Review: Best Western Premier Dua Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It had been raining daily ever since I arrived in Laos, so most of my planned activities went out the window. The internet connection was abysmal, too, so I wasn't able to work on my deliverables the whole time I was there, so I've made the decision to fly to KL two days earlier than my intended travel date. 

Thankfully, the guys at Best Western Premier Dua Sentral (now Ramada Plaza Dua Sentral) were able to accommodate my request to change dates on such short notice - even during peak season.

I arrived at the new and massive KLIA2 half past one, and took my sweet time wandering around the airport. And because I was so used to arriving at LCCT and taking the bus to KL Sentral, it didn't occur to me that I could have taken the KLIA Ekspress located within the complex. 

Well, at least now I know what to do next time I'm in KL.

photo from Best Western Premier Dua Sentral's Facebook page

Embarrassingly, I arrived a couple of hours late than the official check-in time, and found out that the front desk actually called AirAsia to check if my flight got delayed. 

So to avoid the same mistake I did (or if you're arriving early and are not in a hurry), here are a couple of options of getting to the hotel from KLIA/KLIA2: 

• Take a cab - obviously expensive, but is the most convenient way;
• Take the KLIA Ekspress (33 minutes, RM35.00) OR the Skybus (1 hour, RM10.00) then take the free hotel shuttle (depends on the schedule) at KL Sentral. If you miss the shuttle, you can hail a cab in front of Nu Sentral mall. 

The Assistant Front Office Manager, Maggie, immediately ushered me to my 1-bedroom Club Suite upon arrival. 

Meanwhile, the bellhop took care of my luggage.

I was pleasantly surprised with the welcome gift: an assortment of sweets like pralines, macarons, and petit cakes - all of which I really, really loved! 

My suite has a separate lounge equipped with flat screen TV - which you can control with your smartphone, by the way - a DVD player, and comfy couch.

There's also a writing desk complete with stationery supplies, and has plenty of power outlets. This, combined with the fast and complimentary WiFi will definitely make any business traveler happy. 

The writing desk faces the window with a view of KL's skyline. Immediately noticeable is the beautiful Moorish-style KL Railway Station and Menara KL. 

The suite is equipped with a kitchenette (sans cookware), and coffee and tea making facility. It even has a CBTL machine!

The mini bar is well-stocked, too.

***

The bedroom is separated from the lounge by a wooden sliding door.  

My gorgeous bed! 

My bed was just the right size and firmness, and I love the fresh and fluffy sheets. 

They were generous with the pillows, and even have a Pillow Menu so you can have it changed according to your preference.

The en suite bath is in an 'open concept' fashion with only a frosted glass separating the tub from the room. 

There's a separate shower stall with rainshower head, too. 

I also appreciate that they have a retractable clothes line in the shower stall because where else would you hang your wet swimsuit, right? Other hotels with pools haven't even thought about that. 

Plus points for the toilet with hand held bidet with adjustable pressure. 

Clean and simple, but classy bathroom

Hairdryer: check! Dual sided swivel vanity mirror: check! Premier toiletries and grooming kit: double check!

Their toiletries are some of the best I've used among all the hotels I've stayed at!

Bathrobes, plenty of plush towels, and slippers are provided. 

Inside the closet are plenty of hangers, iron and ironing board, and electronic safe.

But what I appreciate most are the small details - things I don't often see in other hotels like bath salt, sewing kit, shoehorn, and the potpourri in the lounge. 

***

In terms of food, there are plenty of dining options within the hotel.

TOP: Apple Quencher mocktail, teh tarik, stawberries & cream

BOTTOM: smoked salmon bruschetta, parfait, scones, and petit cakes (not pictured)

On my first night, I went to Punch Bar & Lounge, and tried their Apple Quencher mocktail. I rarely drink alcohol, so their mocktail selections were just perfect for me. I enjoyed it while chilling at one of their colorful art deco chairs. 

The following day, I also got the chance to try their English Afternoon Tea (only offered on weekends). I didn't know that the set was good for two people, so I had a hard time finishing it off. In fact, I was so full after that I had to skip dinner.

Also on my first night, I had dinner at Hugo's on 6 which is located at the pool area. 

The theme was BBQ Sensation so I gorged on chicken and beef satay, grilled lamb, shawarma, grilled corn on the cob, among others.

Fresh salads, seafood, paella, fruits, desserts etc. were also served.

There was even a saxophone player who performed that night, so guests enjoyed dinner while simultaneously entertained by the music and the view.

A quiet Kembali Kitchen at noon. Guests have either checked out or already wandering about in KL at this time.

Now, let's talk about one of my favorite hotel breakfasts ever served at Kembali Kitchen! 

Kembali Kitchen pays homage to Malaysia's multicultural society by highlighting Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Western, and even Mediterranean fare are available as well. Additionally, there's live omelet, pancake and waffle, and noodle stations.  

I'll tell you a little secret: I pigged out on roti canai paired with either hummus or baba ganoush every breakfast. :p

My stay coincided with Hari Raya so you can just imagine how busy it was at the buffet breakfast, but the staff tried their best to manage the queue. They were also quick to 'bus out' tables, and food warmers were constantly replenished.

I also had the privilege of trying out Bhuvana Spa Luxe. It was a real treat for my weary body. Imagine the torture my back and shoulders suffered after lugging my bags for 2 weeks through Thailand and Laos.

I had a one-hour aromatherapy massage which started with gentle stroking, kneading and rubbing of tight muscles using essential oils to release tension.   

My therapist, Yana, was really really good. Even without telling her, she started with my back, and I think I actually heard my spine pop as if it was suddenly properly aligned. haha I immediately felt the tension went away and my muscles started to relax. 

It was a really blissful experience.

***

Everyone at Best Western Premier Dua Sentral was really nice, courteous, attentive, and were dedicated in ensuring that guests have a pleasurable stay that I didn't go out the whole time I was there.

K

~~ I was hosted by Best Western Premier Dua Sentral for 2 nights, but all opinions in this review are my own. ~~

8 Jalan Tun Sambanthan

50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Tel: +60 (3) 2272 8888

Email: duasentral@bestwestern.com.my

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bwp2sentral

Twitter: @bwp2sentral

Instagram: @bwpduasentral

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