My husband, three-year-old child, and myself had a short weekend getaway to Kuala Lumpur (a mere 45 minute flight from Singapore). This post features the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Deluxe Plus room, breakfast at Vasco’s and some general hotel facilities.
For my review on the Executive King room – which showcases the Executive Lounge – check out this post right here!
Lobby and Check in
Hilton Kuala Lumpur is located centrally right by the main train station – KL Sentral. Not surprisingly, it is a favourite among travellers. From KL Sentral, both the airport and other places around Kuala Lumpur are easily accessible via the local train network.
Check in counter at Hilton Kuala Lumpur
Upon arrival, friendly staff took our luggage and welcomed us at the beautiful lobby.
Complimentary Room Upgrade
Our original booking was the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Deluxe room. However, with Gold status in the Hilton Honors programme, we received a complimentary upgrade to the Deluxe Plus room (details on my Hilton elite status later).
A note on the Deluxe Guest Rooms and Executive Rooms : In total, there are six different tiers of rooms (3 for Deluxe, 3 for Executive): Deluxe, Deluxe Lake View, Deluxe Plus, Executive, Executive Lake View,and Executive Plus.
Views and floor level aside, in terms of size, the ‘Plus’ rooms are the larger ones. The regular Deluxe and Executive rooms (with and without lake view) are sligthly smaller (38 to 44 sq meters / 409 to 472 square feet). ‘Plus’ rooms on the other hand range from 48 to 59 square meters / 517 to 635 square feet). Overall, the ‘Plus’ rooms have more floor space and a noticeably larger bathroom.
This does means that the Executive Room is considered a higher tier than the Deluxe Plus Room despite being SMALLER in size – the higher tiered Executive Rooms benefit only in terms of access to the Executive Lounge.
I love the carpeted floors and cosy hallways. On the way to our room
Hilton Kuala Lumpur Deluxe Plus room
Hilton Serenity Bed with Feather Down Pillows
On first glance, the room does look almost like the standard Deluxe room or Executive room; floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, serenity bed, couch by the side of the room.
And then, in between the television and desk workspace area, lies the grand entrance to a large bathroom.
View from the King Sized Bed
Side note: while I photographed the room, my husband and child helped themselves to complimentary peanuts. Warning: these were seriously addictive – enjoy at your own risk 🙂
Left to Right: Honey-roasted nuts, Naturally Flavoured, and Spicy Nuts
Bathroom
On the website, the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Deluxe Plus room’s bathroom is illustrated as such:
Image source: Hilton Kuala Lumpur
The image is actually pretty identical to the bathroom in real life:
Bathtub next to the sink…
Hilton Serenity Bed with Feather Down Pillows
… with a separate shower and toilet area. This particular room is actually wheelchair-friendly. A large space ensures that the wheelchair-bound can wheel about within the bathroom itself. While they may need help getting in and out of the tub, the shower itself is easily accessible for such folks.
We were a little surprised with the bathroom amenities. Usually, the Hilton chain of hotels we’ve stayed in in both Singapore and Malaysia provide Crabtree and Evelyn brand bath products. Personally, this was the first time we saw the ‘Classic’ line. In some ways it was a pleasant alternative to Crabtree and Evenlyn – they did smell nice and fragrant in their own way.
Quite fragrant and a pleasant change
One end of the bathroom has a sliding door that opens up to a closet, drawers, and a safe.
Closet with sliding door and bathrobe
As we arrived rather late at night, we soon passed out. The bed was very comfortable and easily accomodated our small family of three.
Breakfast at Vasco’s
Despite having been to Hilton Kuala Lumpur a number of times, I’m personally always impressed by the variety and quality of food served at Vasco’s.
Located on Level 1 (main floor) of Hilton Kuala Lumpur, this place can get crowded on weekends. Despite that, the crowed is easily accomodated: plates are still quickly cleared and food replenished consistently.
But if crowd turns you off, and if you do have access to the Executive Lounge (for Executive and Suite guests or Hilton Diamond members), it’s a good place for quiet dining. Check out my other blog post for my stay on the Executive Room and breakfast at the Executive Lounge
Behold the huge breakfast spread:
Breakfast Cereals, Muesli with toppings, and Yogurt Section
The salads – I loved. Not just because the vegetables were fresh. You do get more exotic options (by Malaysian standards at elast) such as hummus, baba ganoush and pita for dipping.
Salad Bar
If a comforting bowl of soup is what you need – the Noodle bar gives you the options of making either laksa / curry noodles (depending on the day) as well as a clear chicken soup broth base.
Noodle Station
Of course, what’s an international breakfast buffet without pastries?
Muffins, Doughnuts, Malay Kuih (coconut-based cakes)
Vasco’s truly lives up to its description of an “International Buffet” restaurant. There was so many choices in the bread and pastry alone.
Assortment of Pastries. Left to right; Bread and butter pudding, Pancakes, Waffles, Crossoints, Pain au Chocolate, French Toast, and Kaya Toast.
There’s no such thing as too much bread
If you want a good Indian food section, Vasco’s does not disappoint.
Back row left to right: Idly, Uttapam, Chapati, Thosai bits.
There was also a live roti prata station, made hot right on the spot. Not many hotels have this – there’s just something special about seeing this local favourite dish prepared in front of you. Plus, it’s a great distraction if you’ve got small kids.
Roti Prata Station
There was also the egg station where eggs could be prepared about 20 different ways – there was a huge choice of omelette fillings, so go nuts making any omelette combo desired.
Egg Station
Not feeling like having a rich heavy breakfast? Fret not, the porridge station can accomodate that.
Porridge section – lots of toppings
There was so much food that it’s impossible to capture all of it on camera. Other noteworthy mentions are the American or British breakfast ingredients…
Hash Browns, Potato Wedges, Sausages and Chicken Ham
… and the Japanese section.
Assortment of Fruits (top) and Soft Drinks (bottom)
My husband and I found our personal favourite station: the juice bar. Apart from the juice options already displayed, one can request for other juices or juice combos (try beetroot + carrot, or apple + celery!) and it will be made for you.
Juice Bar
Breakfast was sooo satisfying. We lost track of how many rounds of food we went for, and all three of us were stuffed by the end of breakfast.
One of the many servings of breakfast I had
Gym and Spa facilities
To balance out all the eating at Vasco’s, it’s worth trying to burn some calories at the Gym.
Gym and Spa
There is a huge array of equiptment here – from dumbells to all sorts of exercise machines.
I’m not sure if i like it here… everything they have is very heavy
I don’t normally say this of hotel gyms – but at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, one is spoilt for gym equiptment choices.
Decisions, Decisions…
Locker room facilities here can easily accomodate large crowds.
So. Many. Lockers.
There’s also an area to freshen up.
And a place to rest and relax before and after workout or spa treatments.
Grab one of their magazines. Prop Feet up. Lounge Away.
The changing and locker rooms is connected to sauna and jaccuzi facilities.
Not Pictured: Bubbles
On this trip, I decided to treat myself to a massage. The spa has rooms for couples as well. It’s recommended to book treatment in advance.
Couple Suite
If a soaking tub treatment comes as part of your chosen spa regimen, you may get a room with one of these jacuzzis in it.
In-room jacuzzi
I was served hot, red fruity tea before treatment. This does calm the body down and puts one in the mood for a relaxing time.
Fruit Tea – Red and Sweet
My spa treatment was a simple hour-long massage; nothing particulary fancy or complex. But with simplicity the masseuse’s technique can truly come forth. I was assigned a masseuse who knew how to deliver strong and firm strokes and apply pressure exactly where it was needed. Satisfaction and relaxation at its peak – I felt de-stressed and refreshed after treatment. I really do recommend the spa here – the staff are both nice AND highly skilled!
Massage Oils
Swimming Pool
Located just right by the Gym and Spa, the swimming pool at Hilton Kuala Lumpur is HUGE.
Refreshing and Inviting waters – perfect on a hot day
Shallow Kiddy Pool area
Hilton Kuala Lumpur actually shares the swimming pool with Le Meridien next door. The pools are connected by a long stretches of water…
… and houses a large waterfall and pool slide in the middle.
It’s almost like an island
There is a waterfall! And a slide!
The waterfall and slide area can get crowded with rowdy children who freely run about and use the slide endlessly. 100% fun, and 200% noisy. For a more serene, adult-time, there’s and outdoor jacuzzi bath restricted to adult guests only.
We swam quite a few times during our short 3D2N stay. For families desiring a vacation in Kuala Lumpur, a great swimming pool can be a deal breaker. Here the kids will definitely be well-entertained and they will happily spend many hours splashing about by the pool.
Overall Review
I have stayed at Hilton Kuala Lumpur many times, and honestly I have never been disappointed by them. The hotel treats its guests really well. It wasn’t just the amazing food or spa or facilities to cover all bases. The service in itself is consistently good and it’s super famil-friendly here.
I particulary had this incided whereby my child once threw up on the hotel bed… yeah. When I called housekeeping asking for extra bedsheet and towels, they offered to kindly clean the place and responded very quickly. My husband and I felt bad and said that we could clean up after our own kid ourselves, but the staff was so nice about it and insisted that we just relax and they will take care of the mess!
Truly, a parent’s dream come true.
Hilton Honors – Points Earned
Hilton Kuala Lumpur Deluxe Plus Room Review: as a Gold Member in the Hilton Honors programme, I also earned the following points from this stay:
– Base points: 3, 592
– 2020 Points Unlimited promotion: 2,000
– Gold Elite 80% Bonus: 2,874
Total Hilton Honors points: 8, 466
Hilton Honors – Elite Gold status
For the current stay, I got upgraded from the Hilton Kuala Lumpur Deluxe to the Deluxe Plus room.
This is because I hold the American Express Platinum Charge card, which gives me elite statuses in four major hotel chains, including the Hilton Honors. Elite members (Gold and Diamond) receive benefits such as complimentary room upgrades (subject to availability) and complimentary breakfasts.
We have been to several Hilton properties in both Singapore and Malaysia, including at Hilton Singapore (Executive King) at Orchard Road, and the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Johor Bahru (Double Double Executive Room and One Bedroom Deluxe Suite). We have also done staycations at the slightly more upscale Conrad Centennial Singapore at Temasek Boulevard – including celebrating a wedding anniversary in the Premium Room and staying over Chinese New Year at the Centennial King Suite.
Usually, getting Elite gold status requires staying at qualifying properties for either 40 nights, 20 stays, or earning 75,000 Base Points. However, the American Express Platinum Charge card allows members to hold Elite gold status even without the minimum qualifying stays.
Do I recommend getting the American Express Platinum Charge card? Hands down, YES!
Image Source: American Express
Note: My Hilton Honors Gold status comes with ownership of the American Express Platinum Charge card. If you are Inspired by this post and want to apply for an American Express credit card, apply through one of my referral links to receive either bonus Membership Rewards points or Krisflyer miles:
- The Platinum Charge Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 140,000 bonus Membership Rewards points when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- The American Express Platinum Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 62,500 Membership Rewards Points when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
- American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card: Use this referral link and receive up to 35, 000 Krisflyer miles when you apply and minimum spend criteria is met.
Disclaimer: the views and opinions expressed on this page are that of Happy High Life and may not necessarily reflect the position of American Express. Happy High Life is not responsible for any decisions made by readers. The terms and conditions for credit card applications may be subject to change by American Express. Readers are recommended to check with American Express or its partners; the list of all benefits of the Platinum Charge Card can be found here.
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