Tiger Tales

Capital Ideas

SWISS-GARDEN HOTEL & RESIDENCES KUALA LUMPUR

THE LOCATION
Right in the thick of the action, the hotel is a short walk from the city's main business and shopping district.

THE ARCHITECTURE
This year, the original Swiss-Garden Hotel building saw the addition of the Residences, comprising towers of 33 and 37 storeys, connected via a link bridge. The "old" wing was recently refurbished to blend in seamlessly with the new.

THE VIEW
With Chinatown on one side and the CBD on the other, the hotel offers a bird's-eye view of old and new KL. And, of course, the Petronas Twin Towers are readily visible.

THE VIBE
With a finger squarely on the pulse of the city, this is the ideal base from which to experience the Malaysian capital's relentless pace - by day and by night.

THE ROOMS
Furnished in earth tones, the hotel eschews stereotypical Far East kitsch in favour of a sleek and minimalist design. Amenities include LCD flat-screen TVs and high-speed broadband internet access. For longer stays, opt for the Residences with their living rooms and kitchenettes.

THE FOOD
Flavors restaurant, the T@ste6 brasserie and Green Treats Delicatessen are home to international fare and also offer a delicious introduction to local delights. The Blue Chip Lounge with its live band performances is the ideal place to unwind.

THE SPA & POOL
The Samsara Spa boasts an extensive menu of traditional Balinese rituals designed to rejuvenate both body and soul. The hotel boasts small swimming and wading pools while the Residences has a much larger Infinity pool.

THE DETAILS
From S$115/A$89 www.swissgarden.com

THE VERDICT
Fantastic downtown location at an irresistible price.

EASTIN HOTEL, PETALING JAYA

THE LOCATION
Though not in the city proper, the hotel's strategic location in the satellite town of Petaling Jaya puts it within easy reach of the best that the capital has to offer.

THE ARCHITECTURE
Chandeliers, sweeping staircases and plush carpets create a sense of being in the lap of luxury. Far from intimidating, the decorative elements were designed to complement the proportions of the architecture so that the effect is cosy and inviting.

THE VIEW
As Petaling Jaya is largely suburban, the hotel is surrounded by longstanding neighbourhoods and thus offers glimpses of charming mid-century architecture.

THE VIBE
Refreshingly laidback and steeped in the everyday lives of Kuala Lumpur residents, the Eastin offers glimpses of a little-seen side of the city.

THE ROOMS
Business travellers are the hotel's bread and better so rooms feature high-speed internet access and comfy work stations. Executive Deluxe rooms come with Club Privileges, which are useful if you're conducting meetings or entertaining guests.

THE FOOD
Eastin's award-winning eatery Eyuzu is a must for those with a weakness for authentic Japanese dishes. The dim sum and Peking duck at Ee Chinese Cuisine have locals flocking here. The Divan with its cigars and wine is the perfect setting for a celebration.

THE SPA & POOL
Although Eastin lacks a spa, the hotel offers a shuttle service to all the major malls where it's easy to find a little pampering. Cool off with a dip in the 20m pool or enjoy the bubbles in the Jacuzzi.

THE DETAILS
From S$156/A$121 www.eastin.com

THE VERDICT
Experience a different side of the city and take things at a relaxed pace.