Lonely Planet Review

The magnificent Carcosa Seri Negara comprises two colonial mansions in a tranquil setting overlooking the Lake Gardens. Carcosa was the residence of British government representative, Sir Frank Swettenham, and Seri Negara was the official guesthouse. Visiting high-level dignitaries make this hotel their choice when in KL.

Set deep in a lush pocket of KL, this gracious establishment offers visitors a chance to return to days of colonial opulence: a time of high tea, wide balconies, teak tables and beck-and-call butlers. There are only 13 suites within the two Victorian mansions. Each suite has a distinct design, but what is constistent is the antique furniture (such as four-poster beds the size of a room in Chinatown), hand-woven carpets, gold-and-marble bathrooms, and broad balconies where you can sit in a wicker chair and listen to birdsong. There are modern luxuries too, such as an entertainment system and a complimentary bar hidden within an antique wardrobe. The heritage buildings also house two restaurants (Malay and French), a bar and function rooms. Meals are also served in the refined drawing room and on the spacious verandas. The British may have left Malaysia, but they certainly left their mark.