What started out as a Staycation with my children in September 2019 turned out to be anything but a pleasant stay.
Check in was smooth, where we got upgraded to a Club / Executive Room although I was quite happy with my original choice as this would be a rare moment I am staying with my little ones on a personal rather than a business visit. Thus, not having Club / Executive Lounge access was not my list of priority.
Needless, the kids were excited for the Club / Executive access as it meant evening cocktails and finger food - which they love very much in all our Club visits.
At the Club lounger, however, our joy took a sudden U-turn with the following:
1. Insects flying freely around the open food section;
2. Hair trapped on carrot stick;
3. Served a new bottle of Chardonnay that has gone a little off; and
4. Smelly annex toilets..
The response to the above were not promptly met, and in fact, there were denials to begin with. It is no wonder that I noticed some patrons just walking away rather abruptly.
Then, it was time to explore some of the dining options, which the Hotel website loudly proclaims:
"The wide range of dining options at Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie includes Kites Restaurant, serving international and Malaysian favourites, Fu-Rin Japanese restaurant, Phoenix Chinese restaurant and The Mix a lively spot to meet friends."
We were already thinking of dining at The Mix, where the in room brochure promoted "buffalo wings" - exactly what my boy loves. And with some Wine for me, that would have been perfect.
This is what the website had to say about "The Mix":
"A cozy modern interior, The Mix offers a dedicated private dining area, the main bar where you catch all the action. The menu offers local and Western specialties, all time favorite comfort food and light bites. Closed on 29th April till 1st May 2019. Operation Hours Monday to Saturday : 5.00pm to 1.00am Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays".
We even told the Club personnel of our intention to dine at The Mix, and where he promptly sent for a buggy to take us there.
On arrival at The Mix, what we saw was totally different from what was portrayed. And to add insult, we were told that children was not allowed in.
"Okay". We decided then to have the Japanese restaurant instead. I mean, what can go wrong?
And this is what the website promises:
"Fu Rin Japanese Restaurant with its cosy and relaxing interior decor makes an ideal venue for a perfect dining experience. An exceptional Japanese menu makes Fu Rin the quintessential choice for fine dining in the city. Closed on, 1st May 2019 in lieu of Labour Day. Operation Hours: Lunch : 12 noon to 2:30pm Dinner : 6:30pm to 10:30pm".
On arrival at the door steps of Fu Rin, we were greeted by empty sushi / sashimi counters - with a lone staff taking us to the table. At this moment, both my children felt very uncomfortable as it was a very eerie feeling that something is not quite right.
It was at this stage that my children were adamant they were not going to stay for another night.
I promptly checked out without staying a night.
Thus, I would advise that you do book your stays here with caution and with minimal expectations.
