PETALING JAYA: As travel behaviour shifts towards more intentional and experience-driven stays, Hilton Petaling Jaya (Hilton PJ) is repositioning itself to capture the rise of “whycation” travel while strengthening its foothold in the corporate and MICE segments.
General manager Andre Gomez said guests are no longer travelling purely for transit or obligation, but with clearer intent , whether for productivity, personal balance or enrichment.
“We’re seeing guests travel with clearer intent whether for productivity, balance or enrichment. At Hilton Petaling Jaya, our focus is on helping guests strike that balance by designing experiences that support purpose, not just accommodation,” he said in an exclusive interview with SunBiz.
Gomez noted that many business travellers are extending their stays, blurring the lines between work and leisure. In response, the hotel has aligned its refreshed spaces, service model and dining concepts to support a seamless blend of work, rest and social engagement.
Central to this repositioning is the hotel’s “gateway to discovery” proposition, which Gomez described as both a location advantage and a service philosophy.
Strategically located in Petaling Jaya, the hotel serves as a hub for business and leisure travellers seeking access to Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. In practice, he said, this translates into intuitive service and personalised experiences that encourage guests to engage more deeply with the destination.
“It provides opportunities for a more immersive experience, driving longer stays and building stronger loyalty,” he added.
Following a recent refresh, Hilton PJ has introduced reimagined spaces designed to cater to multiple guest segments. These include the executive lounge, lobby event space, Drip Cafe and RYE Bar, which are positioned as flexible, multifunctional environments.
“From meetings and focused solo work to social engagement, these spaces cater to guests across all age groups,” Gomez said, adding that the redesign also enhances asset utilisation and reinforces competitiveness in an increasingly crowded hospitality landscape.
Beyond physical upgrades, wellness has become a key pillar of the hotel’s offering.
Gomez said wellness today is less about luxury add-ons and more about ease and balance. “We focus on spacious rooms, calm environments, fitness and outdoor facilities, as well as thoughtful dining. Just as importantly, our service is designed to reduce friction and support the wellbeing of frequent travellers.”
On the corporate front, Gomez observed that weekday business demand remains resilient, but expectations are evolving. “Today’s corporate travellers seek flexibility, quality and meaningful experiences. By truly listening to and understanding our audience, we are better positioned to deliver consistently at every touchpoint,” he said.
Within the MICE segment, he pointed to a shift towards more focused, high-impact gatherings that prioritise engagement and tangible outcomes over scale alone, a trend that aligns with the hotel’s adaptable event spaces.
Sustainability is another area gaining traction among travellers and corporate clients alike. Rather than pursuing aggressive expansion, Hilton PJ has focused on revitalising its existing property.
“Our sustainability approach is anchored in responsible growth. We’ve focused on revitalising an existing property rather than overbuilding, preserving its heritage while upgrading it to modern standards,” Gomez said.
The hotel is also emphasising local sourcing, local talent and cultural relevance, which he believes strengthens long-term business resilience while supporting the surrounding community.
Looking at 2026, Gomez said the hotel is prioritising evolving guest experiences rather than chasing short-term trends. This includes curated culinary journeys and chef-led dining experiences aimed at keeping offerings dynamic, relevant and authentic.
As Malaysia’s business and leisure travel market becomes increasingly vibrant and competitive, Gomez believes clarity of positioning will be key.
“Competitiveness comes from clarity and consistency. Hilton Petaling Jaya has a clear positioning, a strategic location and strong brand trust,” he said.
The Sun Malaysia
