When a Formula One race rolls into town the big question is never, “Who has the best shot at the pole?” Nay, the key questions tend to hone in on less motorsports-related territory; as in which celebs will show up for GP weekend, which driver has the sexiest arm candy and which club has the hottest F1 scene.

Malaysia Grand Prix grid girls – Photo credit

It is this last topic that concerns us most today. If you’re in Kuala Lumpur for the Malaysia Grand Prix on the weekend of April 10, where exactly are you going to party? More importantly, in which restaurants, bars and clubs are you most likely to spot a Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel or Michael Schumacher?

Certainly not in Sepang, the town/district that hosts the Malaysia Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. No, to cosy up to the drivers and their curvy entourages, you’ll have to get a little closer to the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC hotels and the Golden Triangle. With that in mind, check out 10 Kuala Lumpur hotspots to pencil in for GP weekend.

Maison
No 8 Jalan Yap Ah Shak

Sleek décor and clandestine corners make Maison feel about as far away from home as possible. Unless, that is, you live in a KL heritage landmark with cushy lounge chaises and a glow bar.

Bar Flam
16 Jln Telawi 3 Bangsar Baru

The spick-and-span, upper middle class polish of Bangsar, some 4 km from KLCC, has a supper club star in Bar Flam. Popular with expats and females.

Skybar
KLCC Level 33, Traders Hotel

A posh overlook in KLCC, stylish Skybar will up the ante for GP weekend. Definitely dress to impress to evade a velvet rope fail.

Luna
Jln Punchak Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve Level 34, Menara PanGlobal

KL’s other rooftop hotel bar/lounge par excellence consistently aspires to lure a F1 kind of clientele – as in beautiful people whose fathers can afford to buy them a Ferrari. Always a scene, Luna is a GP must.

Bed
33 Jln Yap Ah Shak Medan Tuanku

Concept clubs have swept over Southeast Asia like a pestilence but some defy the odds, forgo the smoke and mirrors and class it up. Bed is a tidy, intimate den of DJ skills with a classy crowd.

Sanctuary
W of Kuala Lumpur Level 1, The Curve, Mutiara Damansara

Another concept supper club with ultra-swish digs, Sanctuary provides sweet asylum from the rush of KL by day. A tony escape.

Zouk
113 Jln Ampang KLCC

KL’s über-club of record, Zouk is pure phantasmagoria. This is where the international DJs spin and cool kids come to play. The Loft and Velvet Underground rooms rule but we like the chill Terrace bar.

Space
28-32, Ground Floor, Jalan Doraisamy, Asian Heritage Row, off Jalan Sultan Ismail

If Gene Roddenberry had a love child with Grace Jones, the kid would probably groove at a place like Space. The massive, inclusive club is very Starship Enterprise.

Ruums
Jln Sultan Ismail KLCC Life Centre Complex

Photo credit

A leviathan dance floor and accessible, hook-heavy playlists keeps Ruums on the nightlife radar.

Baze Club
LG 11 & 11a, Lower Lobby, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel

The basement of the Renaissance Hotel hosts a luxe lounge with a glass dance floor and killer happy hour.

AsiaHotels Kuala Lumpur accommodation

Posted in Asia, Events

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