Nanas Dorsett's Bukit Bintang Secret: 5-Star KL Luxury for Under RM75?!
Nanas Dorsett's Bukit Bintang Secret: Did I REALLY Get 5-Star Luxury for Under RM75?! (OMG, I Think I Did!) - A Chaotic Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unravel my experience at Nanas Dorsett's Bukit Bintang Secret. And let me tell you: it was a rollercoaster. The "Secret" part? That's no joke. Finding this place felt like stumbling upon a hidden treasure map, only the treasure was…potentially, mind-blowingly cheap luxury. Under RM75?! I was HIGHLY skeptical. But, after sifting through all the things, and I mean all the things, here's the lowdown, imperfections and all.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The KL Hustle and a Slightly Confusing Entrance
Right off the bat, let's talk location. Bukit Bintang is the place to be in KL. It’s a concrete jungle of shopping, street food, and the general electric vibe that keeps you wide awake. Accessibility (Overall: Good but with some quirks): Getting there? Easy peasy. Taxi, Grab, even the monorail will drop you super close. Accessibility Note: While the hotel itself seemed generally good for disabled guests (elevator, facilities, etc.), I didn't personally test it. I did notice some areas that might be a little tight for a wheelchair, so double-check with them if that's crucial. The entrance? Well, it's a little… tucked away. I wandered around, got distracted by a durian stand (priorities!), and then finally stumbled upon it. Just keep your eyes peeled.
On-Site Revelry (and the Hungry Hippo Moments): Restaurants & Lounges
Okay, let's be real, the on-site restaurant situation was a MAJOR selling point for me. I was basically planning my meals before I even booked. And, let’s see…
Restaurants (Overall: Deliciously Diverse, but with a Few Hitches): They've got options, people! Multiple restaurants, offering Asian and Western cuisine. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Check. Vegetarian options? Check. I spent a truly embarrassing amount of time at the buffet. The buffet was AMAZING. I'm talking mountains of pastries, fresh fruit, and the obligatory (but delicious) nasi lemak. A la carte options? Yes! And the desserts! Oh, the desserts. My inner child was doing cartwheels. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Obviously. I need my caffeine fix. Poolside bar? Yes! It's a great place to just sit and watch the world go by. Room service [24-hour]? Yes! (This is crucial, peeps.) Happy Hour? YES! (This is even MORE crucial.) I did, however, have a slight faux pas. I ordered room service at 3 am and, after finishing everything on my plate, it took a while for the plates to get cleaned up. It wasn't like a dramatic issue but I felt kind of awkward leaving the plates there, so I took it to the corridor. That's one thing I'm not super happy with.
Lounges (Overall: Relaxing, but a Little Understated): There's a bar, which is perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. The ambience wasn't exactly "loud and lively," but it was a nice, chill space.
The Amenities: Spa Days, Fitness Frenzy, and Poolside Bliss
This is where Nanas Dorsett really shines. Get ready, because the list is long!
- Massage: YES, please! Had one, it was heavenly. Seriously, worked out all the travel kinks.
- Spa: Obviously. Spa/sauna? Yes! Steamroom? Yup. They had it all. My skin felt like silk for days!
- Swimming Pool and Pool with a View: Absolutely stunning. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes! And the view was something else. I'd happily spend an entire day just lounging poolside.
- Fitness Center/Gym/Fitness: The gym was surprisingly well-equipped. I actually worked out (gasp!).
- Foot bath? YES! I didn't actually try it but I saw it and it looked very tempting.
- Body scrub and Body wrap: Yes, but I did not try it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Sanitized!)
Okay, the COVID stuff. Important stuff. And let me tell you, Nanas Dorsett took it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? They seemed to use them liberally. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Hand sanitizer? EVERYWHERE. Rooms sanitized between stays? Definitely, I'm guessing. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yes. They all seemed very on top of things. I felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet Cometh (and the Snack Bar Too!)
I already mentioned the restaurants, but it bears repeating: the food was GOOD. Really good.
- Breakfast [buffet]? The star! I ate enough to feed a small army.
- Snack bar? Yes! Perfect for those mid-afternoon munchies.
- Coffee shop? Also present. Always a bonus for a caffeine addict like me.
- Breakfast takeaway service? Yes! (Great for those early starts.)
- Bar? Drinks, people! Drinks.
- Bottled Water? Yes! Definitely appreciated it.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
This is where hotels either win or fail for me. Nanas Dorsett mostly won.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Doorman: Yes!
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Currency exchange: Essential.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Yes, all available. Always a plus.
- Room service [24-hour]: BLESS.
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
They had a babysitting service listed and facilities. They seemed family-friendly. They probably had the kids meal too. I don't have kids so I can't comment too much on this.
The Rooms: Finally, My Room! (and What About That Price?)
This is the moment of truth. The bit I've been building up to. The rooms were… well, they were luxurious.
- Air conditioning? YES! Essential.
- Free Wi-fi? Wi-Fi [free]? YEEEESSS! (Free is always good)
- In-room safe box? Check.
- Minibar? Oh yes. (I might have indulged in some of the little things.)
- Bathrobes? YES! (I love a good bathrobe.)
- Bathtub & Separate shower/bathtub? Yes.
- Blackout curtains? Amazing. (Especially after a late night.)
- Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea? Always a plus.
- Hair dryer? Needed.
- Towels? Thick and fluffy.
- Bed? Comfy. Very, very comfy.
- Internet access – wireless? Yes.
- Internet access – LAN? Yes.
And the price? Well, I can’t confirm the exact RM75 deal; prices fluctuate. HOWEVER, let me tell you, for the quality, the location, and the sheer amount of stuff you get, it felt like a steal. I'd happily have paid more.
What Didn't Wow Me?
Alright, I'm not going to lie, no hotel is perfect:
- The slightly tricky entrance: Not a deal-breaker, but definitely something to be aware of.
- The bar's atmosphere: It was perfectly pleasant, but not exactly a party central.
The Verdict: My Opinion (and My Offer!)
Okay, so, did I get that fabled 5-star experience for a bargain price? I think I came pretty damn close. Nanas Dorsett Bukit Bintang Secret is, without a doubt, a hidden gem. It's got the location, the amenities, and the vibe that makes for a fantastic KL experience.
Here's my offer to you (and why you should book NOW):
Don't take my word for it!
Book your stay at Nanas Dorsett Bukit Bintang Secret now. This is your chance to experience KL luxury without emptying your wallet! You'll thank me later.
Escape to Paradise: Your Own 20-Pyong Korean Country House Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-ironed travel itinerary. This is Kuala Lumpur: The Messy, Glorious Edition – 5 of us, at the Dorsett Bukit Bintang, Pavilion KL, and ready to get delightfully lost. Let's dive into this absolute chaos…
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Pursuit of Nasi Lemak Nirvana
- Morning (6:00 AM – ish, depending on how much the kids whine): LAND! (And by land, I mean faceplant onto the KLIA2 tarmac, mostly figuratively, thanks to blessed pre-flight coffee). The journey was… well, let's just say the economy section of a 747 breeds a unique form of existential dread. Little Timmy was convinced the oxygen masks were giant, inflatable clowns, and Sarah spilled juice all over my favorite travel pillow. But hey, we're here! Now for the ritualistic immigration line shuffle – I'm praying the customs officer is feeling generous today.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - after a very long, un-airconditioned taxi queue): Arrive at Dorsett Bukit Bintang (thank GOD for air conditioning!). It looks… stunning. Shiny marble, smiling bellhops, all that jazz. But the real test? Checking into FIVE rooms. I'm steeling myself for the inevitable "But we booked connecting rooms!" meltdown. Fingers crossed.
- Early Afternoon (12:00 PM - with a side of existential dread about unpacked luggage): Unpack (or try to). The kids immediately claim dibs on the prime window-facing beds. Arguments ensue. I surrender. Jet lag is hitting hard. We're all operating on a level of tired that makes a sloth's nap look like a marathon. Snack time: biscuits, instant noodles (I grabbed a pack at the convenient store beside the hotel)
- Afternoon (1:30 PM -ish, once the fog lifts slightly): The quest begins. Nasi Lemak. I’ve read (or maybe just dreamt about) it. Fluffy coconut rice, spicy sambal, crispy fried chicken…I need this. We stumble (literally, thanks to the aforementioned jet lag) towards Jalan Alor, the legendary hawker street of Kuala Lumpur.
- Late Afternoon & Evening (2:30PM -ish, post-Nasi Lemak bliss): Jalan Alor is a sensory overload! Steam, sizzling woks, the aroma of a thousand delicious sins… and the ever-present fear of food poisoning (a traveler's constant companion). But the Nasi Lemak… Oh, the Nasi Lemak! Pure, unadulterated, culinary perfection. The kids, surprisingly, devoured it. Even Sarah, the notoriously picky eater, gave it a thumbs up. We overdid it on the satay (grilled meat sticks with peanut sauce), and I might have accidentally ordered a durian milkshake. (Regret? Maybe a little. Curiosity piqued? Absolutely.)
- Night (whenever eyelids give up): Collapse back at the Dorsett. Attempt to watch a local TV show (subtitles? What are those?). Fail. Bed. Sweet, blessed bed.
Day 2: Petronas Towers, Cultural Clashes, and Ramblings About Shopping Malls
- Morning (8:00 AM - or whenever the kids wake up and start asking for snacks): Attempt to conquer the Petronas Towers. Booked tickets online (thank GOD), but still bracing myself for the crowds. I'm envisioning a jostle for the perfect photo op. Pray to the travel gods for clear skies.
- Late Morning (after the obligatory "Wow, that's tall!" and countless photos): Petronas Towers… impressive. Seriously impressive! The view from the Skybridge is breathtaking, even if the kids whined relentlessly about the crowds. We did the obligatory photo shoot, and the obligatory "pretend to climb the towers" pose. Check. Now, culture time! (Or, as the kids call it, "mandatory boredom.")
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - ish, after a frustrating search for a decent vegetarian meal): Visit the Batu Caves. Holy Moly, those stairs! Prepare to feel the burn (literally and figuratively). The monkeys are cheeky little devils. One stole Sarah's banana. (She was traumatized. I found it hilarious.) The caves themselves are stunning, a true testament to the power of faith and limestone.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - after a pitstop at a 7-Eleven for ice cream): Behold, the Pavilion KL! The mothership of shopping malls! This is where my better half will unleash the credit card on things we probably don’t need. For the kids… well, there's a massive kid-friendly zone. Survival strategy established.
- Early Evening (6:00 PM -ish, trying to recover from the retail apocalypse at Pavilion): We ate at a food court in the mall, which was actually pretty good, despite the sheer chaos of choice. We also witnessed a near-fight about the validity of some fake luxury goods. Good times.
- Night (8:00 PM -ish, after getting lost in the mall's endless corridors): Back to the hotel. I'm pretty sure I lost my sense of direction somewhere between the perfume counters and the electronics stores. Early night. We're all utterly shattered.
Day 3: Chinatown, Street Art, And Deep, Unfettered Karaoke Obsession
- Morning (9:00 AM - after the inevitable morning battle): Chinatown! Let the haggling commence! I'm determined to buy some ridiculously cheap souvenirs. I’m also hoping to find some authentic dim sum. Prepare for crowded lanes, and a whole lot of bargaining.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM - after successfully haggling): Chinatown is a blast! The smells, the sounds, the sheer energy… it’s intoxicating. The dim sum was amazing, and I totally scored a fake designer handbag for a price that would make my bank account sing.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM, after being lost in Chinatown with my family): Explore the street art in the area immediately surrounding Chinatown.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM -ish): Lunch at some place serving authentic Malay cuisine.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM -ish): Karaoke! Oh, sweet, sweet Karaoke! We've found a karaoke place near Bukit Bintang/Pavilion KL and we are going to sing our hearts out. Prepare for off-key renditions of all the greatest (and cheesiest) hits of the 80s and 90s.
- Early Evening (7:00 PM -ish, after a massive karaoke session that included everyone making a fool of themselves): Dinner, hopefully without too much more singing.
- Night (Whenever the singing stops): Sleep, sweet sleep.
Day 4: Relaxation, Rooftop Bars, and the Emotional Rollercoaster of Leaving
- Morning (10:00 AM -ish, after sleeping in and enjoying a leisurely breakfast): Pool time! The hotel has a pool, and we're finally going to use it. This is the "zen" part of the trip – hopefully. The kids will probably make cannonballs. I will just relax. Maybe, I will try to remember to apply sunscreen (again).
- Afternoon (1:00 PM -ish, after the pool): A Massage! Time for a massage. My back is starting to ache from carrying around bags of souvenirs and small children. This is pure bliss.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM -ish): Drinks at a rooftop bar! We found one with amazing views of the city. Sunset cocktails (mocktails for the kids) and a moment to soak in the city’s beauty. The feeling of peace starts to seep into the soul.
- Evening (8:00 PM): A last, delicious dinner at a restaurant. A final chance to savor Malaysian cuisine. Try to avoid over-ordering.
- Night (whenever the tears start flowing): Pack. This is the worst part. The end of the trip is always bittersweet. The kids are already starting to miss Kuala Lumpur (and their iPads). I'm going to miss the chaos, the food, and the adventure.
Day 5: Departure and the Aftermath of a Glorious Mess
- Morning (5:00 AM - groaning, exhausted, and battling the urge to stay): Wake up. Pack the last few things. Say a tearful goodbye to the Dorsett Bukit Bintang. Attempt to navigate the airport chaos with minimal meltdowns.
- Late Morning/Afternoon: Fly home. Reflect on the trip. Start planning the next one.
This itinerary is…a suggestion. It’s a guideline. It will be disrupted. Things will go wrong. We will get lost. We will argue. We will laugh. We will discover new passions for things like Nasi Lemak.
Escape to Paradise: Villa Belvedere's Como Lake Magic
Nanas Dorsett Bukit Bintang: The RM75 Dream (and Nightmare?) - Your Burning Questions Answered (with Extra Chaos)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this deal *actually* real? 5-star luxury for under RM75?! I smell a scam!
What's the *catch*?! (Besides the obvious, probably) Is the room a closet? Is there mold? Are there ghosts? (I'm a worrier, okay?)
Okay, location's key. How close *is* this to the action? And is the action...safe?
Let’s talk about the *experience*. The actual *stay*. What's the staff like? Is the breakfast even edible?
What amenities does the hotel *actually* have? (Besides the incredibly low price, obviously.)
Should I *actually* book this? Is it worth the potential hassle?
Any final tips or tricks to score the best deal (and avoid the worst room)?
