The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will claim the uppermost 17 floors of the PNB118 Tower in Kuala Lumpur, thus becoming the tallest hotel in the world. Boasting a total of 232 rooms, which include 28 suites and 30 apartment units, the hotel has formally announced that it will open doors in the third quarter of this year.
Construction of super-tall buildings is influenced by several factors including safety, design, construction, and funding. As such, only a few developed cities and countries can boast of them. Prior to this, the three tallest buildings globally were:
- The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, standing at 828 meters, was completed in 2010.
- The Tokyo Skytree, with a height of 634 meters, was finalized in 2012.
- The Shanghai Tower in China, reaching 632 meters, was finished in 2016.
Kuala Lumpur PNB118 Tower
Today, we talk about another protagonist with a total building height of 678.9 meters - The Kuala Lumpur PNB118 Tower. Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Merdeka 118 Tower was completed on 26th December 2023, officially surpassing the height of the Shanghai Tower (632 meters), and becoming the second tallest building in the world. On 10th January 2024, the Malaysian Head of State, Abdullah, was present at the site to preside over the opening ceremony for the Merdeka 118 Tower.
The Kuala Lumpur 118 Tower, as the name implies, comprises 118 floors. Its design features diamond-shaped glass facets, symbolizing the diversity of Malaysians. With a total area of 673,862 square meters, the tower contains offices, a luxury hotel, and a shopping center, capable of accommodating 16,000 people. Notably, it features an observation deck at the top, offering panoramic city views and is anticipated to become a world-renowned attraction. The design agency behind this masterpiece is Fender Katsalidis from Melbourne, Australia, known for their numerous stunning projects.
As per the introduction, the Park Hyatt Hotel, situated within, will take up the top 17 floors of the tower. The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur has officially made its debut on their website and has formally announced its grand opening in the third quarter of this year. Following the inauguration, the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is set to become the tallest hotel worldwide.
Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur-thus becoming the tallest hotel in the world
Staying at the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur allows guests to soak in unparalleled views from the city's highest point. Indulge in an exquisite and unique experience, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia and the clever fusion of Kuala Lumpur's past and present. The interior design reflects the Park Hyatt's understated yet luxurious ambiance.
The hotel is not open for booking at the moment, but it is expected to become the most expensive hotel in Kuala Lumpur, and even in Malaysia.
The Symbolism and Controversy Behind the Construction of the 118 Tower
The construction of super-tall buildings can often be a demonstration of a nation's might. Today, we're introducing the 118 Tower, which does have its "contentions." The building's heightened appeal leans heavily upon a super-long antenna atop, which will quite definitely draw skepticism and disapproval from some quarters. However, when you get to understand the inspiration behind this design, signifying "independence," you'll find it extremely captivating. The tower and its spire symbolize the figure of Malaysia's first prime minister - the founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman, who raised his arm in a rallying call 64 years ago.
The antenna at the top of the building soars to 160 meters, composed of steel and aluminum panels. It took approximately three months to complete the installation, with its slender and flexible structure designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour at extreme heights.
Just a few days ago, I compiled The Top 10 Asian Hotels According to My Heart's in 2023. Once I experience the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, I am confident that it will secure a spot in the Top 10 Asian Hotels of 2024.
