Collectively, the gourmet delights from this feted address are superbly delivered, from comforting Chinese feasts at Shang Palace to classical Japanese fine dining at Zipangu. The breakfast buffet spread at Lemon Garden is alarmingly extensive but presents very well curated flavours. The laksa curry noodles remain our favourite sampled in the Malaysian capital.

Staff here are so well acquainted with the returning set, some of them tend to overlook the needs of unfamiliar faces. Generally speaking, most of them are beaming with smiles and make an effort to make a good impression.

As one of Kuala Lumpur's earliest luxury hotel, the lobby and rooms here are a tad dated, but die-hard Shang fans would rejoice to know that make-over plans are in the works. Taking a cue from recently renovated Singapore however, one isn't entirely sure what to expect at the end of this long wait.