Even within the confines of Damansara City’s high-rise residential condos and office blocks, Malaysia’s first five-star Sofitel offers a luxury of space that not many city hotels can boast. That much is evident from the moment you step into the room; while other hotels struggle to fit as many amenities as possible within a small space, each of the 312 rooms here – starting from the 43-sqm Luxury Room to the 105-sqm Opera Suite – come with a walk-in closet, large work desk, and a bathroom large enough to have separate showers, toilet and bathtub.
As with everything luxurious, the subtle details matter – and there’s plenty to admire. For starters, there are the soft leather-stitched cabinets, drawers and desks that add a touch of class, while a Nespresso machine, Lanvin-branded toiletries and bathtub tray make you want to soak in the tub, read a book and never leave till check out. And if you do head out, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied: on the third floor are poolside cabanas, steam rooms and a Technogym-equipped gym where you can sweat it out while watching YouTube videos.
Despite being surrounded by creature comforts, it’s easy to get work done while staying in. A large part of it is helped by the spacious 4ft-long work desk equipped with drawers and universal power-points, as well as an ergonomic chair that makes you feel like a boss. Throw in about RM400 more and you’ll gain access to the 23rd floor Club Millesime, which includes breakfast, le gôuter (French tea-time snacks) and a free flow of evening cocktails and pre-dinner bites while watching the sun set. There are few better ways to enjoy the magic hour than with a dry martini in one hand, and salmon sushi rolls in another.
Speaking of dining options, the hotel has several – the all-day dining restaurant Kwee Zeen, offers pan-Asian and European cuisine (try the masala mussels and crab rasam when available in the buffet spread); Mediterranean restaurant and bar Nizza serves up pastas, salads and pizza, and has a bar that opens up to the poolside area; and Chinese restaurant Wan Chun Ting specialises in Cantonese imperial dishes like Peking Duck and Beggar’s Chicken.
You’re not confined to just drinking and dining in the hotel though; just outside lies the neighbouring DC Mall, which houses Birch, one of KL’s hottest brunch spots (it’s no shrinking violet at night either), while a short drive away lies the bar-lined area of Jalan Medan Setia, which has Sid’s Pub, Jarrod & Rawlins, JungleBird, Huckleberry After Dark and Skullduggery within walking distance of each other. Alternatively, hop on the MRT from the nearby Pusat Bandar Damansara station, and in 15 minutes you’ll find yourself in Bukit Bintang, where you can explore Jalan Alor’s food scene, party it up on Changkat, or have a bite at the Lot 10 Hutong food court.
Damansara City isn’t an obvious locale for a five-star hotel, but Sofitel has managed to carve out for itself a space where you can find peace and quiet to work during the day, and easily get out for some fun at night.
Rooms from RM398+.