🇲🇾 Stayed ELSE KL Perfect and refinement of tropical modernism
#kualalumpurguide
During my five-day stay in Kuala Lumpur, I chose four hotels I was interested in. Each one had a distinct style. Over the next few days, I'll share my thoughts on each one, assuming I don't miss any.
Last night, I stayed at Else Kuala Lumpur, which was the one I was most excited about. It's a hotel renovated from a 1930s Art Deco building. The design is both rugged and sophisticated, retaining the natural tropical charm of Southeast Asia.
The hotel's center has been partially demolished, leaving only the load-bearing structure, allowing for ample natural light. The lighting is meticulously and professionally designed. Every corner exudes a sense of ultimate symmetry and comfort. Beyond the interior structure, I love their use of materials. Unlike previous tropical hotels I've visited, Else uses a lot of low-saturation wall colors and exposed concrete beams—not the kind of material combination you'd get tired of seeing. Especially the concrete columns scattered throughout the hotel—a closer look reveals a classic Art Deco staircase design. This little detail will definitely be incorporated into the design of the new hotel.
Actually, I thought the rooms were average, but I loved the atmosphere of their public areas. One is their first-floor restaurant. Upon entering, you'll see a hill of curved sofas centered around a tree, with deep blue gauze curtains draped around them, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. The other is their rooftop terrace and pool. Aside from sleeping, I spent most of my time there. The wavy ceiling is painted with a rough texture. A black fan spins slowly, and the gentle breeze sways the leaves of the surrounding plants. The vintage park benches have also been replicated here, making it hard to tell whether you're in the garden downstairs or on the rooftop. In short! If you're interested in Art Deco style or tropical hotels, this place can bring you some unique inspiration.