But Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara's Kwee Zeen is buzzing with cheerful noises of customers getting breakfast and children milling about as they select their food with their parents.

It's a scene we haven't seen in a long time, but as the hospitality industry gets back on its feet after movement restrictions were lifted, hotels were once again busy with weekend guests, made up of mainly families and friends who want to get away from their living spaces but do not want to venture too far out.

The hotel, which opened its doors some years back, is the central point of the Damansara City area. For now, the adjacent DC Mall has several good eateries and convenience stores, but according to the mall's owner, things are looking up.

There is the DC Food Village and Jaya Grocer will open its doors soon. There is also an aesthetic centre and a fertility clinic there.

Given the hotel's stellar service and great amenities, including a Technogym-equipped gymnasium, spacious pool (with a children's dipping pool) lined with adequate deck chairs and a spa that's cosy and quiet for some self-care, guests don't need to venture out to have a good, relaxing weekend.

The eateries of Bukit Damansara (like the super popular Siti Li Dining, Huckleberry or Croisserie) are just a short Grab ride away. Otherwise, there are always delivery services available if you are not keen to venture out under the hot sun.

The bathroom in the Prestige Suite opens to the corridor instead of the room, which I like.
The bathroom in the Prestige Suite opens to the corridor instead of the room, which I like.

We stayed in the Prestige Suite and what we love the most is the layout of the room.

The spacious bathroom, with double sink and a wide and deep bath tub opens to the corridor, keeping the bedroom private. This works perfectly for us, given that our son Murshid sleeps very early and with lights off.

Some suite bathrooms open to the bedrooms and that requires tip-toeing if I want to have a long tub soak after he goes to bed. But none of that inconvenience here. My son's sleep time is precious to me, because that's the window I have to rest and lounge about and this suite layout allows me do that, while he sleeps.

The room also has a Nespresso machine and that's another big plus to me. I have one at home and hotel rooms with this gets brownie points from me automatically for two things-- it makes me feel more at home and I don't have to venture out for a cup of morning espresso.

The amenities kit is by Lanvin and comes in a unisex, fresh scent. There is a pack of bath salts for a good soak. And while the bidet isn't a high-tech, digital one, it balances the need to use water to clean up after oneself, while keeping the lavatory area dry.

Le Bar serves small bites and the hotel’s afternoon tea.
Le Bar serves small bites and the hotel’s afternoon tea.

In many instances, I find hotel spas to be overpriced and overrated, maybe because they cater to a wide range of customers, from those who want light massages to people like me, who appreciate hard kneading to loosen very tired muscles.

The Sofitel Spa, I am happy to report, is exceptional in service and down-to-Earth in its approach. The staff are friendly and the layout is simple. Customers wait at a little tea bar for a hot drink as the staff prepares the room.

Our masseuse was Sebar, a 50-year-old Kelantanese whose massage rhythm and intensity is closest to my favourite masseuse who I haven't seen since Covid-19 movement control was first imposed in April last year.

Sebar's skills are amazing. Knots are loosened and muscles are massaged in ways that I like. I did not fall asleep. It was impossible under such pain, accumulated through repetitive movement and lack of exercise and stretching. But that night, I sleep much better and the next morning, my body feels much lighter.

The spa service is exceptional.
The spa service is exceptional.

For now, the best thing in Damansara City is this hotel.

The hotel is mainly for business, but Covid-19 means this segment is severely affected. For more than a year, there were no physical meetings, annual conferences or even company dinners that were typically held in hotels.

Thankfully, Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara has all it takes to pivot to a family hotel and judging by the weekend crowd, people like it for the service, the friendliness of its staff and the price points of the rooms.

The pool is lined with deck chairs for guests to relax.
The pool is lined with deck chairs for guests to relax.

Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

No. 6 Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara

50490 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

03-27206688

[email protected]

https://www.sofitel-kualalumpur-damansara.com/

There are five tier of rooms-- Luxury, Luxury Club, Junior Suite, Prestige Suite and Opera Suite. Our Prestige Suite has views of surrounding areas. Bedlinen is crisp, but pillows are too soft for my liking although our son finds them comfortable.

Kwee Zeen serves all day dining and Le Bar serves afternoon tea. For now, breakfast buffet is only available on weekends.

Enjoy the pool with your family. It's open from 9am to 7pm. For better crowd control, it is best to inform pool staff beforehand. There's a kid's pool for little ones too.

There's nothing much in the surrounding area, but the hotel is a short distance away from the eateries in Bukit Damansara and Bangsar Shopping Centre if you want a change in scenery.

The hotel is self-sufficient that guests don't need to venture out during their stay.

Not much to be seen within walking distance. Perhaps when the constructions are complete and the mall is fully occupied, the area will be more interesting.


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