Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

This huge property is somewhat like a city unto itself. It has lots of shopping and dining options, an amusement park, a huge pool, a spa, fitness center, and expansive meeting space. As such, it's perhaps not surprising that there's nothing subtle about the style and vibe here -- the entrance alone is marked with massive columns and circular domed structures overhead. Giant statues of elephants and other creatures frolic in the fountain pools out front. Public interiors have an equally outsized look to them, from the soaring ceiling and shiny marble floors to crystal chandeliers and huge fancy columns. There's also a lot of shimmer throughout that may feel over the top to some visitors. Additionally, given the size of the resort, guests are constantly coming and going. This makes many of the hotel's public areas feel busy, especially when large-scale events are being hosted on-site. The property attracts families who come for the amusement park, as well as corporate guests attending retreats and meetings.

The hotel is located on the huge Sunway Resort City development in Petaling Jaya, a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. The property itself is filled with other hotels, shopping, dining, and nightlife, as well as a theme park. It's connected to the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall -- one of the largest malls in the area -- and McDonald's and KFC outlets are just outside the hotel. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is 40 minutes southeast by car, and the regional airport Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel offers rooms, suites, and villas. Rooms are modern and come with a king-size or two twin beds, richly patterned carpeting, tall upholstered headboards, and blackout drapes. Walls are white and are hung with just a few pieces of abstract art, while furniture ranges from whitewashed pieces with clean lines to slightly dated dark wood pieces that feel more traditional. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, free soft drinks and water, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, tea/coffee makers, and safes. Bathrooms are on the small side, but they are modern and clean, and offer separate showers and tubs, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some rooms have views of the amusement park. Suites and Club Suites are larger and offer separate sleeping, living, and dining areas. Villas are the top category here, with rich hardwood floors, handmade rattan and upscale modern furniture, canopy beds, and furnished outdoor spaces with private plunge pools. These units also have trendier fabrics and patterns throughout. Villas include butler service and access to the Pavilion, a private lounge and cafe reserved exclusively for these guests. 

No one ever needs to go hungry (or fall victim to boredom) at this resort. Among the multiple dining options is the Resort Cafe, a modern, colorful spot serving cuisine from around the world. Expansive buffets are offered for all meals as well as a la carte items. The Taste Enclave food atrium has 10 eateries and three mini-restaurants. Other dining options include Busaba Thai, Grand Imperial, and Eight Gourmets Gala with eight eateries. Cherootz is the place for whiskey and cigars, and the huge Lobby Lounge serves afternoon tea and evening cocktails. On-The-Rockz is a casual spot by the pool serving drinks and light fare. The huge free-form outdoor pool is nicely landscaped with tropical greenery and waterfalls cascading over massive boulders. Guests can escape the sun by sitting in cave-like spaces under the rocks, or they can lounge on the pool deck under umbrellas and palm trees. Kids have their own pool with a playful dolphin statue. The Mandara Spa next to the villas offers some 30 treatments including massages, wraps, facials, scrubs, and baths, with therapists from Malaysia and Bali. The spacious fitness center offers cardio and weight-training equipment, as well as a yoga studio.The 55 events spaces include 12 rooms overlooking the theme park, and the flexible spaces can accommodate business and social meetings and events of various sizes. The 25,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom can host up to 2,500 people banquet-style. The hotel also is connected to the Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre on the upper floors of the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. Packages are available that include access to the theme park as well. A number of services are on offer, including valet parking, laundry, and babysitting. There's also a tour desk that can arrange excursions.