By the very
definition, a hotel should be hospitable, welcoming. Malaysia is known for its
warmth, friendly service and outstanding hospitality. Nestled in the heart of
Kuala Lumpur is the RuMa Hotel and Residences, which is could well be a
showcase of everything that makes Malaysia’s hospitality world class. Its name
lends from the Malay word “rumah”, meaning home; what guests will find is not
just a house, but a true home, even if it is just for a night.
Entering
this RuMa is a discovery. The maze-like entrance hides the opulent, visually
stunning lobby. What is modelled after a bird cage, a nod to Malaysia’s rich
mining history, one will take a corner to the lavish lobby where ornate spiral
staircases (as found in many shophouses of colonial times) shape the place to
be the Insta-highlight of the ground floor. Taking a seat at a coffee table or
at the counter to check in, one is immediately absorbed by the attention given
with a smile to the process of checking in. Other properties may have a room
for you. Here you have a home waiting for you.
As soon as
the lift doors open to the guest floors it becomes apparent that this is a
custom-build place to impress with comfort. A lot of thought has gone into the
architecture and the fittings. How many times has a plush carpet been the bane
of a trolley luggage you need to forcefully drag to your room? Gliding over the
hard-bristle carpet, flashing the key card on reader laid-into the wood
panelling of the door frame, one murmurs “why can’t all hotels do it like this.”
Finding your RuMa is also easy as the room numbers are LED displays on both
sides of the door frame, so you can find the room easily even in the dark.
Step right
and feel at home: the rooms are designed to feel like a home. Wooden flooring,
lots of light and accentuated details like the fittings and furniture give off
a warm feeling, one of home coming. The RuMa impresses with the attention to
detail. Complimentary slippers may not be something to write about, however,
when there are two sizes to fit his and her feet, something not experienced in
any other place before, then that is something unique. The discovery continues
in the bathroom where fittings and deco are tastefully chosen and placed. With
two sinks, there is plenty of space for a couple to go about their routines
comfortably. Standing in the room, taking it all in, we found ourselves saying
“I want that in our place”.
The RuMa
serves both, business travellers as well as tourists from near and far. With
easy access to the main shopping malls, business centres and the Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre, it is ideally located to make it a place of choice. Those
needing a meeting room will have access to the in-house facilities. For a
casual gathering, or to enjoy a cuppa one may lounge in the LIBRARI on the
ground floor. SEVEN Lobby Bar is the perfect space to reconnect and recentre
over hand-crafted drinks. Boasting 77 different gins sourced from all corners
of the earth, paired with an assortment of seven tonics and garnished with a
spice, the bar tenders will craft lip-smacking-good cocktails.
Throughout
the RuMa, one will find local crafts, furniture and architectural features.
These underline the idea of it being a home as these items could just as well
be found in your friend’s house.
It might be
the unifying topic in Malaysia: food. Malaysian cuisine is widely regarded as
one of the best in the world and is exceptionally varied, thanks to the many
cultural influences of the people congregating in the country. Elevated in
RuMa’s restaurant, ATAS, diners can take a culinary journey through Malaysia.
ATAS is a Malay word describing a place or person being high class. Those
wanting to have a taste of Malaysia should try the Flavours of Home five-course
menu, specifically curated to highlight the best of Malaysian kitchens. Locals
will immediately recognise the flavours as childhood memories or new takes on
their favourite comfort foods. Those not familiar with local delights will be
eased in with impressionable creations. One should allow for two hours for this
foodie’s tour of the country and be prepared to be surprised by one or two
dishes that aren’t what they seem. Agreeing on which dish is the best of the
set menu might not be easy. One strong vote went to the Nyonya Curry Laksa.
Serving as
a communal area, the pool is constantly abuzz. Stepping out of one’s ruma, it
is here where one relaxes with the backdrop of Kuala Lumpur’s impressive
skyline. With the gold-coloured tiles scattered throughout the pool, taking a
dip feels like putting on a glam Versace shirt. In another first, it is here
where the pool attendant comes to bring the towels instead of guests having to
look for them. Chilling, dining or hosting a casual event, this is the
amphitheatre to amplify the experience.
Coming back
to the room, the blinds open automatically. How does the room know that one is
entering and the room was empty until then? This too, I would want in my home.
The kitchen
is the meeting point, the centre of the house where the family gathers. Going
back to Attas for breakfast is akin to all family members coming together for a
meal before heading out to go about their own tasks. Being a Malaysian locale,
food offered is a mix of Asian and Western. Traditional, yet with a twist. Some
may comment that the selection is as varied as other places may offer, however,
one can be assured that there is plenty of flavours, textures and new tastes to
please RuMa’s house guests. It is obvious that the chefs take pride in their craft
as the food is not just tasty, but also impressively presented.
It may be a
staycation, a holiday or the base for conducting business in town, the RuMa
Hotel and Residences certainly dazzles. Could this be also your home away from
home? It could well be one of the best spots to start discovering Malaysia’s
warmth and hospitality.
