Needs updating

Totally agree with the last review of this hotel. It is a large hotel that was probably nice when first built but is now in need of substantial updating. The room was filthy, with a dirty caroet and a toilet with tiles missing and stains on the mirror. The staff were the least friendly of any we met in Malaysia, and the locatio of the hotel meant that it took about 2 hours to get their from KLIA...not worth it for an overnight stay!

Dreadful

I am totally stunned reading other peoples reviews of this hotel as my experince with it was so bad! We arrived in KL after a fabulous stay in the Shangri La Borneo. On arrival at the hotel I was quite impressed as it stands quite majestically and the hotel lobby was very nice. Staff at the check in were quite cold compared with the usual warm Malaysia welcome.

We were shown to our room on the 4th floor and to say that i was dissapointed is an understatement. The room was very dark largely due to the very depressing grey decor. The carpet in the room was absolutely filthy, covered with stains and I made up my mind that there would be no walking barefoot for me. The furniture was old and shabby and there were quite a few cigarette burns on things. The bathroom while big in size was tired and shabby. Cracked tiles, discoloured grouting, dirty floor.

There was no safety deposit box in the room so after 3 phone calls and an irate visit to the front desk we were moved to another equally dirty room. We were told that this hotel was a four star propety, more like a two star. There is no excuse for dirt and only for the fact that we were only in KL for 3 nights I would have moved hotels.

This hotel is in dire need of complete refurbishment. I was ever to return to KL i would not stay here. There are many other quality clean hotels that offer better value for money.

Excellent!

Glad that I chose this hotel after a 2-hour terrible experience at the Corus Hotel KL. I just walked in to Istana, and was glad that I was offered a room. I was not expecting much since it was the New Year's Eve and it's a full house. The check-in was prompt, very efficient....and when I got into my room on the 10th floor, it was majestic! majestic enough for a deluxe room...(can't imagine the luxury in all the other rooms/suites). Breakfast was good....The only complaint was the extremely annoying loud music (the band) which was playing in the Lobby....hence had to speak loudly to the staff at the reception counter during the check-in. All in all....had a pleasant stay :)

Lovely when I was there!

Just browsing through the hotels and I stumbled upon Istana which I stayed in for 4 or 5 nights in June 2001. I remeber thinking it was a lovely hotel and I had a great room on the 19th floor looking right out at the Petronas Towers. I had no problems at check in and the staff I dealt with were quite friendly. Also it wasn't run down. I'm not doubting what the other reviews here have written but I can't help but think that it's amazing how a hotel can get so run down in a few short years. Sad really. I have wonderful memories of a great trip and a lovely hotel.

Great Location

We have stayed at the Istana twice. Checking in was a nightmare. In fact we did not have a room. The rooms eventually given were incorrect. The staff made it right but not at all friendly, as is the rest of Malaysia. Food was very good.

Great location, service could be better

The service was not as expected. Checking in was a big mess. We were told our room wasn't available because they were overbooked. No solution was offered. The straingest thing was we've checked our reservation when we stayed there a couple of days before. Eventualy we got a room.

De rooms are a bit worn down. The location and breakfast however are great. The swimming pool is nice as wel.

5 star is overrated.

Good location, needs work

Stayed at this hotel in early 2004. The property was definitely living off past glories and could not really be considered 5 star any more. While the foyer, bars and restaurant were in good condition the same could not be said of the standard rooms. They felt and looked very dated and were in general need of refurbishment.

The staff were friendly and efficient.

Location wise the property can not be faulted as it is close to all the shopping that KL has to offer.

If you are watching your dollars and do not expect too much this property should still be considered but if top of the line accommodation is required you would be advised to look elsewhere.

Great Suite..

The Suite so great, but this hotel need some more improvement for their standard Room....

In need of refurbishment

I stayed at the Istana for 4 nights in July 2004. We chose the hotel based on a recommendation from several years ago. The lobby is impressive but service on checkin was rude and uninformative. We were given no information about the hotel and services at all. The suite was generously sized but fairly run down. Repeated requests were required to unlock the minibar (and it took until the next day). A bright spot however was the service at the Club Lounge where the staff were helpful and attentive as was the hotel limo driver.