The DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside – Well Worth a Visit

The DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside has recently undergone a delightful renovation. Opened in 2021, it might seem peculiarly soon to carry out such work. But due to an inconvenient bug that just so happened to make its way around the world, construction had to be delayed and the hotel, upon its soft opening in October 2021, was a welcoming abode but not quite of the grandeur initially envisioned. 

As conditions returned to normalcy, the team set about making up for lost time. The hotel’s renovation is more than just a touch-up, it’s part of an all-encompassing effort to designate its culture and underline its commitment to hospitality and art. Indeed, a commitment to art is deeply embroidered in the fabric of what makes this hotel unique. This isn’t just visible in the attention to detail paid to its opulent ornamentation, but in the introduction of the DoubleTree Studio Residency programme – a collaboration with Segaris Art Centre that provides a platform for local talent to showcase their creativity and engage with a broader audience

Yours truly was invited to take in the sights and sounds of the property on a much-needed weekend away from the vicissitudes of daily living and was more than happy to accept. Arriving on the heels of a rainy Saturday evening, the writer crawled out of his cab and made his way to a spacious and beautifully appointed lobby. Upon arriving at the registration desk, the writer was greeted warmly by a bespectacled receptionist who checked him in and concisely filled him in with all the details he would need for his stay. The receptionist then pulled out two warm chocolate chip cookies, a pleasant surprise and a good omen of the stay the writer was set to enjoy. 

The writer then made his way up the posh staircase to his left and toward the King Executive Lake View Room that would house him for the night. Upon entering the room, the writer could immediately see why the room was called what it was. It was indeed fit for a king, or an executive, or a king executive, and did have a pleasant view of the adjacent lake. The writer is a simple sort of chap, just the kind to get amused by the variety of lighting options available in the room. There seriously was a configuration to set every mood, all helpfully labelled on the switches. Ample desk space for the writer to scatter his belongings all over was welcome, as was the mini fridge to store his drinks and the expansive double bed to rest his weary bones. 

It was then time for a trip to the hotel’s Makan Kitchen to well, makan. The attendant at the restaurant’s entrance saw to it that the writer was swiftly whisked away and nicely situated at a table close to the centre of the whole place. This was a nice vantage point from which to view the restaurant’s offerings, of which there were many. Buffet dining tends to be a mediocre version of each of those dishes if they were prepared and served individually but on this occasion, the writer is happy to report that the food meets the standard. The sheer variety on offer – spanning Chinese, Malay, Indian, and international cuisine – meant that the writer picked his favourites from each section and wound up having a plate Pitbull would be proud of. 

A warm belly stuffed to perilously excessive capacity, the writer then waddled his way back to the room – admiring the same trimmings and architecture he took in on the way out. He was just in time to watch his beloved Arsenal trounce Sheffield United five goals to nil on the very large television, the well-appointed room doing a fine job of containing his shrieking and caterwauling from disturbing any adjacent guests. 

It was then time for a shower to wash off the day’s travels. The vanity mirror over the marble sink and the sizeable one opposite provided the writer with the perfect lighting and all the angles he needed to examine his bloated configuration. The actual showers come in overhead and handheld variations to suit your fancy (the writer made use of both because he likes to have control). The Crabtree & Evelyn shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel that were affixed to the walls made for a markedly pleasant-smelling shower. 

The writer capped off the evening sitting on the spacious wooden balcony – sipping on his drinks and pretending he was ancient Balinese royalty, perched high above and surveying his kingdom. The conditions were certainly conducive to that fantasy. The gentle waves of the lake soon lulled the writer to the verge of sleep and it was time to retire to that bed you could almost swim in. The next morning then arrived – unwelcome – and the hour soon came to depart. With more than a bit of reluctance, the writer then concluded his stay at the hotel. A testament to the rejuvenating experience the team has managed to concoct there at The DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside. 

For related article : https://aseanfoodtravel.com/2020/02/01/tie-the-knot-your-way-with-hilton-hotels-in-malaysia/