View from the Room: The Ruma, Kuala Lumpur
The best hotel we’ve ever stayed in.
We knew it was the most luxurious as soon as we caught sight of The Ruma. Our arrival was impressive; we were greeted by several members of staff who gathered our luggage from our cab while another accompanied us past the welcoming candlelit display, which later in the week switched to Diwali lights. Upon entering the lobby, we were struck by a stunning sight: a pedestal supporting a mannequin dressed in a beautiful traditional kabaya in gold, framed by elegant spiral staircases.
Initially, the staff invited us to take a seat, which confused us a bit. I decided to sit down, while my partner went to the front desk to check in, as he usually does. However, the staff invited him back to join me on a comfy sofa, where they served us tea and a warm hand towel. They then sat with us to complete the check-in process and give us an overview of the hotel. This small gesture spoke volumes, allowing us to relax further as our Kuala Lumpur adventure was about to begin.
So we knew the service was going to be exemplary. Only it was much better than that.
The staff were there outside at the entrance when we passed with a ‘Welcome back!’ or ‘Have a nice day!’ every single time.
We entered our room san luggage, which arrived about a minute after us; I had just enough time to take all the photos before we messed up the room. Although this wasn't difficult to do, given the size of the room and the amount of storage; the room featured a sideboard with four deep drawers, a fully stocked complimentary fridge, a side table next to the sofa, a luggage rack that was sturdy and reliable, and a double wardrobe equipped with eight standard wooden hangers and two soft ones. Additionally, there was plenty of shelving.
The wardrobe also has the iron and board, a large umbrella and curiously, a torch.
The sofa was positioned next to a good-sized dining table, and the large, comfortable bed was located closest to the window. The window had a blackout blind with a switch next to the bed. We only pulled it down slightly because I prefer a bit of light in the room.
The room
The bathroom truly exemplifies comfort in luxury hotels, as noted by The Ruma being voted one of the Top 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World by Fodor’s Travel. Features like two sinks are something I definitely want in our forever home (or even better, having a bathroom each).
the floor was never cold so I assume it was automatically heated.
a separate toilet and separate bathroom behind frosted doors that magically stayed free of condensation. This technology needs to be in every bathroom. We know it worked perfectly because we always write messages to each other on this surface and we couldn’t.
the bathroom is designed as a wet room with a shower area including a rainbow shower and handheld. Beside this, a standalone roll-top bath, which had the all-important hand shower too (important for hair washing and rinsing bath). The floor-to-ceiling window wall continued to this room but we kept the electronically controlled black-out blinds firmly closed to our 13th floor view. (I loved that we were on the 13th floor as many hotels don't have one).
plenty of soft, absorbent towels and places to store and hang them to dry, which they did pretty quickly due to warmth.
a stool, which I often took into the bathroom with me to place my phone on so I could hear my music without it being heard through the rest of the suite. (It wasn’t called a suite but it felt like one)
did I mention the two gorgeous, shiny copper round basins?
Bathroom amenities
Quality full-sized wall-mounted toiletries including body lotion, so I never needed to use my own, plus a soap bar on a dish.
The drawer contained a dental kit (toothbrush and mini toothpaste which is more standard in Asia and often available on airlines), shaving kit, comb, vanity kit, cotton buds, and makeup remover pads alongside the more standard shower cap, a box of tissues and a very decent hairdryer. I never use one ordinarily but this one worked so well on my fine, curly hair.
There were also two facecloths, two bath towels, and two bath mats. Additionally, the wardrobe housed two luxurious bathrobes and slippers. Hooks, another hotel rarity, were also available.
Food and refreshments
We are delighted with the complimentary drinks in our fully stocked fridge, which were replenished daily. Plus there are bottles of water and packets of sweets and dried fruits.
The included breakfast, as you can imagine, was exemplary. Tea and coffee are served at the table, where they also take your order for eggs if required. However, hot and cold foods from neighbouring nations are offered as well as cereals, yoghurts, pastries and breads plus the standard western fayre. Smoothies and juices varied daily. The only thing lacking, was chai, something I expected to be literally on tap all over KL. The staff, like elsewhere in the hotel, treat you like a long-standing friend and encourage you to linger in their company as long as you like for a leisurely start to the day. It’s hard to imagine a breakfast that could top this one.
We also enjoyed a wonderful dinner on our first evening in the Lobby bar.
Room amenities and comfort
For sure the room has all the comforts expected of a luxury hotel. In addition, The Ruma offers us drawers of glassware plates and cutlery plus a kettle and ice bucket. There’s another with a safe plus an expresso machine sits on the sideboard.
The only negative was that it took me a few days to work out the right temperature to have the aircon so it wasn’t arctic. Answer - 28c. There is a large ceiling fan which helped distribute the cold air so we could have breaks from the air con.
Wellbeing
We knew there was a decent spa so I had already decided to take advantage of this luxury and rid my tension. We popped down to the 6th floor to have a look around, met the staff and the experience compelled me to book a full massage the next evening.
It was excellent and afterwards, I was offered a tea menu to choose from. I think I picked something that mentioned Cherry Blossom, which arrived in the reception area after I had dressed. I assumed there were a lot of rooms as I walked down a long corridor but I didn’t hear any noise. It truly felt like a sanctuary and although I paid what I would pay at home (about £65-70), it provided much better value.
We spent a lot of time on the 6th floor afterwards, which The Ruma call a well-being area. It had an outside pool, which although I had no intention of entering, proved relaxing to sit near. Plenty of comfortable chairs, loungers, and staff arrive within seconds of you taking one, but you are not obligated to buy anything from the well-stocked bar. In fact, we could pour ourselves complimentary cold water. We did have drinks a couple of times, there is a good menu of iced teas and other refreshing drinks. After we’d been out for my birthday afternoon tea at the Hyatt with the Petronas towers as the backdrop, we had late evening snacks with the lit-up towers behind us again. This being a part open floor, we feel the warm air (OK, quite hot) air from outside as we tuck into our shared sliders and drinks. Ruma, without knowing it was my birthday, provided the magic touch to end my day.
Situated in the Golden Triangle, the competition for luxury and quality hotels is intense. A couple of minutes from the KLCC park, home of the Petronas Towers, there is plenty to see and do locally and the train station is less than a 10-minute walk, although it feels like more in the consistent heat.
Considering the Ruma (translated as ‘home’) had 253 rooms, we never had to wait long for a lift or a table at breakfast.
The service I mentioned at the start was exemplary throughout our week here. After a couple of days, I asked for a yoga mat. I often use a towel on the floor but that doesn’t work on the hard floor. A minute after I got to my room, the doorbell sounded and the yoga mat was delivered. When I asked the concierge the best way to get to (what is now) a small town an hour out, they got a quote from a local company and hired a driver. The relief I felt that we had a guide/driver was palpable and I could relax more into the week.
On the last day, I realised I didn’t have any sticky tape to keep toiletry lids firmly on for the return trip (none of the shops had any! Once again, the staff sprang into action. They understood my request, translated it for the team, and rummaged through their supplies until they presented me with an unopened roll of tape.
I joked that this hotel is the kind of place where, if you ask for an elephant, they would somehow manage to bring one to you (even if it was ornamental).
The staff made our stay 100% more comfortable, enjoyable, and magical, and it has made me want to return to the land of my ancestors much sooner than I originally planned.
I miss The Ruma so much!
October 2024
