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Merry Christmas and happy holidays from Malaysia! Last week we left off at the Ritz-Carlton in Kuala Lumpur (here’s the link to the archives). This week we venture off the Ritz’s property, and check into another inexpensive 5-star hotel. If you want to explore some of the sights of this up-and-coming city -- including a visit to the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers --- then grab your walking shoes. We’re in Malaysia’s capital! If you’re in a hurry or have ADD, don’t worry; there’s a 2-minute Johnny Jet video at the end of this week’s story. Also: Writer Dave Zuchowski reviews travel books that make wonderful last-minute stocking stuffers (click here for his picks).

CHECKING INTO THE JW
I checked out of the Ritz-Carlton and into the JW Marriott. I actually didn’t go directly from one to the other, though that would have been convenient (they are adjacent to each other). Instead my stay at the JW took place on my return from the countryside (which I will get to next week). For easier reading, I thought it would be best to put all my KL (Kuala Lumpur) experiences together.

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL
The JW, like the Ritz, is rated 5 stars. But because it’s so much larger – 561 rooms -- it lacked the same luxury feel. The biggest disappointment for me was that the bedroom walls were so thin I could hear the guest next door blowing his (or her) nose. And that person’s wake-up call woke me up as well. However, don’t let that stop you from staying at this 29-story hotel. The location is ideal, and the price is right. It’s in the "Golden Triangle" of Bintang Walk, a popular shopping area that’s trying to emulate Ginza in Tokyo.

MY ROOM
The JW opened in 1997. Service is excellent; check-in was quick; the elevators were fast, and my bags got delivered to my room very efficiently. My room was comfortable, but nothing special. In fact, when I walked in I had a flashback to a few months earlier, when I stayed at JW Marriott in Brisbane. The room was almost (if not) identical (here’s the story from that trip). What I liked about this JW is that the internet was free, there was a huge workout facility (including an outdoor pool), and there was access to some of the best restaurants and shopping in the city. Rates begin at 400 RM ($112) a night. The JW Marriott Hotel, 183 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; tel.: 011-60-3-2715-9000.

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