KUALA Lumpur’s (KL) Chinatown is set to gain another boutique establishment with the opening of Else KL this September.

The inaugural property by Else, a mindful hospitality brand founded by Justin Chen and Javier Perez, is located in the former Lee Rubber Building in the heart of Chinatown.

The former building’s iconic legacy is restored with contemporary architectural design for travellers seeking a meaningful and restorative urban getaway.

The 49-room restored and repurposed property sprawls over 56,000 sq ft and across seven levels. 

Else founders Chen and Perez commissioned local designers, artists and partners to create their vision of conscious hospitality. 

Malaysian design firm Studio Bikin conceptualised the design and oversaw the restoration, which was executed by Faizah Architect, another Malaysian partner. 

Chen said Else has been a four-year project realised through the challenges of the global pandemic and inspired by the emerging new era of traveller. 

“The result is an urban haven for the globally minded and curious. Our design and construction team have sensitively balanced a contrast of new and old with a refined juxtaposition of a pre-war building beautifully preserved and innovative design that invites all our guests to explore the property on their own, and discover intimate pockets to pause and reflect.”

Else Rooms

Various rooms have been curated for guests, starting with the Mantra Room (Standard), a quaint 25 sq m sanctuary with a king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom.

The Urban Room (Deluxe) is a 33 sq m room that comes with a seating area. The Sanctuary, located on the upper floors, is furnished with a super king-sized bed and a private balcony, allowing guests to soak up the vibrant city energy. 

Sutera, a 69 sq m suite, exudes quiet luxury with a private living area that can accommodate an extended family. 

The largest is the Else Suite, an 84 sq m expansive retreat with sweeping views of the KL city skyline and a private balcony stretching from the bedroom to the living area. The Else Suite can also cater to private, corporate and intimate celebrations. 

All rooms are tech-enabled with an in-room multimedia tablet and Bluetooth sound systems. 

Guests are also treated to sustainable personal care products by Omno, LULLA bathroom robes and Dyson hairdryers. 

Each room also features art pieces from locally-sourced artists, such as Fauzul Yusri and Fendy Zakri, and reading paraphernalia by Malaysian authors.

Art pieces by Canada’s Joe Fleming and Argie Bandoy from the Philippines are also showcased at Else KL. 

Relaxation and Dining

Else KL also offers wellness facilities throughout the hotel including two floatation pods inside the state-of-the-art gym. The pods provide a chance to slow down and achieve stillness through sensory deprivation. 

The infinity pool at the podium level utilises salt-water, which is softer and less harsh on the skin than chlorine, providing a relaxing escape to a long day with a renewed perspective of KL’s skyline. 

The hotel features two dining concepts. Its all-day dining restaurant Raw Kitchen Hall is an extension of its sister brand in Singapore (Raw Kitchen Bar). 

The menu is light and elegant, headed by Malaysian Chefs Leong Chee Mun and Wah Yin Xing who are returning home after stints at Singapore’s world-class restaurants including Spago and Burnt Ends. 

On the fourth floor, The Yellow Fin Horse will open by year-end and is a destination open-fire restaurant helmed by Malaysian Chef Jun Wong. Guests will enjoy personalised service in an intimate setting as they indulge in fresh flavours of the sea cooked to perfection by authentic flame cooking.

Else KL will start welcoming guests on Sept 10, 2022, with opening rates from RM398 till Oct 31, 2022. — by TMR / Pics source: Else KL