The newly renovated PJ Hilton

We pay PJ Hilton a visit to check out their newly refurbished establishment..

I have to say that the newly re-designed PJ Hilton, is gorgeous.

It was just a weekend ago, that we stayed at PJ Hilton’s executive suite. Checking in on the 21st floor at the executive lounge, we noticed a newly refurbished area, which was spacious, modern and comfortable. Huge glass windows on either side of the reception area showcased a gorgeous KL sky-line. The check-in went on without a hitch, and we were told that our room was on the 21st floor too, so it was conveniently close to the executive lounge which had complimentary drinks, wifi and snacks all day till around 11pm.

Designed by Bluwater Design Studio, the rooms were big and spacious – it really felt like an urban retreat in the middle of Petaling Jaya’s commercial hub. All rooms come with a big king sized bed , a massive LCD television, an adjustable work desk with an ergonomic chair, cozy lighting, Caroma fixtures, Grohe hand showers, marble countertops, rain shower and premium bath amenities. Super luxe yet homey!

We were told that over five hundred guestrooms had been totally renovated and this included the executive lounge, the main ballroom as well as the meeting rooms.

The Kristal ballroom now looked all dark and sleek. It had this lovely dark timber paneling along the walls, and to add contrast we noticed some subtle vertical details, rich silk panels and glistening crystal pendants, tastefully worked into the room.

With state-of-the-art equipment, the ballroom is supposed to cater to various occasions, from meetings, seminars, corporate events, product launches to wedding receptions.

I rather liked the executive lounge because it looked upbeat and contemporary. It is quiet enough and has zippy wifi – something that’s much appreciated especially when you’re working. If you bring your laptop to the lounge, they served you an endless stream of hot or cold drinks at your beck and call. They have snacks too, starting from 3 pm onwards which means you will never starve. The lounge is where they serve complimentary cocktails from 6 pm onwards as well, and you can opt to have breakfast here, or in the room, in the mornings.

The executive lounge is also a great place to chill out, read magazines, the daily newspaper, or watch TV and use the wifi.

At 6pm on the first day, we had our cocktails made for us by PJ Hilton’s mixologist.

It was really fun watching the master at work. We were told to pick a favourite color, and we got a cocktail each, in that color

The line up of cocktails – can’t remember their names, but these look like ” the usual suspects” !

Then it was time to hit Genji for dinner..

The live stations for teppanyaki and tempura were awesome. One of the best value for money Japanese buffets would be at Genji, and the food actually tastes good too.

At Genji, diners can enjoy great choices of freshly-prepared sushi and sashimi items, kaiseki, teriyaki, tempura and sukiyaki dishes. The restaurant also offers tempting and value-added set menus.

Take your pick from hot or cold noodles, teppanyaki dishes featuring ingredients like seafood, meat and vegetables which are eaten with accompanying sauces, or super fresh sashimi. Additionally, there is an array of vegetarian items for well, the vegetarians!

The chef behind all the delicious Japanese cuisine at Genji is Chef Richard Teoh, along with his 23 years of experience in the kitchen.

The Sushi Bar is one of the restaurant’s main attractions, and there is a massive variety of sushi, sashimi and delicious maki rolls to choose from. It’s hard to get in there, and get a slice sometimes, because everybody is jostling for a shiny morsel of raw fish!

Sukiyaki – fantastic flavour.. highly recommended

delightful tentacles to tantalize

best prawn tempura in PJ

This Japanese Saturday dinner buffet, is priced at RM109++ per adult and RM56++ per child (5-11 years old), from 6.30pm till 10.30pm. Buffet lunch is also available on Sundays from 11.30am till 2.30pm at RM99++ per adult and RM49++ per child (5-11 years old).

Then it was on to Uncle Chilli’s for some cocktails and to listen to the live band

The best thing about Uncle Chili’s are the cocktails. If you have the chance, ask the mixologist to make you the “Graveyard”. Guaranteed to hit the spot (before you hit the ground!)

Versatile performances from the resident band kept us entertained over cocktails, and more cocktails!

The next morning, we decided to check out the dimsum at Toh Yuen.

Dimsum is something that food connoisseurs can look forward to at Toh Yuen. The restaurant offers a great selection of quality dimsum items, delicately presented in small bamboo baskets, prepared in various cooking methods, i.e. steamed, pan-fried, baked and grilled. There is also a selection of other hot dishes, and finally desserts, to complete the whole dimsum experience.

Signature dishes at Toh Yuen include Peking Duck, Beggar’s Chicken, Mongolian Lamp Chops, Baked Cod Fish with Honey Sauce, Mango Dragon and Fresh Scallops and Lily Bulbs in Clear Broth.

I love the Peking duck here. The chef carves the duck in front of you, and you can just help yourself to as many rolls as you like.

amuse bouche, courtesy of the chef

pick your dimsum at the counter, and have it served to you hot, at the table.

There’s also a good choice of premium grade Chinese teas to choose from, and an extensive wine list if you’d prefer something alcoholic over brunch!

tasty as hell, fried carrot cake (loh bak kao)

assortment of fried dimsum

must-not-miss char siew bao – the explosions of coriander in the the bao added a terrific taste to the dumpling

lotus leaf glutinous rice most heavenly! the best part is of course the salted egg yolk..

kuai lin goa, and chinese hand made desserts – pretty and tasted good too

Toh Yuen restaurant operates for lunch from 12.00pm to 2.30pm and for dinner daily from 7.00pm to 10.30pm, closed on Mondays. Dim Sum Brunch is served on Sundays from 11am until 3pm, featuring over 40 varieties of the freshest dim sum to delicious Chinese cuisine, priced at RM68++ for adult and RM40++ for child below 12 years.

PJ Hilton is definitely the hotel of choice for folks this side of town who are looking to indulge in some great dining. Also executives would find PJ hilton’s meeting facilities ideal, especially if they do not want to fight the jam into KL. All in all, the renovations have spruced up this 28 year old, iconic hotel rather nicely. The future looks bright PJ hilton!

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