Christian Metzner (Photo: W Hotel Kuala Lumpur)
Options: You’re joining us from The Andaman in Langkawi. How has KL been treating you?
Metzner: After being part of the pre-opening teams at Westin Beijing Financial Street and Westin Tianjin in China, I jumped at the chance to work in Langkawi. I loved the resort and the island. I went mountain biking, sailed catamarans on weekends. I even took up golf, which I never expected after playing sports like squash, tennis and soccer back in Germany. But after three years, I was ready for city life again. I immediately applied to be part of the opening team when I heard W Hotels was coming to KL.
What can we expect at W Kuala Lumpur?
We’ll really change the hospitality landscape here, where hotels tend to be more traditional. Our design narrative is city jungle, so there’s a blend of natural and modern elements. We’re creating an exhilarating atmosphere through fun lighting and colours, and we even have a music director — usually only found in nightclubs — to curate playlists specific to every venue.
The poolside Woobar looks spectacular.
It does! I expect it will shake up the hotel bar scene here. We’ve combined the curated experience of a speakeasy, including flawlessly crafted cocktails, with a rooftop setting. The Petronas Twin Towers rise directly ahead. It’s a pool deck during the day and evolves into a lounge by night with a DJ, parties and cocktails and champagne flights.
Where do you unwind in KL?
I try to start my morning with a run. I like visiting new restaurants and bars with friends and family. I love Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar, Omakase + Appreciate — Shawn Choong is great — and Pisco, which is just around where I live. I also really like Bottega Mediterranea in Jalan Ceylon, a small Italian place with excellent food.
What will we find you doing at home?
Cooking. I cook quite a bit, though I’m trying to stay healthy so it’s mostly meals like steamed broccoli and oven-baked chicken. I invite friends over for a barbecue when I can. Music is a big part of my life, particularly rock. I used to listen to more techno and house but now it’s anything from Coldplay to Metallica. I follow the news closely, all sorts of news, and I enjoy political thrillers like House of Cards, Madam Secretary and Designated Survivor on Netflix.
This interview first appeared on Aug 20, 2018 in The Edge Malaysia. For more information on the hotel or to make reservations, click here.
