I HAVE expected to walk into a colourful and quirky lobby but Le Meridien Petaling Jaya surprises me with an elegant yet warm, high-ceiling lobby.
Located on the second floor of the 28-storey building in Kelana Jaya, the bright lobby - thanks to the flood of natural light - has no similarity with its sister Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur located some 16km away.
Unlike the fun and quirky KL hotel, the six-month old PJ hotel spots on a more subdued take with warm tones from dark wood floor and furniture brightened up with a dash of gold from the pendant chandelier and blinds.
Perhaps the only colour that reminds me that it is a Le Meridien hotel is the striking liquid blue from the huge carpet spread in front of the front office desk. Understated sculptures add more elegance to the space.
Although the lobby doesn't look like what I have expected, its simplicity and elegance welcomes me after the drive through the midday traffic from Kuala Lumpur on a weekday.
STAY
My deluxe twin room doesn't disappoint either. The mood I got from the lobby continues to the room. The wood flooring gives a warm homely feeling, while the plush furnishings in soft-colour theme adds romance and light-filled mood to the room.
What immediately attracts my eyes is the machine-embroidered, quilt-designed duvet that is unlike those satin-smooth duvets I've seen in other hotels.
The sight of the "bubbly" cotton spread calls for me to come closer. I just love running my palms on the bumpy surface and somehow this not-so-smooth texture feels so rich and swanky.
My 36sqm room is facing the west and thanks to the clear weather, I could see the cranes of Tanjung Pelepas Terminal in Port Klang, Bukit Jugra in Kuala Langat and Stadium Malawati in Shah Alam. The rooms at the other side of the hall face Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya.
The marble bathroom is made more luxurious by the US-based Malin+Goetz bath amenities, a bathtub, a long vanity counter and a rainshower, and of course, its sheer size too.
The business hotel offers 300 rooms in four categories - deluxe, executive, club and suite, that are located starting from the 19th floor. Each room has a wireless internet, living/sitting area, flat-screen TV and a minibar.
EAT
We're advised to have our breakfast after nine when Pasar Baru is less crowded since most of the hotel's guests are business travellers. And it is actually very good advice.
The all day dining restaurant is calm, safe for a few tables taken by guests who are looking more like on a holiday.
"And, don't forget to try its teh tarik. It's like your typical teh tarik in Mamaks." Yes, it is and since my friend and I practically have the restaurant all to ourselves, we happily make a few rounds to the teh tarik counter.
While Pasar Baru marks the end of our makan-makan stay at Le Meridien PJ, last night's dinner at PJ's Bar & Grill was the star of the stay.
Not only the rooftop restaurant spoiled us with a sumptuous two-course high-protein dinner, it indulged us with a superb unobstructed view of KL and PJ city skylines.
The night started with house sparkling mocktails of Spice Girl (of fresh ginger, strawberries and sparkling water) and PJ's Splash (of grenadine syrup, lime juice, mint leaves, lemonade and crushed ice), before our appetiser came out.
As if the platter of chicken skewers, fried mozzarella and chicken was not enough, we opted for a hearty 850gm Fiorentina steak for our mains.
The big steak came with seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes (oh, that fine, creamy mashed) and two choices of sauces - mushroom and black pepper. And guess what? We finished everything. E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!
The other outlet is Latitude Latitude 03⁰ 06', the lounge that is located next to the reception area. It serves decadent afternoon teas and coffee.
DO
While waiting for the breakfast crowd at Pasar Baru to ease, why not head to the gymnasium. Or if you have your cossies with you, the infinity pool makes a better choice.
GO
Said to be one of the tallest hotels in the area, the hotel is just a short 5-minute walk to Paradigm Mall. You don't even have to walk under the sun, it's a lobby-to-lobby kind of access.
VERDICTS
HIGHS The elegant vibes and the good food while the next-door mall is a nice add-on.
LOWS The drive to the hotel (chuckle!)
FAST FACTS
Le Méridien Petaling Jaya
1, Jalan SS7/26A
Kelana Jaya
47301 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
TEL 03-7682 0000
WEBSITE www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/kuljm-le-meridien-petaling-jaya/overview/
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