Clay Is Malaysian Royalty

Earlier this year, Clay visited tsunami-hit Malaysia as part of his role as UNICEF ambassador. Members at the Clackhouse have found out an article that says Clay stayed at a $4000 per night hotel (paid by the Malaysian government, apparently) before meeting with the King and Queen of the country.

COVER STORY: Suite success
Meanwhile, at The Mandarin Oriental, the best room is undoubtedly its Presidential Suite. The suite's most outstanding feature is not in the room though. It's the panoramic view of KL, capturing the best side of the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers and the lush expanse of the 50-acre landscaped gardens of KLCC Park.

Going at RM18,000++ per night, the suite's regal splendour exudes sheer sophistication, and a level of grandeur that can only be described as extravagant. Its guests will be able to entertain in style in a stately living room complete with a baby grand piano, plus a state-of-the-art audio visual and sound system.

A cosy dining room for 12 will provide just the right ambience for an intimate meal, with the fully-equipped kitchenette providing its own elegant silverware, fine bone china and crystal stemware. The master bedroom features an elegant four-poster bed and beautifully matched soft furnishings, resulting in a restful, cosy atmosphere conducive to restfulness.

A breathtaking surprise awaits the guest when the time comes for ablutions. The magnificent marble bathroom will be long talked about after the stay is over; a huge room with its own private sauna, whirlpool bath with in-built entertainment, personal gym equipment and separate double showers. All the bathroom fixtures are decadently plated in gold and immediately outside the bathroom is arguably KL's biggest walk-in closet!

For personal attention, guests have the services of a personal butler and full turndown service, including complimentary mineral water and mints, special turn-down snacks, or milk and cookies for children. Personalised stationery and bathrobes are also available in the room for guests' use. Guests also enjoy a discreet, hassle-free private in-room check in and check out and enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, high speed Internet access, use of the Executive Business Centre, boardrooms, billiard room and reading room on the Club Lounge, as well as allocated laundry/dry cleaning services. Phew!

Amongst the luminaries who have stayed in the Presidential Suite are Lee Kuan Yew, Megawati Soekarnoputri (ex-President of Republic of Indonesia), Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (President of Republic of Indonesia), Prince Fahd and Prince Fahad of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of UAE and Prince Henrik, Prince Consort of Denmark. Celebrities like Datuk Michelle Yeoh, Clay Aiken, Nick Stahl and Cindy Crawford have also been guests.

The sprawling Presidential Suite is approximately 335 square metres and takes up a quarter of the 30th floor. The interior architecture and design of the Presidential Suite was undertaken by renowned designer, the late Howard Hirsh, from Hirsch, Bedner and Associates.

When Hirsh embarked on the project, he wanted to design a suite that was spacious and sophisticated, but at the same time exudes warmth and intimacy. On top of that, he also wanted to ensure that the traditions and cultures of Malaysia were incorporated into the dÈcor, as evidenced by the soft furnishings set against earthy Malaccan wooden tones.

Extensive research was made into Malaysian arts, crafts and history to ensure authenticity, resulting in a distinct Malaysian flavour throughout the suite with the use of cultural artefacts and local art pieces.

Every piece of furniture was produced locally by local craftsmen and specially designed by Hirsch, Bedner & Associates for the hotel. Rich fabrics for the curtains and plush sofas were specially ordered from Australia, Britain, US and Thailand, with the suite's exquisite chandelier specially ordered from Italy.