Charming stay in the city
The classy vanity mirror and wash basin outside the bathroom.
IT has been a week after my birthday and many tell me “Don’t worry, a birthday celebration goes on for a month”. Well, initially I didn’t believe them but after a three-day post-birthday stay at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection, I am ecstatic.
As directions are not my forte, I jump into a GrabCar for a 30-minute ride from Mid Valley Megamall to reach the hotel in Jalan Kamunting, Chow Kit which is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur.
I am amazed at the hotel’s unique yet classy facade — red bricks and shutters. So simple and quaint, a design that is not the norm today. The surrounding area is quiet, without much traffic — a plus to enjoy a little serenity in the city.
On entering the hotel, what catches my eye is a row of yellow pendant lights above the reception counter where I check-in to my 16th floor room. The lights give a cosy feel. Spacious and modern Executive Studio room.
EXECUTIVE ALL THE WAY
I enter Executive Studio Room, the biggest in the hotel. It is the only room with a bath tub and a shower. The sink is located outside the bathroom and has a lit-up oval vanity mirror — very classy.
The modern-concept room is embellished with warm colours of mustard yellow, grey, black and brown. It comes with a very comfortable king-sized bed, a study table and sofa bed by wide window panels overlooking the city.
I love the framed black and white picture of the old Jalan Kamunting as the head of the bed and a little round glass container that gets refilled everyday with Haw flakes and dried plums. Jove de
Boeuf Braisee (braised beef ), Brasserie 25’s signature dish. The rooftop bar beside the infinity pool at sundown.
WHAT IS A STAYCATION WITHOUT FOOD?
The hotel has a French-style restaurant named Brasserie 25 at the lobby. I decide to try its famous Le Gouter (French-style tea served daily from 3pm-6pm). While being served the hot savoury pastries that include pairs of curry puff, salmon tart and fried macaroni and cheese balls, I admire the interior which has a dramatic yet relaxed look with red brick, copper sputnik chandeliers, dark wooden floors, an open concept kitchen and private yellowish sofa booths.
An array of French desserts which include opera cake, raspberry macaroon and chocolate cake is also served. They are not too sweet and the best part is that you can have as many helpings as you want.
Since the restaurant is also popular for its lunch and dinner, I take the opportunity to have an evening meal there. The musttry dishes are its signature Jove de Boeuf Braisee (braised beef cheek in red wine served with carrots, mushrooms, pearl onions over a bed of mashed potatoes). The beef just melts in your mouth.
The other is its Carre D’agneau En Croute D’herbes (roasted rack of lamb with herbs, honey and mint mustard sauce over a bed of mashed potatoes).The meat is just as tender.