The School Holiday Stay & Dine Package offers curated experiences filled with thoughtful details for every family member
by AKMAR ANNUAR
A FAMILY-FRIENDLY haven tucked into the heart of Petaling Jaya (PJ), Selangor, Hilton PJ has long stood as a beacon of classic Malaysian hospitality.
Established in the 1980s and one of the earliest international hotel brands to enter the Klang Valley, Hilton PJ carries with it a legacy of excellence and trust.
Strategically located on Jalan Barat, it has catered to a wide spectrum of guests — from business travellers attending regional confer- ences, to locals seeking weekend escapes and families embarking on short, memory-filled staycations.
Over the years, the hotel has continuously evolved, undergoing several refurbishments to keep its offerings modern, without losing the warm, Malaysian soul that defines its service.
On a recent staycation organised under its School Holiday Stay & Dine Package, this writer discovered not just a hotel — it was a sanctuary of curated experiences, crafted with warmth, joy and thoughtful detail that spoke to every generation in the family.
From the outset, the check-in process felt more like the beginning of a whimsical journey than a typical hotel routine.
At 2pm sharp, we were welcomed by food and beverage revenue manager Natalie Kon, whose cheerful demeanour was only matched by the surprise in store: a Mini Kid Passport.
Mini Kid Passport transforms mundane processes into mini adventures for little ones
Part keepsake, part activity tracker, the passport transformed mundane processes into mini adventures for little ones, giving them stamps for completed challenges and activities throughout their stay.
As we stepped into our freshly refurbished Twin Premium Executive room, the air carried a hint of cotton candy, courtesy of a scented towel carefully laid on the bed.
Executive housekeeper Ayu Sulastry had clearly gone the extra mile — there was a plush animal-shaped towel sculpture waiting for us, along with a thoughtfully arranged kit of children’s amenities, from bathrobes to mini slippers to a cutlery set tailored for tiny hands.
These seemingly simple touches instantly elevated the stay into something far more memorable than expected.
The room felt like a harmonious balance between elegance and comfort — muted tones paired with modern lighting fixtures gave it a warm, inviting glow.
The lounge access included in our package was perfect for a mid-afternoon snack break or a quiet cup of coffee while the children napped.
From the executive lounge, we enjoyed a lovely cityscape of PJ: A view that reminded us we were still in the city, yet felt utterly removed from its rush.
Twin Premium Executive room provides guest with the view of the city
Let Them Eat (and Make) Cupcakes
The first hands-on activity on our itinerary was muffin decorating at Drip, Hilton PJ’s stylish café, led by Chef Mohd Irwan Bani Ismail.
This wasn’t a token activity; it was a full-on, interactive masterclass in creativity.
Chef Mohd Irwan’s patient, upbeat energy kept the children engaged, while adults found themselves unexpectedly immersed in the art of swirling frosting and arranging sprinkles like seasoned pâtissiers.
This writer particularly enjoyed this activity, not just because it scratched a creative itch, but also because the cupcakes were genuinely delightful.
Moist, airy and balanced in sweetness, it was clear that only premium ingredients had gone into the batter — a testament to Hilton’s consistent standards in both presentation and taste.
Muffin decorating with chef Mohd Irwan (right) leaves this writer with unforgettable memories
That said, icing a cupcake is not as effortless as it looks on TV.
Controlling the flow of icing from the piping bag required surprising dexterity: One press too strong, and a blob would threaten to overtake the carefully built cupcake mound; one too soft, and the icing would barely curl into the floral swirls this writer envisioned.
Still, after a few tries, this writer found a rhythm: Hold the bag firmly, angle with purpose and breathe.
Each cupcake became a little canvas, and this writer left the session with a newfound respect for the steady hands behind Hilton’s pastry counter.
Dinner at Genji: A Journey to Japan
As evening approached, the experience moved into more refined territory. Genji, Hilton PJ’s flagship Japanese restaurant, set the stage for a culinary immersion.
Before dinner, we were invited to a sushi roll-making session with Chef Praktip Endin Ren.
In his calm, guiding tone, Chef Praktip explained how to layer the rice, arrange the ingredients for balance and roll with just enough pressure to avoid a messy collapse.
This writer’s roll wasn’t perfect, but the hands-on experience made the meal ahead feel more personal and rewarding.
In his calm, guiding tone, Chef Praktip (right) explains the process of making sushi roll
Executive Chef Kunihiko Hamada, who has spent over 15 years at Hilton, personally curated our dinner — a gesture that elevated the meal into something truly thoughtful.
One of the early highlights was the “umi no sachi sunomono” salad, presented in a porcelain bowl shaped like a blooming flower.
This refreshing appetiser featured a vibrant medley of “mozuku” sea moss, “wakame” seaweed, firefly squid, marinated cherry salmon roll, ark shell, prawn, cucumber, Japanese yam and wild Japanese spring mountain herbs, finished with a delicately tangy grated yuzu orange vinaigrette.
Each bite offered a new texture — silky, crunchy or tender — and the dressing lent a crisp citrus lift that awakened the palate and set a graceful tone for the evening.
Our three-course Japanese dinner continued with a meticulously plated sashimi selection.
Each slice of tuna and salmon was a delicate balance of texture and temperature, served with freshly grated wasabi.
The second course showcased premium cuts of tuna belly and marinated salmon, revealing depth of flavour through minimal seasoning.
But it was the “yakimono” course that truly dazzled — featuring grilled squid, marinated ark shell and a standout oyster topped with chilli mayo, known as “kaki” chili mayo. Rich, spicy and umami-packed, it was easily one of the most memorable bites of the night.
For dessert, we were presented with a beautiful arrangement of fresh melon and yuzu sorbet, served in a hollowed citrus shell.
Tart and refreshing, it offered the perfect contrast to the savoury courses before it.
The dish looked almost too pretty to eat — but we were glad we did.
Led by the warm and attentive Suhaidy Badri, the service team ensured that every detail — from drink refills to warm towel refreshes — was seamlessly delivered.
The staff chatted with diners, shared insights on ingredients and made the entire experience feel less like dining out and more like being hosted by old friends.
Genji is a modern Japanese restaurant that features a variety of authentic traditional cuisine
A Morning of Tea and Togetherness
The next morning began early, and deliciously, at Paya Serai, where we were greeted by Liza and her team.
Their buffet spread was extensive — local “nasi lemak” with fragrant “sambal”, fluffy coconut rice and crispy anchovies; “roti canai” with dhal and chicken curry; hash browns, scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms and grilled tomatoes for Western palates.
For Chinese cuisine lovers, there were fried rice, steamed buns and even a humble yet satisfying porridge bar with condiments like salted eggs, century eggs, fried shallots and pickled mustard greens.
Indian dishes like “poori” with potato “masala” and spicy chicken “varuval” added vibrant colours and spices to the mix.
But the highlight for many was the Tarik Tea Station, where parents queued for their morning fix of frothy milk tea, freshly pulled to order.
Children watched in awe as the tea was stretched high above the counter and poured with flourish into stainless steel cups.
Families dined together in the spacious, sunlit dining room and the air was filled with excited chatter as children recounted the cupcakes they had made or the pool games planned for later.
It was a refreshing reminder of what a hotel breakfast could be when handled with thought and hospitality.
Paya Serai also offers private dining rooms, which can be reserved for business lunches, company gatherings or special occasions — making the space as versatile as it is inviting.
A Young Mother’s POV
For the second day, this writer was joined by her niece, Wan Nahrein Amani Wan Ishak, and her two-year-old son, Noah Idris Adam Naim.
It gave us the opportunity to experience the Stay & Dine package through the eyes of a young family — and it did not disappoint.
“A day with Hilton PJ consisted of more than just a relaxing experience. It was a fun-filled day that left us with memories to cherish with our little one.
“The hotel thoughtfully curated activities that were encouraging for brain coordination and building real-life skills in a playful and hands-on way,” Wan Nahrein Amani said.
Their morning began with a family-friendly water polo match led by Azmi Omar at the pool bar.
Far from chaotic free play, the session was structured yet flexible — designed for both parent-child bonding and foundational motor skills.
Noah Idris, though initially shy, quickly found his rhythm, buoyed by laughter and encouragement from other children in the group.
Children took turns splashing, chasing soft floating balls and scoring mock goals with the help of adults.
The activity encouraged hand-eye coordination, and more importantly, helped shy children like Noah Idris break out of their shells.
A few parents even joined in the water, turning it into a spirited family match.
For Wan Nahrein Amani, it was more than play — it was the rare opportunity to see her child’s confidence grow before her eyes.
This was followed by a lively poolside wind-down at the pool bar, where parents — including this grand aunt (and writer) — relaxed in the shade with tropical drinks in hand, while the little ones laughed and splashed about in the shallow end.
The relaxed, open-air setting offered the perfect pause between activities — sunlight bounced off the water and laughter echoed across the deck as children played water tag or floated on colourful inflatables.
“I didn’t expect the pool bar to be this family-friendly. There was music, snacks and even a cheeky mocktail for me while Noah Idris played safely within arm’s reach. It felt like a mini resort holiday in the heart of PJ,” Wan Nahrein Amani said.
Far from just a dip in the pool, it became an impromptu family hangout, where memories were made between bites of fries and splashes of joy.
Cantonese restaurant Toh Yuen’s ambiance provides quieter, more intimate setting
Dim Sum Delights at Toh Yuen
Lunch that afternoon was another culinary gem, this time at Toh Yuen, Hilton PJ’s Cantonese restaurant.
Led by outlet manager Low Wai Mun, the team served a beautifully composed Dim Sum Trio Set Lunch that celebrated both tradition and inventive flair.
The meal began with a trio of elegant bites: A steamed premium “siew mai” with Hokkaido scallop, a delicate Teow Chew crystal dumpling, and a deep-fried shrimp roll filled with mushrooms and finished with a truffle mayo drizzle — each served piping hot and artfully plated.
Next came the braised sea cucumber and soft bean curd broth, dramatically served in a carved mini pumpkin bowl.
Rich with earthy umami and a hint of tangy spice, the soup was hearty yet refined — a comfort dish with visual and culinary warmth.
The main course featured a deep-fried golden croaker fish fillet glazed in sweet soy sauce.
Crisp on the outside, moist and flaky on the inside, it was the kind of dish that invited second helpings.
This was paired with golden wok egg white fried rice with assorted seafood, light and fragrant, garnished with dried scallop threads and spring onions for a subtle crunch.
Dessert was a visual treat: Osmanthus jelly with wolfberry, served alongside a vibrant chilled mango purée with pomelo and sago, topped with fresh fruit and basil seeds.
Refreshing and not overly sweet, it was the perfect ending to a mid-day meal that pleased both adults and children alike.
Toh Yuen’s ambiance provided a quieter, more intimate contrast to the morning’s activities.
The team was quick to accommodate young diners, offering highchairs, cutlery sets and modified spice levels where needed.
A server even offered to portion and cut dishes into toddler-friendly bites — an act Wan Nahrein Amani found incredibly thoughtful.
The kitchen also went the extra mile by preparing a soft porridge specially for Noah Idris, ensuring that every guest, no matter how small, was made to feel welcome.
A Sweet Send-off
The day ended with a cheerful ice cream reward ceremony at the pool bar.
Azmi and the recreation team had arranged a closing session where every child received a Hilton Game Passport and a voucher for a free scoop at the pool.
Noah Idris was ecstatic with his vanilla cone and his smile was proof that even the smallest rewards can leave the biggest impressions.
But perhaps the most meaningful part of the stay happened quietly, away from the public eye.
Just before check-out, this writer met Ayu who shared the hotel’s upcoming corporate social responsibility (CSR) project with MOAMI (Malaysian Orang Asli Mothers Initiative).
As part of its Earth Week programme, Hilton PJ is exploring a pilot collaboration with MOAMI and Diversey — a chemical supplier focused on sustainable solutions.
The aim is to train Orang Asli mothers from Kampung Tekir, Negri Sembilan, to produce reusable in-room bags for hotel amenities.
These could include laundry bags, hair dryer holders or shoe bags, replacing single-use alternatives with something eco-conscious and handcrafted.
“We’re not just rethinking luxury. We’re rethinking how hospitality can leave a lasting social footprint,” Ayu said.
The project is still in its testing stage, but the potential was clear — especially for mothers like Wan Nahrein Amani, who expressed how powerful such an initiative could be for women striving for financial independence while caring for their families.
Handcrafted toys made by single mothers using upcycled hotel linens under MOAMI initiative
The Takeaway
Back in the room, bags packed and hearts full, this writer took one last look at the skyline view from the window.
What was meant to be a simple two-day staycation had turned into a soul-nourishing experience.
There was something deeply gratifying in watching a child’s joy bloom through play, in sharing a meal that surprises and delights, and in discovering a brand that is genuinely trying to do better — for its guests, for its staff and for the world around it.
For those seeking a family staycation that feels both indulgent and enriching, Hilton PJ delivers more than just a place to sleep — it offers a carefully woven tapestry of moments, where luxury and learning go hand in hand.
And in this writer’s view, the cupcakes might have been the sweetest part of it all — but it was the people who made it unforgettable.
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
The post Wholesome luxury for all at Hilton Petaling Jaya appeared first on The Malaysian Reserve.
