Looking for the perfect staycation spot in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (KL) can feel somewhat like navigating a labyrinth of options. There are that many choices, and when it comes to quick escapades (away from the rugrats at home), I’m forever on the lookout for something that balances bougie, but not too atas, with authenticity.
In walks in Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur.
It first caught my attention with its super long name and then over lunch at Il Forno. So, when I was invited to experience a stay here, it was really hard to say no. The experience left me impressed not just solely by the amenities but also by how this urban sanctuary has managed to capture the essence of KL, all while allowing me a quick escape from my day-to-day.
A prime location that actually delivers
First off, let’s talk location, because it really doesn’t get more central than this. Tucked strategicallyin the heart of KL’s business district, the hotel places you within walking distance of those Instagram-worthy landmarks we all love. The Petronas Twin Towers aren’t just visible from certain rooms – they’re practically your neighbours. What impressed me most wasn’t just the proximity to tourist hotspots but the easy access to local gems that many visitors miss.
Want to experience KL like a local? The hotel sits mere minutes from KL Eko-Rimba Park (perfect for a morning nature walk and a literal forest in the city!), The Zhongshan Building (a hub for all things cultural that’s become a favourite among creatives), and The Row—an eclectic collection of boutique spaces showcasing local Malaysian brands and eateries that deserve your attention. This strategic location means you can seamlessly transition from tourist mode to authentic localexperiences without spending half your day in traffic.
Design that tells a story
Upon entering the lobby, you’ll realise that Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur is definitely the cool sister of the Hyatt Group, and it’s definitely not your standard corporate hotel. The collaboration with local graffiti artist, Jefr, gives the hotel its personality and transforms what would have been a generic space into one that’s popping with bold splashes of colour and truly reflecting KL’s beloved chaotic but creative energy.
What caught my attention, though, was how thoughtfully industrial elements are incorporated into the entirety of the hotel’s interior — a subtle nod to the city’s tin-mining heritage that doesn’t feel forced or contrived. The design team at Silverfox Studios deserves credit for crafting spaces that feel both contemporary and connected to local culture.
All 312 rooms continue this design philosophy with clean lines and warm, earthy tones that create a soothing retreat after a day of exploration. The floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms transform the cityscape into living artwork that changes with the light throughout the day.
Accommodations worth writing home about
Space is often a luxury in city hotels, but Hyatt Centric doesn’t compromise here. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. The beds deserve special mention—plush without being too soft, with linens that make you consider inquiring about purchasing them for your home. I’m not usually one for industrial decor, but I like everything about the room’s interior.
For families, the connecting room options perfectly balance togetherness and privacy. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful touches like child-friendly amenities available upon request and enough space for little ones to move around without everyone feeling cramped.
And being a parent myself, I stayed on-brand by completely forgetting to bring a phone charger along. But no problem there because each room is decked out with a digital clock that doubles as a wireless charging port. Whaaaaat?
Couples looking for a quick escapade will find the higher-floor rooms particularly appealing, with city views that quite literally take your breath away, especially at night, thus creating an intimate backdrop. The bathrooms are plenty spacious with rainfall showers that deliver the kind of epiphany-inducing showers you see in the movies. Bonus points for the excellent water pressure – a detail that matters more than most hotels realise.
The infinity pool experience you need in your life
Let’s be honest—a hotel pool can make or break a staycation experience. The open-air infinity pool may not take up serious real estate, but at Hyatt Centric, it doesn’t just meet expectations; it exceeds them. Perched with spectacular views of the KL skyline, it creates that perfect setting for both Instagram moments and genuine relaxation. And the size doesn’t matter when you’ve got a breathtaking view.
What makes this pool special isn’t just the view but the thoughtful design and comfortable lounging areas where you can spend hours with a good book or watch the clouds drift by. The saltwater element means less chemical irritation, a detail your skin and eyes will thank you for.
For those who don’t want to abandon their fitness routine, the 24-hour gym features state-of-the-art equipment with the same attention to design details found throughout the property. Working out with a view of the city skyline makes those extra reps feel less challenging.
Nearby the pool, and this is not for the faint-hearted, there’s an observation deck for guests to really inhale the spectacular view.
A culinary journey worth every calorie
When it comes to dining options, Hyatt Centric has plenty, and they’re not your average hotel restaurants; they’re all destinations in their own right. Seeing as it was a staycation, venturing out for a meal was not on the itinerary, thus allowing us to experience plenty at the venue.
IL Forno: Italy meets Malaysia, 19 floors up
Let’s kick things off with some Italian. Perched on Level 19, IL Forno transcends your typical hotel Italian restaurant. Executive Chef Vincenzo Carbone (Chef Enzo to the regulars) has curated an authentic trattoria experience centred around a magnificent custom-built pizza oven imported directly from Italy. We’ve been told it’s the most expensive item in the hotel itself.
The pizza here isn’t just good “for hotel food”—it’s legitimately exceptional. The dough undergoes a meticulous 36-hour maturation process, creating a crust with that perfect balance of crisp exterior and airy interior that pizza aficionados dream about. Beyond pizza, the handmade pastadishes showcase traditional techniques with occasional Malaysian influences that create unique flavour profiles.
What makes dining here special is the thoughtfully divided space that offers four distinct environments: a casual bar area perfect for light drinks, an al fresco terrace for enjoying the tropical evening air and view, an intimate lounge for quieter conversations, and seats near the open kitchen where you can watch all the culinary magic happen in real-time.
TanBuri: Tandoor reimagined
Next up is TanBuri, the humble gem that represents culinary innovation at its finest. The concept centres around three custom-built tandoori charcoal ovens that serve as the restaurant’s heart and a visual focal point. The menu brilliantly merges the intense heat of traditional tandoor cooking with contemporary presentation styles.
The signature “Nanini” sandwiches deserve special mention: think tandoori-cooked fillings wrapped in naan that’s both fluffy and crisp. For breakfast, skip the usual continental and go right for their Nasi Lemak Pandan with Tandoori Chicken, a fusion piece that somehow manages to honour both traditions while creating something entirely new.
What takes the entire dining experience to another level here is the use of coconut charcoal that imparts a subtle aromatic quality to everything cooked in the tandoor. Even simple dishes like grilled vegetables will impart dimensions of flavours to your taste buds.
@21 Rooftop Bar: Skyline views with substance
Rooftop bars can sometimes look too much into views that they neglect the actual food and drinks. @21 is breaking that mould by making it about both panoramic KL views and food that will leave a lasting impression. Different choices of multi-level seats also let diners choose different perspectives at each visit. Whether you prefer the intimacy of the covered section or the openness of the terrace, plenty of options are available.
The cocktail lineup also deserves praise, with creations that utilise local ingredients and spirits without falling into the gimmicky territory. The non-alcoholic options are creative and ensure that everyone can enjoy a sophisticated beverage experience.
Family-friendly without compromising style
Even though we were on a couple staycation, I couldn’t help but take notice of how family-friendly the hotel was, and this is without adopting an overly colourful (and sometimes chaotic) aesthetic that a lot of kid-friendly properties tend to embrace.
Though, there is no shade there as children are generally attracted to such decor. Here, families are welcomed with thoughtful amenities and services that recognise that travelling with children requires certain conveniences, but parents still appreciate sophisticated surroundings.
The pool is just the right size for parents to let their kids swim freely but still have visibility. And let’s face it, any water feature will keep the young ones entertained for hours. The hotel’s restaurants keep selective eaters in mind with dining options they’d find appealing. And the most notable thing of all, staff members seem genuinely happy to interact with younger guests rather than merely tolerating their presence.
What we really think
Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur manages to be many things at once: a convenient staycation choice for city exploration, a hotel with plenty of culinary options, and a relaxing retreat – all perfect for a couple’s weekend, family getaway, or even a solo stay. What sets it apart isn’t any single feature but how thoughtfully everything works together to create an experience that’s authentic to Kuala Lumpur.
Address: 17, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 9388 1234
All images courtesy of Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur unless specified otherwise.
