We recently headed for a one night stay at the Traders Hotel based at the heart of the city, with exceptional views of the Petronas Towers and a stone’s throw away from KLCC Park.
Okay, so I admit it I was wrong. Staycations are not a total waste of time and money, I really did feel like I had a break. Just please don’t tell my husband or children that I admitted to not being right 100% of the time!
Top tips to make the best of your stay at Traders Hotel
Make sure you book the right room for your family
The family room consists of two single beds and a small sofa bed. As a family of four it was okay for one night, as we pushed the two single beds together. I am not sure though if my daughter would’ve been happy about falling down the gap in the middle for a second night.
Book your slot for the pool in advance
Due to SOPs a maximum of 80 people are allowed in the pool at any one time, so book early to avoid disappointment. The pool, which is on the 33rd floor has great views of the Petronas Towers. It is one of the coolest things about the hotel, so it would be a shame to not experience it.
Don’t bother with the breakfast buffet
Unless the hotel breakfast buffet is the highlight of your holidays and your children can eat RM75 worth of cornflakes each. One of the benefits to its central location is that there are plenty of places minutes away from the hotel to eat in.
We opted for Café Aurora, which is just outside. From 8am the whole family can select from the croissants, coffee, fruit, yoghurts and other breakfast items, for less than you will pay for just one person in the hotel. A word of warning though: the view of watching the joggers out burning calories around the park does slightly put you off your donut.
Check that the Sky Bar is open
If you are planning on drinking in the views of the city by night at the Hotel‘s Sky Bar, make sure it is open. We were disappointed to not be able to end our evening there, as it was closed for a private party.
There is a handy free shuttle bus
Between 10am and 10pm there is a regular free shuttle bus stopping at and picking up from the KLCC Suria Mall. If your kids aren’t keen on window shopping, they could visit the excellent PetroSains Discovery Centre on level 4 of the shopping centre. Even nearer, just next door to the hotel is Aquaria with its 90 metre tunnel and travelator that lets you stare up at the sharks and stingrays.
You can’t cut across the park and hop over the barriers
The park is now open, although the playground and water play areas remain closed. You will need to scan in to get into the park. You used to be able to cut through the park to the Traders, but because they want to limit the numbers, there is only one way in and out. So don’t be tempted to hop over the barrier, even though it is right outside the hotel. I saw a family being told off by a not overly impressed policeman for taking this short cut.
We booked through hotels.com and paid a room only rate of RM350 a night for a family suite. To look into this hotel with its perfect vistas, you can check out their Festive City Retreats here. Valid till 7 January 2022, so don’t miss out…
Feeling inspired to try a few other staycations in KL with the family? More of our reviews for the JW Marriott hotel here and Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur here.
