Checking Into Else Retreats: A City Escape Rooted in Culture and Calm
Tucked away in the beating heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, Else Retreats offers a refreshingly mindful hospitality experience unlike any other in this vibrant city.
From the moment you step into the iconic Lee Rubber Building, you know you’re in for a stay that’s thoughtfully crafted for the conscious explorer. The property is part of Small Luxury Hotels’ portfolio and is a place where history, design, and local culture intertwine to create a sanctuary of calm amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
Getting There
Else is perfectly positioned in a beautifully restored 1930s heritage building, right in the heart of Chinatown’s lively streets. This neighbourhood is a treasure trove of rich heritage and contemporary creative energy, letting you feel the pulse of Kuala Lumpur at your doorstep. Wandering out from the hotel immerses you in a thriving artisan community of eclectic cafes and cultural hubs such as the revived RexKL—a space poised to become a cultural heartbeat for local artists and entrepreneurs.
Getting here from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is straightforward. You can take the KLIA Ekspres train directly to KL Sentral, then a short taxi or Grab ride to Jalan Tun H S Lee, a journey that takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. From Else, the city’s iconic landmarks and bustling hotspots like Central Market, Merchant’s Lane, and PS150 cocktail bar are just a stroll away, making it an ideal base for exploring Kuala Lumpur’s creative soul.
Architecture
Housed within the Lee Rubber Building, Else pays homage to Kuala Lumpur’s architectural heritage while embracing modernity with a humanistic touch. The building’s preserved Art Deco façade stands as a proud reminder of the city’s colonial past, while inside, raw concrete walls and exposed brick blend seamlessly with warm wood finishes and curated local artworks. The design by Studio Bikin respects the building’s storied history but injects a fresh, airy vibe that invites guests to slow down and soak in their surroundings.
Walking through the corridors, you sense the dialogue between old and new—the interplay of natural light, textured surfaces, and thoughtful details that create a space both intimate and grand. It’s a space that feels alive yet peaceful, ideally suited to Else’s mantra of mindful hospitality.
Guest Rooms
My stay in the Urban Room was a study in understated elegance. The room’s muted tones and tactile finishes create a cocoon of calm, with a plush bed that promised and delivered deep rest. The layout thoughtfully balances form and function, offering a cosy chaise lounge and minimalist black side tables that invite you to unwind with a book or a cocktail.
For those seeking something more indulgent, the Terrace Suite is an upgrade worth considering. These suites are built as an upward extension to the original building, situated above the rooftop pool level, featuring a large corner terrace and wraparound windows that overlook Chinatown. They seamlessly blend indoor comfort with outdoor serenity, making them perfect for lingering mornings or savouring sunset drinks while taking in the cityscape.
Dining Outlets
Raw
Every meal at Else felt like a celebration, starting with the complimentary breakfast at Raw, which I can confidently say is the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had, and I don’t say this lightly. The dining hall draws inspiration from Asian and Latin flavours, offering a unique twist on classic dishes. Throughout our stay, we tried every single thing on the breakfast menu, and nothing disappointed. From the fresh, vibrant watermelon juice to the hearty beef brisket hash, the shakshuka with its rich, spiced tomato base, to the nostalgic kaya toast paired with perfectly brewed coffee, every dish was a comforting yet elevated nod to local and international flavours.
Food aside, dining at Else is an experience in itself. With Raw being the main dining hall on the ground floor, it oozes good music and a fun spirit every time you step into the property. Its warm, sunlit ambience perfectly complements breakfast, making mornings something to look forward to eagerly. And during dinner hours, the curtains close to create a more intimate space for easy cocktails that bring a crowd together.
Yellow Fin Horse
By night, Yellow Fin Horse, situated by the poolside, transforms into an intimate Mediterranean-inspired dining room where the atmosphere flows effortlessly from dinner into late-night conversations. The natural wines and cocktails here are as thoughtfully composed as the dishes, encouraging guests to slow down and savour the moment.
Unfortunately, the restaurant was not fully open when we last visited, but I would love to try out their grilled seafood and meats the next time we’re back.
Facilities
Lobby Area
Stepping into Else’s lobby, you’re immediately enveloped in a tactile harmony of textures and tones that whisper tales of the building’s storied past. The raw concrete walls, with their weathered grooves and imperfections, stand in bold contrast to the soft, plush furnishings that invite you to sink in and stay awhile. Warm leather sofas and gently curved armchairs create intimate seating pockets, while the patterned brick floors underpin the space with a grounding earthiness.
Natural light filters through sheer curtains, casting delicate shadows on the ochre brick and rich wood panelling that frame the reception desk, a stately piece that marries classic craftsmanship with minimalist design. Subtle art pieces and carefully curated greenery punctuate the space, adding layers of quiet sophistication that bleed seamlessly into Raw. This lobby doesn’t just welcome you; it invites you to slow down, breathe, and begin your Else experience in a place where history and modern comfort meet effortlessly.
Rooftop Pool
Else’s rooftop pool is a serene urban oasis, where architecture and nature come together in perfect harmony. Nestled atop the historic Lee Rubber Building, the pool’s design embraces raw elegance with its terracotta brick flooring and textured stone planters, lending an earthy warmth that contrasts beautifully against the cool, glistening water. The space feels intimate yet open, framed by lush greenery that softens the industrial edges and invites a peaceful retreat from the city’s pulse.
What truly captivates is the panoramic view stretching across Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, with the iconic KL Tower and the city’s jagged rooftops unfolding beneath you, a dynamic backdrop that shifts with the light from dawn to dusk. The gentle breeze and golden sun create a soothing rhythm where you can float away the day’s stress or lounge poolside on plush daybeds while soaking in the city from a peaceful vantage point. Who says you can’t unwind while still feeling connected to the vibrant energy of the streets below?
Lounges and Library
Else’s lounges and shared spaces strike a perfect balance between raw industrial charm and cosy comfort. Plush velvet sofas in warm tones of burnt orange and ochre are paired with smooth marble tables and handcrafted wooden stools, creating intimate spots ideal for quiet conversations or solo reflection. The exposed concrete beams and columns add a rugged architectural edge, softened by layered rugs and thoughtful lighting that shift the mood from bright and airy by day to inviting and calm by night.
The library is a highlight, with dark timber shelves filled with a curated selection of books, regional artefacts, and striking ceramics that nod to local culture. This contemplative space feels both inspiring and welcoming, encouraging guests to slow down and immerse themselves in moments of calm. Together, these communal areas embody Else’s ethos of mindful hospitality, offering guests inviting corners to connect, create, or simply unwind in a setting that’s rich with character and heart.
Thoughts
Else Retreats embodies the concept of “quiet luxury,” a lifestyle trend that has been circulating on social media for several years. It’s by no means a budget hotel by Malaysian standards, but it’s one of the most well-curated hotels that I have ever stayed at, with an authentic heritage that shines through. Everything about it is soulful yet understated and refined; nowhere near the gaudy glitz you would expect from larger hotel chains.
Whether you’re here to explore Chinatown’s vibrant streets, relax by the rooftop pool, or indulge in modern culinary excellence under one roof, Else offers a sanctuary that feels both globally connected and locally rooted. A standout choice for travellers seeking a slower, more meaningful pace in Kuala Lumpur, and a rare gem that I yearn to return to.
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