Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

This glassy high-rise, fronted by leafy palm trees and corporate signage, immediately establishes its rather serious, business-like presence. From the ground floor, the absence of a lobby is the most glaring attribute of the hotel, whose vast entryway can feel cold without the customary lounge and reception desk chatter. Instead, a marble floor splays out from the doors, emblazoned with a design reminiscent of the Hyatt logo, toward a small concierge desk flanked by massive columns. A large water feature and fountain go almost unnoticed behind it, dwarfed by a pair of escalators joined by an open metal staircase and swooping up to the mezzanine floor above. The main lobby and front desk area is 38 floors up, with an adjacent piano lounge surrounded by windows and a dizzying vista of downtown Kuala Lumpur. Throughout the hotel, glossy wood-paneled walls, beige and gold carpeting and floors, and loads of glass get little in the way of extra adornment, save potted palm trees here and there. The restaurants are likewise simply decorated with clean-lined wood-and-leather furnishings, allowing the incredible views to shine. Guests are a mix of business travelers and families drawn to the luxe rooms and great location. 

The Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is in a great location overlooking KL City Park, a 10-minute walk to The Petronas Towers skyscrapers. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, along with the Aquaria KLCC oceanarium beneath it, are directly behind the hotel. There are plenty of bars and restaurants surrounding the area, and several major shopping centers are within walking distance, including the Pavilion mall, around a 20-minute walk. The Bukit Bintang shopping district (also known as Star Hill) is under a 15-minute walk away, while Berjaya Times Square is about a five- to 10-minute drive. Just opposite the park, the KLCC LRT Station is 14 minutes on foot, and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport is about 45 minutes to one hour away by car.

Starting on the 16th floor, all of the Hyatt's 412 rooms have unobstructed views of KLCC Park or the Petronas Twin Towers from their floor-to-ceiling windows. The contemporary decor consists of wood furnishings and marble accents in a warm earth-toned palette. The smallest Standard Rooms check in at a sprawling 506 square feet, with sitting areas that have round couches and ottomans, as well as dedicated glass-topped work desks with ergonomic chairs. Free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, safes, and 42-inch flat-screen TVs, along with minibars and coffeemakers come standard. The marble bathrooms have frosted glass doors, walk-in rainfall showers, and privacy screens for the large exterior windows. Grand Club Rooms are on upper floors and grant access to the Grand Club Lounge, along with its free continental breakfast, evening cocktails, and a dedicated concierge.

Just short of the top floor, the jewel of the hotel is its THIRTY8 restaurant, bar, and lounge with panoramic views of the city. The Western, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine covers diverse territory, from steamed grouper with flowers and dates to table-side preparations of Australian Wagyu steaks with tobacco-smoked onions. The restaurant has a show kitchen with regular live music in the bar lounge. During the day, there's an afternoon tea service and buffet with finger sandwiches and scones. JP Teres showcases Malaysian cuisine, serving satay and curry laksa on the ground floor with an alfresco dining terrace surrounded by greenery and water features. There's also an open-air bar, Poolside, with cocktails and daytime fare like fish and chips. The heated outdoor pool is set in a sundeck covered with comfortable white loungers and breezy cabanas, with an accompanying kiddy pool.

For more relaxed soaking, Essa Spa has a hot tub, along with a steam room and sauna. There are also 11 treatment rooms with private showers for the usual range of massages and pampering services. Personal trainers are available for sessions in the 24-hour fitness center, which is equipped with rows of treadmills, cardio bikes, and weight-training machines. Professional amenities include an airy business center with printing facilities and seven different event spaces, including wood-paneled meeting rooms and a ballroom that can accommodate up to 700 people. There's also a residential-style event venue, which is over 10,000 square feet by itself, complete with loft kitchens and several private function rooms with natural light.