Hotel Review: The Luxurious and Eco-Friendly Amari Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

Welcome to the Amari Hotel, KL

In an era where sustainable living is gaining prominence (World Economic Forum), finding eco-friendly yet luxurious accommodation is a delightful prospect. As a frequent flyer, I balance my carbon footprint by choosing sustainable hotels, and the Amari Hotel in Eco City, Kuala Lumpur, is a prime example of eco-luxury. In early 2024 I was visiting East Asia for business and leisure and was invited to stay at the Amari Hotel for 2 nights to experience Kuala Lumpur more sustainably. In this article, I review the Amari Hotel as a Business Traveller.

Property Overview

The Amari Hotel is conveniently located in Eco City, KL, making it an excellent choice for travellers. Upon arrival, an Uber drops you at the entrance, greeted by a striking silver mangosteen model—a tribute to the local history of tin mining. The interior features a calming blend of orange and blue tones, evoking a maritime feel. Succulent plants and vivarium-inspired décor add a unique touch, seamlessly blending with the Amari brand's ethos. On the left, a business space caters to working travellers, while an open-space café offers a delightful selection of drinks and local cakes, all complemented by art from the Setia Foundation available for purchase.

Accommodation

The rooms at Amari Hotel are spacious and elegantly decorated in neutral palettes with orange accents, consistent with the brand's colour scheme. Each room features a comfortable queen bed, an office table, a stand-in shower, and mirrored walls that enhance the sense of space. A memorable welcome includes coconut biscuits and a personalised avatar photo, a charming keepsake now adorning my fridge at home. For a traveller like myself, luxury isn't about the quantity of items in a room but the quality. For that reason, a few things which stood out for me included: the plug sockets which fit USBs, the smart TV, a working office space and extra seating near the window with natural light.

Amenities

The hotel's main restaurant offers a versatile dining space for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring an outdoor area for al fresco dining. The buffet was a delight, boasting everything you could want from a breakfast, depending on your heritage. With wellness being a key part of my lifestyle, the Amari Hotel served a well-equipped gym and an infinity-style pool overlooking Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Although the pool area is modest, with around 10 sun loungers, it offers a relaxing retreat.

Local Experience

Exploring Kuala Lumpur is easy from the Amari Hotel. A 10-minute ride takes you to Chinatown, where you can immerse yourself in local culture, savour delicious chicken wings, and enjoy coconut or custard-filled desserts. The vibrant atmosphere and variety of local food chains make it a must-visit, especially in the late evening when the night markets are still buzzing and the evening festivities are opening their doors. On my explorations, I found an open space with board games and tea lights, adding to the experience.

Breakfast Buffet

The breakfast buffet at Amari Hotel is a culinary delight. Despite the compact space, the variety is impressive, ranging from fresh juices and dim sum to Chinese soups and made-to-order omelettes. The Roti Chanai station, located outside, is a highlight not to be missed (which I did miss in the first two days!).

Eco Village Mall

Connected to the hotel by a short passage, the Eco Village Mall offers an extensive shopping experience akin to London's Westfield. From luxury brands to local shops, the mall caters to every shopper’s need. The Malaysian food market is a particular highlight, offering authentic local dishes such as chicken noodles and sizzling chicken, accompanied by popular drinks like badung, milo, and milk tea. Visit just after lunch, missing the rush hour and activating daily offers, like 241 and discounts.

Restaurant Dining

Dining at the hotel's restaurant is a memorable experience. The outdoor seating area, attentive staff, and a menu featuring dishes like Crab and Mango Salad, Roti Chanai, and Coconut Cheesecake make for an exquisite meal. The use of garden-grown ingredients reinforces the hotel's commitment to sustainability and the calm breeze adds to the outdoor experience.

General Thoughts

The Amari Hotel in Eco City, KL, offers a perfect blend of luxury and sustainability. Its location near the eco-village and business district makes it ideal for business travellers and families alike. Staying here means you’re contributing to environmental conservation while enjoying high-end amenities.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Staying at the Amari Hotel during Chinese New Year was a delightful coincidence. The hotel’s celebrations included a dragon dance, a traditional food tossing ceremony, and festive greetings, symbolising good luck for the year ahead. Experiencing this cultural event was a highlight of our stay, which the hotel staff advised us to enjoy.

Overall TL;DR

The Amari Hotel, KL, is a great choice for business travellers and families seeking a luxurious yet eco-friendly stay. Its prime location, thoughtful amenities, and commitment to sustainability make it a standout in Kuala Lumpur. As a Business Traveller, I would pick this hotel again for it’s positioning, price point and commitment to a good experience for all people staying.

The Amari Hotel experience was a gifted collaboration as they invited Sonya Barlow to visit and stay at the resort during her time in Kuala Lumpur. The thoughts and recommendations in this article are reflective of Sonya's experience.

Stay: February 2024

 Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, author and presenter who writes about and vlogs her travels, business and lifestyle. She has over 100K followers and works with brands to diversify their luxury travel, lifestyle and business spaces.

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