LOCATED in the Cheras area of Kuala Lumpur, the latest addition by INNSiDE by Meliá hopes to attract business and leisure travellers.
The 238-room property, situated in Cheras, is not exactly centrally located in Kuala Lumpur, but being next to a major highway, and connected to the Taman Mutiara MRT station means it should be easy to get to all the major tourist hotspots in the area, if not the Klang Valley.
The attached EkoCheras Mall has plenty of shopping options and amenities, including a supermarket, cinema, and plenty of restaurants. And just across the highway is another mall, Cheras LeisureMall if more options are needed. There are plenty of shoplots in the area too.
The hotel offers six room categories. The entry-level room type, The INNSiDE Room, starts at 22 square metres and features a rain shower, plush king-sized bed and local art, along with touches of turquoise through the chairs framing the in-room desk, and purple lighting.
In terms of comfort, all the aesthetics come together in a pleasing way. While it’s not necessarily that large, it’s big enough for someone (or a couple) to put their feet up and relax in between meetings and trips to the city.
You’re not going to be booking a stay here for the view, as the surrounding area is just a typical housing neighbourhood, though that means there isn’t much noise to bother you at night.
The biggest rooms available are one of the two Townhouse Xtra accommodation options, which are 85 and 102 square metres. The suites feature separate living/dining and sleeping areas, and a bathroom with a freestanding deep soaking tub with a commanding view. It also features two TVs, a Nespresso coffee maker, video game consoles and a premium minibar.
Sustainability and eco-consciousness are big buzzwords in the hospitality industry, and this Meliá property is no different as it aims to be plastic-free, with solar-powered LED lighting and eco-conscious in-room amenities.
For relaxing, the hotel has an infinity pool with an expansive sun-lounging deck open all day. But there’s also a 24-hour gym featuring weights and cardio equipment, as well as a yoga studio.
On the first floor, Duke’s Kitchen, the hotel’s all-hours restaurant, has an open kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a fountain. There’s a buffet for breakfast, and a la carte menu for lunch and dinner.
In terms of amenities for business travellers, the hotel has two multifunctional areas, both on the 5th floor.
The Big Ideas Space is a spacious meeting table overlooking a projector catered for small groups and digital nomads. Inspirational messages and local art on the walls, with books and games strategically placed for downtime, give a pleasing vibe.
The Recording Studio, a more private space, can cater to up to 30 guests with a big screen TV with stools and desk space to work.
Ultimately, though it’s not placed in the city centre or among densely packed high rises, the transportation connections (MRT, highway) mean going to and fro shouldn’t be that hard (avoid rush hour, of course).
The higher-priced accommodations have plenty of facilities to hold meetings if needed. For the average tourist, or a local interested in a staycation, the relative quiet of the area is nothing but a positive. – The Vibes, May 17, 2023
