Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur — Urban Canvas in the Heart of the City
A gritty-meets-polished design escape that rewrites the rules of modern luxury
17, Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Style: design hotel, lifestyle & creative hotel, luxury hotel
Type: art & culture, big & bold, industrial chic, tropical modern
Vibe: lively, rooftop bar, urban
A Community-Centric Take on KL Luxury
In a city where five-star hotels often lean into marble grandeur and formality, Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur breaks the mould. Housed in the reimagined Wisma KFC building and steps from KL’s buzzing business district, the hotel introduces a more relaxed, social, and locally attuned version of luxury. “Think of us as your kawan,” says General Manager Chikako Shimizu—a local bestie helping you explore beyond the city’s tourist trails. And that ethos shines through every part of this 21-storey, 312-room newcomer.
Industrial Edge with a Local Soul
The moment you enter the lobby, KL’s history is unmistakable. Bright colour pops and rustic metal textures nod to the city’s tin-mining roots, while bold graffiti by Malaysian street artist Jefr brings contemporary verve to the space. This blend of heritage and modernity defines the hotel’s architectural rebirth by Singapore’s Silverfox Studios, who transformed a corporate tower into a design-driven urban playground. Even team uniforms—custom denim by fashion designer Melinda Looi—riff on the building’s industrial past.
Rooms with Industrial Soul and Modern Comfort
Across the 312 rooms, clean lines and soft industrial touches set the tone. Exposed concrete details, metal accents, warm woods, and contemporary furnishings create spaces that feel equal parts stylish and comfortable. Many rooms come with balconies that open onto city views, while all feel infused with just enough local history to ground the experience. It’s modern urban living, translated into boutique-style rooms on a larger scale.
Eat Your Way Through the Hotel
With three standout dining options, Hyatt Centric KL might tempt you to stay in:
TanBuri — a playful mash-up of tandoori and donburi, serving smoky tandoor-style proteins over Japanese rice bowls alongside Malaysian favourites like nasi lemak and roti canai.
IL Forno — a chic Italian trattoria on level 19, helmed by chef Enzo Carbone, where handmade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, and indulgent desserts transport you straight to Italy.
@21 Rooftop Bar — a breezy skyline lounge pouring craft cocktails and serving quesadillas with a view that stretches across KL.
For a hotel built in a nostalgic address, its culinary offerings are refreshingly global yet unmistakably grounded in KL’s flavourful character.
Sky-High Pool & Wellness
Escape the city rush on level 21, where an infinity saltwater pool meets a sweeping panorama of Kuala Lumpur. Whether it’s sunrise laps or sunset cocktails, this rooftop oasis adds a serene counterpoint to the urban buzz below. For travellers needing movement, a 24-hour fitness centre keeps routines intact and energy high.
A Location Immersed in Neighbourhood Life
Set within the city centre’s business district, the hotel sits at the perfect intersection of culture and commerce. KL Eco-Rimba Park, The Zhongshan Building’s arts enclave, and The Row’s indie cafés and boutiques all unfold within walking distance. Guests are also given the hotel’s “C-Map”, an insider’s guide to hidden gems—from neighbourhood dining spots to local artists’ studios—curated by people who know the city intimately.
A Tribute to the Building’s Past
Rather than wipe the slate clean, Hyatt Centric KL honours Wisma KFC’s legacy. Its original structure is retained and repurposed with thoughtful intention—like the restored fountain that anchors the lobby. Industrial finishes throughout the hotel echo the site’s past while offering fresh layers of design relevance.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur is a true urban retreat—vibrant, expressive, and delightfully unpretentious. Part lifestyle hotel, part creative hub, it blends KL’s gritty heritage with modern luxe comfort in all the right ways. For travellers who want to feel plugged into the city rather than perched above it, this is where adventure meets attitude, and where every stay feels like your local best friend is showing you around town.
Amenities:
• 24-hour front desk • air conditioning • fitness centre • free WiFi • on-site parking (free) • 3 restaurants • room service • room with a view • rooftop swimming pool
