Global Dutch-based hotel, citizenM celebrates launch in Malaysia

The award-winning new breed of hotel marks its first venture in Southeast Asia

citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang recently celebrated its arrival in Malaysia by hosting more than 300 guests on its new property on July 11th, 2019. The event also commemorated the brand’s first opening in Southeast Asia, making it citizenM’s 16th stylish urban destination worldwide, and third overall in Asia.

Global Dutch-based hotel, citizenM celebrates launch in Malaysia

The event saw Michael Levie, co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of citizenM and Toni Hinterstoisser, Vice President Asia of citizenM in attendance, joined by some of Malaysia’s hottest personalities and tastemakers.

With a mission to disrupt the traditional hotel industry, citizenM is designed to offer an international appeal while still retaining the essence of its locality and surrounding neighbourhoods. Prior to its opening, the brand handpicked 15 “citizens of KL”, all locals who represent the diverse fabric of the city, yet embody their own backgrounds, cultures, businesses, hobbies and lifestyles. These “citizens of KL” proudly emblazon the hotel’s facade.

“At citizenM, we celebrate modern travelers, also known as “mobile citizens”, that are on the move and want to maximize their most valuable commodity – time,” said Michael Levie, Chief Operations Officer of citizenM. “With in-room technology where everything is controlled by an iPad and fast, unlimited and free Wi-Fi, the hotel is designed around this new type of travelers, one who values an ‘affordable luxury’ hotel experience in central city locations without sacrificing character and culture in their surroundings. Bukit Bintang is a vibrant melting pot in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and citizenM’s location in this part of town attracts these mobile citizens who want to experience the energy of the city, which makes citizenM Kuala Lumpur’s hottest place to stay.”

For the celebration, citizenM Kuala Lumpur took inspiration from Malaysia itself, infusing modern elements into cultural traditions, such as an LED lion dance troop performance, a fusion “wayang kulit” show and additional photo opportunities via four thematic rooms – “Batik”, “Fantasy”, “The Lion’s Den” and “Dream”. Other highlights of the evening included energetic dance and DJ performances that brought the crowd to the floor.

“After months of planning and following our Roti Man’s journey where he visited various neighbourhoods in the city to give out nostalgic childhood snacks to citizens, we are thrilled to introduce this new breed of hotel to Malaysia and the region,” said Michael. “We look forward to changing the hospitality game by providing not just a place to sleep, but somewhere to work, relax, and play, where mobile citizens can meet like-minded people and get inspired.”