Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is an architectural landmark centrally positioned next to the renowned 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers - and part of the 100-acre Kuala Lumpur City Centre development (KLCC).

The 30-storey hotel, which opened in October 1998, was the carefully executed project of US architects Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WAT&G), in association with local architects, Group Design Partnership. The interior architecture was one of the last projects helmed by renowned designer, the late Howard Hirsch of Hirsch Bedner and Associates. The interior designer’s previous projects include: Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii and Mansion at Turtle Creek.

Working with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and KLCC Holdings, the architectural team sought to develop an urban resort in the heart of the city which upheld international standards, yet at the same time, reflected the local traditions of Malaysia.

The hotel fronts a lush 50-acre park and was designed with the needs of the business and leisure traveller in mind. The hotel has also achieved a harmonious balance of aesthetics and tradition, complemented by Mandarin Oriental’s renowned hospitality and service.

The Design Brief

The brief given to the architect was to design a building with a residential feel, which incorporated local aesthetics, yet had international appeal. As a result, the designers successfully created a building that did not compete with but complemented the majestic Petronas Twin Towers, maximising the KLCC park views from all angles. This respect for harmony with surrounding buildings can even be seen from the roof of the hotel. The architects covered obtrusive external roof fittings with a “second roof” so that the building was attractive to its towering neighbour.

In keeping with the ambience of all Mandarin Oriental hotels worldwide, a residential feel with a balance of sophistication and regional influence was incorporated into all aspects of the design. Local influences included custom-made copper external lanterns and Malay lattice grills for external louvres. Internally, Malaysian flavour is visible in the numerous local artefacts from custom-carved door handles in a traditional Kris design to antique Nonya screens in gold leaf and a sword relief on the handrails.

Extensive research into Malaysian arts, crafts and history was undertaken to ensure an authentic result. A prominent feature is the colourful hotel artwork, with 297 original pieces displayed, 40 of which are by local artists. Such examples include Malay dancing scenes and symbolic Islamic pieces.

Public Areas

All public areas within the hotel are spacious yet exude warmth and intimacy, placing a strong emphasis on natural light. The gracious marble lobby and its mirage effect, creates a lasting first impression. High ceilings, reaching a height of up to eight metres in the Grand Ballroom, and two-storey glass windows in the Lounge are features that lend a grand scale, whilst overstuffed sofas and furnishings create a comforting contrast. The use of traditional Malaccan furniture throughout the lounge is also apparent, and with its three levels, every seat has a view of the KLCC Park.

The Grand Ballroom which is the largest in the city and can seat up to 1,800 for a banquet, was an architectural challenge. As the scale was so large, lighting, carpet designs and artwork were overscaled in order to be in proportion to the room. Unique to the ballroom of this scale are the exterior windows allowing a stream of natural light. The antique silver leaf coffer ceiling adds a rich finish, complementing the warm wood tones of the walls and doors.

The clever use of space even extends to the hotel’s recreational areas, covering an area of 15,000 square metres. A unique feature of the Mandarin Oriental Vitality Club is the “infinity edge” detail for the swimming pool, creating a feeling that the pool directly flows into the park.

Guest Rooms and Suites

Accommodation at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur represents the epitome of luxury. The hotel features 643 guest rooms, including 41 suites, 148 Mandarin Oriental Club rooms and 11 suites (including the Presidential suite on 30th floor) and 51 serviced apartments.

The Club concept, designed with the busy executive in mind, includes seven club floors and a private spacious lounge located on the 24th floor of the hotel with panoramic views. Operated by a team of dedicated staff, facilities include in-room registration, complimentary breakfast, evening cocktails and hor d’oeuvres, butler service and a host of other facilities. Within the club lounge, the designers sought to incorporate elements of relaxation, including a billiard room and library. There are also two private meeting rooms within the lounge.

Room interiors combine international yet local touches. Soft furnishings are warm and inviting, set against earthy Malaccan wooden tones. Again, an emphasis on natural light is evident with every guest room and is a noticeable point upon entry.

Restaurants and Bars

In keeping with the desired effect of the public areas to create a spacious yet inviting feel, all dining venues were deliberately designed with the intention of achieving maximum visibility from inside and outside the hotel, whilst diners are provided with natural light.

At Biba’s Cafe, the design is purposefully playful and light, with an intention of being informal yet intimate. Different dining levels divide the restaurant into three levels providing views and at the same time, creating a sense of cosiness.

In contrast, Pacifica’s Grill & Bar is an eclectic design mix intended to impress the guest. A mixture of textures including mosaic tiles, soft ameoba and bright fabric light fixtures, wood, iron, glass, fabric and artwork murals, pull the area together in a contemporary yet dazzling way. This deliberate strategy to fuse different textiles complements the Contemporary European cuisine with distinctive Asian influence, all prepared in the open kitchen.

The Chinese restaurant, Lai Po Heen is an architectural shell reminiscent of Shanghai’s hey dey, with antique furnishings from Malacca. A wok cooking area, private dining areas and expansive main dining room, contribute to the restaurant’s aura. Upon entering the restaurant, one is almost taken back fifty years to a traditional home of Malaysia’s gentry.

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur has successfully interpreted Malaysian culture within all elements of its hotel design. The hotel was developed as part of a joint venture with Kuala Lumpur City Centre (Holdings) Sdn Bhd. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group manages the property and holds a 25% equity stake.