Sunday, December 30, 2012

Hotel Nova - Accommodations in KL


KL has become a very familiar city for me. I must have visited the city a dozen times (including transits that usually last 1 day or 2). But I've discovered a way to keep these visits "fresh" - by trying to discover new hotels. Of late, they've become part of the itinerary. Though not as relaxing as staying in just a single hotel, I get to discover the area surrounding the hotel. I try to limit these so-called discoveries within Bukit Bintang because this is where I eat, watch movies, take my trains, shop, forage for DVD's. Hotel Nova is one of the 4 new hotels I've checked out recently. And it's a very purple experience.

Getting to Hotel Nova wasn't a walk in the park. After checking out of Beltif Hotel, the rains started to fall. With my 9 kg backpack, I decided a combination of walking and taking the train (one stop from Imbi to Bukit Bintang station). By the time I got to Jalan Alor, the trickle of rain had turned into downpour that lasted for hours - and I didn't have an umbrella with me. I'm usually too lazy to bring one, and carrying a rain coat considerably adds to the weight of the bag. I waited beside a hotel at the extreme end of Alor Street. Hotel Nova is a 5 minute walk to the other side. By this time, I was already partially drenched.

After a 45 minute wait, I decided to make a dash into the rain - and walking along Alor doesn't necessarily allow a sprint (cars, tables, people congest this lane). I made it into the hotel lobby, handed my Agoda voucher, then without much fanfare, was whisked away at the 6th floor - room 606. I was glad to leave the lobby as it was a zoo out there, and the hotel staff seemed too morose to really care who came in or went.

The minute I closed the door behind me, the rain that never let up stopped - like some joke made in my behalf. :)

The room was a breath of fresh air. It was spacious and thematically designed, with purple walls adored with the painting of a sleeping baby. The room had an excellent view of the skyline. I liked the interiors as well, cute lampshades, light fixtures, a well hidden refrigerator stocked with goodies, and more importantly, the queen-sized bed with fragrant sheets and comfortable bed and pillows. The TV set is still the bulky one, but I hardly use it anyway. The bathroom is as spacious, very clean, dry, and the water pressure is more than adequate. Wifi is likewise available in the room (choose the room level for your pick of connections).

Needless to say, Hotel Noval is centrally located as it stands in the heart of the hawker's street. My booking included breakfast (at CasaNova Cafe), but I didn't bother try it as it would be an unpleasant quick fit into my schedule. I had an early flight to Queensland, Australia. I'd skip breakfast anytime for that. LOL

Hotel Nova could be warmer and more hospitable, but it teems with guests (mostly locals) so they could rationalize out of their disregard for pleasantries. It isn't really an excuse, but at least they weren't rude. Would I stay here again? You bet I would.

This is the Eye in the Sky!


Entrance of Hotel Nova





The foyer.



Front Desk

Displays at the waiting room.

CasaNova Cafe, Hotel Nova's restaurant (above and below).



My room at 606



My favorite spot. I could sit in front of the window and just look at the view outside.









Sleeping child.

Light fixture at the table thematically agrees with the painting.

AC control. This control hangs by the wall and is unstable, I had to hold it when maneuvering.



Lots of rolled tissues and towels.

6th level hallway.

My door.

Morning at Jalan Alor at the extreme end of the street.




4 comments:

Freedom said...

That is a great idea! I stayed here when I went to KL the last time http://www.cubehotel.com.my/, probably good for transit, but if you like your space I can't recommend it ;)

Happy travels and happy new year !

eye in the sky said...

Hey Nat,

Happy New Year!

Funny thing is, I've actually considered Cube Hotel on 3 occasions but I haven't made it there yet. I will, one of these days. It has the same management as "Le Apple Boutique". I actually know the location. What I don't like is its location beside Jalan Pudu (traffic moves slow here).

BUT - I have long decided I will make it there soon. You beat me to it.

Have fun and be safe always. :)

Freedom said...

Happy New Year to you too!

And let me know what you think of the Cube when you have made it.

eye in the sky said...

I will, Nat. :) Happy New Year!