The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur: Straits’ grande dame

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur review: A Grande Dame is back, and the only hotel in Kuala Lumpur with a strong historical background. Describing The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur as such just won’t work without tying into a lot of history. Here we go… For instance the Japanese Base Camp was occupying the premises during the Second World War!

Prior to that, in the beginning, this 1930’s classic hotel was in its hey-day among Southeast Asia’s grandest hotels (Hotel Majestic) located on a wide boulevard. It was the hotel to be reckoned with, where the upper echelon of society felt right at home, in the then glory days of British Malaysia. In a time when having a personal butler was a symbol of social status…

Back then the 51-room hotel, the 1st luxury hotel in town pre-independence, was the largest in Kuala Lumpur, “unrivalled for its prestige and luxury. Favoured by the colonial elite and prominent visitors, she was the venue for extravagant parties, Sunday curry tiffin lunches and that most European of traditions, the tea dance,” writes the YTL Life magazine.

Take note: tea dance! Today we’ll still be satisfied with the hotel’s traditional Afternoon Tea – which has a waiting list (more on that later)!

Majestic Wing, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur: 1930’s heydays

To further bring you back into this setting, think: retro font style a la the 1930’s and the swing music era, cabaret, the innovation of cocktails, tropical-colonial uniforms, tuxedos, barons, plantation owners… They city’s who’s who in a time of refinement and genteel class were all gathering at this hotel. Why, even famous author Graham Greene used to pop up, in those early days of leisure travel! The local nobles and colonial elite frequented the hotel, and it was the perfect location for important government and state occasions.

“The hotel catered to every whim and fancy of contemporary society. For the first time in Malayan history, modern sanitation was introduced in all rooms, with hot and cold water, showers, and long baths in 18 rooms, considered the height of luxury in its day.”

Custom-designed furniture, silverware and furnishings had been imported from England, all adding to the sumptuous surroundings. The roof garden, which came with a dance floor and seating for 350 guests, hosted artists from all over the world performing at the hotel, including popular acts from England and the U.S.

Quite clearly some benchmarks were set back then!

Decades later: the political negotiations preceding independent Malaysia took place on the premises! So one can easily see the cultural, social and historical importance of this hotel.

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur brought back to life

As one visits and stays at the new The Majestic Hotel it’s a thrill to think back of those virgin days for hotel luxury as we have come to know it, as one savours the time-honoured traditions that today’s luxury hotel industry is based on.

The resurrected hotel also constitutes a very inspirational study not only for architecture and design freaks, but also for anyone appreciating timeless hotel heritage mixed with a modern adaption. Guests also get to do ‘two in one go’, as The Tower Wing annexe, housing the majority of the plush rooms, offers a blend of more modern details and amenities with the classic and timeless interiors that dominate, of course heavily inspired by the original.

Chandelier, The Tower Wing, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

A few nights’ stay in the meticulously restored, Neo-Classical The Majestic Wing will make the stay even more complete. Live the dream and enjoy luxury to the fullest!

This original part of the hotel offers more than a glimpse of what the hotel was like back in the 1930’s – it is very much brought back to life, enabling guests to step through a time window! Only us guests have changed, coming from another time zone…

This is also noteworthy, as new luxury hotels in Asia are no doubt impressively out-competing each other in terms of opulence and all manners of sophistication: the new-build hotels do not have the own hotel history to showcase – and conserve. But they are building on a hospitality formula that have been founded and fine-tuned during more than a century.

In comparison, the classic hotels stand the test of time and are highly regarded also today.

At The Majestic Hotel nostalgia from a unique era in time infuses every inch of the Majestic Wing, so those guests familiar with the vintage era can smell and relive history here while it will be a completely new discovery of opulence and decadence for many younger guests.

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur: the art of hospitality

Ready for a head-turning experience? This is where the journey begins (well, unless already at the VIP-only ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ airport express desk), where art of hospitality is truly about courtesy, grace, elegance and individualised attention.

And don’t hesitate to dress stylish and come well groomed when patronising this premier-class hotel, one should add!

The main Tower Wing building of the present-day hotel is characterised by tall white classically proportioned Roman columns and detailed cornices. A doorman dressed in a pith helmet belongs to some of the colonial touches of its predecessor retained. At the Majestic Wing, the chauffeured arrival enters the curved driveway and you step out under a covered Porte-cochère (very useful should you be arriving while Kuala Lumpur is experiencing one of the frequent downpours), with stairs leading up to the entrance room. Here the welcome team greets you, upon when the private butlers for the stay are introduced: Joan and Amy.

Butler serves coffee, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

One of these two female butlers–yes, we are now (at least supposedly) in the Modern era of quality–shows the guest to the room. I imagine the upset voice of a British planter of colonial Malaya: “Did I hear what I think I just heard!? A female butler?”

As has already been indicated, staying true to the original design was the guiding principle when restoring the Majestic Wing. The hotel lobby is therefore a traditional whole-in-the-wall desk version, standard in boutique hotels housed in century-old buildings around French or other European cities. The elevator (taking guests to the second and third floors) is equally of classic, century-old European model, allowing room for only two people, furnished with wrought iron sliding doors.

A mocktail is served and the check-in procedure is done in comfort in the most impressive sitting room, for this kind of British-Malay hotel suite, one could possibly imagine!

While the butler explains the Governor Suite (there are two other types of suites too), and the services I cannot help but being distracted in appreciation by the opulent interior with the soothing, mostly cappuccino and beige palette accented by dark tropical wood and white marble.

“Sign here Sir”: an iPad with the booking confirmation is presented to the guest for his/her hand signature, a confirmation not only that this is not just a nice dream, but also that the glory days of the past have been brought to me in the 21st Century, and not the opposite!

Suite, Majestic Wing, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur: flagship hospitality

Being a member of The Leading Hotels of The World’s family of iconic and legendary hotels the resurrected The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is in good company and is–anew–primed to grow just as prestigious in stature as the other ‘living heritage’ hotels in the region. No names, but deservedly this proud heritage hotel, which reminds of the other classics, will, since its re-opening, most certainly build a reputation in a class of its own in Kuala Lumpur, alongside the city’s other high-end hotels and expanding luxury selection.

And the experience of this hotel extraordinaire brings certain reflections to one’s mind: about the heritage of the past versus the incredibly fast-paced time anno 2015 (leaving little or no room for contemplation) and about timeless traditions that can stand the test of time and the threat to their very existence.

Well, reviewed here is a flagship example of a hospitality company doing its fair share of keeping things alive! And the fact that the vintage hospitality era is again hype helps this cause of revitalizing timeless hotel heritage a la the early 20th century.

Having been utterly derelict as a building–it even was no longer a hotel after 1983–The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s rebirth (opened in December 2012) saw the property undergo a complete and painstaking refurbishment, transforming it into an upmarket and exclusive hotel, also extended with a new wing to pair the Majestic Wing with an adaption for the modern era.

Thus, The Majestic Hotel has been given a second life and is truly back in business, placing itself in the top league of Straits-colonial hospitality experiences. A significant ingredient within this formula is the butler-serviced, suite-only Majestic Wing where the bygone era dating all the way back to the 1930’s, can be relived. The Majestic Wing used to be the original hotel. The true prominence that it stood for back then is now back on track and something rather special!

And in this lies a challenge; to keep this heritage alive while the Millennial Generation, who must have very vague reference points to the cultural heritage of their countries’ respective history and the social conduct of past generations, are now at working age and thus increasingly also becoming part of the workforce in hotels. Younger generations are obviously being much more focused on online tools for their social exchange rather than gathering for Afternoon Tea, if you see where I am getting?

Cities like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore rushing into modernity are cases in point. At the same time these cities are at the heart of the formerly colonised Straits peninsula that makes the area’s development and history rather unique with regards to all aspects of culture. There are also awareness about the threat to and increasing efforts to preserve the unique cultures that evolved as a result of unusal multi-cultural blending over centuries.

Suite, Majestic Wing, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

In this context the realisation how important roles certain heritage hotels can actually play in the preservation of history, architecture and certain traditions is striking! Keeping such timelessness alive is something very much going on within, and relying on certain hotels! And travellers embrace this as enticing, unique travel experiences. Guests come from far and near to particular hotels in order to experience just that, the essence of a particular era. In the particular case of The Majestic Hotel, in the heart of Kula Lumpur, many come for the unique culture and colonial-Malay hospitality the hotel can offer, incorporating so many aspects of this very particular, multi-cultural blend known as the ‘Straits’ era.

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur: the modern butler’s home

And it is certainly a significant element that, thanks to the hotel industry, butlers are in high demand these days! Those rare schools that generate new, younger butlers that are steeped in the tradition of this occupation are very sought after. Add to this the growing number of, often discerning in their requirements, so-called High Net Worth Individuals (probably an alien term 100 years ago) and other affluents.

The team delivering this exclusive service at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur have to conduct duties following the true butler tradition, within an opulent, colonial-Malay setting. With these components guests will find themselves in their right element, and oftentimes, undoubtedly, be in high spirits.

So, by training these individuals in the tradition of bespoke butler service, younger generations also get learn about its origin and the history of hospitality; the era of the particular heritage hotel; and about the birth of modern travel back in the late 19th Century and the development since then, including the emergence of the hotels that have earned legendary status based on their respective heritage and part of history.

This, in turn, keeps traditions alive and brings cultural knowledge also to today’s younger generations. The modern traveller seeking to travel back in time to (here the Southeast-Asian colonial bygone era) can do just that, and not to just encounter a hotel that resembles a museum. In this regard The Majestic Hotel accomplishes something, thanks to absolutely magnificent interiors and the many original attributes that are just ‘right’, including the butler service. So, you lovers of heritage hotels: here is where you belong!

The Bar, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur: truly historic

Having experienced The Majestic Hotel it actually takes a while for the stay to sink in! It’s an ‘adventure’ of the kind Happy Hour Asia truly loves to share to the world! ‘Majestic’ is indeed a fitting word to describe it. It’s a bold word, but few hotels could better deserve to bear this in its name. In this particular case the name has a long history dating back to yesteryear – the 1930’s – when this classic hotel first opened.

It’s as if the owner/hotel operator YTL Hotels decided: “Right, we have this historic hotel, with it its bold name, and we’re going to make it into a showcase for the world on what that truly means!” Because what has been accomplished is really magnificent, given that only the façade and structure remained as the Majestic Wing underwent its transformation!

The re-opening of this Grand Dame, which had been dormant for ten years and fallen into decay, also heralds a second Renaissance for an entire city district. Across the road from the hilltop hotel that was constructed in a hybrid of neo-classical and art deco styles, is the old Moorish style railway station, another famous landmark for the city.

KL Sentral, the point of arrival to the city for those coming from the airport by train, is more or less around the corner, though the modern side of Kuala Lumpur is really mushrooming here in the form of skyscrapers, hosting residential, office buildings and hotels. A large shopping centre with fashion brands and many choices for cafes and dining have also opened: Nu Sentral. So a mix of heritage and juxtaposed modern buildings is calling for increased attention as city district within the capital.

The Majestic Luxury Coach services, which operate regularly, will take you there from the hotel, as well as to Starhill Gallery, a mall in the Bukit Bintang shopping district and back.

Whatever shoes to be polished, shirts to be pressed, arrangements to be made etc., the butler lets it be known she is ready to serve, and just lifting up the phone will connect with her or the butler currently on duty 24/7. Yes, you have the butler service right there, designed – take note – to handle even the smallest details! The butler will advise and assist with arrangements, whatever you have in mind for exploring Kuala Lumpur or getting concierge tips. Don’t hesitate. It will allow you to make the most of your time while enjoying this extraordinary stay. Remember the motto: ‘Live the dream’…

Would I care for having breakfast served in the suite, or do I prefer the breakfast buffet served at Contango? For butler-serviced private breakfast I can choose between Continental and Traditional Hainanese as options.

Suite in The Majestic Wing, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

I continue taking in the design and top class furniture and décor of this atmospheric, luxurious suite with art deco nuances. High-ceilinged, the sitting room is furnished with a large marble top coffee table on a plush oriental carpet, paired with a sofa and two armchairs (one of these large enough to seat two!) decorated with plush décor pillows. If tempted to try you will notice that only a bodybuilder can lift/move this table; that’s how solid it is.

Wall décor including bespoke wallpaper, wood veneer, full-length mirrors and paintings depicting Kuala Lumpur in the past as well as sketches from Malacca year 1679; wood veneer wall covering: floor-to-ceiling, palace-style velvet blackout curtains; dark floorings; a period TV cabinet; a vintage writing desk (wooden with glass top); an ebony vanity with a bespoke twin table lamp; the, in these waters, ubiquitous claw-foot bathtub as well as black-and-white chequered tiles; shutter windows…

All furniture and items, including many nostalgic attributes and neo-classical details, reanimate this European-Asian setting, bringing up flashbacks from the colonial era. Yes, in conclusion this fits the description for a dream home for any style-conscious person, appreciating timeless class! The suite looks absolutely stunning!

Toiletries are of course top-class products – here ‘La Source’ from U.K brand Crabtree & Evelyn.

The cabinet comes with complementary mini-bar items, incl. beer and wine, while fresh brew can be ordered; via the butler of course!

Entrance to The Tower Wing, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The Tower Wing marries past with present

The Tower Wing, meanwhile, offers the perfect marriage of past and present and architectural and interior design; with its Deluxe rooms as well as Junior, Grand and Premier Suites offering a slightly more modern design. Art Deco was chosen as guide for the restoration – since that period represents luxury, glamour, exuberance and technological progress.

Architect Zaidan Tahir included elements such as mirrors, polished chrome, stainless steel and dark ebony veneer in the concept. In ‘YTL Life’ Zaidan explained that in designing the new wing of the hotel he was very careful to make sure that the building had the same architectural language, rhythm and proportion in respect to the old building, with the neo-classical and Art Deco architecture, while at the same time, staying true to the original design.

The suites come with handheld deck-mounted classic mixer showers, as well as separate shower areas fitted with delightfully powerful rain showers – perfect examples of old world luxury meeting modern day amenities.

Furthermore: the claw-footed bathtub from the Majestic Wing is here replaced by a freestanding one and also comes with a wall-mounted television facing the tub. Picture yourself watching a movie in indulgence: in the bath with a glass of bubbles in hand…

The Tower Wing entrance oval atrium comes with huge pillars and meticulously laid shining marble, forming a pattern with its centre under the oval icicle chandelier.

This arrival hall, leading to the check-in desks and lifts at the back, is completely empty of furniture, as if to make a statement that this is a place to admire – undisrupted.

The masterly laid out polished marble floor has a rather unique pattern – probably a mixed influence of Arabic and Malay styles – which centres around the oval ceiling opening in the centre up to the mezzanine level. Palatial is certainly the word!

To the left lies Contango, featuring an, what is in Malaysia so popular and an Asian hotel trend, open interact kitchen concept. Contango is busy for buffets daily at breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an armada of chefs at the stoves and counters.

Lively as it is, one can still find one’s semi-private corner at one of the “booths”. Elsewhere, the modern restaurant offers areas suitable for interactive dining and comes with a juice bar, patisserie and gelato counters, a Western section with a pizza oven and churrasco grill, while the Asian zone offers Chinese wok cuisines, sushi, robatayaki, Malay and Thai sections.

There were a seamless spread of delicacies at the lunch buffet: Potatoes Lyonaisse; Grilled salmon fillet on Caraway braised cabbage; Smoked tenggiri fish; Prawn Har Mee, Crusty portobello mushroom stuffed with spinach and cheese, Tomato white bean ragout, Angel hair pasta…and irresistible sins like: Raspberry & Vanilla Velvet ice cream and Warm apple and pear crumble…Indulgence!

The Majestic Wing, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Luckily, after the somewhat excessive eating you “risk” enjoying, the journey between the two wings is short. An indoor walkway that goes past the orchid conservatory connects The Tower Wing with The Majestic Wing, where its walls have a mustard colour, accented with white frames and alternated with tropical wood veneer.

The light fittings on the walls as well as the lampshades sitting on side tables across the lobby contribute to the tropical-colonial feel (specially designed to recreate a similar aura of the ones in the original hotel) – and so do the ceilings’ ample, black fans and vintage-looking lamps with frosted glass in the corridors, while lit up botanical drawings and black-and-white photos from Kuala Lumpur a la yesteryear decorates the walls.

As part of the décor there are also white orchids in hand-painted ceramic pots, huge floral decorations in vases, and hand-painted floral porcelain lamp vases. The corridors are also furnished with twin leather armchairs placed here and there.

The art of afternoon tea

The über-elegant Tea Lounge saloon is the main hive of activity, with open layout connecting directly with the adjacent The Bar and the Colonial Café. This colonial-design saloon is furnished with rose red or beige armchairs and sofas, decorative cushions with embroidered emblem, and Persian rugs.

An ample tea selection is partly displayed in drawers in a cabinet and in a mini foldout cabinet, placed on top – which leads us nicely on to the next experience.

The wait is not long, after the lunch, until the next highlight: Colonial Afternoon Tea (so no risk of staying hungry here)! If out and about, perhaps on a shopping round, do make sure to return on time, to be met with the offer: “Sir and Madame, would you care for some afternoon tea?” But make sure to book it in advance!

If you believe you have experienced the real thing, you may soon come to realise you haven’t, or, alternatively, you’ll be able to compare this high-calibre Tea Lounge and its daily Afternoon Tea serving among the best English Afternoon Tea one can possibly get – and with a Malaysian twist!

In this upmarket and exclusive saloon you will appreciate just being and enjoying the remains of the day – over a book or chatting with friends, as you sip tea and nibble on scones, finger sandwiches, tarts and biscuits served in multi-tiered fine bone china plates.

This Tea Lounge exudes a sense of the old in a refurbished setting, with its old-fashioned grid ceilings featuring classic cut-glass lighting with antique brass fittings. Cosy arrays of comfortable armchairs with subdued lighting from table lamps provide the perfect ‘Royal feel’ setting.

Afternoon tea, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

All servants are dressed in long, white jackets, necktie, and black trousers and shoes.

This afternoon tea ritual is deeply synonymous with this historic hotel’s past, and something highly sought-after in today’s fast-paced modern society. Taking afternoon time off to have tea for hours is considered a luxurious indulgence. Of course – if one wants to justify the indulgence – one can get some job done as well, using the smart phone, tablet or laptop while savouring the serving and setting.

The British first arrived in Malaya in the late 18th century, and, subsequently, the British government expanded their presence. Their area of influence gradually expanded and more British families settled in Malaya.

English afternoon tea at around 4pm became a daily ritual and was soon associated with genteel society. Also back then indulging in afternoon tea was a luxury, though on a different “level” than today.

In addition to choosing from a selection of 50 different teas there are also options where to enjoy this pleasurable routine: with The Drawing Room and The Orchid Conservatory being the other options.

The orchid conservatory, however, is a huge attraction, so there is usually a two-month waiting list to have it there among 1000 orchid plants in full bloom, including Moth orchids and Phalaenopsis.

Come nightfall, once the teas session is over, and perhaps followed by a spa treatment, guests staying at the Majestic Wing are invited to the Cocktail Hour between 6 – 8 pm; an excellent pre-dinner activity. Carmen Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon were served in a separate sitting room.

Visiting The Bar to try out the Stengah (half-measures of whisky and soda served over ice, and highly popular among the British in the early 20th century!) or a gin pahit (another highly popular colonial cocktail) is also a must, and can fittingly be a nightcap after dinner – which leads us to relating a dining experience that makes a stay at this hotel a most magnificent experience: an evening at the Colonial Café!

Colonial Café: yesteryear’s fusion food

It has to be said that this was well on par with the best ever dining experiences the writer of this review has ever had in Southeast-Asia! This dimly lit restaurant in all aspects recreates the atmosphere of the hotel’s intriguing past. Its environment is crafted out of panels, mirrors, brass fittings and a gold-leafed dome ceiling (originally an exhaust fan) as the centre of attention.

Colonial Cafe, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The recreated interior offers a respectful nod to The Majestic’s former heydays and offers a menu reflecting that bygone era too: colonial cuisine, classic recipes, and classic Hainanese Cuisine.

The amazing gold-leafed dome features a 360-degree symmetrical pattern of tiny round glass holes, and with a golden chandelier hung in the middle.

A grand piano is placed right in the centre below it, where the resident, tuxedoed pianist (at the time of writing) Ooi Eow Sin, a living legend within Malaysian music) also entertains.

At dinner time, The Solianos quartet (descendants of a family whose musical traditions date well back into the nation’s history) entertains with jazzy renditions that evoke lots of nostalgia.

While guests come even casually dressed, those formally attired, putting on bowties and their best attire, will certainly shine and blend in with the surroundings here, including its tuxedoed attendants.

In keeping with the historic touches the ‘Reserved’ sign on already booked tables has the suitable retro-style font.

The Hainanese were among the last Chinese to arrive to British Malaysia, of whom many became cooks in the expat homes, and as a result a unique and innovative culinary translation was born, as they took British staples and created yesteryear’s fusion food, as they mixed these with traditional Asian cooking styles and exotic local flavours.

This colonial fare is at the core the Colonial Café’s menu in which guests’ can read an introduction to colonial cuisine from 18th to mid 20th British. Traditional Hainanese boiled beef is one such dish. Spotted dick: rich suet pudding, spice currants, orange peel custard; and Old style faggots (cow intestines) with wild mushroom mash and muse-infused sauce, are some of the more peculiar dishes on the menu (the latter perhaps not for the faint-hearted).

Ayam Kungit, aromatic turmeric and lemongrass braised chicken, glutinous turmeric rice; and Sole Meuniere, forest mushroom with brown butter can also be found among the main courses.

For starter: a superbly tasting and very hot pumpkin soup, served in porcelain, with the engraved hotel logo of course, and the, for this setting, ubiquitous silver cutlery.

And would I like some pepper on the soup, the attendant asks? How about the sparkling water? I would like it room temperature. The perfectly drilled, anticipating attendants ensure to make also You the centre of attention. Every little detail is customised to one’s preferences and nothing overlooked.

The classic fish cake with homemade chutney, truffle eggs and creamed spinach is awesome, with the fishcake sitting on top of ad bed of spinach, and the egg on top of it all. It just melts in the mouth! It is as simple as that; how a fish cake makes it into the book of the most brilliant meals ever!

As wine pairing Wither Hill, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlboro New Zealand was very nice; light & fruity with pear aroma.

Other ‘House pouring’ choices: Grant Burge Barossa Vines – Chardonnay, Carmen Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, as well as the reds Grant Burge Barossa Vine – Shiraz and Hunter’s Pinot Noir Marlborough.

The following for the occasion very agreeable proverb is also noted during this extraordinary dinner: ‘Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilised.’ Isn’t that a magnificent motto indeed!

And for dessert: my goodness what a delight that happens to be my choice: Bread and butter pudding with Madagascar vanilla. Or choose from other British puddings such as: English Trifle; Custard, vanilla-infused; or Sponge cake, red currant.

Dinner entertainment, the Colonial Cafe, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Post dinner drinks at the aforementioned The Bar can prolong the night, as the dining jazz music continues and the tuxedoed attendants at this history-soaked bar that, one could claim, raises the bar for today’s hotel bars! Choose from an extraordinary selection of premier and unique spirits, classic cocktails and champagne; the ‘cellar section’ or ‘non-vintage’ champagne. The Vertical Collection offers the longest and finest OPUS ONE from 1980 to 2009.

The elegant bar itself is crafted out of fine nyatoh rainforest wood and spans 22 feet in length, furnished with brown leather bar stools.

Behind the counter of this history-soaked bar Mr John Yap holds court and conjures up some of the most delicious cocktails in town, focused on all the classic cocktails of yesteryear and of specific origin from British Malaya.

Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s gentlemen’s club

And it does not stop here: all gentlemen should now pay extra attention as they have a very special experience in store at the purpose-built double-storey annexe The Smoke House (based on the style of gentlemen’s clubs of the 18th century London’s West End)! Embodying the delicious decadence of the 30s this gentlemen’s club comes with masculine leather interiors (wooden wall panels, velvet curtains…); a top class barbershop, courtesy of London’s Truefitt & Hill; a card room; private dining area with chef on call; as well as a screening room showing vintage movies non-stop!

Sink down in leather armchairs for some movie classics, while enjoying vintage whisky, artisan cocktails, such as the Malayan Colada, and cigars! It’s a smart gentlemen’s haven.

As for Truefutt & Hill, this is not exactly any barbershop but with an unpaired history: Established in 1805 this brand maintains the world’s oldest barbershop and offers a range of products that are the results of 200 years of research and intimate customer relationships.

So, also for outside guests The Smoke House is a very unique and special attraction for any private celebration or gentlemen’s gathering – open from 11 am until midnight.

Just as the Afternoon Tea is, this is alone worth a visit to The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Vintage movies and cocktails and surroundings – worthwhile spending your time and money on; few surroundings could awake so much inspiration and harmony!

The Scotch and Shave at The Smoke House is also the perfect surprise gift to a best friend: “The Perfect experience for dapper gentlemen to enjoy an evening of elegant indulgence. Treat yourself to a flight of 3 Glenfarclas vintages and detect the subtle nuances and different expressions of the single malt Scotch as it ages. Then it’s off to Truefitt & Hill for a traditional Hot Towel Shave or a Royal cut.”

The Smoke House, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The last attraction is something that is usually a draw for the ladies, and no doubt also worth a visit even if not staying at the hotel. For hotels guests in the The Majestic Wing, the art deco spa’s outdoor swimming pool with daybeds and lush landscaping as surrounding is a must for sun worshippers and pool lovers.

As for the spa you have probably guessed by now that it delivers in keeping with the top class standard and heritage of all the hotel’s other facilities!

Art Nouveau at The Majestic Spa

The Majestic Spa, in a separate building, is distinctively appointed in the art nouveau style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Willow Tearooms of Scotland. Aside the pool it offers seven treatment rooms, a relaxation area. True to the spirit of colonial times, The Majestic Spa reflects upon a golden era in Malaysian history.

The interior of the spa is another accomplishment of sorts that makes this spa truly unique. Timber panelling recalls the traditions of colonial interiors. Fascinating art-deco cabinets with mirrored and leaded glass panels, backlit stained green-and-blue glass lockers, 1930’s style fans, framed windows and high-back wooden chairs are just of the interior details. So fascinating are the interiors that it is easy to forget about the purpose of the place: a spa! Beauty care and massage as remedy for any sore muscles or pent-up stress in one’s body – which I have plenty.

The changing rooms, separate sections for men and women, are colonial white, purple painted walls and upscale with yellow marble.

The spa treatment begins with: a cocktail! Then the proceedings are footbath, head massage, and the treatment of choice – for the reviewer a scrub plus facial – which entails long gentle stokes with oil. Afterwards camomile tea and biscuits are served in the receiving parlour.

Not shying away from British heritage, treatments on offer have a distinctly British flavour: Malaya Golden Chersonese (couples experience, with For Her and For Him treatments, that celebrates the epic journey of Isabella Lucy Bird in British Malaya and her bold fashion for adventure), Queen Victoria’s Lavender, and English Afternoon Tea (honouring the quintessential tradition as part of the experience) are some of the signature experiences.

Spa guests can, aside packages, choose from a la carte menu as well as a list of facial treatments featuring Kerstin Florian skin care (a luxury collection of products that sources only the finest and most potent ingredients from around the world).

These attractions, all with their uniqueness in terms of setting, are had individually, or as combos. The Majestic Spa combined with afternoon tea for example. Or appreciating the vintage cocktails in a pre-dinner session by The Bar, followed by a colonial dinner.

With upcoming increased competition from more luxury hotel brands coming on board in Kuala Lumpur, it is still fair to state that The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur is once again a premier hotel in the city. At the very least, it beats all competition when it comes to uniqueness and heritage.