When Merdeka 118 officially opened in Kuala Lumpur in 2024, it became Asia-Pacific’s tallest building, and the second tallest in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Named after the Malay word for independence and the number of its floors, the striking structure – designed by Australian architecture firm Fender Katsalidis – stands out for its angular diamond-shaped facade.
The bright lobby, located on the 75th floor, greets visitors with perforated brass screens inspired by the batik textiles of Malaysia and two artworks depicting maps of Kuala Lumpur (one showing its urban sprawl; the other the lush greenery surrounding it). They are just some of the nods to Malaysian culture scattered throughout the property, whose design – conceived by Mumbai-based GA Group – is a warmer take on the sleek aesthetic we’ve come to associate with the Park Hyatt brand. Think earth tones, wood fixtures, plenty of marble and a residential vibe that is more about comfort and timeless luxury than grandeur or opulence.
