I’ve been noticing a trend in my recent search for accommodations. When we were officially traveling full time, I often sought out the most basic budget accommodations we could find, always concerned about how much we were spending. This was in direct contradiction to the business travel of my former life where fancy hotels were the norm.
Now, I am finding that we are somewhere in the middle. We don’t travel as much as we did before, so I feel as though I don’t need to find the cheapest place possible. Instead, I have started to spend more time looking at reliably comfortable properties with easy access, either to the airport or public transportation. I want to get in and out quickly, and around town easily. And, I want clean, comfortable accommodations, where I can actually sleep.
And, this is what we have found at the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
Reliability in a Kuala Lumpur Hotel
What I love about the Aloft brand, and the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Malaysia, is its consistency and reliability. Unlike other brands which might differ in annoyingly simple ways, the Aloft carries through its theme with such specificity that I know what I am going to get as soon as I step foot inside: from the modern music, to friendly and casual staff, to comfy beds in rooms that are identical around the world. We have stayed in Aloft properties from Beijing to Chapel Hill, and never have complaints. It is simple amazing.
As a traveler, I do enjoy exploring, trying new things, and adapting to my surroundings, but when I arrive in a large city late at night after traveling from one side of the world to another, I like predictability. On our recent visa run to KL, we knew we did not need to pack shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste or even shaving cream – because the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral provides it all, just like every other Aloft property.
Convenience to Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Another reason we love the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is its prime location, just outside the doorway to the KL Sentral train station. Not only does this mean there is easy access to the KL Monorail and other transit systems, but it is steps away from the train that whisks you to the airport. I cannot tell you how convenient that was when we arrived at 2 am on our recent visa run, or when our flight out from KL last time was at 8am. No taxis, no traffic.
There is now a brand spanking new mall just outside the door of the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, too. It has a nice grocery store, lots of restaurants, and tons of shops, including a Uniqlo, which is oh so important to know when we are doing a visa run and need clothes! It’s the perfect place to stay for short two days in Kuala Lumpur.
I think this is why the Aloft KL Sentral is such a perfect transit hotel: quick to and from the airport, easy to access town, and lots of convenient amenities nearby.
We also just had fun on this visit. We swam in the roof top pool with a view of the Petronas Towers, ate macaroni and cheese for breakfast as part of the Nook buffet, and enjoyed really nice happy hour specials – hard to find in KL, where alcohol is kind of pricey. I was able to get work done on the fast wifi, and I slept really well!
Aloft and the SPG Brand
Part of why we stay at the Aloft is because of SPG. Being avid fans of Starwood Preferred Guest, we have racked up points over the years, although our account is running dangerously low. We are familiar with all of the brands, and do our best to make the most of our points balance. It is one of the things we love about the SPG Aloft brand. We can generally cash in less points than other SPG brands, like Westin and Sheraton, while staying in an incredibly stylish and modern hotel. Bright colors and contemporary lines without being too over the top. It’s just a fun property, and a good value.
I might sound like a paid promoter of the Aloft, and in some ways I am, but during this stay, at least our third at the Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral, we just kept saying out loud “I really like staying here” and we rarely say that at any other hotel. I am happy that I still have enough SPG points for a few more stays in the future.
We were hosted by Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral for our recent stay, but we have stayed there several times in the past, and will return again, so obviously, I like this place, and my opinions are my own.
Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together they have traveled to over 70 countries.
Every time I see photos and videos from the Aloft brand, I always want to visit; they have such pretty and artsy properties which are just my style!
I love the colorful, modern, and chic design throughout. Even the buffet had color changing lights – so cool! Sounds comforting (in more ways than one) that this brand is very consistent and reliable. Nice video =)
That place looks really nice, and even though you state you are semi-working with them in the end of the post, I felt like the review was really genuine. Also, mac n’ cheese for breakfast is a huge selling point.
Yeah, Jenny, who can say no to mac n cheese for breakfast, particularly in Asia where cheese is a commodity!
I’ve been interested in the Aloft brand but haven’t stayed at any of the properties yet. This is a nice little introduction! I can see why you’ve chosen to stay at this hotel more than once.
Francesca, they have locations all over the US and in surprising locations, like Chapel Hill and Charlotte. Definitely worth checking out because they are often modern and well appointed, more fun, but cheaper than competitors!
Looks like you has lots of fun and good food right in the hotel! When do we get to go with you?!?
Life long Starwood patron and this particular property has become my favorite. The location in KL, the ease to get there from the airport, the staff, the rooms, I love it all.
Looks like a beautiful place!! I agree that the slower I travel the nicer the places I stay at tend to be.
Thanks for the cool recommendation Amber! We love KL and it is great to have this recommendation from you.
Thanks for the recommendation Amber….will definitely try out this hotel when I’m next in KL !
Thanks so much for the review! This looks like a really cool hotel. Very modern and fun. I’ll definitely check it out the next time I am in KL!
Great review! We often get visitors in KL and it’s good to have hotels that can be recommended in case they want to stay somewhere central on their way in or out.
It is definitely easy in and out, and so convenient to get around too!