Traditionally, Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown consisted of factories, clan houses, and scrappy settlements for new immigrants. More recently in the Malaysian capital, there have been flower sellers for the nearby Chinese and Hindu temples, flea markets, and hawker food. Now, this city fringe is regenerating with a new wave of restaurants offering authentic local cuisine, trendy cafes, speakeasies, cool bars, and an arts and culture hub. Another example of this renewal is Else Kuala Lumpur, a boutique hotel which I had the pleasure of experiencing recently.

While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Else Kuala Lumpur hotel review

Design story

Else Kuala Lumpur exterior facade
The restored exterior of Else Kuala Lumpur

Else Kuala Lumpur, on Chinatown’s Petaling Street, previously the Lee Rubber Building, which, when built in the 1930s, was then the tallest in KL. The original Art Deco exterior has been lovingly restored, injecting new life into the iconic structure. Local design firm Studio Bikin conceptualised the project design and oversaw the restoration of the heritage building. The brief also included the addition of a three-storey modern extension atop the existing structure.

Keeping the rooms to the building’s outer edges allowed removal of central floor segments, creating staggered voids on floors one to four. This provides natural light and fresh air circulation. Internal gardens were added, and the remaining cement floor cross-beam edges were left exposed as a nod to the building’s past.

Else Kuala Lumpur art-filled reception
Art lovers will feel right at home in the reception

Reception, on the first floor feels like you are stepping into an art collector’s living room, filled with paintings, objets d’art, and clusters of comfortable seating. Discreetly behind the reception is one of several design and art-rich spaces for guests to gather and linger. The clever use of design detail and art from Malaysian craftspeople throughout the hotel adds a particularly local aesthetic.

These local artisans’ contributions to the project included customised bricks for the ground floors and pool deck areas. Old terrazzo benches engraved with the Lee Rubber Building logo form a charming part of the furniture leading to the pool area. Luxury rug designer Omar Khan and local Bidayuh and Penan weavers from Sarawak created woven headboards in guest rooms. Khan’s woven creations adorn the walls like works of fine art.

Rooms and suites

Else has 49 rooms and suites, all elegantly appointed with soft palettes and natural tropical textures. Most are configured in three categories: the 25 sq-m Mantra, 33 sq-m Urban, and 45 sq-m Sanctuary Rooms. All come with king-sized beds and ensuite bathrooms, while the Sanctuary rooms on higher floors have private balconies. Every room was designed to not feel identical, whether in the artwork or the accessorising.

My Mantra Room was distinctly comfortable and I loved the little touches that added to the experience. Be it eco-conscious Omno bath products and bathrobes by luxury sleepwear label Lulla, stylish hand-dyed totes from sustainable fashion brand Mun, curated coffee, tea and mini-bar selections, and Bluetooth-enabled sound system. An electronic tablet brings all the hotel services to your bedside.

Else Kuala Lumpur Mantra suite
The Mantra room promises a comfortable sleep and plenty of mod-cons

Occupying the upper floors, the Sutera, Terrace and Else Suites are each a haven. Individually configured and with city views, these are spacious and quietly luxurious spaces ranging from 62-84 sq-m.

Food and drink

At street-level Raw Kitchen, with its vaulted ceilings, is expansive, light-filled, and operates from breakfast to evening. Appointed with sculptural wood furniture and retro banquette seating, this casual-chic gathering place draws inspiration from Asian and Latin flavours, serving refined and innovative comfort food. Framed by a series of carved antique Roman columns, Raw Bar is excellent for indulging in modern-classic cocktails or natural wines from a tailored list.

Open evenings, Yellow Fin Horse restaurant is helmed by acclaimed local chef Jun Wong. It offers sophisticated fine casual dining, presenting Malay and international flavours using seasonal ingredients and local farm-to-table produce. It features cooking over fire and emphasises traditional preparation methods like preserving, curing, fermenting, and ageing. Think of simple sophistication and service excellence within an intimate setting.

What else about Else?

Else Kuala Lumpur floatation therapy pod
Shake off the city with a stint in one of the hotel’s floatation pods

A slightly different offering is the hotel’s two private floatation therapy pods. Close your eyes, disconnect from the world and drift in zero gravity. After one pod session, I was hooked – restorative, meditative and healing, all in one. Other recreational facilities include a state-of-the-art gym with innovatively designed NOHrD equipment. The serene Gratitude Space is for prayers, meditation or a contemplative yoga session. A salt-water infinity pool is on the fourth floor. Lounge on the sheltered day beds, or put down a few laps while enjoying those KL city views.

Boutique Else is a place of respite from Chinatwon’s hustle and bustle and a striking blend of heritage and modernity. From my time there, I see it as multicultural, diverse, crafted and considered, eclectic but refined, and offered all I needed. Additionally, it is an ideal base to discover bustling, colourful KL.

Learn more about Else Kuala Lumpur or Book through Booking.com

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