"OMG, is that door going to come down and trap me in here?" I wail, eyes darting frantically in the direction of the metal door ahead of me and wondering why the (normally) simple act of parking a car has to be so complicated.
"Just drive your car in, come out, exit the car, swipe the card outside… yada, yada…" The set of instructions coming fast and furious from the speaker, set on loud, of my handphone, permeates the silence of the cavernous car park.
"I HAVE. But nothing's happening!" I retort in response to the annoyingly composed voice on the other end. "Miss, you just wait there. We'll come and get you, ya?" Click.
Fortunately, I don't have to wait long as not one, but three, smiling young men, looking dapper in their dark uniform, suddenly materialise from a side door and calmly walk me through the process of parking in this fully automated car park at Capri by Fraser Hotel Residences (Capri).
As I'm soon to discover, the car park, which literally parks your car for you so you don't have to go through the hassle of finding a vacant spot, isn't the only "techy" feature of Capri, located in Kuala Lumpur's dynamic downtown district of Bukit Bintang, and my "port" for a much-needed weekend respite.
Launched at the end of last year by Frasers Hospitality, a member of Frasers Property Group, this smart new hotel residence, which offers more than 319 cool studios and one-bedroom hotel residences for guests to choose from, is a tech-savvy, lifestyle-led property where art and technology combine to create a seamless, 24/7 stays. Soaring 43 storeys high, it's framed by luxury retail malls, upmarket restaurants, vibrant bars and plenty of exciting attractions.
YOUNG AT HEART
Colours accost my sight the moment I step foot into the hotel's contemporary lobby. A young and vibrant feel permeate, enhanced further by features like self-check-in kiosks that are provided for guests to expedite their arrival, as well as small trolleys known as the Capri Wheeler that you can grab to wheel away your luggage with minimal fuss.
"Hmm, very millennial," I muse to myself, thinking back to my globe-trotting days as a rucksack-toting youth and how I'd always wished that I could just discreetly leg it to my room without having to go through the rigmarole of lengthy check-in processes, and putting up with an elderly "uncle" porter mumbling all the way to my room as he lugged my bags in his gnarly hands.
Judging by the extensive use of technology and features, and round-the-clock services, I can only surmise that Capri probably does have on its radar the new generation of digital nomads, free-spirited urban adventurers, and curious explorers who need to stay in touch with their home, office or social media platforms. That, and those looking to have somewhere nice to stay in the city that they can use as a base for their exploration of the capital's sights, sounds and colours.
Another interesting feature is The Fixer — a friend, guide, an all-round cool character, and someone akin to a super concierge, who's on hand to ensure that guests enjoy a smooth stay. This is also the go-to person should you need insider tips on Kuala Lumpur's lively social scene or wanting to join the hotel's heritage weekend tours around the capital's main landmarks.
As I leisurely make my way to my room after a seamless check-in process, stopping from time to time to admire the many eye-catching artworks that line the walls, and décor features that hark back to a more retro era, I couldn't help but do a silent jig of excitement at the thought of unearthing more surprises on my weekend sojourn.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
"Oh my!" The words escape my lips the moment I push open the door to my one-bedroom abode and am greeted by the sight of a fully equipped kitchenette and a cosy living room bathed in an ethereal glow from the sunlight filtering in from the large windows that look out to a bustling Bukit Bintang below.
Hastily dumping my bags by the entrance, I excitedly make my way through to the adjoining room, feeling like a child who'd just discovered a hidden haven. The corridor opens out to a lovely bedroom, which also offers a wonderful view of the world outside through its oversized windows.
From my perch on the bed, I take in my surrounds and note with pleasure the smart technology in place, from the large flatscreen IPTV with Chromecast that offers a wide selection of movies (all complimentary) and interactive channels, a mobile charging dock, and… Lola, the personal digital concierge.
"We're into innovation," I couldn't help recalling the words uttered by The Fixer earlier as I chance upon another interesting feature: a scan code on the screen. It's a Chat Board and is akin to a customer service facility but one that doesn't require you to pick up the phone to place a request. Just summon Lola and she'll do the necessary.
Capri's 319 contemporary studios and one-bedroom apartments range in size, from 30 to 50 sq m and are fully furnished with living area, bedroom and well-equipped kitchenette, making them ideal for short breaks, urban escapes, extended stays and family vacations.
The interior design is supposed to reflect Bukit Bintang's heritage as a hotspot of entertainment, with wavy walls depicting cinema hall curtains and artworks featuring movie motifs. I guess that explains the picture on the rug in the bedroom, which looks a lot like a movie ticket with the wordings, Anakku Sazali, the famous 1956 movie starring the legendary P. Ramlee.
There's also a striking piece of artwork along the feature wall in the bedroom depicting various movie paraphernalia like clapboards, movie logos, a director's chair, film reels, et al. Certainly a lovely nod to the heyday of the cinema!
A ping from my handphone slices into the silence of the room, startling me from my thoughts. "Shall we meet at The Den?" The words flash on the screen, reminding me of my planned meeting with the hotel's general manager, Michael Lee.
A quick glance at my watch reveals that I'm running late. Reluctantly rising from my comfortable perch on the bed, I make a silent promise to enjoy my home-away-from-home when I return later, especially the inviting-looking bathtub in the spacious ensuite bathroom overlooking a vista of a KL skyline that's still under construction.
Oh, and there's also the 24-hour high-tech 42nd floor gym, the healthy saltwater pool, the sauna, the Spin & Play — a launderette-cum-games room, the Pow Wow lounge, the restaurant and bar et al still to explore. Gosh, so many things to do, and so little time!
NO COOKIE-CUTTER EXPERIENCE
Capri's general manager, Michael Lee, his face wreathed in a welcoming smile, rises from his seat by the window the moment I enter The Den, the hotel's stylish social hub that spreads across two levels. This is the space where travellers can chill, catch up with friends, play board games, listen to music on the digital jukebox or dine in style.
"How do you like your room?" he asks, the moment we're both seated. The Melaka-born Lee, who studied in Singapore and lived for many years in Indonesia and China, has been with Frasers for the last eight years. "Have you tried cooking in there, yet?" adds the Chinese mualaf (convert), grinning at my look of bewilderment.
"You know, I'm staying in one of the one-bedroom units that comes with an induction cooker, microwave and crockery. I cook in my room!" he continues, beaming. It seems at Capri guests are permitted to do light cooking and hold little parties. Much to my surprise, I learn that pets are allowed too. Lee, who has a background in mechanical engineering in addition to hospitality, has his three cats staying with him in his room!
"This is what the Frasers experience is all about," says Lee, who's also an International Honorary Member of Les Clefs d'Or (Society of the Golden Keys), pride lacing his voice when I exclaim my delight at the information, my mind immediately hurtling towards my six cats at home.
Continuing, he points out that with the rising popularity in serviced residences, particularly with families, the aim isn't to offer the kind of cookie-cutter experience of more conventional hotel rooms. "Here, you check into your room with your family, you play, you cook and just enjoy the 'residence' concept. Capri is essentially a hybrid hotel residence."
Arm sweeping the scene before him, Lee, a proud Liverpool fan, says that where we are, at The Den, is essentially the pulsating heart of the hotel. It's where everyone gathers to hang out, have meetings, play games or enjoy music together.
"You can pick up the guitar or ukulele and start jamming. Our hotel talents jam here every Friday night after work," shares the father of one, adding enthusiastically: "Do you see the custom-made jukebox there? You can log into your Spotify and share your music. Or, just use the hotel's Spotify account. The Den is a new concept by Capri where people come, check in at the bar, and just enjoy the communal feel."
Probably sensing that I'm just itching to start my exploration of the hotel, Lee, grinning at the sight of my now-empty cup, concludes with the most apt statement: "Enjoy your stay!"
For info and reservations, visit www.frasershospitality.com/en/malaysia/kualalumpur/capri-by-fraser-bukit....