Yes- however isn't the Express Train VIP service more expensive than just getting a car from the airport?

 

A little bit more expensive but so much more comfortable and, depending on time of day, a lot shorter.

http://www.kliaekspres.com/erlsb/VIP...8/Default.aspx

 

The point is to avoid a taxi from the airport.

Even as an experienced male traveller and routinely using KUL, I feel much safer on the train. You never know which driver you are going to get ; some of the drivers could be pretty bad, and its no fun being 'trapped' in a vehicle along a dark highway with your fate entirely at his hands. In one extreme case, I was almost held 'hostage' by a driver until I put my foot down.

 

I guess we have had different situations- I have had excellent taxi drivers in KUL generally. No hostage, no problems. If I was really worried- I would get the hotel to arrange a driver. I use the KLIA all the time as well, but Sentral at night feels just a bit too sketchy for me to send two young ladies there.

 

If you have never had problem with the 'limo' drivers, you obviously haven't use them often enough. I have used them easily a couple of hundred times, and I know their operations inside out, the tricks they use and even the rivalry between group of drivers.

Sentral is a large modern railway station, I do not know what you are talking about being too 'sketchy' at night. The KLIA Express staff and porters are always there till the last train, and the taxi counters are usually open till around midnight. And there are usually at least a hundred other passengers disembarking the train together with you. And in the case of the VIP Service, you actually have a porter escorting you. Even if there isn't a single soul in sight (which I have never experienced) it still feels safer than being stucked in a taxi along a pitched dark highway with a driver of dubious character !

 

For a first timer, I would opt for the Westin KL.
because it is on the main shopping street, with a major shopping centre opposite. Safe and convenient.

 

Agreed.

I have stayed at both the Sheraton and Westin and the area around the Westin is much nicer. The Sheraton area is not bad, but there is nothing to walk to nearby. The Westin, on the other hand, has shopping, restaurants, etc. just outside the door.

 

Absolutely the Westin. Better neighborhood, in a lively and pedestrian friendlier area and across the street from the Pavillion shopping mall.

The Sheraton seemed to be in a more run down neighborhood, while the LM is nice, but not in as upscale an area as the Westin.

 

To everyone reviewed and posted here, I really thank all of you so much.
Westin seems to be a good hotel for my nieces.
Although I am the platinum member, I do not stay with them so the lack of upgrade is not an issue here.
They will enojoy even in the standard room.

Thanks again

 

Did you decide what type of transport they will use to/ from the airport?

 

As SPG platinum, you will typically be upgraded to a Club Room usually with KL Twin Towers view, rarely an upgrade to a Suite (because the hotel has a small number of suites).
Below is link to my past stays at Westin. I don't think much have changed since then.

http://meremalearoundtheworld.blogsp...Kuala%20Lumpur

 

This is not my stay.
I use my points for my nieces stay so they are not entitled to receive any platinum benefits.

For transfer, either train vip service or hotel limo will be used and I have not decided yet.

 

I recommend Westin as it's conveniently located and more lively.
Alternatively Sheraton is a great choice but might need a taxi or try to Monorail to navigate around. Le Med is convenient for connecting to airport but a bit far from tourist attractions but again a taxi will almost take you anywhere you wish to visit..

Welcome to Malaysia and Hope your nieces will enjoy!

 

Absolutely!

I found the surroundings of the Sheraton to be slightly dodgy at night (didn't feel completely comfortable there myself), and the area surrounding Sentral isn't the best either.

Both KLIA VIP service as well as hotel limo should be fine. Personally, I am not a huge fan of KL taxi drivers though. I try to avoid them as much as possible. I would advice your nieces to do the same.

 

Thanks for your kind advice!
My nieces are living in Tokyo so they have never worried about the taxi/drivers.

I will warn them!