One of the best hotels to stay when you revisit the Malaysian capital is Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur, which opened its doors in December 2022. The sleek contemporary hotel is strategically located near Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower), just a few minutes walk to Dang Wangi LRT Station, which connects you to the extensive train network of Kuala Lumpur and the rest of Peninsular Malaysia.
I was hosted at this brand-new accommodation with other Indonesian influencers, while attending the biggest train flash mob event Keretapi Sarong on the 60th Malaysia Day, organized by LOCCO in partnership with AirAsia, who flew me direct to Kuala Lumpur from Cebu.
The Singaporean hotel chain Santa Grand draws its design inspiration from Peranakan culture. In Singapore and Malaysia the term Peranakan refers primarily to Straits-born Chinese, who were born in the former colonial settlements, specifically, Singapore, Penang, and Melaka, or in the former British Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia) and their descendants. Their unique culture incorporates both Chinese and Malay elements. The interior design integrates traditional motifs and decor like the lamp-like lighting fixtures and ornate ceramic vases in the lobby.
The most impressive aspect of the hotel is the rooftop swimming pool, which has a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur’s city center, lorded by three iconic buildings: the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, and Merdeka 118 – the second-tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai! The rooftop area also features colorful murals showcasing Peranakan shophouse architecture, traditional food, and handicrafts.
Amenities
Santa Grand Signature features 282 well-appointed rooms across 19 floors, accessed by a glass elevator that takes through the naturally lit central atrium. The hotel building is topped by an impressive rooftop level with an outdoor lap pool, gym, sauna, and lounge – the pièce de résistance of the property.
All rooms have ther own unique Peranakan-inspired décor, cosy ambiance, an en-suite bathroom and equipped with the latest Google Android Chromecast built-in and Netflix TV. I stayed at an entry-level Bong Soo Standard Queen Room. Interestingly, the room type name, bong soo, is the Peranakan term for youngest child, which is similar to the Filipino bunso. My room had views overlooking the adjacent Klang River and the tall buildings standing next to the waterway.
Dining Options
Hotel accommodation is inclusive of buffet breakfast at Kapitan Cafe, the main restaurant located on the third floor which serves a la carte lunch and dinner as well. The buffet has a great selection of Asian and Western food, including spicy Malaysian classics like nasi lemak, which I absolutely love! The restaurant, however, tends to be extremely crowded when the hotel is fully booked, even when it opens at 6:30 am.
Aside from the third-floor restaurant, the hotel has two other dining outlets. At the main lobby on the ground floor is a cafe called KOPIBAR, which is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee with some light snacks. They serve aromatic and traditional coffee, tea, fresh juices, pastries, and traditional local snacks.
Lastly, there’s the Sky Lounge, next to the rooftop swimming pool, which has floor-to-ceiling windows with impressive city views. This venue can be booked for romantic dinners, private functions, and other customized events.
Room Rates
Accommodation at Santa Grand Signature starts at MYR 215 (₱2,594) for a Bong Soo Standard Queen or Bong Soo Standard Twin Room, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two. Find discounted room rates and check availability here!
How to Get There
AirAsia flies direct to Kuala Lumpur from Manila and Cebu. From Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) take the KLIA Ekpres (express train) or KLIA Transit to KL Sentral, transfer to Dang Wangi LRT Station from where its a 350-meter walk (5 minutes) walk to Santa Grand Signature Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, you can book a Grab from KLIA or KL Sentral.
