Restored, repurposed and adorned by the cream of Malaysian talents, Else is an urban haven in the heart of Petaling Street
Petaling Street was once the neighbourhood of choice for wealthy Chinese immigrants to build their homes and shophouses. In 1931, Booty Edwards & Partners designed an art deco building on the site of Kapitan Yap Kwan Seng’s former holiday home and the tallest building in Kuala Lumpur when it was first completed.
Known as the Lee Rubber Building, it has seen the area’s evolution to its current incarnation as Else hotel. Else is the first property of a mindful hospitality brand of the same name founded by Justin Chen and Javier Perez. Both based in Singapore, they were deliberate in their decision to work with local designers, artists, and partners to create their vision of conscious hospitality.
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Malaysian design firm Studio Bikin was tasked with conceptualising the design and overseeing the restoration, which was executed by Faizah Architect, another celebrated Malaysian partner.
The 49-room property sprawls over 56,000 sq ft across seven levels. Its lovingly restored facade sets the tone for the atmospheric spaces within.
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