Carcosa Seri Negara is not just for the elite

The regal ambience could definitely be felt as one enters the perimeters of Carcosa Seri Negara.

The construction of Carcosa Seri Negara began in 1896. It was built as the official residence of Sir Frank Swettenham, the first resident-general of the Federated Malay States, who later moved in in 1904. At the same time, he finished another building called the King’s House, now known as Seri Negara. It was used to house his guests who came for visits.

Majestic: The view of the Seri Negara mansion from the lawn.

Perched strategically overlooking the lush greenery in Lake Gardens, it stands proud as a historical landmark in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. However, many are not aware that the Seri Negara mansion is also open to public for a royal experience and caters to private functions. Prior to 1989, Carcosa Seri Negara functioned as a venue for official events. It was after Queen Elizabeth II’s visit at Carcosa that it was turned into a luxury hotel, after some refurbishment.

Hotel manager Ignatius Netto said many have the misconception that Carcosa Seri Negara was open only to the elite. “Due to its history, many think that this place was exclusively for royalty and dignitaries. 

“The Seri Negara mansion has five suites, also known as the stately suites due to its name derived from names of states, which are distinctive from one another in size and furnishing. The largest is the Grand Makmur Suite which is 1,460sq ft. “It has two private verandahs where one can enjoy the panorama from the garden while sipping tea. It is fitted with a colonial four-poster king-sized bed, a separate living room and access to a private dining room, Jerai.

Grand ascend: The opulent staircase at Seri Negara mansion leading to the suites upstairs.

“The furnishing is also tastefully done with French windows, walk-in wardrobe, separate dressing rooms and a bathroom with its own jacuzzi,” he said, adding that all rooms also comes with a butler service, daily breakfast for two and a three-course dinner,” he said. “We also serve Malay and French cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Verandah Restaurant every day, which can seat up to 40 persons. We are also famous for our authentic English afternoon tea, which is served at the drawing room with a seating capacity of 75 persons indoor and outdoor. “We are usually packed on weekends for tea, and have many tourists coming after reading our reviews on the Internet,” he said.

Besides accommodation and food, Netto added that the panoramic view also makes it a favourite setting for many to organise small private functions like weddings, birthday parties and receptions. “We are also a favourite venue for product launches and photo shoots. Then, there is the Gulai House located on the ground floor with access to its own private verandah, overlooking a private garden suitable for post-event drinks.

“The Seri Negara lawn also presents an abundant space for any style of events, be it an open-air garden wedding or one with marquee halls. “We also regularly host corporate meetings in our 128sq ft Ledang room, fully equipped with built-in presentation screen and WiFi connection,” he said. Carcosa Seri Negara is located at Taman Tasik Perdana, Persiaran Mahameru, Kuala Lumpur.

For enquiries or to make reservations, call 03-2282 1888 or e-mail reservation@carcosa.com.my or visit www.carcosa.com.my

-thestar online.