Award-winning design studio and luxury hospitality specialists, GA Group, has revealed its interiors for the newest hotel in the Park Hyatt portfolio: Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur – the first Park Hyatt in Malaysia…
Situated in the heart of Malaysia’s vibrant capital, the newly opened Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is located on the upper floors of Merdeka 118 – the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific. The hotel’s design seamlessly integrates Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage with refined contemporary elegance. GA has thoughtfully reinterpreted the essence of the traditional Malay Kampung House through a modern design lens, resulting in a hotel that not only captures the warmth and spirit of a Malaysian home, but also delivers an exceptional and luxurious guest experience.
Image credit: GA Designs
“We wanted guests to feel a genuine connection to Malaysia – especially to Kuala Lumpur,” said Corinna Galdies, Director at GA Group. “And of course it was important for us to engage with this iconic building. The interiors needed a contemporary edge and a sense of clarity, something light and airy. After all, our guestrooms begin 100 storeys above the city. At the same time, as Park Hyatt prides itself on offering its guests the experience of being in a home, we wanted to capture the essence of a traditional Malay home, interpreted in a clean, modernist way – from the moment of arrival right through to the bedrooms and suites.”
From the outset, GA’s intention was to centre the design around the guest, carefully considering how each individual would experience the hotel, from lively communal areas to more intimate zones of retreat. The design celebrates the enduring legacy of Malaysian craftsmanship, which shapes the hotel’s distinctive character. Throughout the property, traditional elements such as batik, wood carving, songket, and weaving are thoughtfully integrated, rooting the project in authenticity and cultural tradition.
Image credit: GA Group
Guests begin their ascent through the hotel, starting on the bright, open ground-level arrival and continuing up a grand staircase, or up an escalator, to a richly comfortable serambi (veranda) on Level 3. This journey evokes the Rumah Panggung, the archetypal Malay house elevated on stilts. Timber shutters, inspired by those found in the traditional Malay homes, pivot throughout the day to filter light, while subtle brass detailing adds a modern warmth and refinement, creating a distinctly residential atmosphere.
From there, guests are transported to the reception area on Level 75 – conceived as the ‘Porch’ of the house and envisioned as the social heart of the hotel. The lobby is defined by a warm, natural material palette and refined finishes. Double-height brass batik screens filter the light beautifully, casting intricate patterned shadows. Panoramic views of the dramatic city skyline are artfully framed, grounding guests in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant urban landscape.
Image credit: GA Group
On the same floor, guests can choose from three distinct dining venues that are cohesively connected through an open, fluid layout.
The Park Lounge is a bright, open space that sits with all dining areas enjoying viewing into the lively open Kitchen, serving as a focal point that’s decorated with Peranakan-inspired red tiles. This seamlessly flows into the Lounge area – designed to be a warm, inviting space that utilises soft light to create a sense of comfort and intimacy.
The Merdeka Grill, the specialty restaurant, contrasts this with bold architectural elements – silver travertine forms the open kitchen, while dark ribbed walls enhance the sense of drama and scale. The Cacao Bar features striking amazonite stone, timber shutters that filter natural light, and a dramatic ceiling that makes it a standout, especially after dark.
Image credit: GA Group
High above the city, the guestrooms and suites are conceived as private sanctuaries, where tranquility and calm take precedence. The design emphasises Malaysian cultural identity, featuring a modern interpretation of a traditional veranda at the window, complete with a daybed that embraces panoramic city views. Strategically placed mirrored panels above the daybeds extend the vistas and create intimate alcoves within the room.
Linen wall panels and delicate brass detailing add texture and refinement, while flexible shutters – reminiscent of those found in Kampung houses – connect the living area with the bathroom, reinforcing the fluidity and connectivity of a traditional Malay home. Bespoke pantry cabinets feature batik-inspired screen doors. A neutral palette accented with rich colourful tones reflects the vibrancy of Malaysia alongside an elegant luxury.
Image credit: GA Group
Woven pattern motifs recur throughout the hotel – from brass ‘basket-weave’ tiles in the showers to contrasting stone flooring patterns, and from three-dimensional relief ceramic tiles on columns to woven rattan lamp shades – ensuring that local traditions are purposely reflected throughout the property.
The Spa on Level 99 is a haven of health and wellness, thoughtfully designed to offer guests a profound sense of tranquility and well-being. Its corridors and archways guide visitors on a journey to the treatment rooms that’s inspired by the‘five-foot way’ – a hallmark of Malaysian shophouse architecture. Subtle mesh interlays gently obscure sightlines, enhancing the serene atmosphere throughout. The aesthetic is understated and minimalist, weaving traditional Malay motifs into the design to evoke quiet elegance, all while framing panoramic views of the vibrant city below.
Image credit: GA Group
GA’s vision for Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is aligned with the studio’s core values – individuality, context, and connection – whether nestled in the heart of a bustling city or set amidst the tranquillity of the countryside.
Main image credit: GA Group
