Just MOV-it!
The biggest appeal of MOV Hotel, located just off bustling Changkat Bukit Bintang, lies in its unexpected features and super strategic location, writes Intan Maizura Ahmad Kamal
LOFT. Attic. Upper chamber. Whatever you want to call it, that area or nook under the roof converted to a living/ sleeping space had always held its charm for me. As a little girl living in England with a voracious appetite for those terribly English books that inevitably had an attic somewhere in the storyline, I always dreamt of having my own attic room where I could just lose myself in my own little world, away from everyone.
Fast forward to today, and as my gaze wander lazily down to the spacious “room” downstairs from my lofty perch up in the cosy “attic” of the duplex Family Loft of MOV Hotel in Jalan Berangan, Kuala Lumpur, I couldn’t help but sigh contentedly at the thought that I’m finally going to get my wish — at least for a night.
With its low ceiling, the “attic” is snugly furnished with two single beds and a funkylooking table (I can’t make out what it is!) lining one side of the wall. It’s definitely a more modest space “up” here compared to the “room” downstairs with its king-sized bed, unique TV cabinet hiding a TV and a small fridge, and long wooden table under the stairs that’s ideal for use as a makeshift dining table or workstation.
But therein lies the charm; that sense of being cocooned in one’s private space, away from everyone, looking down on the bustle just below, and yet being able to retreat into your own world.
The opportunity to be in the heart of Bukit Bintang for a weekend staycation, ensconced in a fairly new hotel that has been receiving favourable reviews all round didn’t seem like a bad proposition, especially after what had been a gruelling work week. undeniable European feel, opened its doors in 2018. There are a total of 147 rooms, including the premium option of nine lofts, each one fitted with a king-sized bed and all the modern conveniences that make for a comfortable stay. Definitely it’s the lofts that set MOV Hotel apart from the many boutique hotels that are available in Kuala Lumpur.
Guests can choose from four unique designs, namely the MOV Family Loft (perfect if you’re staying with a small family), MOV Allure Loft (great for couples), MOV Infinity Loft (if you’re into four-poster beds) and MOV Studio Loft (comes with a lounge).
The oversized windows complete with ceiling-to-floor drapes lend my impressive duplex “room” an illusion of grandeur in addition to allowing for ample sunlight to filter in and bathe the space in an ethereal glow. Meanwhile, the modern lighting fixture suspended from the high ceiling above the bed is a rather stylish feature.
Forget about bulky wardrobes to hang your clothes in. The open-concept wardrobe with monkey bars makes good use of what little room there is by the entrance, which incidentally leads immediately into what would conventionally be the “bathroom” area.
Here, the strip of space is allocated for the small toilet and shower room, which are separate from each other, in addition to a vogueishly-designed wash basin area, which looks out to the “bedroom” through the grill “divider”.
Suffice to say, I can’t wait to enjoy the room and do nothing all afternoon. But that would be a shame considering that there’s actually plenty to explore of the hotel and of course, the surrounding areas. “Oh well, time to move my arse,” I mutter to myself, scrambling off the bed and gathering my bag for an afternoon of leisurely exploration.
EXPLORE AND ENJOY
“What Moves You”, the hotel’s tagline flashing neon pink along the wall of the rooftop pool and “lounge” area, is rather apt. The hotel does pulsate with a sense of
“Je ne sais quoi” compared to the rest of its seemingly sleepy neighbours.
The rooftop pool that leads to a colourful hammock lounge is definitely my favourite part of the hotel. The best time of the day to hang out here is at sunset (and beyond); when day turns to night and the sky is a blanket of magical mauve. Grab a hammock and a book and enjoy the light caress of the evening breeze. Absolute bliss.
Incidentally, if being a “vegetable” isn’t quite your thing, there’s always the wellequipped gym to run yourself ragged, also located on the rooftop level. Alternatively, why not just leave the comfort of the hotel and head out to explore the locale?
One of the plus points about this hotel is its rather strategic location. It’s within walking distance to a lot of FOOD! The famous Jalan Alor, for example, the street synonymous for cheap Malaysian hawker fare (mostly Chinese cuisine) is nearby.
Don’t be fooled by the lack of bustle during the day time. You need to be here to see it come alive once the sun goes down and the street, suddenly dotted with chairs and tables along curbs and roadsides, is transformed into a foodie haven!
Beyond food, there’s art. The alleys parallel to Jalan Berangan, literally at the far northern end of Jalan Alor, is where you’ll find some eye-catching street art. Many of the hitherto dingy alleyways have been transformed into a colourful canvas that will make you constantly reach for your camera.
There’s a mural of a small stream that’s pretty cool. Known as The Lost Stream of Jalan Alor, you can literally “walk on water” and enjoy the feeling of being in the jungle thanks to effects from the green-painted walls and cloud lights hanging from above. The stone steps, which also serve as a wheelchair ramp, has a 3D effect thus making the “water” appear as if it’s flowing downstream.
Street art aside, a number of KL’s popular tourist spots such as Bukit Bintang shopping area and Changkat Bukit Bintang (where all the happening nightspots are found) are also within walking distance. The Bukit Bintang MRT station is nearby, so should you decide on venturing out slightly further, you have your mode of transport sorted out!
M FOR MEATOLOGY
Another unique “attraction” at MOV has to be the dimly-lit “underground” dining area, which reminds me a lot of a contemporary deli in a cellar. To access this part, one can either slide down a pretty sinewy slide (inform the front desk should you decide to do it this way), go down the back stairs where the lighting will remind you of the red light district of London’s Soho, or via the more conventional (ok, boring) front lift.
The culinary fanfare here is brought by Meatology, the restaurant owned by award-winning chef, Yenni Law. Meat lovers will rejoice as the lunch menu does feature some great meat offerings from this innovative chef famous for her amazing steaks.
Meanwhile, the breakfast fare is somewhat modest, comprising the usual suspects — the ubiquitous bread, baked beans, eggs, fried rice, porridge etc. And you can also order more stuff from the ala carte menu. The restaurant is only serving breakfast and lunch at the moment but stay tuned for further developments.
For more info on the hotel, visit www. movhotel.com