Anggun

A good-value boutique hotel with traditional Asian furnishings, providing a cool retreat from sultry KL

If trees could talk, the 80-year-old giants outside Anggun could tell a few tales. The '60s saw this road within the Golden Triangle morph into a red light district, known locally as 'second wife street'. And although this bohemian period was only a notch on the bedpost of local heritage, it certainly contributes to its vibrant nature today. Anggun’s own history dates back to the 1920s, when it was the home of a very successful Chinese immigrant. And with both of these eras in mind, the hotel is a charming fusion of its past, brought up to date with a high level of comfort.

The interior harks back to simplistic '60s décor, with some unique '20s pieces. Scattered around the lobby are heavy-set chairs, antique typewriters and ornate wood-carvings. Light falls through a central atrium, and large Chinese lanterns provide a warm red glow at night. The 18 ultra-comfortable rooms are spread over 3 floors, all tastefully furnished with silk cushions and teak four-poster beds. Upstairs, the leafy rooftop serves as a restaurant, an informal place for authentic Asian fare or a cold Tiger beer. Near to lively restaurants and traditional spas - and within easy distance of the tourist sights - calm Anggun is a wise choice in a city of bland chain hotels.

Highs

• The good-value Classic Rooms - small but stylish
• The traditional feel of the hotel, filled with Asian antiques and wooden crafts
• The location: within walking distance of the famous ‘Alor’ food market and Times Square, and minutes from the monorail station, which will whisk you to all the main sights
• Friendly staff
• Great for families, with interconnecting rooms, strollers for hire, in-house babysitting and a kids' breakfast menu

Lows

• Rooms facing the courtyard lack natural light and privacy, but net curtains help the situation. We'd splash out on a Family or Anggun Suite, which have street-facing floor-to-ceiling windows
• Staff are willing to please but have limited English
• Street-facing rooms may experience noise; light sleepers should bring earplugs
• The dinner menu is limited, although plans to expand are underway