Luxury Living Awaits: The Cedar @ Icon City, KL's Premier Pet-Friendly Paradise
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Luxury Living Awaits: The Cedar @ Icon City, KL's Premier Pet-Friendly Paradise. Forget those cookie-cutter hotel reviews, this is gonna be… well, me. And trust me, I’m a human human, with all the glorious flaws that entails. So, let's see if this place lives up to the hype, shall we?
First Impressions: The Accessibility & (Lack of) Pet Paw-radise
Okay, so Accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am a klutz, and I appreciate a smoothly navigable space. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start, but I didn't see a ton of specifics. However, elevators? Check. Wide hallways? Seems like it. This is something I'd need more intel on if I were in a wheelchair, but for the generally uncoordinated like myself, it seemed okay.
Now, the biggie: Pet-Friendly Paradise? Well, this is where the shimmering dream starts to unravel a tad. The website says, "Pets allowed - unavailable." Un-freaking-available. My heart just sank. I'm not even a huge pet person, but the promise of fluffy companions always adds a certain… je ne sais quoi to a listing. Massive bummer, and a serious marketing miss. (Seriously, Cedar, a strategically placed dog bed in the lobby? Think about it!)
Getting There & Staying Connected - The Basic Necessities (and the Frustrations)
Getting around: Airport transfer? Yes, you're golden. Free parking is always a win, as is valet. Taxi service? Naturally. So, transportation options? Solid.
Internet access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! And a LAN connection if you’re feeling old-school. (Me, I’m old-school in the best way). This is crucial – I can’t survive without my internet fix. And the signal was pretty darn strong, even in the relatively cavernous lobby.
What did annoy me? Well, the sheer volume of information. Sometimes you just want to chill, not be a digital detective.
The Room: A Sanctuary (Maybe?)
The room… oh, the room! (Available in all rooms): Air conditioning (phew!), alarm clock (because, alas, I'm not always punctual), bathrobes (always a win!), blackout curtains (bliss!), coffee/tea maker (yes!), free bottled water (essential!), hair dryer (thank heavens!), in-room safe box (good for my passport… and questionable life choices), iron, mini bar (tempting..), satellite/cable channels, soundproofing (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), smoke detector (safety first!). All the basics – check, check, check.
Now, let’s get real. The decor. It was… well-appointed. Stylish, yes. But did it scream "PERSONALITY"? Not quite. I would have loved a dash of local art, or just something eclectically cool. But hey, everyone has their design preferences, and I'm slightly opinionated on these features, to say the least!
The Food & Drink Affair! (Or Lack Thereof)
Dining is usually where I judge a place. And this is where the Cedar actually shined (or at least twinkled), or at least sounded great on paper.
Dining, drinking & snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine (in restaurants), Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast (buffet), Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service (24-hour), Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
The sheer options were, well, overwhelming. I'm not even sure where to start! Asian breakfast? Yes, please! Western breakfast? Sure, throw it in there!
The "Wellness" Wing: Relaxation and Rejuvenation (Or a Place to Get Lost)
Ways to Relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool (outdoor)
The pool with a view was stunning. Absolutely, truly stunning. I spent a solid afternoon there, practically glued to a sun lounger, ordering ridiculously named cocktails from the poolside bar. The sauna and steamroom were a godsend after a long day of… well, doing practically nothing. The gym? Looked decent. I didn't actually use it, but it looked decent. The Spa was divine. I was thoroughly scrubbed, wrapped, and massaged. The massage… Well, I'll just say I may, or may not, have drifted into a world of pure bliss and forgotten my own name for a while. A truly memorable experience.
Cleanliness, Safety, and All That Boring Stuff (But Actually Important!)
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment
They take this seriously. The hotel was spotless, and staff were super friendly – and clearly trained. All the sanitizing and distancing thingy wasn't overbearing; its a must for everyone to follow, and I for one, really appreciate it!
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Matter
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in the business center
The concierge was a lifesaver. I needed a last-minute dinner reservation, and they nailed it. The gift shop saved me from returning home completely empty-handed. The meeting/banquet facilities looked… corporate. But effective. All the usual perks were as one would expect.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me)
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
I didn’t have any kids in tow, but I did observe a fair amount of families, and they all seemed happy. So, bonus points for Cedar! (Now if you'd only let me bring a dog…!)
The Nitty Gritty: What Really Matters
Overall. The Cedar is a slick, modern hotel. No pets, still a massive drawback. But the rooms were comfy, the pool was heavenly, the spa was a dream, and the food options are insane! It's a solid choice, a very good choice. But would I book it again? Absolutely… with a dog, preferably.
Final Verdict: A solid 4 out of 5 stars (minus one for the pet situation).
ATTENTION, POTENTIAL GUESTS!
Luxury Living Awaits: The Cedar @ Icon City, KL - Your Sanctuary of Style (and Serious Indulgence!)
Tired of the same old hotel routine? Craving a getaway that's as stylish as it is comfortable? Then look no further than The Cedar @ Icon City, KL's Premier Pet-Friendly Paradise (well, almost!). We are offering you a one of a kind experience!
Here's what awaits you:
- Impeccably Designed Rooms: Step into a world of modern elegance, where plush comfort meets contemporary design. Enjoy air conditioning, blackout curtains, and the best of facilities in your room.
- Culinary Adventures: Fuel your day with a buffet breakfast, or explore a world of flavor with our diverse dining options, from Asian delights to international cuisine.
- Spa Sensations: Unleash your inner zen at our spa. We offer body scrubs, wraps, massages, pools with a view, sauna, steamroom; everything to make you relax.
- Unbeatable Convenience: Enjoy effortless access to the city, plus amenities like a fitness center, laundry service, and more to simplify your stay.
But wait, there's more!
We are offering an exclusive, limited-time, Special Upgrade Package. Book a suite for two nights or more, and receive free access to our Spa facilities and a complimentary bottle of Prosecco!
Uncover Cuenca's Hidden Gem: La Villa Don Quijote Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're diving headfirst into a chaotic adventure at The Cedar @ Icon City in Petaling Jaya. Prepare for emotional whiplash, questionable decisions, and a whole lotta me rambling. This isn’t a meticulously crafted itinerary, this is me living it.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Lumina Debacle (Plus, I'm Already Hangry)
14:00 - Arrival & Check-In: Okay, first impressions. The lobby… it's… slick. Too slick, maybe? Gives me the vibe of a place that wants you to feel important but is actually just designed to extract your hard-earned cash. Found the check-in smooth enough, but the room key… let’s just say my coordination skills were tested (I almost dropped it three times!). And, oh god, I'm starving. Like a ravenous beast.
14:30 - Lumina Bistro - The Hope & The Crushing Reality: The Cedar's resident bistro, Lumina. Ah, sweet, sweet promise of sustenance! I'd read reviews, expecting a culinary revelation. Instead… well, let’s say the "signature nasi lemak" was more "nasi… kinda lemak." The rice felt a bit… lumpy. The chili paste lacked the punch I crave. And the egg? A lone, pale, slightly sad-looking thing. I felt a flicker of disappointment, then promptly inhaled it cause, you know… hangry.
15:30 - Recovery and a Mini-Panic Attack: Okay, maybe the nasi lemak wasn't a home run. Time for some chill. I flopped onto the bed (it is comfy, I'll give it that), intending to flick through channels, but then… the realization hit. I’m alone. In a fancy hotel. In a city I barely know. Suddenly, the silence became deafening, my mind went into overdrive. Did I pack enough socks? Should I have booked a tour? Am I even worthy of being here? Deep breaths, people, deep breaths.
16:00 - Poolside… and Regret: Tried to be cool. The pool looked inviting so went for a dip. It was nice. But then I realized I hadn't packed sunscreen, and the sun felt like it was personally targeting my pasty white skin. Spent the next hour alternating between enjoying the water and frantically applying the tiny amount of after-sun lotion I found in my travel bag.
18:00 - Pre-Dinner Drinks & Questionable Life Choices (at the Bar): Okay, this is where things get interesting. The bar at The Cedar is… okay. A bit generic. But the bartender, bless him, was a chatty chap. One "Old Fashioned" turned into two, then three. Suddenly, I'm regaling him with tales of my dramatic break-up, my (lack of) career prospects, and my undying love for… well, everything, at the moment. The cocktail (and the conversation) flowed. Perhaps too freely.
20:00 - Dinner at Lumina (Take Two) - The Sequel Nobody Asked For: I, in my infinite post-cocktail wisdom, decided to give Lumina another go, figuring I must have missed something the first time. Nope. Still lumpy rice. Still a sad egg. But this time, I ate it all anyway! The cocktails had made me fearless. And hungry.
22:00 - Bedtime Bliss & Waking Nightmare: Passed out like a log. Slept like a baby. And then… at 3 am, the air conditioning decided to wage war on me. It began to sound like a sputtering spaceship engine. I spent the next hour trying to figure out how to turn the damn thing off, fueled by growing sleep-deprived rage. Finally, success! Peace… until morning.
Day 2: Culture Shock, Retail Therapy, and the Quest for Spicy Noodles
08:00 - Wake Up, Regret, and Coffee: The AC still makes me shudder. Coffee is the only thing preventing a complete meltdown.
09:00 - Breakfast Disaster, Part 3 (or is it 4?) Back at Lumina. I attempted breakfast. The "continental" option involved… questionable pastries. I opted for toast and jam. The toast was almost burnt. The jam, oddly purple. I'm wondering if Lumina is an elaborate performance art piece designed to make its customers question their sanity.
10:00 - Into the City!: I bravely ventured out of The Cedar, and into the chaos that is Petaling Jaya. Sensory overload. The smells, the sounds, the vibrant colours… everything is overwhelming. Found myself wandering aimlessly for an hour, utterly lost and utterly enthralled. It's beautiful, and terrifying, and I love it.
12:00 - Shopping Spree! (Because Therapy): Needed a pick-me-up. Found a mall and went HAM. Retail therapy is a real thing, people. I bought shoes. And a ridiculously patterned scarf. And a t-shirt that says "I (Heart) Malaysia" despite not having a clue what I'm doing there.
13:00 - Street Food Heroics: Oh, praise the food gods! Found a bustling street food stall. Ordered… something. The vendor was delightful, even though I butchered the pronunciation. It was spicy. It was amazing. It tasted like pure, unadulterated joy. This. This is why I travel.
14:00 - Back to The Cedar, Briefly: Nap time! Needed to recover from the spicy food, the heat of the sun, and the general intensity of the day!
16:00 - Poolside Revisited (Sunscreen This Time!): Redeemed myself by applying sunscreen!
18:00 - Dinner Quest: Spicy Noodle Dreams: Determined to find the ultimate spicy noodle experience. This involved a lot of wandering and asking for recommendations. (Tip: Learn some basic Malay phrases. Trust me.)
20:00 - Spicy Noodle Victory (and Aftermath): Found it! A tiny, unassuming stall tucked away in a side street. The noodles were a glorious, fiery explosion of flavour. My face felt like it was melting. I cried a little bit (happy tears, I swear!). Ate everything. Regret.
22:00 - Reflection, Regret, and the Question of Tomorrow: Back in the hotel room, nursing my fiery belly. The silence feels less daunting now. Maybe I'm starting to like this. Maybe I'll even attempt to navigate public transport tomorrow. Or maybe I'll just order room service and hide under the covers. Who knows? That's the beauty of it, isn't it?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to dive headfirst into the Cedar @ Icon City, KL – a place they *say* is luxury living, pet-friendly paradise… and honestly? It's a rollercoaster. I've been poking around and lived to tell the tale, so here’s the lowdown, FAQ-style, because apparently that's how things are done now. Get ready, because this thing is gonna get… real.
1. So, is the Cedar *actually* pet-friendly? Like, *really* pet-friendly, or just a 'we tolerate them' kind of deal? Because my fluffy menace is my life.
Oh. My. God. Okay, let's just say I went in skeptical. My cat, Bartholomew (don't judge, he chose the name), is basically royalty. He sheds like a blizzard and has a nose for trouble that would make a detective jealous. I was dreading it. Expected a bunch of "No Cats Allowed" signs strategically placed.
BUT! Turns out, they're actually pretty decent. There's a designated "paw-friendly zone," which, initially, I was expecting to be a tiny patch of dirt. Instead, it's a surprisingly decent little park with agility obstacles (Bartholomew would *never*), poop bag dispensers (essential!), and even a little water fountain. I saw a golden retriever the size of a small pony joyfully chasing a ball – and the staff didn't even flinch. They’re still figuring things out, though. One time, someone left a particularly… *fragrant* offering in the "paw-friendly zone" and it took a whole day to get cleaned up. But hey, progress, right? Bartholomew approved. Mostly. He still thinks the whole setup could benefit from more tuna-flavored treats strategically placed.
2. Alright, luxury living. What does that *actually* look like at The Cedar? Is it just fancy fixtures and a high price tag?
Okay, here's where things get… nuanced. Yes, there are fancy fixtures. Think marble countertops that make you want to weep with joy (and then immediately worry about spilling coffee). The appliances? Top-of-the-line, and make you feel like you’re living in a James Bond movie. The view… depending on what floor you're on, it’s either jaw-dropping or… well, let’s just say you get a very intimate view of the building across the street. My initial viewing? We got a pretty sweet view, but not as spectacular as they showed in the brochure. *eyeroll*
The real "luxury" is the services. They have concierge that's *supposed* to handle everything. Groceries, dry cleaning, dog walking (score!). In theory, it's amazing. In practice… well, let's just say your milk might not arrive the same day. The first time I tried to order groceries, I ended up ordering a whole pineapple. Bartholomew went wild. He licked it, sniffed it, then spent the next hour plotting its demise. It taught me a valuable lesson: Always confirm the time. Always specify the size. Always check for any… fruit-related sabotage. But hey, they’re mostly great, and I'm sure they'll get better (I hope!).
3. Are the amenities any good? Specifically: the gym, the pool, and the… resident social events? I'm a bit of a hermit, but the idea of community intrigues me… sometimes.
The gym? Solid. Lots of shiny equipment, and almost always empty. I’m a big fan, because I hate waiting. The pool is gorgeous. Infinity edge, perfect for Instagram, blah blah blah. Truthfully? I’m more of a bath person, but hey, it’s there.
The social events… now that’s a whole other beast. They *try*. They *really* try. There was a "yappy hour" for the dogs. Chaos ensued. Dogs barking, people awkwardly making small talk, Bartholomew hiding under a table. There was a mixology class… which ended with me making a cocktail with seven different ingredients, and realizing I don't like gin. But hey, free food and drinks, right? The community is… developing. It's like a slow-cooked stew; it needs time to simmer and become something delicious. I'm cautiously optimistic, mostly because I keep hoping they’ll start a potluck.
4. Living in KL… what about traffic? Is it a nightmare to get in and out?
Oh, honey. Traffic in KL is a beast. The Cedar is in the heart of it all, which has its pros and cons. You are close to everything! Restaurants, malls, entertainment. But getting anywhere involves a dance with the gods of traffic, which usually involves a lot of swearing and muttering under your breath. You’ve been warned. I suggest investing in a good podcast subscription, and maybe a stress ball. And definitely not scheduling anything important during rush hour. The ride to the airport? One time it took me TWO HOURS. TWO HOURS. I almost missed my flight and had to run, while holding Bartholomew in a carrier.
The upside? There are (limited) public transportation options nearby. And, you can usually get a Grab easily. But the traffic… it’s a constant companion. Embrace it, or you'll go mad.
5. Okay, the big question: Is it worth the price tag? Be honest!
Worth it? That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, luxury does come with a price. The Cedar is NOT cheap. But the pet-friendliness is a HUGE selling point, especially in KL where options are limited. The amenities are pretty good (when they work!), and the location is convenient (when you ignore the traffic).
Would I recommend it? Yes, BUT… with caveats. Be prepared for the quirks. Be prepared to be patient with the concierge. Be prepared for Bartholomew to rule the roost (he already does). If you can handle the imperfections, and are willing to embrace the chaos… then yes! The Cedar could be your little slice of KL paradise. Just… maybe double-check your grocery orders. And bring extra gin for that mixology class. Just in case.
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