Birthday Part 3: Celebration at The Doubletree by Hilton

Since our last visit to The Doubletree by Hilton last December, the kids enjoyed it so much, as with all their other hotel stays, we thought why not bring them back again...

Especially when we had an offer from the General Manager himself that we couldn't resist ; ) on top of the children's wish to have a celebration by the pool aka swimming. So we looked at our calender in January and picked the 28th/29th April weekend, since William's birthday fell on that weekend. Vic's birthday, being on the 10th was on a weekday, but as you can see, she had 3 celebrations, the first with Popo Gong Gong, the second at Namaste and Kidzania and finally, the the third and last at Doubletree.

In February, I was already in correspondence with the hotel's chief chef to coordinate the children's birthday cake. They gave us 3 options for the cake flavor based on our requirement, and finally recommended the chocolate blackforest. They were also given the task to source for a Smurfette figurine and a Lightning McQueen toy to place on the cake.

Two days before the check in date, we reconfirmed our reservations, fine-tuned the details on the venue, time and menu. Again, I'm amazed at their thoughtfulness to custom a list of allergy-free food for the kids. Thus, we pre-ordered the Fish Skewer made from salmon, and the baked chicken thighs.

As we are all aware, 28th April is a day in history, with the Bersih 3.0 rally planned in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Although it is a peaceful rally, where people from all walks (no pun intended) gather under one objective, we were not without apprehension, especially with all the road closures. What if the police refuse entry to us? What if we get stuck in the middle of the demonstration? Daddy called the hotel the night before, and the hotel assured us that if we arrived early, we can check in early.  

428 - A Day In History

We left at 830am, as planned that Saturday morning. Daddy took the Smart Tunnel and the traffic was clear. We arrived our hotel within 15 minutes with no signs of a crowd or yellow people or road blocks. Before this, I've already pre-empted the kids in case of the worse possible scenario and they get frightened, but looks like no action, no show. God is good!  

Room 3409

This round, we were offered a suite room on the Executive Floor, giving us easy access to their Executive Lounge. The kids loved it! Naturally, their excitement couldn't be contained and they attacked the cereal bar straight away, immediately after we identified a comfy spot in the corner. From the view on our floor, we couldn't see any clues of demonstration. I was rather disappointed, and thought I could have a live telecast from where we were.

 

William, one day shy of 4yo - with his favourite bread stick which he plays like a sword  

Our room is similar to the one we stayed in last year, but I felt the layout made the lounge more spacious and the bathroom a little smaller.

Part of the room

Part of the lounge - the other end has the pantry cum study area

A complimentary fruit bowl

We had a solid 1 hour plus at the lounge enjoying our breakfast and watching the kids in their innocent excitement. Oh, the sheer joy of staying in a hotel - carpeted flooring, air conditioner 24 hours, lift buttons they can press day long, door bell to the room (another button they can press) and of course, the highlight of their stay, the swimming pool! After our brunch (I cannot call it breakfast now since we were there till late morning), we deposited our luggage in the room before heading out to walk around the Intermark, which was where our hotel was. My previous department, my first job - is now based in the Intermark, but that being a weekend, my former colleagues were not working. : (

The kids ran and screamed. We had to hush them, eventhough there were hardly anyone else where we walked. The building was quiet and many retail lots were still empty.

Doing some school work

Back in the room, they took some fish porridge which Kakak cooked early in the morning, whilst I headed to the Lounge for a bite. The kids obediently slept by 2pm, also due to their fatigue from having slept late the previous night, waking up early this morning, and some very good black-out curtains and a comfy bed (plus Mommy and Daddy's stern reminder that "no sleep, no swimming!").

Let the party begin!

Mama Yeh Yeh, Yee Sam and cousin Theodore arrived around 4pm - another surprise for the kids! We had a little snack at the Lounge again before heading to the pool. Our reservation was for 530pm, but we were slightly early. The Italian restaurant next to the pool, Tosca, already cordoned off a section next to the children's pool with some table and chairs for us. Super!

Tosca Restaurant

Our makan area

 

Looked who joined us for the birthday?!  Smurfette and Lightning McQueen! The hotel staff did a great job in sourcing for the perfect toys and baking this lovely chocolate blackforest cake.  I must remember to write them a note of thanks. 

Is his smile on the face worth all the efforts put in?  You bet!

Daddy stole a kiss from Victoria

A plate of sweet surprise awaited us in our hotel room in the evening

Victoria ALWAYS wanted a little smurfette.  The hotel got her this, and the quality is surprisingly very good (not the cheap China-made ones, although I'm sure this Smurfette was also made in China)

Baked Chicken Thigh and Fish Skewer - snacks for the kids

A family picture - with cousin Theodore as well.  The birthday boy is putting on his silly grin again, and looking elsewhere!

Whilst we all take turns freshening up after the swim, we ate a hearty snack at the Executive Lounge, and "moi" also enjoy a glass of red wine. In my second round, I helped myself to a little whisky and coke before they cleared the place, hehe. Daddy took us all out for a drive to KLCC, and we walked a little bit before the kids start showing signs of tiredness (read, lau gai) and then we headed back to the hotel, said good bye and good night to Mama Yeh Yeh, then split.

Some of the blessings from friends and family - "Thank you" says William 

To Victoria and William, 

 OK, Mummy here again. You know I'll write you these special little notes on special occassions. I know I've been angry at both of you a few times before this, and sometimes teasing you both as babies. You know I love you both lots, and I cannot imagine how my life would be, without the two of you. Birthdays are not so much as sticking candles and blowing them, not so much as the presents and food, but birthdays are a mark of you growing up - physically, mentally and emotionally and taking on more responsibilities. We never stop learning, and never stop growing. 

Take your time, enjoy every second of your childhood - the bad, the good. Never take things for granted, nor the people around you. As you develop your character, remember those with less and not so fortunate. Hugs and kisses always.