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.
Located on the upper floors of Merdeka 118 – the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific – the hotel’s design integrates Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage with refined contemporary elegance. GA Group has reinterpreted the essence of the traditional Malay Kampung House through a modern design lens to capture the warmth and spirit of a Malaysian home.
With an intent to centre the design around the guest, the design firm considered 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 integrated, rooting the project in authenticity and cultural tradition.
The ascent through the hotel starts on the bright, open ground-level arrival and continues up a grand staircase, or 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, casting intricate patterned shadows. Panoramic views of the city skyline are artfully framed, grounding guests in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant urban landscape.
On the same floor, guests can choose from three dining venues that are connected through a fluid layout. The Park Lounge is a bright, open space with views into the open kitchen, which serves as a focal point decorated with Peranakan-inspired red tiles. This flows into the lounge area, a warm space that utilises soft light to create a sense of comfort and intimacy.
Meanwhile, The Merdeka Grill contrasts with bold architectural elements, such as silver travertine and dark ribbed walls, and The Cacao Bar features amazonite stone, timber shutters that filter natural light and a dramatic ceiling.
The Spa on Level 99, designed to offer a sense of tranquility and well-being, features corridors and archways 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.
The guestrooms and suites – conceived as private sanctuaries – emphasise 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 and a neutral palette accented with rich colourful tones reflects the vibrancy of Malaysia.
Woven pattern motifs recur throughout the hotel – from brass ‘basket-weave’ tiles in the showers to contrasting stone flooring patterns, as well as three-dimensional relief ceramic tiles on columns and woven rattan lamp shades – ensuring that local traditions are reflected throughout the property.
“We wanted guests to feel a genuine connection to Malaysia – especially to Kuala Lumpur,” summarises 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.”
