1 NOVEMBER 2019
As most readers of my blog know, I am a big fan of staycations. So, when I stumbled on this boutique hotel during the long weekend of Merdeka week, I knew I just had to check it out – especially since it’s a pretty affordable place. I got the room around RM150, despite getting the room on Aug 31.
Location
This hotel is a great place to bunk in if you want to explore Kuala Lumpur. Central Market, Chinatown and Masjid Jamek are all within walking distance. What’s more, the lovely River of Life is just a few steps away from the hotel, so you can walk down the river in the evening if you like.
I like how it’s near enough to walk to these spots but not so close that the place is crowded and noisy. in fact, we had a really nice sleep when we were there.
However, some folks think the area is a tad sleazy. And, admittedly, I didn’t feel quite safe walking around the streets at night. Once, I walked past a closed-down cafe and a strong stench of urine wafted from the place.
Still, this is a strategic and budget-friendly spot to make as your homebase as you explore most of the city. For one, if you want to explore the rest of Kuala Lumpur, the Masjid Jamek LRT is also nearby – so you can take the train to go anywhere around the city.
The Room
The Standard Mood Deluxe Twin room we got was small, but cosy. It had the usual amenities – a safe, a study table, but no closet. (We didn’t really need one, really.) Not a huge fan of the bathroom, however. The glass walls made for some awkward moments with my roomie, even if it was glazed! Also, there’s this matter of ventilation …
Still for a night or two, it does its job well. The bed and pillows, for one, were absolutely divine! So soft and comfortable.
Facilities
Avenue J is a really basic hotel, so don’t expect a swimming pool or gym. However, it has a sweet little cafe downstairs and even a library full of books to borrow from. There’s strong, free wifi as well.
Again, this is a great place to nap at if you want a fuss-free, quick pit stop to explore the city. It’s also really cost-effective – you can get a windowless room for RM120 or so.
Elizabeth Tai 