GTower Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

GTower Hotel boasts a convenient location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, a fine range of business amenities, and proudly holds Malaysia’s first green certification. An abundance of food and beverage outlets, and lifestyle facilities too make the property a great choice of stay for both work and pleasure.

Located on busy Jalan Tun Razak, the hotel is less than a five-minute walk to the nearest LRT station, two blocks away from the KLCC park, and multiple office towers and tourist attractions are easily accessed from its doorstep. For those with cars, onsite parking is available, equipped with a feature we wish other buildings would duplicate: carbon monoxide (CO) sensors in the basement lots monitor CO levels, automatically forcing fresh air in if unhealthy CO levels are reached. Which brings us to a whole host of other earth-friendly routines the property practices.

Designed to save energy and resources, recycle materials and minimize the emission of toxic substances throughout its life cycle, G Tower was the first mixed development building to be certified Green Mark Gold in Malaysia. Coffee waste is used as fertilizers for green planting around G Tower, and fruit and vegetable waste is used to produce bio-enzyme cleaners. Rainwater harvesting and collection of condensation from the cooling system is used for the irrigation network in the building. Excess heat produced from the chillers is captured to provide hot water for hotel rooms, and to heat the tower’s pools too.

“Green” however, by no means signifies rustic. The other credential G Tower has up its sleeve is that of Malaysia Cybercentre status, indicating a fully “converged data and information network.” High-speed broadband, IP telephony, an IT Concierge, and Wi-Fi hotspots, are some of the services guests appreciate as a result.

Combining technological capabilities with corporate social responsibility, the parent company runs the web-based program, GivingIsGold. This platform acts as a communication bridge between donors and charity organizations, eliminating wastage of resources because people are enabled to give to matched charities what they need, how much they need, and when they need it most.

Eating in the hotel’s Bridge Bar and View Rooftop Bar also empowers guests to give to a good cause. Proceeds from the “Dine for A Cause” menu go to a charity home, which the company has adopted (charities rotate every two years), and as a result of these efforts renovations and furniture have been donated providing much needed assistance to the current charity.

Good and green aside, the rooms, facilities and dining options have some unique features of their own.

From Executive Rooms to Premier Suites, all 180 rooms are equipped with plush king sized or twin beds, walk in wardrobes, satellite TV and movies on demand, marble finished bathrooms, rain showers, a work desk with multi-connection panel, ergonomic desk chair, and high-speed Internet connection. Access to The Club and The Bridge Bar (exclusive private facilities on the penthouse floor) entitles guests to business secretarial services, an IT concierge and daily breakfast.

Room design is clean and contemporary, and a neutral colour palette is accented with dark woods and the occasional splash of red or orange. Lighting is thoughtful with a mix of gentle down lighting, lamps and individually controlled sources. Large black and white paintings, and modern lampshades are all that is needed to complete the stylish overall ambience.

Our Premier Deluxe King Room, while set up with the executive business traveler in mind, too makes a fine option for a staycation or leisure visit to KL. Of note is that the bathroom and walk-in wardrobe are separated from the sleeping and living area, giving privacy, but also preventing the disturbance of a partner with a different sleeping schedule. A turn down service sees curtains drawn and bed turned down ready for the night. The Aigner Black range of toiletries, personal coffee machine, pillow menu, turn down service, and complimentary pressing and shoe shining services, add to the premium experience.

Facilities throughout the hotel are plentiful. It’s easy to find many things we desire within the walls of the building itself.

For starters, hubby and I both appreciate a good gymnasium and Elements Gym is well equipped to cater to our preferences. For me there’s an excellent range of cardio machines, in prime condition to work up a sweat. Hubby is happy to see both free weights and assisted strength machines to give his muscles some sound variety.  Fitness classes and water aerobics classes (in the heated pool) are scheduled regularly, or hotel guests can enjoy an exclusive sun bathe in an infinity pool on the 11th floor.

Open daily, the Sompoton SPA offers a range of treatments suitable for those who might want a time efficient, de-stressing massage after a long day of business negotiations, or packages designed to pamper both the ladies and the gents from head to toe for a full day of relaxation. Hubby and I try out a signature massage and find both of our therapists highly skilled and the ambience serene and clean.

Sompoton Spa

A number of commercial tenants in the building add value to the services available under one roof. The Sense and Beauty Salon, and Silhouette Hair and Beauty Studio, go a few steps further in satisfying your grooming needs. Alliance Bank, MBE (business, communications and postal service), Triways Travel agency, and NZ News and Convenience store expand the conveniences at guests’ disposal.

The comprehensive options for eating, drinking, nibbling and sipping at GTower Hotel are worthy of a good few days of exploration. For starters, hotel guests get exclusive access to The Club and Bridge Bar. These intimate spaces make you feel as if you’re part of the elite with their fine service and leather-studded interiors. Whether it’s for a cup of coffee, or whisky and cigar, the plush environs will have you minding your manners, and straightening your posture to play the part.

Cocktail lovers should be sure to head to the Bridge Bar before sunset to enjoy the vistas and partake in the Signature Chily-Tho (RM30++). This fun twist on spicy tom yum soup, features Captain Morgan spiced
rum infused with chili, mint leaves, lime and is topped up with soda water. A fresh green chili and wedge of lime float in the drink, mirroring the zesty broth. It enters the mouth smooth and clean but goes down with a peppery shout. “Wow, it’s really beautiful. Ooh, but it has a kick!” confirms hubby.

Elegant dining is found both in Tanzini, which serves modern European cuisine with a strong Italian influence, and the Upper Deck, which elevates the dining experience to include refreshing views and an upmarket evening affair. View Rooftop Bar sets firm footing for a pre or post dinner drink, or some might even find the compact food menu and extensive drinks list enough grounds for passing a solid few hours here. Check out our personal recommendations at each of these outlets here: Tanzini, Upper Deck, View Rooftop Bar.

Artisanal breads and pastries, and locally roasted coffee, are the star attractions of the casual lobby outlet, Bread Lounge. Again, follow this link, Bread Lounge, to find our favourite menu items. And, if it’s possible that the hotel dining options are not enough, the Food Hive on the bottom floor buzzes with variety from outside rentals. Well-known names such as House, Razuken, Subway, SisterS Kitchen, NZ Curry House and I Love YOO! present variety in terms of both cuisine and price.

Social consciences appeased, technology needs flawlessly satisfied, business and leisure desires taken care of, and tummies more than content, GTower Hotel has provided a pleasing weekend staycation for us, and I’m sure would adeptly gratify both business and leisure travelers in the same manner.

Currently GTower Hotel is running a Rejuvenate Package priced from RM368++ per room, which includes one night accommodation, buffet breakfast, 50 minute massage at Sompoton Spa, access to Elements Gym and complimentary parking. Visit the hotel website for more details.

Reasons to visit: certified green hotel, convenient location, excellent food and beverage options.

Reviews:

199 Jalan Tun Razak

50450 Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia

+6 03 2168 1919