Serviced suites are perfect for longer stays since they have kitchenettes and basic amenities like what you’d find at home. The understated design aims at functionality and practicality, unlike luxury hotels that emphasise more on atmosphere, luxury or style. Erase that stereotype that serviced suites are ratty, and only catered to people who can’t afford to bed down at swanky hotels. The PARKROYAL Serviced Suites is like the apartment you’ve always wanted to move into. The bonus of course, is the diligent staff who’ll clean up after your mess.

We walked towards the reception area and were immediately greeted by smiley staff who secured us a room in less than 15 minutes. Some jazzy ballads crooned over the PA; a staff conversed in fluent Japanese with another guest; the bellboy ushered us courteously to the lift. So far, so impressive. Our furnished room (Studio Superior Twin) revealed a plush king-sized bed with high-quality linen, LCD TV, working desk and a mini bar. Surprisingly, the window didn’t offer much of a view although we were on the 20th floor – only panoramas of trees, mamak stalls and the bumping nightlight scene on Changkat. But we’re not complaining about the room – it was cavernous enough to perform multiple cartwheels.

Not many guests, we figure, will be utilising the stoves despite the existence of an exhaust fan. You’d risk getting the stench and oil in your sheets because the bed was only three metres away. The placement of the wardrobe, leaning against the bed’s headboard, was a little odd as we had to go around the bed to reach it. But the bathroom proved to be sleek and fusty-free – it was outfitted with a glass shower place, hair dryer and scented soaps.  The hot water soothed the twinge in our back after a long day, and we hit the hay while the traffic rumbled far below.

The buffet breakfast had a decent spread of pastries, sausages, hams, juices and jams. But their omelette – a true test of the chef – was perfectly whipped and browned. Afterwards, we sauntered along the rooftop infinity pool deck and sure enough, the view was much better up here. It’s still the same KL scenery you’d find when looking out from any towering office building window. But the ambience was less frenetic despite PARKROYAL’s central location in the city.

You’ll never go hungry when staying at the PARKROYAL Service Suites because it’s surrounded by food haunts like Nagasari Curry House (Time Out KL Food Awards 2011 nominee), Paper + Toast, Suka and Delucca Italian Restaurant. And if you like jazz, gastrobar No Black Tie is just a stone’s throw away. Evidently, these sensibly-priced serviced suites were conceptualised by someone with an astute understanding of what patrons truly value in a comfortable accommodation. Kong Wai Yeng