ANSA Kuala Lumpur

Fresh interiors at the ANSA Kuala Lumpur (formerly the Piccolo Hotel) make a change from high-rise chain properties dominating the shopping-packed Butik Bintag district. The lobby's muted-gray seating contrasts green shrubbery, wrapped by floor-to-ceiling windows and dark-tiled floors. An adjacent lounge area has neutral-tone seating, wood floors and wall panels, and backlighting for a sleek, minimalist look. The Thai fusion cafe is popular, although endless nearby eateries steer guests off-site, especially with Lot Mall 10's food court right next door. With little in the way of features, the hotel is designed for a stylish place to rest your head. It generally delivers, although single-glazed room windows don't block out music from nearby establishments. With plenty accessible on foot, a hop-on, hop-off bus outside, and the monorail around the block, location and decor are the hotel's strongest features.

Travelers choose the hotel for its prime location on the main Jalan Butik Bintang road, which forms the core of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle. Sandwiched between smaller Fahrenheit 88 and Lot 10 Malls (the latter has a basement food court), it's also virtually opposite Pavilion Mall's designer boutiques, and immediate surrounds form a wealth of shops, restaurants, cafes, and street food. A hop-on, hop-off bus stops outside, although taxis and the Bukit Bintag monorail a two-minute walk away are the quickest ways to reach attractions, including the 88-story Petronas Twin Towers. Berjayna Times Square and electronics-mecca Low Yat Plaza are within a 10-minute walk, while the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is four minutes farther. A 7 Eleven is just outside. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is around an hour's drive, or 40 minutes by train and monorail.

Rooms come in a range of categories, but all tote the same stylish decor, and are well-sized at between 269 and 420 square feet. The whites in walls and bed frames are accented by colorful blankets or circular throw pillows, sand palettes in drapes, and eye-catching headboards with ocean micro-organism photography. Hardwood floors blend nicely amid blonde-wood furniture, and sleek backlighting accentuates the modern look. In-room bowl sinks with orchid decor and conceptual bathrooms with frosted glass, separate toilets, and rainfall showers can be fun or inconvenient, depending on the traveler.Upgraded rooms have seating areas and city or Pavilion Mall views, while Suites measuring 753 square feet (70 square meters) offer colorful living areas with large, semi-circular windows. Phones, desks, kettles alongside tea and coffee, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with limited channels come standard. Toiletries, hairdryers, safes, AC, and free (but sometimes unreliable) Wi-Fi round out the provided amenities. On the downside, rooms are subject to noise, and some lack appealing views.

With location as its biggest feature, on-site offerings are limited here, but they're well-designed for the out-and-about traveler. A drawback is the lack of any full breakfast, although the entrance-level Starbucks is a good alternative, and some bookings include a morning Starbucks voucher. Offering more variety from around midday until late, the Greyhound Cafe is an upbeat spot serving Thai bites, sandwiches, fusion dishes, and fried chicken. The lobby also offers plenty of seating, and mezzanine-level areas are particularly sophisticated. Sadly, there are no gym, spa, or kids' facilities. Travelers tend to be here for leisure, although a meeting room and free-to-use lobby computers are good for business travelers. The 24-hour front desk can arrange taxis, airport transfers, and laundry (at a fee). Secure parking is free, although spaces are on the narrow side. Pets are not permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout.