Staying at the Element eco-hotel Kuala Lumpur by Westin

Element Kuala Lumpur: Do your bit without busting the budget in Malaysia's talles eco-hotel. Photo / Supplied

Location: Element Kuala Lumpur is only a minute'swalk from the lightrailway station and 10 from the KLCC shopping mall. This is one of the most accessible ways to feel good about doing your bit for the environment while staying close to the action.

Check-inexperience: As the elevator opens on the 40th floor, you're greeted with stellar views ofthe Malaysian skyline, including the Petronas Towers skyscrapers. High ceilings and upscale decor create a sense of expansiveness and elegance. It's the deluxe introduction to the eco life.

Room: Guestrooms are on the 41st to 53rd floors, with views of Malaysia's iconic twin towers or the rolling Ampang Hills. Large windows create a bright and welcoming space. There is a tidy work station if you need to send an email or two.

Let's assume thatif you're into your eco properties you follow through in other areas of your life. For the Element Kuala Lumpur, you'll need your own water bottle, as the hotel is plastic-bottle free. Each room has a filtered tap for use, a huge improvementfrom those teeny bottles you usually get. The hairdryer is also worthy of comment; forget those tiny hotel models,this heavy-hitting beast dries you in record time. The standard safe, iron and board are all present, and adapters are available on request. The curtains are blackout.

Price: Great value forthe sophisticated design, spacious rooms and central location.

What's so good about the place? The feel-good factor of staying in an eco-friendly property adds to the appeal of selecting the Element. The proximity to public transport and a range of shopping centres is advantageous to maximise your time in KL.

And the bad? Needing an adapterin a newly built hotel seems like a design oversight.USB plugs are in thewall sowhy not a multi-country socket?

The bed: Westin's signature Heavenly Bed envelops you with its plush pillow-top mattress and is accompanied by two pillow types to suit your sleeping position. Two duvets mean you can get as snug as the a/c allow or throw a light cover over you.

Bathroom: One of the main eco additions in the bathroom is the plant-based, organic toiletries housed in a wall container to limit plastic over-use. If you're looking for a bath you'll need to book one of the suites.

A roomwith a view? The Element offers epic 360 Kuala Lumpur skyline views from the 40th floor upwards. The Petronas viewis most coveted but the Ampang Hills in the distance reveal a side to KL you don't necessarily notice from the ground.

Facilities: Despite the costs of maintaining a saltwater pool, the ElementKuala Lumpur have invested in theirs.

The heated indoor pool has cityscape views and a gorgeous tiled design by local artist Yusof Ghani. The pool loungers are cushy and wide if you're hanging out.

A cool eco feature ofthe Element by Westin brand is the free loan of bicycles. You need a little bravery to tackle the busyKL streets butthe sentimentis appreciated. If you're planning onworking offthat delicious laksa indoors,the gym is small butwell equipped.A spa is due to open in 2019.

Foodand Drink: The Trace Restaurant is on the 40th floor with a farm-to-table philosophy on sourcing local ingredients. The breakfast buffet has the standard fare, alongside a range oflocal dishes, including Assam laksa, roti, and nasi lemak. The coffee leaves a little to be desired butthere is a cute shop nextto the subway entrance.

Free Wi-Fi? The Wi-Fi speed is fabulous for both uploads and downloads; perfect for streaming your favourite Netflix show from the divine bed.

Noise: The property's elevation ensures the hustle of central KL is a distant buzz, allowing for a restful sleep.

Contact: elementkualalumpur.com

Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples, business travellers,families, long-termers and shoppers.

Would I return? Yes. Being both an eco property and affordable is a huge plus. You get to do your bit without busting the budget.