Asia's Top Hotel Hotspots: Malaysia

Journalist Aaron Akin stayed at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel, which is located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur's city centre and a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The nearest monorail station, Imbi, is within walking distance.

What can you expect upon arrival?

A New York-themed hotel consisting of 610 stylish suites with broadband access; restaurants, a rooftop swimming pool with excellent views of the Petronas Twin Towers, a business centre and the Manhattan Ballroom, which has a maximum capacity of 2,000 people. Additional facilities include postal services, car rental, a limousine service, 24-hour room service, concierges and round-the-clock security. There is also an adjoining shopping mall which houses 900 shops and Asia's largest indoor amusement park.

What are the rooms like?

Well-furnished and comfortable with panoramic views of the city down below. Rooms range from the Studio (51 square metres) to the Brooklyn Suite (99.4 square metres). Suites are cosy but spacious, with separate sleeping, socialising and dining quarters, giving you a taste of contemporary Malaysian urban living. Subdued earth tones make the décor soothing and large floor-to-ceiling windows welcome in plenty of natural light during the day. The en suite bathrooms are well decorated and each feature a large shower and bathtub and separate toilet with bidet. The air conditioning system is extremely robust and at times, makes you forget you are in a country with a tropical climate.

What are the dining facilities like?

The Big Apple Restaurant is open all day, offering traditional Asian cuisine alongside Continental and American fare. Breakfast typically consists of a buffet and helpful staff are always on hand to explain unfamiliar dishes. The 7th Avenue Lounge is exclusively frequented by Corporate Club Floor Guests, while those in search of live entertainment, light snacks and invigorating cocktails typically head to the Broadway Lounge.

What's the overall verdict?

A perfect choice for both business travellers and tourists due to its central location and proximity to many of the major attractions. The shopping mall has seemingly endless floors of retail outlets and recreational facilities to keep you busy, including a 9-screen multiplex cinema and indoor amusement park with 14 rides. Studio rooms start from US$99 per night including a 29-inch television and standard amenities.

Contact

The Berjaya Times Square Hotel is at 1 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tel: 603 2141 0088; www.berjayahotel.com