MERCHANTS ALL DAY DINING AT CROWNE PLAZA KLCC

 

Specialities from four corners of the world beckon from Merchants All-Day Dining restaurant at the new Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

Located on Level 13, this modern and inviting outpost serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and even brunch to both hotel guests and the public daily. Neutral tones reign within: pristine white tiled walls with contemporary light fixtures, rustic communal tables, open kitchens and eye-catching décor evocative of a bustling marketplace form an inviting backdrop for dining, entertaining and relaxing purposes.

Open 6.30am to 10.30 pm (operational time applicable for various meal sessions), Merchants also has a tastefully furnished private dining room, available for reservations.

Pix courtesy of Crowne Plaza KLCC

Currently, the Selera Kampungku Buffet Dinner (RM188+ per adult) is served for ‘buka puasa’ (6.30pm-10.30pm) until 7 April.

On our maiden visit recently, lunch can be had from Merchants’ a la carte menu offerings of local classics and international fusion options. We opted for Gambas Al Ajillo (RM50), Grilled Australian Angus Beef Burger (RM55) and River Shrimp Curry Noodles (RM60) as there was only two of us.

Lunch started on a positive note with toasted baguette slices as the perfect accompaniment for the delicious tiger prawns. Cooked in olive oil, garlic and chilli flakes, the crustaceans were yummy and tasted even better when paired with the crusty bread soaking up the robustly flavoured oil.

That appetiser paved the way for the scrumptious burger. Sandwiched between a sesame seed bun, the juicy mince Angus beef patty was enhanced by caramelised onion, melted Cheddar cheese, smoked beef slices, sliced tomato, lettuce and gherkins.

For different taste variations, we tried sampling the burger with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and sweet chilli sauces in miniature bottles on the side. Chopped onion and jalapeno also provided sharp albeit welcome flavour accents. These condiments worked well with the burger. Our only complaint was the rather dry thick-cut fries.

If you choose to have the curry noodles, you can pick either wantan noodles, yellow noodles or rice vermicelli. We preferred rice vermicelli and it was a good choice to absorb the aromatic spiced broth.

The river shrimp imbued the soup with its rich, natural sweetness; its meaty texture adding textural appeal to the equation. Varied textural interest was drawn from the inclusion of chicken, beancurd puffs, long beans and beansprouts.

We completed our meal with Sago Gula Melaka (RM25), a pretty creation of moulded large sago pearls complemented by mildly creamy coconut milk with palm sugar syrup. As desserts go, it passed muster as we personally prefer the smaller sago pearls for nicer mouthfeel.

To work off our lunch a little, we went on a quick tour of the hotel, starting from the rainforest-inspired RhymBa Lobby Lounge & Bar where huddle spots and solo pods accord guests a nice respite or double up as functional work spaces.

The different room categories were pleasantly modern and versatile, designed to blend work/life travel needs for productivity and relaxation. Furnished in neutral tones to suit today’s business and leisure traveller expectations, each room come with spacious and well-appointed bathroom, comfy sofa couches, and tactile rainforest element décor.

Up of level 32 we were shown to Le Midi, a modern brasserie cum bar with expansive views of the city skyline and a speciality menu of French fusion fare.

Relaxation reaches new heights with the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool and cutting-edge gym. Also available is a spacious ballroom and five well-equipped function rooms with all the essential mod-cons.

For more information and reservations, call Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, tel: 03-27828888. Address: No 22, Menara 8 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur.

 

ACCOR DEBUTS IN PETALING JAYA WITH IBIS PJCC

Affordability, convenience and quality. Key words Ibis PJCC would like business and leisure travellers to remember.

Opened recently in Petaling Jaya amidst the commercial and residential hub of Petaling Jaya Commercial Centre (PJCC), Ibis PJCC is easily accessible via major expressways.

Officially opened by Azrul Shah Mohamad (2nd from left), Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor as the guest of honour, the event were witnessed by Suresh Nair (far left), General Manager of Ibis PJCC, Michel Vivier (2nd from right), Senior VP of Accor Hotels (Malaysia and Indonesia) and Christopher Mah (far right), Director of Luxury Alpine.

Guest of honour, Azrul Shah Mohamad (pic above), Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Selangor lauded Accor for choosing to open the 161-room Ibis PJCC in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. “It aligns perfectly with the digital trends and preferences of the younger generation; making Ibis PJCC an ideal choice for staycations and business travellers.”

Suresh Nair (pic above), General Manager of Ibis PJCC said: “We’re thrilled to open in a vibrant location with immense potential. Looking forward to playing a pivotal role within this dynamic community, the Ibis PJCC team welcomes guests to a meaningful and rewarding experience during their stay here.”

The interior is a blend of modern and functional elements: the lobby boasts soaring high ceiling with modern chandeliers, and a streamlined reception area. A laidback Lobby Bar Café serves as a welcoming haven for guests to unwind.

Comfortable and contemporary aesthetics dominate the 161 guest rooms, featuring Ibis signature Sweet Beds for a good night’s sleep. Smart TV, complimentary Wi-Fi access and minibar are also part and parcel of the in-room features.

We were impressed by the rooms, especially those outfitted to accommodate physically challenged guests: the bathroom doors are wide and wheel-chair accessible, grab bars can be found inside the toilet/bathrooms and there's even a bedside emergency button.

A swimming pool overlooking nearby city skyline, a gym and children’s playroom as well as four versatile meeting rooms are available on-site.

The hotel’s all-day dining, Ibis Kitchen, offers local and international fare. We enjoyed the modest, delicious buffet lunch laid out and found the selection palate-pleasing.

Specially curated playlists to suit different mood and performances featuring emerging musicians underscore the Ibis Music programme and the brand’s enthusiasm for live music.

 

For reservations at Ibis PJCC, call tel: 03-747 7500 or email: HA8V8@accor.com or visit Ibis website:  https://ibis.accor.com/gb/city/hotels-petaling-jaya-v5488.shtml