reborn Kuala Lumpur boutique hotel that defines itself as a "paradox" and a "breath of fresh air", Hotel Maya is awash with light, colour and form, a sensory experience that always entertains and surprises. Located on bustling Jalan Ampang, the 207-room hotel is a short walk from a monorail stop at the junction with Jalan Sultan Ismail, the city's main business artery. The LRT station (KLCC) is around the corner too. The Petronas Twin Towers are framed through the hotel windows and just a stone's throw away are throbbing nightlife and mega malls.

Should you be inclined to linger at this delightful Kuala Lumpur spa hotel, it will be perfectly understandable, so artfully has this hotel evolved into a chic designer home away from home. Service is brisk and friendly, the lobby is accessed via a twirling corkscrew stepway. Walk past mirrors, silk confections, water pools and sparkles of light. It is a rejuvenating mix that says "home" and "style" without the hard edge of "hotel".

Rooms are chic with wooden parquet floors, dark wood, straight lines, and a distinctly contemporary Zen feel with bold splashes of colour. The large bathroom with a sit-down stool to enjoy the rainforest shower, has a full-height glass wall so you can watch TV while you bathe. The hotel is fully WiFi enabled and the service is free. In-room Broadband access is free too. Music boffins will enjoy the DVD player and the funky work desk is mounted on rollers so you can slide it back and forth to maximise space. In the suites, the minibar is replenished daily - and charged to the house. Drink up. It's all free.

Check out the hotel's Anggun Spa and pamper yourself with a wind-down scrub. Bamboo screens line an alluring dark tile spa hydrotherapy pool looking onto a bright splash of therapeutic greenery. Hotel Maya is well located and among the best Kuala Lumpur boutique hotel choices. It is a versatile leisure or business option with meeting space for up to 250. Take your pick of work or play, and enjoy the colours of Maya.