Carcosa Seri Negara considered to be the most historic colonial hotel in Kuala Lumpur, brings together two handsome richly appointed colonial mansions: Carcosa, 101 years old in 1999; and Seri Negara, which opened its doors in 1913. Both originally served as genteel residences for only the most senior of colonial civil servants in British Malaya; from governors to British High Commissioners. The hotel formally opened in 1989, following the stay of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

In 1896, Sir Frank Swettenham, the newly appointed Resident General of the new Federated Malay States, started constructing his official residence above the Lake Gardens in Kuala Lumpur. The name ‘Carcosa’ was chosen by Swettenham himself, probably refering to the house in Italian as “Cara Cosa” or “Dear Thing”. The sister mansion to Carcosa, the King’s House, was built around the hillside. It was to house the Governor of the Straits Settlements as well as other illustrious guests of the Malay Federation. The King’s House was later renamed “Seri Negara”, which means “Beautiful Country.”

Carcosa became host to many different individuals: the “Resident General”, then the “Chief Secretary”, and then the “British Resident, Selangor State.” During World War II, it became the Japanese Senior Officer’s Army Mess. After the war, the mansions housed Senior British Officers until a Chief Secretary was appointed.

With independence imminent in September 1956, the Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, presented the Deeds of Carcosa and its 40 acres of land to the British Government as a gift, a token of good will. Carcosa then became residence to a succession of British High Commissioners.

Carcosa was returned to the Government of Malaysia in 1987. In 1989, after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II stayed at Carcosa during the meeting of the Commonwealth nations- The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), both mansions were administered together forming Carcosa Seri Negara. Internally, Carcosa Seri Negara has gone through several changes.

What had been drawing rooms, studies and small guestrooms are now suites and function/ banquet rooms. But externally, Carcosa Seri Negara preserves its original outlines. The mansions, set against the manicured lawns and the Lake Gardens, shows a part of Malaysia that will seemingly never change.

The 13 suites at Carcosa Seri Negara are furnished in distinctive regency style with fine brocades, old etchings and Malaysian objects d’art. Several suites have large terraces; two actually come with private dining rooms.

Suites are identified by their own name, derived from names of Malaysian States. Most state names are followed by a descriptive virtue of the State. That description, prefaced by “Seri” (Malay for “beautiful”) is often reflected in the design of the suite itself.

All suites are air-conditioned, furnished with a mini-bar, television, writing desk, video player, and CD player. However, the seven refurbished period suites at Carcosa Mansion have been fitted with full marble bathrooms, new music systems, satellite TV and dual ports for fax and Internet access.