Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

An upscale property from the Shangri-La chain, this hotel occupies a soaring high-rise surrounded by labyrinthine hedges and other well maintained greenery. The massive lobby is sleek with gleaming tile floors and marble surfaces. Chic armchairs offer seating and a sweeping staircase winding its way around a central fountain. It's all polished and swanky, but the look is chainlike and doesn't wow design-wise, plus some guests feel that it looks tired. There are several dining spaces here, all featuring tasteful contemporary decor and ranging from the minimalist and Zen-like Zipangu, to Shang Palace, which has a grand Asian feel. Guests here are well-heeled leisure and business travelers, while extensive meeting/event space also attracts various functions.

The hotel is situated a bit outside of Kuala Lumpur City Center, but it's still close to dining options and some attractions. The Petronas Twin Tower, one of the city's top tourist destinations, is a 16-minute walk away, as is the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Merdeka Square is about a seven-minute drive or 25-minute walk from the hotel. KLCC Park can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot, or it's an eight-minute drive. The Batu Caves are about a 15-minute drive away. Travelers eager to shop can head to Low Yat Plaza or Berjaya Times Square, both about an eight-minute drive away. The Bukit Nanas monorail station is a seven-minute walk away, plus a couple of buses stop outside of the hotel. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is under an hour's drive away.

Rooms here have a polished look, clad in burgundy and gold hues paired with walnut furniture. Decor-wise, the style of rooms feels a bit outdated and tired, but they're clean and packed with amenities. Velvet pillows accent the plush beds, which are framed in large padded headboards. Work desks are paired with ergonomic chairs, and there are comfortable armchairs in all spaces. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea/coffee-making facilities, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have kitchenettes with dining areas as well as separate living rooms, plus they add extras like Nespresso machines and DVD players. Some have faxes, printers, and copy machines. Marble bathrooms are equipped with walk-in rainfall showers, plus magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries are supplied. Suites have both soaking tubs and separate walk-in rainfall showers.

Horizon Club rooms come with an array of extra perks, including the services of a dedicated Club Concierge, tea/coffee delivered to rooms with wake-up calls, and access to the Club Lounge, which has free daily breakfast, evening cocktails and appetizers, and all-day drinks. The most spacious and luxurious option here is the 2583-square-foot (240-square-meter) Royal Suite, which has a large living room, dining and work areas, and a whirlpool tub. All rooms have large windows with city views, but note that units on lower floors can get noise from the busy streets nearby.

Features are convenient and upscale. The hotel offers an array of dining options with five restaurants, some of which are award-winning venues, plus there are two bars and 24/7 room service. The options include French fare served in an elegant setting, dim sum, sushi and other Japanese dishes, and a buffet restaurant serving local and international cuisine. The lobby lounge is a popular spot for a drink or bite, and it's open all day. A breakfast buffet can be included in room rates for an extra charge. Club Rooms guests get free breakfast (and other perks) in the Club Lounge.

The hotel has a lovely outdoor pool, as well as a small kids' pool. Loungers and canopied day beds line the pool deck, and there's a poolside bar. Wellness features are impressive as well, including a large fitness center that's well equipped with an array of modern LifeFitness machines. The spa comes with saunas, steam rooms, whirlpool tubs, and an extensive menu of treatments such as massages, facials, and reflexology. For business travelers, there are extensive meeting and event spaces, with 13 different rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.