Kuala Lumpur's Hidden Gem: The Colony Near Quill City Mall!
Kuala Lumpur's "Hidden Gem"? The Colony Near Quill City Mall - My Take! (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, let's be real. I've just gotten back from a stay at The Colony near Quill City Mall in Kuala Lumpur, and honestly? My brain is still a little… sparkly. You know, that post-vacation haze where you're not sure if you dreamt the whole thing? But hey, I'm here to spill the tea, the teh tarik, the whole shebang on this "hidden gem." And let me tell you, it’s a whole lot more interesting than the brochure makes it out to be.
First Impressions (and My Chaotic Arrival)
Accessibility? Check. Okay, so I'm not in a wheelchair, but I appreciated the thought that went into it. The elevator was swift, the lobby felt spacious, and honestly, after navigating KL traffic, a smooth entry is everything. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus in my book. That said, getting to the hotel? Let's just say my Grab driver and I had a moment. Google Maps, you lied to me! But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right?
The Room: My Fortress of Comfort (and Coffee)
The room itself? Pretty darn good. I mean, comfortable. Air conditioning that actually works (a lifesaver in KL's humidity!), blackout curtains that promised a sleep-in (and delivered, mostly), and a seriously comfy bed. I’m talking, you could sink into it and forget the world existed. They’ve got free Wi-Fi (in all rooms!), which is a godsend, and even a desk if you, you know, actually want to work (I mostly didn't).
Okay, let's talk about the coffee situation. Coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea? Yes, yes, and YES! Seriously, they've got a coffee/tea maker in the room, which is essential for someone like me. I need my caffeine fix first thing. (And speaking of essentials, the in-room safe box? Super handy for keeping my passport safe from my own forgetfulness.) They have free bottled water too, another plus.
The Food & Drink Frenzy! (And My Near-Disaster)
Okay, buckle up. The Colony is a food lover's playground, but let's be honest, I nearly got lost in the choices!
- Restaurants: They've got restaurants! They have a bar! They also have a coffee shop! And a snack bar! (I may have visited the snack bar a few times. Don't judge.)
- Breakfast: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, breakfast buffet? YES! I am not a morning person, so the buffet was a lifesaver. I piled my plate with everything, from nasi lemak to pancakes. (The pancakes were a little… rustic looking, but tasted amazing.)
- Room Service: This is where things get interesting. 24-hour room service? Yes, please! I ordered a late-night burger one night, and it arrived promptly. (The burger was good. Maybe a little too much sauce, but hey, I'm not complaining.)
- The Poolside Bar: This is where I had my "moment." Picture this: I, lounging by the Pool with a View, sipping a cocktail, and feeling utterly fabulous. The pool is beautiful, by the way. The view? Stunning. But then… disaster struck. I almost dropped my phone in the pool. My heart stopped. I swear I aged five years in that moment. But hey, the cocktail was good enough to make me forget about it.
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Spa Day (Almost!)
They have a spa! And a Fitness center! (I didn't actually use the fitness center. I'm on vacation, people!) But I did check out the spa. They offer Body scrubs, Body wraps, and Massages. I was this close to booking a massage, but then my budget screamed “NO!” Maybe next time. They also have a sauna and steam room. Sounds heavenly, right?
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe (and Sanitized!)
Okay, this is important. Especially these days. The Colony seems to take cleanliness seriously. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. I felt super safe. They also have Room sanitization opt-out available. I was impressed.
Services & Conveniences: From Cash Withdrawal to Luggage Storage
They have everything! Concierge, Currency exchange, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Daily housekeeping, Elevator… I’m telling you, it’s a city within a city. They even have a convenience store! (Perfect for late-night snack runs.)
For the Kids: Family Friendly!
They are Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities and Babysitting service. I don't have kids, but I saw a few families there, and everyone seemed happy.
Internet & Wi-Fi: Connected (Mostly!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it worked! I was able to stream my shows and post my envy-inducing Instagram photos without a problem. The Internet access – LAN is also available.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
They offer Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, and Valet parking. Getting to and from the hotel was surprisingly easy.
The "Hidden Gem" Verdict:
Okay, so is The Colony a "hidden gem"? Well, it's not exactly hidden anymore, is it? But it's definitely a great hotel. It's clean, comfortable, and has a fantastic location near Quill City Mall. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe was relaxed and welcoming.
The Quirks (and the Imperfections):
- The lighting in my room was a little… dim. But hey, it created a cozy atmosphere, right?
- The elevator was a little slow at times. (Minor complaint, I know.)
- That near-phone-in-the-pool incident. Still gives me shivers.
My Recommendation:
Book it! Especially if you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and relatively affordable stay in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a great base for exploring the city.
Here's My Offer (Because You Deserve a Great Deal!):
Tired of the same old KL hotel experience? Craving a stay that's both stylish and convenient? Then The Colony near Quill City Mall is calling your name!
Book your stay now and receive:
- 15% off your room rate! (Because everyone loves a good deal!)
- Free breakfast for two! (Fuel up for your KL adventures!)
- Complimentary welcome drinks at the poolside bar! (Cheers to a fabulous getaway!)
But hurry! This offer is only valid for the next 7 days!
Click here to book now and experience Kuala Lumpur like never before! [Insert Booking Link Here]
P.S. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit! You won't want to miss that pool!
Manila Staycation: Unbelievable Eco-Luxury Awaits at En Casa Orila!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my Colony-near-Monorial-Station-Quill-City-Mall-Kuala-Lumpur-Malaysia survival guide, and trust me, it's going to be a glorious mess.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Unholy Grail of Coffee (aka, the Search for Caffeine)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Arrive at KLIA, bleary-eyed and convinced I've aged a decade on the plane. Immigration? Smooth as butter. Finding my luggage? A minor miracle. Actually, scratch that, it's a major miracle. I'm pretty sure my suitcase was in Narnia just a minute ago.
- 8:30 AM: Taxi to The Colony. The driver, a lovely older gentleman, immediately starts regaling me with tales of his grandchildren and the best nasi lemak in the city. I understand maybe 30% of what he's saying, but nod enthusiastically anyway. Genuine human connection, that's what I'm here for.
- 9:30 AM: Check in. The Colony is… well, it's trendy. Think exposed brick, minimalist everything, and a serious lack of natural light. My room is small but has a killer view of a car park. Progress.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Caffeine Quest begins. This is a matter of life and death, people. First stop: the in-house cafe. Disaster. The coffee tastes like burnt shoe leather. I swear, I've had better coffee from a gas station vending machine. Panic sets in. Google Maps opens, and I'm off, fueled by desperation and the faint hope of a decent espresso. Wandering aimlessly around the area, dodging motorbikes like a seasoned pro. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, I stumble upon a little cafe with a promising aroma. They serve a decent flat white. Hallelujah.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at Quill City Mall. Okay, this place is huge. Overwhelming, even. I end up at a food court, overwhelmed by the choices. I settle on some kind of noodle soup that's probably 90% MSG, but hey, I'm hungry. And it's delicious.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Jet lag hits like a freight train. I attempt to explore the mall but end up wandering aimlessly, feeling slightly disoriented. I find a bench, and the next thing I know, I'm waking up with a crick in my neck and drool on my chin. Classy.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Forced nap.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I can't remember the name, but it's bustling, smells amazing, and the food is spicy. I order something I can't pronounce, but it's delicious. I end up sweating and fanning myself, but it's worth it. The best part? The people-watching. Malaysians are some of the friendliest, most stylish people I've ever seen.
- 9:00 PM: Collapse in bed, utterly exhausted but strangely exhilarated. Tomorrow: The Petronas Towers! (Or maybe just more coffee. Let's be honest.)
Day 2: Towers, Temples, and a Serious Case of Foot Fatigue
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Surprisingly, I feel okay. The caffeine is working.
- 9:00 AM: Attempt to find breakfast. Failed. Decide to skip it and to the Petronas Towers.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Petronas Towers. Holy. Cow. Pictures don't do these things justice. The sheer scale is mind-boggling. The queue to go up is long, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch near the Towers. I find a small hawker stall and get something I can't pronounce. It's delicious.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the area around the Towers. Visit a park, take a few pictures, and get hopelessly lost.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Batu Caves! I take the train. The train is hot and crowded. The stairs to the caves are steep. My legs are screaming. The monkeys are cheeky little devils. The caves themselves are stunning. The whole experience is a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. I am slightly terrified of the monkeys, but it's worth it.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant close to my hotel. I'm too tired to wander far. The food is okay.
- 8:00 PM: I'm exhausted. I have blisters. I fall asleep during a movie.
Day 3: The Search for Authentic Experiences (and More Coffee)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. I feel like I've been run over by a bus. But hey, adventure!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: I try to find some local, non-touristy experiences. I get lost again, but I discover some interesting things, including a small street market with fresh fruit and some seriously delicious street food.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside stall. The food is amazing and cheap. I try to speak some Malay words. They laugh. I laugh. It's a good time.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: I try to get lost in a local street to experience more authentic experiences.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The most important part of the day; a trip to a cafe.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: More wandering. This is the best part. I see places you can't find on the internet.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. The food is amazing and cheap.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I'm exhausted, but happy.
Day 4: Departure (and a Moment of Melancholy)
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Sigh.
- 10:00 AM: One last coffee run. I've finally found a place that makes decent coffee. The barista recognizes me. We exchange smiles.
- 11:00 AM: Check out.
- 12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. The driver is quiet this time. I watch the city roll by, a mix of familiar landmarks and fleeting memories.
- 1:00 PM: Wait at the airport.
- 2:00 PM: Board the plane.
- 3:00 PM: Take off.
- 4:00 PM: Sleep.
- 5:00 PM: Wake up.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a mess. I got lost. I ate too much. I sweated a lot. I was tired. But it was also amazing. Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, chaotic, beautiful city, and I can't wait to go back. I leave with a suitcase full of memories, a slightly expanded waistline, and a deep appreciation for the power of caffeine. And that, my friends, is a successful trip.
Izamal's Hidden Gem: Gardenhotel Macan Che B&B - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, Alright, Alright... Let's Talk About The Colony (and My Love-Hate Affair with it)
So, what *is* The Colony, exactly? Like, beyond the Instagram pics?
Okay, so picture this: you're in the heart of KL, right near Quill City Mall (more on that later, trust me), and you stumble upon this… *thing*. The Colony. It's a co-working space and serviced residence rolled into one. Basically, it's where freelancers, startups, and the generally aesthetically-inclined go to pretend they're *really* productive. Think sleek, minimalist design, lots of natural light (when the KL smog cooperates), and enough exposed brick to make you feel sophisticated, even if you’re just there to avoid your apartment's questionable Wi-Fi.
Honestly, the pictures are *way* better than the reality sometimes. My first impression? "Wow, this is gorgeous!" My second? "Where do I even *begin* to find a decent power outlet?!" It's a mixed bag, that's for sure.
Is it actually a "hidden gem" or just another overpriced KL hangout?
Oof, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Here's the brutally honest truth: it depends. "Hidden gem" implies undiscovered, and The Colony is *definitely* discovered. It's on everyone's radar. Overpriced? Yeah, probably. Let's be real, you're paying for the *vibe* as much as the actual workspace. But… and this is a big but… the vibe is pretty darn good.
I've spent hours there, and yes, my wallet has wept a little. But there's something about the atmosphere, the buzz of creative energy (or the pretense of it, anyway), that keeps me coming back. It's a guilty pleasure. Like eating a whole tub of ice cream when you're supposed to be on a diet. You know it's not good for you, but... damn, it feels good in the moment.
What's the deal with Quill City Mall? Are we talking good or bad?
Oh, Quill City Mall. Bless its heart. It's right next door to The Colony, and honestly, it's a love-hate relationship. On the *good* side: it's convenient. Need a quick lunch? Got it. Forgot your charger? Probably a shop there. It also has a cinema, which is a huge plus when you need a break from staring at a screen all day.
The *bad* side? Well, let's just say it's not exactly the most exciting mall in KL. The food court can be a bit… underwhelming. And sometimes, the air conditioning feels like it's trying to actively *freeze* you. I once saw a guy wearing a full-blown parka *inside* the mall. A PARKA! It's a gamble. Some days, it's a lifesaver. Other days, you're better off just ordering GrabFood.
The Wi-Fi. Is it a dealbreaker?
Ah, the eternal struggle. The Wi-Fi at The Colony... is a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute, you're soaring through the internet at lightning speed, feeling like a productivity ninja. The next? You're staring at a spinning wheel of death, cursing your internet provider, your life choices, and everything in between.
It's gotten better, *I think*. But I've learned to always have a backup plan. My phone's hotspot is my best friend. And occasionally, I'll wander over to the Starbucks in Quill City Mall (yes, I'm a cliché) if I *really* need a reliable connection. So, dealbreaker? Maybe not *completely*, but definitely something to be aware of. Bring your patience. And maybe a backup coffee.
What's the crowd like? Is it all influencers and perfectly-groomed millennials?
Okay, let's be real: yes. There are definitely influencers. And yes, there are a lot of perfectly-groomed millennials. But! It's not *just* them. You'll see a mix. Startups, freelancers of all stripes, even the occasional older gentleman who looks like he just wandered in from a different planet.
The people-watching is top-notch, though. I've spent hours just observing the various species of "creative professionals." You've got the laptop warriors, the brainstorming groups, the people taking endless selfies for the 'gram… It's a fascinating study in modern work culture. And honestly, sometimes it's a great source of inspiration (or at least, amusement).
Okay, spill the tea. What's your *best* (or worst) experience at The Colony?
Alright, buckle up, because this is a story. This is a tale of woe, triumph, and questionable fashion choices. So, last year, I was desperately trying to finish a freelance project. Deadline looming. Pressure mounting. Naturally, I decided The Colony was the place to be. I'd booked a private office (splurge, I know). Feeling good. Feeling productive.
Everything was going swimmingly... until the air conditioning decided to go full-on Antarctic. I was freezing. Shivering. My fingers were numb. I had to dig out the *only* warm thing I had with me: a ridiculously oversized, bright pink, fluffy scarf. Yes, I looked like a giant, shivering flamingo.
But here's the kicker: I was *so* focused on staying warm, I actually finished the project! I handed it in *on time*! And then, as soon as I submitted, the air conditioning magically (or maybe just coincidentally) adjusted to a more reasonable temperature. I walked out of that office, still looking like a pink, fluffy flamingo, but feeling like a goddamn champion. So, worst experience? Maybe. Best experience? Absolutely. It's a memory I'll cherish (and cringe at) forever.
Is it worth the price? Be honest!
Look, it depends on your budget and what you're looking for. If you're on a shoestring budget, probably not. There are cheaper co-working options in KL. But if you value a stylish environment, decent coffee (most of the time), and the potential for networking, and you're willing to pay a premium for the *vibe*, then yeah, it might be worth it.
I'm torn. Sometimes I think, "This is ridiculous! I could be working from home for free!" Other times, I'm like, "This is where I get shit done. This is where I feel inspired. This is where I can pretend I'm a sophisticated, successful adult." So, yeah... it's complicated. But wouldComfort Inn
