At Home in the RuMA

 

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.