Step Back in Time: Sunway's Hottest 80s Retro Interior!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just reviewing Step Back in Time: Sunway's Hottest 80s Retro Interior… we're living it. I just got back, my hair is still trying to decide if it wants to be crimped or teased, and my brain is a kaleidoscope of neon and shoulder pads. Let's get this retro rodeo started.
SEO Bait, Baby! (But Real Talk First)
Look, I'm supposed to hit those keywords. So, yeah: Step Back in Time, Sunway, 80s Retro, Hotel Review, Accommodation, Malaysia, Accessibility, Wi-Fi, Spa, Dining, Pool, Fitness, Safety… Got it? Good. Now, let's get real. I came in expecting a gimmick. I left… well, let's just say I left with a sudden craving for a Walkman and a serious need to re-watch "Footloose."
Accessibility: A Mixed Tape of Good and… Needs Improvement.
Right, so, Accessibility. My Aunt Mildred uses a walker. (Hi, Aunt Mildred! Love you!) This is where things get a little… complicated. The elevator is present (thank the gods!). The facilities for disabled guests exist on paper, but I didn't see a ton of obvious modifications in the common areas. Getting around the main lobby feels… mostly doable. The exterior corridors, though? Narrow in places, and not all the "retro" touches were necessarily ADA-compliant. Wheelchair accessible… it depends. Check ahead and grill them on details. Be your own advocate!
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I didn't dive deep into this – I was too busy admiring the giant Rubik’s Cube. I'd strongly suggest calling ahead to verify accessibility at specific restaurants or lounges you’re eyeing.
Internet: Wired for the Present, Living in the Past… Sort Of
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually works. No dial-up sound, thankfully. The Internet [LAN] option is there for the retro nerds (like maybe me), if you're feeling a bit old school. Internet services like… well, internet. You know…
Things to Do: More Than Just Hair Spray
Okay, so the 80s theme IS the thing to do, right? Everywhere you look, it's a visual feast. BUT, there's more!
- Pool with view: Seriously. Amazing. I spent an embarrassing amount of time floating there with a cocktail, contemplating the meaning of life (and whether my neon swimsuit still fit).
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: See above.
- Gym/fitness: I saw the Fitness center. I did not go. Okay? Judge me. I was on vacation. It looked… adequate.
- Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: Now we're talking! The spa wasn’t quite as 80s themed but the body scrub? Divine. I emerged smelling like… well, I’ll let you decide. Think "tropical paradise meets freshly laundered parachute pants." The Sauna, Steamroom and Foot bath were also available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Leg Warmers to Lobster Bisque?
This is where things get REALLY interesting. So, let's get to the food.
- Restaurants: Several. The descriptions online are helpful.
- Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: Yes, yes, and yes! The pool bar? Perfection.
- A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant The varied options really wowed me.
- Room service [24-hour]: Bless. When you’re exhausted from re-living your youth, this is a lifesaver.
- Alternative meal arrangement: (It's there) – good options, especially if you're trying to avoid something.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Solid.
- Happy hour: DUH. Don't miss it.
My personal highlight? The **Happy Hour **at the Poolside Bar. We're talking delicious cocktails, the smell of chlorine and sunscreen, and a view that would make even John Hughes jealous. I practically saw the world in soft focus. I may or may not have ordered a second round. Okay, third.
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Keep Safe, Even in a Time Machine
Okay, safety. This year has taught us all to become hygiene-obsessed maniacs.
- Cleanliness and safety: The staff were pretty serious.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Breakfast takeaway service, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: They were all there.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yup.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: In case you want to lick the walls, I guess?
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Enforced.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Thankfully, I didn't need either, but it's good to know they're there.
Services and Conveniences: Like a Boss (or a Madonna Backup Dancer)
- 24-hour front desk, Concierge, Elevator, Luggage storage, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop. All the usual suspects, all handled efficiently.
- Air conditioning in public area. Crucial with Malaysian humidity!
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Seminars, Meetings, Audio-visual equipment for special events, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: If you absolutely must work while reliving the 80s.
- Cashless payment service: Thank goodness! Who carries cash anymore?!
- Airport transfer, Taxi service: Super convenient
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly: Yes, the kids are going to LOVE this!
- Car park [free of charge] Yes!
Now, for my little confession…I also used the Doorman a LOT. I'm not proud.
In-Room Experience: Totally Tubular!
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Lap top workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. Basically, all the comforts of a modern hotel, wrapped in a neon-colored bow.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Everything you could want and need.
- Room decorations: The decor is what makes this hotel, well, this hotel. The dedication to the 80s theme is phenomenal.
The Dark Side… (or, Imperfections, Actually)
Look, nothing's perfect. And while I loved my experience, here are the little things:
- The "retro" vibe sometimes clashed with modern necessities. Finding power outlets near the bed was sometimes a treasure hunt.
- Service was good, but not GREAT. A little more "wow" factor from the staff wouldn't hurt.
- Pets allowed unavailable. Not for me, but if you're traveling with your furry friend, this one's a deal-breaker.
The Verdict: Totally Worth It! (With a Few Caveats)
If you're looking for a truly unique hotel experience, a blast from the past, and a serious infusion of nostalgia, Step Back in Time delivers. It’s not perfect. It leans a little hard on the theme for some, and accessibility could be improved. HOWEVER, the sheer commitment to the
Saint Petersburg's Hidden Gem: Boutique Hotel You NEED to Book!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously planned, color-coded trip itinerary. This is more like… a chaotic, love-letter-slash-rant to a night out at No.15 Eighties 80's in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Get ready to feel things.
The Pre-Game: AKA, The Anticipation (and the Panic)
- 17:00 - 18:00: The Dress-Up Debacle. Okay, so, the whole "retro" theme? Nailed it, in theory. I envisioned myself a total Madonna-esque power goddess. Reality? Two hours spent wrestling with a pair of acid-wash jeans that haven’t seen the light of day since… well, the 80s. They were… let's just say they were snug. My friends were already starting to send the "ARE YOU READY YET?!" texts. I was a hot mess, mentally and physically. Finding the courage and style.
- 18:00 - 19:00: The Pre-Drinks Pre-Rant. We're all congregating at a pre-drink spot, a slightly-too-hipstery cafe in Bangsar. I'm chugging my pre-show beer (for Dutch courage). One of my friends immediately starts a deep dive into the ethical complexities of neon legwarmers. My brain literally short circuits. We're all mostly there, so excited to dance the night away!
The Main Event: No.15 Eighties 80's - Where the Magic (and the Questionable Choices) Happens
- 19:30 - 20:00: Arrival and Initial Jaw-Drop. Finally! We arrive. And… WHOA. Okay, this place. It's a total time warp. Every cliche, every iconic image from the 80's, crammed into one space. Everywhere. The neon, the Pac-man, the posters, the everything. I mean, it's intense. My friend, a total 80s nerd, literally started squealing. I'm suddenly transported to a younger mindset. Oh, the 80's nostalgia hit me hard!
- 20:00 - 20:30: Cocktail Chaos and the Jukebox Triumph. The cocktail menu. Holy moly. "The Poison", "The Wham!", "The Flashdance." (I swear, they were all pretty strong.) I went with "The Poison", which tasted suspiciously of rocket fuel, but whatever. Gotta commit to the theme, right? Then, the jukebox. And suddenly, the whole place explodes. It's a shared dance on the dance floor when "Livin' on a Prayer" cranks up!
- 20:30 - 22:00: Dance Floor Disasters and Karaoke Comedy. So, the dance floor. My dance moves? Let's just say they haven't improved since the 80's. But the energy was contagious! It didn't matter how horrible I looked (back in acid-wash jeans), or how off-key I sang. We're here for the nostalgia and fun! Karaoke time. One of our friends attempted "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the audience thought it was hilarious (in a loving kind of way). It was one of those moments where you just want to hug everyone in the room.
- 22:00 - 23:00: The Late-Night Grub and Deep Conversations. The music shifts. Time for pizza and a catch-up. We're already a hot mess, but the conversations get surprisingly deep (and silly). About life, love, the questionable fashion choices of the 80s. We're all a little bit tipsy and giggly, and it's actually perfect. I kind of want to stay like this forever.
- 23:00 - 00:00: The Aftershow Rambling and Emotional Overload. The place is getting pretty packed. Even though it's late, the staff's good, and so is the music. I have never felt more alive, and yet more tired. The perfect 80's night. There's a final group photo, hugs, and teary goodbyes. It's not a goodbye, but it is, for tonight.
The Aftermath: AKA, The Regret and the Glorious Memories
- 00:00 - 01:00: The Late-Night Ride Home (and the Taxi Disaster). Getting a taxi was a total nightmare, a classic KL experience. But the guy who drove us home played a whole 80's playlist. It was perfect.
- 01:00 - 02:00: The Midnight Snack and Post-Night Reflection. Back at my place. My friends are texting each other their favorite moments. I'm eating instant noodles (because, you know, healthy eating). I can't stop smiling. My feet hurt. My voice is hoarse. But I'm happy. It was everything.
- 02:00 - Zzzz: The Sleep of the Exhausted, Happy, Retro-Loving The morning after. Still tired, but still worth it.
Things I Learned (or at least, remembered):
- Acid wash jeans? Nope. Just nope.
- Karaoke? Still terrifying, but strangely (and beautifully) bonding.
- The 80s? Still awesome, even if my dancing skills haven't evolved.
- Friends? Always the best part of the party.
- No.15 Eighties 80's? A total MUST for a good time in KL. Seriously, go. And tell everyone. And maybe, just maybe, try "The Poison." But be warned…it's a poison.
So that's it. A whirlwind of a night at No.15 Eighties 80's. Full of mess, love, laughter, questionable dance moves, and the best kind of 80s madness. This is a trip. This is a memory. And I cannot wait to go again!
Phuket Paradise Found: Your Dream Home Awaits at Klong Bon Garden!
So, what *is* this place anyway? Like, is it a museum? A time machine? Seriously!?
Alright, settle down, Einstein. It's basically a restaurant. But calling it *just* a restaurant is like calling a DeLorean *just* a car. It's a full-blown 80s fever dream. Think leg warmers, neon everything, Michael Jackson blasting from the speakers (hopefully not *that* song, though, ew), and a general atmosphere that'll make you want to break out your ripped jeans and listen to a cassette tape. (Yes, cassette tapes. I remember those. Ugh, how old am I?)
It's meant to be a retro experience, to make you feel like you've, well, stepped back in time, right into the best decade ever. Or the worst, I guess, depending on your taste in fashion. I personally think it's brilliant fun, though.
Okay, the 80s. I get the vibe. But *why* an 80s theme? Is it just nostalgia? Are they trying to capitalise on my childhood? (I'm on to you!)
Look, everyone loves a good dose of nostalgia, right? And the 80s... well, they were a *thing*. Huge hair, massive music, and, yeah, some questionable fashion choices. But there was a certain... *je ne sais quoi* about the decade. Maybe it’s the simpler times, or maybe we just all have selective memories that block out the perm-related trauma.
I think it's a combination. Captializing is very true, of course. They're smart, that's what it is. But also, it’s fun! It’s bright, it’s loud, and it’s a great conversation starter - I went with my best friend and we were immediately laughing at how terrible, but also how amazing, the wallpaper was. Also, let's be honest, it's an Instagram goldmine. Pure, unadulterated photo fodder. Prepare for your feed to be *flooded* with your friends posing with inflatable boomboxes.
What's the food like? Is it all just like, microwaved pizza and Tang? (Because I'd be down for that, ngl.)
Okay, so maybe it's not *exactly* microwaved pizza and Tang (though, I'm not gonna lie, a little Tang would be kinda awesome). When I went, and I remember it was a Thursday, I think...yeah, Thursday, I was starving! They have a pretty decent menu. It's not all authentic 80s junk food, thank God, although there are some retro touches - a burger with *actual* onion rings, which, hello, amazing. A pizza or two as i recall. They do the sort of dishes you'd find in a slightly more modern restaurant also, but all with a little 80s twist. I couldn't get enough of the fries; they were perfect. Seriously, someone get me those fries again! It's not necessarily gourmet dining, but it's definitely not gonna leave you disappointed, is what I'm saying.
Think comfort food, but made with slightly more refined ingredients. And please, PLEASE, tell me if they have a blue Curaçao cocktail. Because that would be PERFECT. (Fingers crossed...)
The decor – what’s the *vibe*? Is it authentic? Because I hate a cheap imitation.
Authentic? Okay, so that's a loaded question. Did they actually *live* in the 80s to build this place? No! And that's probably for the best considering that's a long time ago. But, does it *feel* authentic? YES! It's a glorious explosion of neon, geometric patterns, and probably some questionable choices in wallpaper. Seriously, I remember there was a section with this, like, *totally* bad wallpaper that was so terrible, but also so perfect, that I actually took a picture of it. It's a whole aesthetic. The place is decked out with so many 80s references, from arcade games to posters of iconic movies (did someone say *Back to the Future*?!), it's almost overwhelming. I was legitimately grinning from ear to ear the entire time. The lighting...oh, the lighting. It's intentionally dim, but with pops of neon that make everything feel like a music video. You'll either love it or hate it, but you definitely won't be bored.
I'm really torn about the wallpaper, to be honest. Like, I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. It really made an impact on me. Maybe I was hungry. Maybe I had one too many cocktails, I don't know. But it was something I really considered as a design element that would make me feel like I'd traveled back in time.
Are there any photo opportunities? Because, duh.
Are you kidding me?! Photo opportunities are the *entire point*! You can't avoid them! There are probably more photo opportunities than people! I'm serious, prepare your Instagram, because you will be snapping pics constantly. Every corner, every booth, every single, slightly off-kilter object is begging to be photographed. There’s probably a wall specifically designed for selfies. I remember finding myself next to a giant Rubik’s Cube. I've never actually solved a Rubik's Cube in my life, but I found myself posing as if I was about to tackle the world's most complicated puzzle. (I wasn't.)
Seriously! You'll want to come prepared and with a full battery on your phone. Or, you know, a camera. If you are one of those that carries a camera, that is. I may be dating myself a little with that one. If they don't offer a retro Polaroid service, they are missing a trick.
What's the deal with the music? 80s anthems only? Please say yes!
Oh, yes, my friend. You're in for a treat. They're basically *obligated* to play 80s anthems. And when I went, they did not disappoint. Think Madonna, Journey, Bon Jovi, Prince, and all the absolute bangers that defined the decade. I even heard a little bit of that *Footloose* soundtrack. Which immediately made me want to break out into dance! You know I did.
The music is crucial. If they played elevator music, it would ruin the whole experience. It’s the soundtrack to your time travel adventure. It's as important as the food, the decor, the wait staff's amazing outfits. The only thing missing was a proper dancefloor. I'm still annoyed about that.
Okay, I'm sold. But is it kid-friendly? I have, like, a whole *family* to wrangle. (And by wrangle, I mean occasionally bribe with sweets.)
