Smile Hotel Cheras: KL's BEST Hidden Gem? (You WON'T Believe This!)
Smile Hotel Cheras: My Brain EXPLODED! (Is This KL's Best Kept Secret?) - A Frankly Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just finished a stay at the Smile Hotel Cheras, and I'm still trying to pick my jaw off the floor. "Hidden gem" is an understatement. I'm talking a freakin' diamond in the rough. I'm talking… deep breath… MY NEW KL GO-TO.
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Let's get one thing straight: I'm a demanding traveler. I like my Wi-Fi fast, my coffee strong, and my hotel rooms, well, clean. And frankly? KL hotels, especially at this price point, can be a bit… hit or miss. But Smile Hotel Cheras? HIT. BIG TIME.
First Impressions: Accessibility and Location - A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Getting there was a breeze. Seriously. Accessibility is a huge deal for me, and I was pleasantly surprised. While there's no perfect hotel, the elevator was a lifeline, and the reception staff were incredibly helpful. The car park [free of charge] was a huge plus (parking is a nightmare in KL, let’s be honest), and they even had car power charging stations! They’re really thinking ahead, aren’t they?
Now, the location? Okay, so Cheras isn’t exactly Bukit Bintang, but that's actually a good thing. It's a bit off the beaten path, which means you escape the insane city center price tag and the endless tourist hordes. The taxi service was readily available, and grabbing a Grab was as easy as ordering a pizza (which, by the way, you can do – food delivery is a godsend after a long day). The daily disinfection in common areas gave me some peace of mind, especially after the… well, let's just say interesting traffic I encountered getting there.
Rooms: Cleanliness, Comfort, and a Surprisingly GREAT Wi-Fi!
Okay, listen up, because this is where Smile Hotel really shines. The rooms were spotless. Like, gleaming. This is HUGE for me. I'm talking cleanliness and safety that felt legitimately reassuring in these… uncertain times. The rooms sanitized between stays, and they actually offer you the option to room sanitization opt-out available. That’s a level of transparency and care I truly appreciated, especially with all the anti-viral cleaning products in use. You can tell they take it seriously.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And not just free Wi-Fi, but fast Wi-Fi! Let me tell you, trying to work remotely from a KL hotel and battling slow internet is a special kind of torture. No torture here! They also have Internet access – LAN, and Internet access – wireless. Seriously, they've thought of everything. Plus, all the standard amenities are there: air conditioning, a comfy bedding, hair dryer, coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, safety box, satellite TV, and a window that opens to let in some actual fresh air (a surprisingly rare luxury in some KL hotels!). The bathrooms were clean and well-appointed, with a separate shower/bathtub, and some really nice toiletries. I especially loved the fact that they provide slippers and bathrobes! These little touches go a LONG way!
The Amenity Avalanche: Spa, Pool, and… a Fitness Center? (What?!?)
Alright, this is where things got REALLY surprising. I fully expected a basic hotel, but Smile Hotel Cheras is packing serious amenities.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful! The water was pristine, and the view was fantastic. Perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of… well, whatever you do that requires a refreshing dip.
Fitness center: A real, proper gym! With actual weights and cardio equipment! This is something I never expect in a hotel at this price point. I was so happy!
Spa/Sauna: Though I didn’t avail myself to these, I saw signs for both! A spa?! A sauna?! Yes, please!
Poolside bar! Happy hour! (Runs hands through hair in glee)
Dining: Breakfast of Champions (and the Occasional Hiccup)
The breakfast buffet was… well, it was good. Classic Asian breakfast, with a few Western breakfast options thrown in for good measure. They had everything: Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a pretty good selection of desserts in restaurant. The breakfast service was efficient, even if it wasn’t world-class. (I’m not sure anything involving a buffet can actually be world-class, but I'm willing to be proven wrong.)
The room service [24-hour] was a godsend. And I mean that. Sometimes, you just don’t want to leave your pajamas. The bottle of water in the room was a nice touch.
The only (minor) hiccup? My coffee in the morning wasn’t quite up to my standards. (I’m a coffee snob, I admit it.) But hey, you can't win 'em all! And I'd bet on trying the restaurants, which include vegetarian restaurant, and International cuisine in restaurant, during my next visit.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond Expectations
The doorman was always friendly, the concierge helpful, and the daily housekeeping made the whole experience seamless. The elevator made it easy to access the rooms. They also offered dry cleaning and laundry service, which, as a traveler, felt like a miracle. (No more wrinkled shirts!) Plus, the 24-Hour front desk made sure I was always able to get assistance when needed.
They even had a convenience store! Talk about convenience!
For the Kids: What About the Babies?
While I didn’t travel with children on this trip, I did notice the hotel has family/child friendly options, and babysitting service.
The Verdict: Book it. Seriously. Book it.
Okay, so here's the deal: Smile Hotel Cheras blew my expectations out of the water. It’s clean, comfortable, surprisingly well-equipped, and genuinely welcoming. It’s got all the basics, plus a few extra perks that’ll make you feel like you've stumbled across a secret treasure. The staff deserves a medal!
Here's my honest rating:
- Accessibility: 4/5 (Excellent, with a few minor improvements possible)
- Cleanliness: 5/5 (Spotless!)
- Room Comfort: 4.5/5 (Bed was amazing!)
- Amenities: 4/5 (Way more than expected!)
- Value for Money: 5/5 (Ridiculously good!)
- Overall Experience: 4.5/5 (Seriously, go!)
The Offer: Unleash Your Inner Explorer!
Tired of the same old KL stays? Ready to discover a hidden gem?
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- 15% off our best flexible rate
- Complimentary welcome drinks at the poolside bar.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Late check-out (subject to availability)
But that's not all!
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This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next 72 hours.
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(Smile Hotel Cheras - Your KL Adventure Starts Here!)
Parisian Palace: Louvre's Hidden Gem, Residence du Lion d'Or Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my itinerary. And trust me, it’s going to be a glorious, chaotic mess. We’re talking the Smile Hotel Cheras Pudu KL in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. And let the record show, I'm not exactly known for my smooth travel game. Prepare for… well, prepare for anything.
The "I Swear I Have a Plan (Kinda)" Itinerary: Kuala Lumpur Edition
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Quest for the Perfect Curry
- 10:00 AM (ish) – Arrival at KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport): Okay, first hurdle: surviving the flight. Pray to the travel gods for no screaming babies (mine or anyone else's). The immigration line? Pray for speed. I’m already envisioning my first epic meltdown: “My passport photo? That's a lie! I look like a serial killer!”
- 11:30 AM (hopefully) – Transfer to Smile Hotel Cheras Pudu: I'm a seasoned public transport veteran (read: I've taken a bus once), I’ve opted for a taxi. Let's see if I can successfully communicate “Smile Hotel Cheras Pudu, please.” I bet I’ll end up at a fish market.
- 1:00 PM – Check-in at Smile Hotel: Fingers crossed for a decent room. Not a room with a view, I'm not fancy, ideally not something that looks like it was last cleaned in the 80s. And, crucial: air conditioning that actually works. My hair is already plotting its demise in this tropical climate.
- 1:30 PM - Unpack and de-stress after the flight: I want to unpack a bit and figure out the wifi credentials. Because, let's be honest, Instagram is important to let them know I'm having experiences.
- 3:00 PM – The Curry Hunt Begins: Okay, this is the real reason I’m here. Malaysia + Curry = Paradise. I’ve been told to try Nasi Kandar – a Malaysian staple. I’ll wander, lost, sweaty, and possibly muttering about the lack of proper directions, until I find a place that looks promising. Wish me luck, it might be a long time wandering.
- 6:00 PM – Curry Verdict and Recovery: Update: Found food. Ate a mountain of rice and curry. My mouth is on fire, my shirt is stained, and I am ecstatic. The spice level? Let's say my tastebuds are experiencing a religious experience. Now, I'm going to collapse in a heap of contentment at Smile Hotel. And sleep. Glorious, post-curry sleep.
Day 2: Towers, Trains, and Terrible Tourist Traps (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM – Wake up to the sound of something or the other: I hope the hotel breakfast meets expectations. Considering the sleep I'm going to have.
- 10:00 AM – KLCC (Petronas Towers): Oh, the Towers. The iconic twin towers. I'll probably be overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur. It's going to be touristy. Probably a huge queue. I'm going to be annoyed, but admit it's beautiful. Hope I remember to book tickets.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch Somewhere (and surviving the hordes of tourists): I'm considering finding a more local food court for lunch. Gotta avoid those overpriced tourist traps. But the air con is calling my name.
- 1:30 PM – Public Transport Adventure: The train. The KL train system. Wish me luck. I'm probably going to get on at the wrong time.
- 3:00 PM – Batu Caves: The colorful steps! The monkeys! The potential for getting pooped on by said monkeys! Okay, I'm going in with an open mind. And insect repellent and wearing a long skirt. I am a bit afraid of them.
- 5:00 PM – Back to Smile Hotel (or maybe a slightly different hotel - will my GPS work?) : The Batu Caves were… an experience. More than a few monkeys tried to steal my bag, and I may have screamed a little. Found my way back to the hotel.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner: Thinking about some authentic street noodles. Found a street food stall nearby. They called me 'Matahari' (sun) because of my fair face. I should probably get used to the attention, as it would get old after a while.
Day 3: Markets, Madness, and the Melodramatic Meltdown
- 9:00 AM – Breakfast and a deep breath: I need this. I. NEED. THIS.
- 10:00 AM – Central Market: Souvenirs. Overpriced trinkets. My attempt at haggling. My inevitable failure. But the atmosphere? It’ll be fun, I'm sure.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch at Market: Exploring the food vendors. Probably going to overeat. Again.
- 1:30 PM – Chinatown: Colorful laneways, smells, and more shopping. I'll probably get lost.
- 3:00 PM - Imbi Plaza: Time to look for phones and electronics.
- 5:00 PM – Back to Hotel and Reflect: This will be the time where I evaluate my life choices (traveling solo).
- 7:00 PM – Last supper (or is it?): I'm on the fence about going to the KL Tower. Maybe I'll just stay in my room, eat instant noodles, and watch Malaysian TV (with no understanding of Malay). Or maybe I'll find an awesome food stall.
Day 4: Departures and the Post-Trip Blues
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast: With a heavy heart, I have breakfast at the same place I have been.
- 9:00 AM – Pack and Check out: The dreaded moment. I have to pack my life up. What if my suitcase is too heavy?
- 10:00 AM – Head to Airport: One last look at Kuala Lumpur. One last cry.
- Flight Bye.
Important Side Notes and Ramblings:
- The Humidity: Brace yourselves. My hair will hate me. My skin will feel like a damp potato. There is no escape.
- My Sense of Direction: It's legendary (in a bad way). I will get lost. Repeatedly. Ask for help. Probably in the wrong language.
- The Food (Again): I will eat everything. I will be a sweaty, happy, curry-stained mess. And I will not apologize.
- The Emotions: Expect a rollercoaster. Joy, frustration, awe, existential angst. You know, the usual.
- The Imperfections: This is not a sleek, perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is real life. Things will go wrong. I will make mistakes. And that's part of the adventure.
So, there you have it. My ridiculously optimistic, slightly chaotic, and utterly unpredictable itinerary. Will I stick to it? Probably not. Will I have an amazing time? Absolutely. Wish me luck. And if you see a lost, bewildered person wandering around KL looking for the perfect curry, that’s probably me. Come say hi. I may need a friend. Or at least a map.
Escape to Paradise: Pavana Resort, Embilipitiya, Sri Lanka Awaits!
Smile Hotel Cheras: KL's BEST Hidden Gem? (You WON'T Believe This!) - FAQs
