Royale Chulan Bukit Bintang

The Royale Bintang Kuala
Lumpur is a tall, white tower on a street lined with palm trees and other
hotels. Inside, the lobby has a classic feel. Stanchions hold red ropes
designating check-in lines, while clocks on the wall display different
international times. There are patterned marble floors throughout the spacious area, as well as clusters of leather couches that have seen better days. The hotel is clean, but not as modern as others in the area, and amenities like the spa, with its vine-covered walls and twig decor, could use an update. The restaurant
is an open space with wooden tables and chairs where a buffet is offered daily
and high tea is served on weekends. The hotel also has a cafe that needs a renovation -- as it stands the checkboard motif is doing little to inspire anyone. Outside, the pool area is surrounded by tropical trees and plants,
but we spotted plenty of dirty grout in pool tiles. Guests are a mix of international business and leisure travelers, and despite its flaws, many guests stay here for the prime location and comparably reasonable rates.

This hotel has a prime location within Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, the city’s shopping
and entertainment hub. Situated in the Bukit Bintang District, the neighborhood is KL's party zone, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightlife all around. Local malls include the Pavilion (a 10-minute walk from the hotel) and and Sungei Wang Plaza (a seven-minute walk). Times Square mall, which includes a theme park, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The city's monorail also stops close by for access to other neighborhoods -- Imbi and Bukit Bintang stations are both within a five-minute walk of the hotel. It’s a 10-minute drive to the up-market KLCC area and the Petronas Towers, while trips to the airport take around 50 minute, though driving times depend heavily on traffic.

Rooms at the Royale Bintang Kuala Lumpur have a classic feel, with floor-length curtains and basic wood furnishings. Closer inspection reveals that some carpets and curtains could use a refresh, as we saw stains when we visited. Some rooms also have
water-damaged ceilings. The overall aesthetic is simple, with light neutrals and whites throughout, plus dark bed runners and throw pillows. There are token pieces of bright abstract art on the walls and beds are made with white comforters. Some rooms have small love seat/lounge-style seating. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with BBC and satellite
channels, free Wi-Fi, electric kettles with free coffee, and limited minibars. Bathrooms are basic and on the small side, with marble floors and shower/tub combos. Guests staying in Executive Club rooms have access to a lounge
with coffee, evening refreshments, and free breakfast. 

Like much of the hotel, most features and public areas are in need of an overhaul. There is an outdoor pool and
whirlpool with lounge chairs and a small terrace, though the pool and whirlpool tiling could use a good cleaning. The fitness center has a variety of weight and cardio machines (though the space is quite dated) and a spa has private steam
baths, whirlpools, and shower areas. Guests can choose between two restaurants, a buffet restaurant and a cafe where drinks and snacks are served; both are sunny, casual spaces. Breakfast is not included with room rates (except for Executive Room guests) and food quality overall is not the best. A business center with computers and printers is on-site, as well as three meeting rooms and a ballroom for private events. Covered
parking is also available. Wi-Fi is free throughout.