For most of 2020, I didn’t go anywhere (for obvious pandemic reasons). The itch to park my tush into something fancy grew to almost maniacal proportions by the time December rolled by. (I was especially motivated by the fact that the PENJANA stimulus plan gave us tax rebates if we spent on domestic hotel accommodation.) Like everyone, I scrambled to book a place to holiday once strict lockdown was lifted. But unlike most people, I decided to stay local. Very local. Like same-city local.

Long-time readers of my blog will know that I’m a big fan of staycations. To me, that’s the best way to spend my off hours (here’s why). While everyone was discovering the magic of staycations during Pandemic Year, I was already an old hat.

You can say that I’m an extremely slow traveller. After spending my 20s and 30s zipping around the world’s great cities, I like to explore my own backyard as thoroughly as possible. I like meandering down the streets, eating local food and just being there and pretending to be a tourist.

I was about to book a favourite haunt in Putrajaya until my friend shared gorgeous photos of her room in a new boutique hotel, KLoé.

The hotel has character. It’s body is wreathed in green foliage (like real foliage, none of those plastic abominations) and its lobby so inviting that I find myself writing there for hours.

It, however, had the misfortune to open right before first Movement Control Order in Malaysia (MCO) and had to shut down for a while. When I visited in December, business was not in full swing, but the place was certainly active, filled with hipsters sipping designer coffee at their cafe and lobby.

Location

This hotel is at the heart of Bukit Bintang. The great shopping centres – Pavillion, Lot 10 and more are all within walking distance.

However, it’s not so close like they’re just next door. It’s located in a quiet part of Bukit Bintang in a “blink if you miss it” spot. In fact I had some trouble finding the entrance. Look out for a small sign pointing towards the hotel right next to the petrol station. There’s a small lane, fit for only one car, for you to drive into the hotel carpark.

The Room

I took a standard City Room, which I think was adequate for my needs. I love the industrial look of the place, which was complemented by the warm wooden floors and furniture, and the rain shower – a great plus! They have a quirky selection of local snacks set out for you on a mini-pantry, and the WiFi is reliable and steady. In fact, they had day rates for those who want to use the room as a fancy workspace for the day.

KLoe is known for it’s rooms, actually. Their “Artist Lofts” are so pretty! There’s “Room to Taste” that comes with a “bespoke kitchen counter” so that gourmands, can prepare their food. There’s one for readers (Room to Read), artists ( Room to Draw) and gardeners (Room to Grow). They’re pretty gorgeous so have a look at their website.

Facilities

The swimming pool was shut due to MCO rules. It was small but adequate and I can picture myself having a few laps before a leisurely breakfast. There’s also a small gym where yoga classes are often held.

Food wise, the hotel only has two places where you can dine – the small cafe at the lobby and the restaurant next to the pool.

The restaurant’s food is on the high side, but their fish was delectable and coffee awesome. I spent my mornings there reading, journalling and blogging and admiring the swimming pool from my seat.

Final thoughts

KLoe is the kind of place you want to go to if you just want to get away. If you’re a writer like me who gets inspired to write while locked away in gorgeous surroundings, KLoe hotel is the place to have a writing retreat.

While it’s in the middle of busy Kuala Lumpur, it’s tucked in a semi-residential area away from the tooting of car horns and the ever-present Bukit Bintang traffic jam. I was already planning my second trip when I exited the hotel, but alas, MCO 2.0 hit, and here I am waiting for the time when we’re free again to explore the world beyond 10km from our home.