Checking in: The only Forbes Travel Guide 2019-approved hotel in Malaysia

Fun fact: Up until 2017, I had not properly visited Genting (shock, horror – I know) and by ‘properly’, I mean aside from that one midnight adventure on a whim (to the iconic Starbucks for all of 30 minutes) with a few well-meaning friends, who could not accept, that as a Malaysian, I have travelled to Germany but not Genting, and not once experienced ‘my head up in the clouds’, 6,000 feet above sea level in my entire existence.

Without any childhood memory of the place or benchmark to compare my experience to, I checked off many fun ‘firsts’ and key highlights since – from cable car rides between SkyAvenue and the GHPO, revisiting comfort food faves including Burger & Lobster and Harry Ramsden outside of the UK, to sizzling BBQ at Palsaik Korean BBQ on cool evenings and other new eats – you name it, I’ve (finally) done it – much to the relief of my friends.

I’ve since been back to Genting a few times for staycations away from KL, but more recently to revisit the Crockfords Hotel, which we reviewed in 2017, but this time, to uncover the whys and hows it successfully put us on the map as the only hotel in Malaysia to make it to the Forbes Travel Guide 2019 list – a prestigious five-star recognition awarded to 210 hotels around the world.

Did you know? Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings is the oldest and most prestigious travel guide in the US (currently in its 61^st edition) and is the global benchmark of the world’s finest luxury hotels, spas and restaurants.

Junior Suite

Crockfords Hotel is the epitome of luxury from the moment you arrive – a private entrance lobby ensures ultimate privacy isn’t compromised by its prime spot, being located adjacent to the bustling SkyAvenue and First World Hotel. Looking into the finer details, I love that all 115 suites are designed to give you unobstructed views of stunning rolling hills where you can kick back and watch the mountain sunrise from the comfort of your bed. All suites also come with an in-room private steam sauna and if you wish to stay in to enjoy a quiet, relaxing night away from the crowd, 24-hour room and butler service is just a phone call away.

Mayfair Suite

But it’s not enough for these little luxuries to just pass our test, here are two key aspects the Crockfords Hotel went through to earn the ultimate nod of approval from the Forbes Travel Guide 2019:

• The hotel was reviewed anonymously by unannounced auditors, using a proprietary algorithm that weighs 75% (service) and 25% (quality of property), focusing on various aspects including graciousness and thoughtfulness of the overall experience, down to the minute details of personalised service during the stay.

• For the Crockfords Hotel to qualify for a five-star Forbes Travel Guide rating, the hotel must exceed a 90% score across all necessary tests.

“We at Resorts World Genting are thrilled that Crockfords has been recognised by the Forbes Travel Guide for the 2019 award. To be rewarded the five-star rating is a confirmation that our vision for luxury at the Resorts World Genting works. It is also an affirmation that Malaysia, as a destination, has luxury service on par with the world’s best, with service and standards that meet the highest level of demands,” says Dato’ Edward Holloway, Executive Vice President of Leisure & Hospitality, Resorts World Genting.

This year, Crockfords Hotel joins the ranks of Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Langham, Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula and Island Shangri-La in Hong Kong, St Regis, Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok and the Capella, Mandarin Oriental and the Fullerton Bay in Singapore to make the five-star Forbes Travel Guide rating, and we can’t be prouder of their success – Malaysia Boleh, indeed.