An exterior view of The Majestic Hotel’s old wing.
ACCOMODATION is undoubtedly a crucial factor when planning a holiday. So when I was asked to stay at Hotel Majestic Kuala Lumpur, equipped with a Majestic Spa session, I was ecstatic!
Colonial hotels are an amalgamation of old and new — a snapshot of time immemorial but with modern facilities to keep up with modern needs.
Such was the vibe I felt when traversing the halls of the Majestic Hotel.
The hotel is positioned to share the glamour and heritage of colonial times. Set on 3.2 acres on Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, this key location is the historical mile of Kuala Lumpur, opposite the old Moorish style railway station, another famous landmark for the city.
This adherance to high standards comes as no surprise to me as this outfit is a member of The Leading Hotels of The World’s family of iconic and legendary hotels.
The affiliation verifies that the hotel meets a demanding set of quality standards which serve as the benchmark for the luxury hospitality industry, putting it in the company of some of the best hotels in the world, including The Ritz London, The Pierre in New York City, Hotel le Bristol in Paris, and Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy.
Upon entering the hallway, the discerning eyes are quick to capture the colonial influences imbued in its designs, walls and floors.
The hotel manager, Grace Chan, tells us the hotel has preserved many key elements since the original wing was erected back in 1932.
It was quite the toast of town back in its heyday, she said, with the Majestic being the preferred choice of stay for many high-rung politicians and celebrities.
“The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur includes the iconic Hotel Majestic building, documented as a national heritage site under the Antiquities Act,” she told thesundaypost.
“Built in the 1930’s, the original hotel became one of the great landmarks of Kuala Lumpur in its time.
“The hotel was the place for glamorous social events, government receptions and the residence for prominent international visitors.”
The Hotel features 300 luxurious rooms and suites. The Majestic Wing, which is the fully restored original five-storey Majestic Hotel, houses the Suites with Butler Service, The Colonial Café, The Bar and The Tea Lounge.
The hotel also has a new 15-storey Tower Wing complementing the art deco style which houses the Reception, Deluxe Rooms and Suites, Contango Restaurant, 13 meeting rooms, and a pillarless ballroom that can seat 1,200 people, inclusive of your typical gymnasium and swimming pool.
The majestic suite lives up to its name with its top class amenities, personal butler and heightened comfort.
Colonial Cafe
A good hotel can only be made better by the presence of a great restaurant — such was the responsibility of the Colonial Cafe. Located at the Majestic Wing of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, The Colonial Cafe aims to recreate the atmosphere of olden days inspired by planters of Malaya, offering authentic classical cuisine from the era.
“A part of Malaysia’s history as a colony, colonial cuisine is essentially the result of two completely different culinary cultures coming together,” the manager explained.
“These classic recipes were actually an attempt by the Hainanese chefs of the day to recreate traditional British meals using local ingredients, which resulted in a unique and innovative culinary translation.”
Perhaps worthy of mention is the Orchid Conservatory — a special room with a hanging garden and orchidscape within a glass atrium, allowing guests the opportunity of a high-tea worthy of the upperclass.
Growing up with orchids, I was easily captivated by this botanical wonder, pegged as being the only one of its kind in the country. The conservatory features a seasonal range of phalaenopsis orchids — with stunning large-petaled blooms displayed in a re-creation of their natural habitat. As the seasons progress, so do the variety of orchids on display.
Bookings may be made to enjoy Afternoon Tea, intimate lunches or celebratory dinners for up to 15 persons in this gorgeous setting. The manager tells us the Conservatory is currently fully booked up to three months in advance.
The Gentlemen’s Club
Further down the main building is an interesting outfit paying the ultimate tribute to British culture — a gentlemen’s club.
According to Grace, a Gentlemen’s Club is more than just a place for aristocrats and gentlemen of similar interests and social status to meet and drink. It is a place for private business conversations, an escape for poets and artists to get inspired and the only place for the occasional chatter and gossip.
Decked with facilities and services with a Gentlemen’s Club concept in mind such as a pool table, a lounge and cocktail bar, a cigar room, a private dining room and even a card room for those who want to engage in a game of bridge or cribbage.
Guests can also head downstairs to enjoy a private screening of black and white movies with comfortable reclining leather chairs. Should they wish for a Traditional Hot Towel Shave or a professional haircut, a Truefitt & Hill outlet is also available at The Smoke House.
There is even a bespoke on-call tailor providing custom-made suits, shirts and even smoking jackets, bringing you a full-on ‘Kingsmen’ experience.
Overall, it was one-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Orchid Conservatory.