The Singaporean hotelier behind Lloyd’s Inn Kuala Lumpur, one of the city's most stylish boutique hotels

When Joan Chang co-founded Lloyd's Inn, a boutique hotel brand renowned for its distinctive designs inspired by nature, she didn't foresee it expanding beyond Singapore so rapidly. But the recent opening of Lloyd's Inn Kuala Lumpur marks a significant milestone – the brand's second international and largest outpost (the Singapore property stands at just two storeys, while the Bali property is four storeys) and a new chapter for the young hospitality company.

Lloyd's Inn Kuala Lumpur is a 178-room hotel situated in the bustling heart of the city's Golden Triangle area, conveniently adjacent to the new Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) mall. The hotel brand, which launched in 2015 with its flagship property in Singapore's River Valley area, has carved out a unique niche by artfully fusing industrial, raw architectural elements with lush greenery and ample outdoor living spaces. This formula proved equally successful in Bali, where the brand gained a foothold in the competitive Balinese hospitality landscape, with an outpost in Seminyak in 2018.

"We believe there is ample room for our brand expansion in Malaysia as Kuala Lumpur is a thriving hub for many tourists, both those travelling for work and leisure," said Chang, reflecting on the strategic decision to plant roots in the Malaysian capital. "Our premier location in the KLCC district offers guests a tranquil oasis to recharge and relax, yet with all the conveniences of the city right at their doorstep."

However, the path to opening Lloyd's Inn KL was not without its obstacles. Construction faced considerable delays caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which also dealt a harsh blow to international tourism demand and cash flows across the hospitality industry.

"It was an immensely challenging period, no doubt," Chang, who is Singaporean, candidly admitted. "Not only for this KL project, but for our overall business operations which were heavily impacted by the muted tourism climate affecting the entire sector."

But the determined co-founder persevered, once again collaborating with the visionary team at Farm, the acclaimed design firm responsible for conceptualising the striking aesthetic of the brand's Singapore and Bali properties.

"We worked with Farm again as they intimately understand and helped shape the unique identity of the Lloyd's Inn brand from the very start," Chang explained. "The core design ethos – encompassing the outdoors, facade, finishes, guestrooms and more – remains fundamentally the same. But it was adapted and supersized for KL in the form of a high-rise tower, marking our first such vertical property."

True to the brand's unconventional approach, Lloyd's Inn KL features an industrial raw concept that immerses travellers in a slice of Balinese natural serenity, even in the heart of the city. All guestroom showers are open-air and outdoor, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living.

One notable addition unique to the KL property is the inclusion of co-working spaces and meeting rooms, catering to the needs of business travellers who may require areas to work, collaborate or host events.

"We retained the same core brand ethos that defines all of our properties in Singapore and Indonesia," Chang clarified. "But certain elements like room configurations are localised to cater to nuances in guest preferences and needs in different markets."

More than just providing accommodations, Chang hopes guests spending time at Lloyd's Inn KL will be transported to a rejuvenating personal sanctuary, experiencing a literal breath of fresh air despite being nestled in the midst of the city's concrete jungle.

"Our goal is for them to check in feeling utterly removed from the chaos of urban living, able to unwind surrounded by nature's calming presence," she described. "Yet just by stepping outside, they have the ultimate convenience of world-class shopping, dining and entertainment right at their fingertips."

The hotel has certainly made an immediate visual impact on the KL skyline, with its abundance of greenery overflowing from its distinct facade providing a striking contrast against the surrounding steel and glass towers. Chang hopes it will evolve into not just an attractive lodging option but a singular destination and attraction in its own right.

In the first few months since opening, Lloyd's Inn KL has welcomed a healthy mix of local Malaysian guests, international tourists, and visitors already familiar with the brand from Singapore. The property's debut has generated positive buzz, particularly among business travellers who appreciate the tailored co-working areas and meeting facilities.

"So far, the feedback has been tremendous," Chang shared. "In KL, our unique hospitality concept – blending nature, innovative design and city living – truly offers something new and refreshing for this market. The co-working spaces have been especially popular among corporate guests and the entrepreneurial crowd."

As Lloyd's Inn continues expanding its geographic footprint, the company is already underway with its subsequent significant development – Lloyd's Inn Suites in Bali, Indonesia. This premium, upscale extension will feature lavish private pools for guests craving an ultra-luxurious resort atmosphere.

When asked about inspirations that drive her entrepreneurial vision, Chang points to other trailblazing women who have successfully built multi-generational real estate and hospitality empires across Asia.

"I have great respect for accomplished leaders like Carolyn Choo from Worldwide Hotels and Chew Gek Khim of Straits Trading Company," she said. "They've both managed to grow sustainable, profitable businesses that prioritise long-term wealth creation and preservation across multiple family generations."

With the launch of Lloyd's Inn KL, Chang is well on her way to writing her own chapter as a daring, design-focused entrepreneur reshaping the Asian boutique hotel landscape. Her journey has certainly faced turbulence and adversity but remains anchored in a distinctive hospitality concept that seamlessly weds nature with urban living. As the Lloyd's Inn story continues unfolding across new cities, Chang's innovative vision seems poised only to grow bolder.