ITS location might not be in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, but Koptown EDC Hotel in Jalan Raja Laut is a no-frills budget alternative that is well worth the money.
The three-star lodging is equipped to handle any occasion, making it ideal for either a small work function or even a family city staycation on a budget.
Boasting more than 240 rooms, the hotel has done a major restoration, coming up with a fresher look including all its rooms before it was rebranded and opened back in 2021.
However, the reasonable rates, excellent food, and ample parking spaces are what convince us to host our annual staff dinner at this humble hotel located in the Chow Kit district.
STAY
Being fully honest, I didn't have high expectations, but I got a completely different impression once I stepped foot in the lobby.
It has a bright interior, very inviting, and the staff are friendly too, welcoming us with smiles.
Zarina and I had been assigned as one of the dinner committee which is why we decided to book a room for a night.
We opt for the Deluxe Room with breakfast (RM170 per night) which is a very, very reasonable price for a mid-range hotel considering its cleanliness and ambiance.
Well, don't expect a big room but there is ample space to move around and store luggages in the room.
Despite having basic furnishings, the room has some local touches, like pictures of Kuala Lumpur, which give it a vibrant atmosphere.
The only thing that turns me off is the view, where our room is facing the parking. The hotel does have rooms with views, but the dates were unluckily busy.
EAT
Sudirman Cafe, the hotel's one and only restaurant located on the second floor serves amazing good food, which really hooked us up to host our private event at this hotel.
It's a casual dining bistro that can seat over 100 pax - very cosy yet offers a lively setting. The restaurant's 80s-inspired style was inspired by the legendary performer, Sudirman Hj. Arshad.
The interior's black and white decor makes it perfect for events with a theme like old-times or even a bright pop of colours.
For guests who most likely have a limited budget of less than RM100, the hotel has several fantastic, inexpensive package deals.
Kambing Golek and Barbeque with assorted sauces is one of the dinner's standout dishes, but the buffet menu is vast and delicious ranging from Pulut Kuning, Laksa Utara, assorted Malay lauk, a variety of desserts and many more.
There is a stage in the restaurant, which is ideal for a small function, and the sound system is fantastic. Karaoke system is also provided - in fact, we also host karaoke games which our staff enjoys the most, besides the food.
Want to host a luncheon with a small group? Sudirman Cafe also offers 'Hidangan Set Kari Kepala Ikan' which is available everyday from 12 noon to 10 pm and is served for 4 pax (early booking is recommended).
There are three sets available, with costs ranging from RM158 to RM238. The Fish Head Curry is really rich and thick, just the way I like it. And, it goes really well with the other side dishes such as daging masak hitam, udang sambal tumis, ayam Perathal, telur dadar, ulam, sambal belacan and many more.
This Ramadan, the hotel is offering Iftar Nostalgia starting now until April 20, with a reasonable price of RM78 nett (adult) and RM58 nett for child (aged between 4 - 12 years old).
DO
Focusing more on business travellers, the hotel offers a selection of function rooms, catering services and many other additional features, suitable for every kind of event. Their biggest ballroom can seat up to 500 guests in a theatre setting.
GO
Located in Chow Kit district, you can expect a busy environment from the beginning of the day. However the hotel is mostly surrounded by Toys stores, which is quite a unique view. Evening traffic can be fairly terrible because there are night markets set up close to the hotel.
VERDICTS
HIGHS Good food at Sudirman Cafe and most importantly very affordable! Staying true to its motto "Everyone Deserves Comfort", it is an ideal pick for those on a tight budget.
LOWS The location. However, the hotel has its own attached parking building with ample lots despite being a three-star hotel.
FAST FACTS
KOPTOWN EDC HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR
Jalan Raja Laut, 50350, Kuala Lumpur
TEL 03 4051 9191
WEBSITE www.koptownedchotelkl.com
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