September has been a really crazy period for us — and for a very special reason. My youngest boy turned the big 12! We had already celebrated with his classmates, close friends and family, but what he didn’t know was that we had planned one more little surprise for him — a birthday escape right in the heart of the city.
Guess where we went? We booked connecting rooms on the WAU Floors at The Gardens Hotel Mid Valley, and it turned out to be such a lovely birthday staycation. Conveniently located at The Gardens Mall and right next to Mid Valley Megamall, the hotel is perfect if you want a getaway without actually having to travel far. We loved the hotel’s minimalist design, and there are quite a few Instagrammable spots around the property too. At the lobby, you’ll even find Eight Ounce Coffee Co., plus there’s direct access from the hotel to the mall — definitely convenient when you want to head to the mall!
We arrived early for check-in and were warmly greeted by the friendly hotel team. Our WAU Deluxe Room featured twin beds and was surprisingly spacious, while the WAU Premier Room came with a comfortable king-sized bed. Since we were travelling as a family, we opted for the connecting rooms, which gave us plenty of space while still keeping everyone close together. Both rooms came with a walk-in wardrobe, bathtub, TV, coffee machine and other thoughtful amenities. There was also a welcoming snack waiting for us.
But the biggest surprise was waiting inside. A huge thank you to the hotel team for decorating the room and preparing a birthday cake for my boy. He was absolutely delighted — and completely unaware that we had arranged it! And here’s a fun little detail: the bathroom door can be slid open, giving you a full view of the room.
After settling in, we headed out for lunch at Sage Restaurant & Wine Bar. This was actually the boys’ first fine dining experience, so it was quite a special one for us. The boys opted for the Express Lunch, while we went for the Gourmet Menu. Both offered a lovely three-course experience, from appetiser through to the main course and dessert. And once again, there was a birthday surprise!
When the restaurant team found out that it was my son’s birthday, they surprised him with a cake. How sweet is that? We had such a lovely dining experience, and it was wonderful seeing the boys enjoy and experience fine dining together for the first time.
After lunch, we spent some time window-shopping around the mall. Before we knew it, the boys were feeling a little hungry again, so we headed back to the hotel and made our way to the WAU Lounge on Level 29. The lounge beautifully incorporates elements of our local heritage and traditional craftsmanship, with the iconic Malaysian wau as its inspiration. While enjoying the all-day light refreshments, signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, we also took some time to walk around and learn more about the different types of wau found in Malaysia.
And then came the part the boys were waiting for — pool time! We headed to the outdoor rooftop swimming pool and spent some time cooling off while watching the sunset over the horizon. There’s also a children’s pool and a bar, making it a lovely spot for families to unwind and enjoy the evening.
After a refreshing swim and bath, we headed to Ember & Brass for dinner We indulged in a delicious selection of local and Western favourites, including Salted Egg Kway Teow, Penne Smoked Duck Carbonara and Angus Beef Tenderloin, among others. And of course, we had to end the evening on a sweet note — with milkshakes and pancakes for dessert!
By then, everyone was more than ready for bed. When we returned to our room, we had another lovely surprise waiting for us. Our beds had been turned down, and the pillows had been misted with a calming lavender scent. After a full day of eating, shopping, swimming and celebrating, that little touch made bedtime feel extra relaxing. We loved it to the max!
The next morning, we headed back to Ember & Brass for breakfast. The buffet spread offered plenty of choices — from freshly made pastries and pancakes to noodles, nasi lemak and more. There was definitely something for everyone.
After breakfast, the boys headed back to the pool for another refreshing dip, while I squeezed in a quick workout at the hotel gym. The gym was pretty well equipped, and I managed to enjoy a peaceful workout before we checked out.
From the birthday surprises to our first family fine dining experience, rooftop pool time, shopping and simply enjoying some quality time together, this staycation gave us everything we needed for a memorable birthday escape. If you’re a birthday celebration, family staycation or a fun weekend getaway, The Gardens Hotel Mid Valley offers a convenient city escape with spacious rooms, an outdoor rooftop pool, family-friendly facilities, dining options and a well-equipped gym.
For more information on The Gardens Hotel Mid Valley, visit their official website or call +603 8230 3008.
The Gardens Hotel Mid Valley
The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra
59200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 8230 3008