This December, Ormond Hotels will open The Chow Kit; their first property in Malaysia’s capital. Ormond have described the project as having a simplified, luxury boutique concept with an emphasis on service; many aspects of the design, facilities and ambiance also pay tribute to the city and its heritage.
Located just five minutes from Chow Kit’s market, the hotel will feature a total of 113 rooms and suites. All guestrooms will feature comfortable beds, spacious wardrobe and desk areas, smart TVs, bespoke toiletries and a self-pick-up room service concept. The new hotel promises to combine tradition with modernity, blending cosmopolitan finishes with cosy comfort, to create a homely ambiance for visitors.
“The Chow Kit is the perfect introduction to our new brand, Ormond Hotels,†says Gareth Lim, who is CEO of Ormond Group. “The property will showcase great design and service whilst demonstrating a strong connection to an often overlooked part of old Kuala Lumpur, and we’re confident it will be an interesting addition to the city’s hospitality scene,” he added.
The hotel’s architecture and interiors are the creation of Brooklyn-based design practice, Studio Tack. The Chow Kit is their first project in Asia, for which they took inspiration from the local neighbourhood; using locally sourced materials and paying homage to Chow Kit in the design and décor.
Another way in which the hotel is rooted in its locale is its innovative art programme, through which artworks are displayed throughout public spaces and suites. This collection is curated and commissioned by Ormond in order to showcase the talents of emerging artists from all over Malaysia. It also introduces guests to the creative potential and rich culture of their location.
The Chow Kit Kitchen has been influenced by the local Malaysian tradition of kopitiams; traditional cafés known for their welcoming and unpretentious appeal. The restaurant has been designed to be an informal, vibrant and eclectic place to enjoy a meal or pause for refreshment with friends and family.
The hotel bar will offer signature cocktails from 11am through to midnight, along with signature experiences, events and special occasions throughout the year. A library, mezzanine and yoga pavilion provide more secluded and serene spaces in which to collect one’s thoughts, get some exercise or host a private gathering.
The Ormond Hotel Group currently operates under three distinct brands: Ormond Hotels, MoMo’s and Tune. The opening of The Chow Kit has been timed to coincide with their neighbouring property, MoMo’s; a second new social hotel, created with more budget-conscious lifestyle travellers in mind.
