Getaway in the city
Formerly known as Impiana Hotel, the AnCasa Hotel and Spa Kuala Lumpur has been extensively renovated to meet modern travellers’ needs, writes Loong Wai Ting
ALARGE window at the far end of the floor invites me into my AnCasa Room that sits on the highest floor of the newlyrefurbished AnCasa Hotel and Spa Kuala Lumpur. I walk towards the window and draw open the heavy curtain to marvel at the scene below. I love staying on a higher floor as it provides me with a vantage point of the cityscape as far as the eye can see.
When you’re being treated to such a lovely view, it’s easy to feel relaxed. But the loud pounding and drilling at the construction site next door brings me back to the present.
I crane my neck to see the construction workers and they look like tiny ants diligently working together to complete their tasks. Leaving the scene, I gather my things to head out for a walk at nearby Petaling Street.
DOWN AT THE STREET
Dodging a large group of Vietnamese tourists, I quickly exit through the double doors manned by a friendly doorman. Once outside, I’m swallowed into the city’s chaotic pace.
The hotel literally sits in the middle of all the shopping action. It is what I love most about the AnCasa Hotel and Spa Kuala Lumpur ― its central location.
The bustling Petaling Street or Chinatown is a block away. The historical part of the city that includes the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Dataran Merdeka is a stone’s throw away, past the Central Market and the River of Life in Masjid Jamek. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk from the hotel to these locations and back without breaking a sweat.
Best of all, the hotel is just a 20-minute train ride from my home via the Light Rail Transit. I got off at the Plaza Rakyat LRT station and followed the covered walkway that took me out of the station and onto Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, where the hotel is located. UTC Pudu (formerly Puduraya) is just next door.
I’m ready to explore the areas in and around Petaling Street, including some long-forgotten landmarks such as Rex KL, which is at the beginning of Jalan Sultan. Does the name sound familiar? Well, it was once the Rex Cinema, a name which still evoeks fond memories, of people from all walks of life congregating here to catch the latest movies.
When the original Rex burnt down in 1972 after a failed burglary, it was rebuilt in 1976 and resumed operations. But it closed down later in 2002. The building has been used for various purposes, including as a backpackers’ lodge and a karaoke outlet. Today, it has been refurbished and enjoys a new lease of life ― as a space for events, theatre, exhibitions, screenings, workshops and performances.
THE HOTEL
Back at the hotel, a strong perfume-like scent envelopes me the moment I step into the spacious lobby on the ground floor. Formerly known as Impiana Hotel, the hotel has gone through extensive renovations. Gone is the once shabby-looking lobby with its old furniture.
The spacious lobby gets plenty of natural light from the floor to ceiling windows that extend from one end to the other. The hotel’s only restaurant, the Saffron Brasserie, is located on the same floor.
Occupying both ends of the lobby are large lounge chairs for guests to sit on while waiting their turn to check in. It gets quite noisy when large tour groups check in.
The walls behind the reception counter are shimmering with gold-plated cloves. I love the finishing of the gold cloves as it adds a certain charm to the overall laidback ambience.
Back in my room, I look forward to utilising the powerful rain shower which I had tested out earlier. The powerful stream of cold water instantly refreshes me.
The hotel does provide bathroom amenities, so you can leave yours at home. The bath area is separated from the toilet by a glass panel and it does a good job of keeping the toilet area dry.
The highlight of the room is the comfortable bed and equally plush pillows. At night, with the curtains still drawn open, I can see the city lit up. KL Tower, which is located opposite the hotel, shimmers in its bright neon colours. The Petronas Twin Towers glow in the background.
Finally, I let the city lights lull me to sleep. I can’t wait to find out what tomorrow brings.
A RELAXING DAY
I am jolted awake by the sound of pounding next door. Turning to my side, I look at my watch: it’s almost nine in the morning. It means I’ve had nine solid hours of undisturbed sleep.
Swinging my feet off the bed, I trot to the bathroom for a quick shower before heading to Saffron Brasserie for breakfast. The breakfast is served buffet style. Don’t expect a lavish spread but one that is enough to fill you up.
After breakfast, I head to the AnCasa spa on the second floor. My therapist is fondly known as “Mummy” among the hotel staff. I’ve been having constant shoulder and back pain, a problem that doesn’t seem to go away due to my bad posture.
After filling up some forms and discussing the treatment, Mummy leads me to a room where a basin of citrus-scented water is placed on the floor. I soak my tired feet for a minute while she prepares the necessary items for my treatment.
I’ve chosen the 60-minute Aromatherapy as my preferred treatment and look forward to easing the tension in my shoulders and back.
Under Mummy’s healing hands, I can feel knots being lifted and I can move with ease. She brings me a cup of hot green tea for relaxation and offers tips on maintaining good body posture before I leave the spa.