Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur [In-Depth Hotel Review]

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is one of my favorite cities in the world. With a modern skyline, delicious street food, cultural diversity, and world-class shopping, Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as the locals call it) has something to offer everyone.

After a wonderful couple of days in the city, I switched hotels from an inexpensive, local hotel to something more luxurious. Kuala Lumpur has a ton of nice hotels, including many familiar chains.

However, narrowing down which hotel to choose from can be difficult when you have so many options. Ultimately, I opted for the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, a luxury World of Hyatt hotel in the Bangsar district. Since I am working towards requalifying for World of Hyatt Globalist status, this property made a lot of sense.

Read on for my full review and why you should consider this property the next time you are in Kuala Lumpur.

Booking

Kuala Lumpur has relatively inexpensive luxury hotels. Since I was alone and only planned on staying for a night, I began comparing cash rates and points prices to see which properties made the most sense.

I stumbled upon the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, a World of Hyatt property in one of my favorite districts of Kuala Lumpur: Bangsar.

A standard room could be booked for 399 Malaysian ringgit, or about $83, for the night I wanted to book. While that was a great rate, I had to compare it to the points price.

While the cash prices looked great, there was another major reason I was considering the Alila property: I had never stayed at an Alila before. Alila is a chain in Hyatt’s Boundless Collection, which features hotels shaped by the distinctive culture of its location.

Since I had never stayed at an Alila property, I chose it because the stay would earn me progress toward a free night with the Hyatt Brand Explorer program. With this program, World of Hyatt members earn a free night award that can be used at a Category 1-4 hotel for every 5 unique Hyatt brands they stay at.

Paying Cash vs. Using Points

The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur is a Category 1 property, so award nights start at 3,500 points per night (off-peak) and can be as high as 6,500 points per night (peak).

I began by looking at the property’s points calendar and noticed that thanks to off-peak pricing, it could be booked for just 3,500 points. When I see off-peak pricing for a Category 1 Hyatt hotel, I almost always book it, as it requires the fewest points for a 1-night stay across the World of Hyatt program.

According to our valuations, World of Hyatt points are worth 1.5 cents per point, making 3,500 points worth roughly $53. Since the cash price was considerably higher than this, it was a good idea to use World of Hyatt points, and that’s what I did.

I booked a standard 1 King room. The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur has 143 guestrooms and suites, so I was hopeful I would get upgraded to a nicer room as a World of Hyatt Globalist.

As with all my Hyatt stays, I used The World of Hyatt Credit Card for payment, as it earns up to 9x points total for Hyatt stays: 4x Bonus Points at Hyatt hotels and 5x Base Points as a World of Hyatt member.

Hot Tip:

Check out our detailed guide on all the best ways to earn World of Hyatt points.

Location

The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur is in the vibrant Bangsar district of Kuala Lumpur. The property is just 1 stop from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station, the city’s main railway hub, on the LRT (Light Rapid Transit), making getting around the city and transiting to/from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) easy.

The property is near many of Kuala Lumpur’s tourist attractions, including Brickfields (Kuala Lumpur’s Little India), Bangsar Village, and Mid Valley Megamall.

The Alila Bangsar occupies the topmost floors of the Establishment Kuala Lumpur, a residential apartment building.

Getting There

Since I was already staying at a local hotel in Chinatown, I took the Kelana Jaya LRT line from Pasay Seni station to Bangsar station. The LRT is an incredibly efficient and inexpensive way to get around Kuala Lumpur. The journey took about 15 minutes and cost RM2.40, or about $0.50.

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Bangsar LRT station, and a link bridge connects the LRT station to the hotel.

Checking In

Shortly before 10 a.m., I crossed the link bridge from the Bangsar LRT station to the hotel.

As I walked across the link bridge, a security guard greeted me and inquired whether I was a registered guest at the hotel.

Despite not being registered yet, I explained that I would be staying the night. The security guard kindly allowed me access through a private door, which led me to the hotel’s parking garage. Around the corner, there was an elevator that took me to the ground floor of the hotel.

Exiting the elevator on the ground floor, I couldn’t help but admire the elegant design. There was a small garden in the center of the massive room.

Afterward, I changed to another hotel elevator that whisked me to the lobby on the 41st floor.

Stepping off the elevator onto the 41st floor, I was immediately captivated by the expansive garden-themed area. Seeing such a lush and green atmosphere high above the ground was truly remarkable.

I made my way to the check-in desk on the right side of the lobby. I approached the check-in desk, and the lone front desk representative warmly greeted me, extending a friendly welcome to the hotel.

He politely requested my identification to locate my reservation. After providing my passport, he quickly retrieved my reservation and thanked me for being a Hyatt Globalist member.

He informed me that my room was already prepared. However, he mentioned that the hotel was near full capacity due to the Raya holiday (Eid, the end of the holy month of Ramadan), and unfortunately, no suites were available. Nevertheless, he kindly upgraded me to a Studio room with a private outdoor balcony.

The front desk representative handed me the room keys and provided helpful instructions on connecting to the Wi-Fi. He also shared information about the hotel’s amenities, including the pool, fitness center, and restaurant hours.

He asked whether I would like a late checkout, to which I happily agreed. I was given a 4 p.m. late checkout, a beneficial perk of Hyatt Globalist status.

Overall, check-in was quite efficient, taking only 3 minutes to complete. The front desk agent was extremely courteous and even apologetic that he could not get me into a suite for my stay.

Regardless, I appreciated his efficient service and the fact that he quickly checked me into my room. It’s always a pleasant experience to receive an early check-in, especially when arriving a few hours ahead of the official check-in time.

Elite Benefits

As a World of Hyatt Globalist, I was eligible for several enhanced benefits, including:

• Free daily breakfast
• 4 p.m. late checkout upon request
• Upgraded rooms up to standard suites (when available)
• Club lounge access (when available)

Lobby

To the far left of the lobby, opposite the check-in desks, there was a cozy seating area with stunning views overlooking the city. There was a plush, inviting sofa and 2 comfortable armchairs. In the center, there were coffee tables, which added to the relaxed ambiance of the area. I enjoyed the furniture choice and overall minimalist aesthetic.

Another 3 identical seating areas were along the length of the lobby, which resembled a stylish furniture showroom.

In addition to the seating areas along the sides of the lobby, there was a smaller seating area near the check-in desks in the center of the room.

Near the guestroom elevators was another small seating area with a small garden, which I thought was a thoughtful addition to the lobby.

The elevators were directly to the left of the last seating area.

Bottom Line:

Overall, the lobby was stunning and exuded striking elegance. The lush greenery and garden set against the backdrop of minimalistic white surroundings created a luxurious feeling. It felt like an oasis in the sky in the middle of the bustling city.

Amenities

The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur offered several amenities for its guests. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Wi-Fi

The hotel provided high-speed Wi-Fi access to all guests. While the Wi-Fi speeds were not particularly fast, they were sufficient for the work I needed to do during my stay. There was a good connection and no interruptions throughout my stay.

Outdoor Pool

The hotel boasted an outdoor pool on the 40th floor, easily accessible directly from the lobby. The pool was open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Descending the stairs from the lobby was a 3-story atrium and the massive outdoor pool. The design of the pool and building exuded a luxurious vibe reminiscent of a resort-like villa in the Greek islands.

The pool was a generous size and offered enough space for guests to do laps.

Several pool-style seating areas thoughtfully arranged along the pool’s perimeter offered ample space for approximately 20 to 30 people. I particularly enjoyed the tropical-style landscaping.

There was also a bar near the pool.

The pool bar featured a convenient self-ordering menu placed on the countertop.

To place an order, guests simply needed to dial “0” on the provided pool bar phone and inform the concierge of their room number and desired items. The ordered food would be delivered directly to the pool bar within an hour.

There was a cozy seating area for guests who ordered food from the pool bar menu.

Fitness Center

The property also featured a 24-hour fitness center on the 40th floor adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool.

Upon entering the gym, I noticed the 2 ellipticals and the single indoor rowing machine.

The gym also offered 2 different types of stationary bike machines.

Several treadmills completed the cardio section of the gym.

In the back of the gym was an arm curling machine and a back extension machine.

Additionally, the gym featured a selection of free weights. There was a good variety of weights, including dumbbells that went as high as 25 kilograms (~55 pounds).

Several benches were available for those wanting to work out with the free weights.

Yoga mats and medicine balls were also readily available.

Alila Living Room

While the hotel lobby is on the 41st floor, all the guest rooms are just below, on the 35th to 40th floors. 

As I got off the elevator on the 35th floor, I passed a small seating area called the “Alila Living Room,” a cozy space designed for guests to relax and unwind. This area, repeated on all guest floors, contained a coffee machine and light snacks.

The area featured a luxurious leather sofa, which added a touch of elegance to the space.

A communal coffee machine was available for freshly brewed coffee.

The coffee bar was stocked with sugar packets, tea bags, and mugs.

Some snacks were also available to complement the beverage options, including potato chips and roasted peanuts.

Studio Room

After exploring the Alila Living Room, I went through the narrow, dimly lit hallway to my room, number 3503. Wood gridlines surrounded the hallway.

As I stepped into the Studio room, I was immediately blown away by its sheer size and thoughtful design choices.

Upon entering the foyer, the bathroom was directly on the left, accessible through a sliding door. A stylish coat hook was opposite the bathroom door on the right-hand wall.

To the left of the coat hooks, an intriguing art piece hung on the wall, adding a touch of personality and aesthetic appeal to the room.

Upon entering the main living area of the room, the focal point was undoubtedly the expansive king-size bed positioned against the left wall, directly in the center of the room.

The bed was exceptionally comfortable and luxurious, with 4 pillows of varying firmness and some nice bedding.

Above the bed, a captivating selection of 3 pieces of tile artwork hung on the wall, adding visual interest to the room. The artwork did a great job complementing the overall aesthetic and ambiance of the room.

A wall-mounted brass side table was on each side of the bed, which added convenient storage and functionality. On the left nightstand was a TV remote and an empty wooden box.

Additionally, the room’s light controls and a single power outlet were on the back plate of the side table.  

On the nightstand to the right of the bed, I found the room’s phone and a notepad with a pencil. Similar lighting controls were available to adjust the lights.

However, this nightstand featured 2 USB-A ports instead of a traditional power outlet. Since I do not carry a USB-A charger, these were essentially useless, and I would have preferred a power outlet.

A large padded bench directly across from the bed provided additional seating or a convenient spot to place belongings.

The room’s wall-mounted TV was positioned directly above the padded bench. However, I was surprised that the TV was only 720p quality, and the picture quality was quite poor.

The large padded bench had 2 throw pillows and was extremely comfortable with its plush cushioning and supportive back-padded wall.

A large storage cabinet was to the left of the padded bench. 

The hotel provided 2 complimentary water bottles placed on top of the cabinet. Additionally, the cabinet featured 2 more power outlets, 2 USB-A outlets, and an HDMI outlet.

Inside the cabinet, I found the room’s minifridge.

The cabinet also featured 2 drawers: 1 containing coffee, tea bags, and glassware, and another containing an ice bucket and electric kettle.

There was a massive closet between the foyer and the bathroom entrance.

The expansive closet offered ample storage space that could likely accommodate all the clothes I own.

I also found a robe, an iron and ironing board, and a digital scale in the closet. Alila also provided 2 pairs of complimentary slippers.

The room’s safe was also in the closet.

Living Room

The studio also featured a living room area separated by a see-through glass divider. The glass partition design created a sense of openness while still defining the distinct areas of the room.

On the left side of the living room was a large sectional sofa with 4 throw pillows. Alongside the sofa was a large wooden coffee table and a smaller marble coffee table.

A small wooden desk was the room’s workstation on the right side of the living area.

Despite its simplicity, the wooden chair was surprisingly comfortable as it had good upper back support.

Directly beyond the living room was the room’s balcony, which had seating for 2 people. I did not use the balcony much, preferring the air-conditioned room to the blistering Kuala Lumpur heat.

The balcony offered breathtaking views of the lush forested areas of Kuala Lumpur.

Bathroom

Lastly, I headed into the bathroom, accessible directly from the bedroom or from the foyer entrance through a sliding door.

When entering the bathroom from the bedroom, I encountered an impressively long sink/vanity area adorned with 2 large LED-lit mirrors. A ceiling-mounted lamp was in between the mirrors.

The mirrors’ design choice and sleek aesthetic instantly caught my eye, providing the perfect blend of style and functionality.

Another water bottle was thoughtfully provided, accompanied by 2 glasses and 2 hand towels.

The hotel provided several Alila-branded toiletries, including a comb, shaving kit, cotton buds, cotton pads, shower cap, and 2 sets of toothbrushes. These amenities were neatly organized in stylish wooden containers, seamlessly continuing the room’s aesthetic.

Below the countertop was a storage section that housed extra towels and a hairdryer. Additionally, a wooden stool was provided, adding functionality to the space and providing a comfortable spot to sit.

As I turned left from the sink area, I would eventually walk back down to the foyer. However, to the left of this path, I found the room’s walk-in shower, which featured both a waterfall and a handheld showerhead.

I appreciated that there were clear instructions on switching between the hand and rain showerheads and the cold and hot water. These thoughtful details ensured a hassle-free showering experience.

The hotel provided shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in elegant wooden bottles.

Across from the shower, I found the room’s simple toilet with a bidet hose. A door separated the toilet from the rest of the bathroom.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the Studio room’s spaciousness and design. The wooden tones and industrial elements added a unique charm to the room. The brass fixtures complemented the wood nicely, and the furniture selection created a seamless harmony throughout the entire space.

I loved the overall aesthetic with the brass, wood, and black finishes seamlessly blended. This design tone is precisely what I aspire to achieve in my own home.

Food and Beverage

The Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur offered several on-site dining options. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Entier

The hotel’s main restaurant, Entier, offers French plates in a serene communal dining setting. The restaurant is on the 41st floor and can be reached directly through the hotel lobby. Entier is open for lunch from 12 to 3 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 10 p.m.

Botanica + Co

On the ground floor, Botanica + Co serves Asian and international dishes in a garden-like atmosphere. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Breakfast is complimentary for World of Hyatt Globalist members and is served daily from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

After settling my bag at one of the corner tables, I wandered around the breakfast buffet, exploring its offerings.

A couple of hot dishes were available, such as beef strips, chicken sausage, baked beans, and rosemary potatoes.

The warm dishes section of the breakfast buffet also featured ratatouille and chicken curry.

An entire section of the breakfast buffet was dedicated to breads and pastries, offering a wide selection. Bread options included white, whole wheat, sourdough, and gluten-free bread, accompanied by various jellies and jams.

Pastry options were more limited but included muffins, cinnamon rolls, and mini croissants.

A self-serve salad bar was also available. It offered several toppings, including meats, cheese, and vegetables, and a variety of salad dressings.

A refrigerator was stocked with fruit yogurts, oatmeal, freshly blended juice, and sliced fruits. The fruit selection included pineapple, dragonfruit, watermelon, and green apples.

A dedicated section had a small selection of beverages, including lemon-infused water, orange juice, and apple juice. I also found breakfast cereals here.

Lastly, there was an egg station where guests could have eggs prepared to their preference. In front of the egg station, plates were available with roti, chicken curry, and vegetable soup.

With a satisfying array of dishes in hand, I settled down at a table to enjoy my breakfast.

Overall, breakfast was a letdown. Despite the appealing appearance of the food, the taste fell short. The pastries were hard and stale, and the chicken sausage and beef strips were not warm enough to enjoy. Even the egg omelet failed to impress — it tasted bland.

Since I was still hungry, I opted to have a lot of fruit. This was not the way I was hoping breakfast would go.

In-Room Dining

The property offers in-room dining, complete with a separate late-night dining menu available from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Since I did not have dinner thanks to a 4-hour late afternoon nap, I ordered some food and conveniently placed my order from the TV in my room.

The menu and remote were user-friendly, making it easy to place an order. I decided to try the crab mee mamak.

Shortly after placing my order, I received a call from the front desk to confirm it. The representative informed me that the food would arrive in about 45 minutes.

After patiently waiting for about 45 minutes, the food was brought to my room. Upon tasting the crab mee mamak, I was thoroughly impressed — it was nothing short of incredible.

Service

Although I had minimal interactions with the hotel staff, I found them to be great. The front desk staff was incredibly welcoming and quick to answer any questions or fulfill any requests I had. It genuinely seemed like they enjoyed their jobs and took pride in providing excellent hospitality to guests.

Before opting for room service from the late-night menu, I visited the front desk for help regarding a mobile food order I had placed. The front desk agent generously dedicated nearly 20 minutes to help resolve the issue with my order by calling the restaurant several times. I truly valued the exceptional service.

Final Thoughts

Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur is a fantastic property that exceeded my expectations. I cannot believe it is a Category 1 Hyatt property, and you really can’t go wrong by staying here, whether using points or paying cash outright.

The mix of natural elements with a clean, contemporary style lent a luxurious atmosphere, complemented by top-notch amenities. The Studio room was spacious and exuded an opulent vibe, blending wood and dark tones with elegant brass highlights.

While I typically prefer exploring local street food over hotel dining, I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional crab mee mamak I ordered from the late-night menu. It was simply fantastic.

However, the same could not be said about breakfast, which fell short with limited variety and lackluster taste.

Despite this, my experience at the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur was overall delightful. Since this was my first Alila property, I made progress toward earning another free night certificate through Hyatt Brand Explorer. I would gladly stay at the Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur again on my next visit to the city.