A vibrant tropical city offering a fascinating fusion of old and new, Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital, commercial hub and hottest destination. Punctuated by some of the world’s tallest buildings, KL’s skyline glitters with skyscrapers housing designer malls, international offices, sophisticated bars and rave-reviewed eateries. Tucked amidst them, too, are the city’s chic hotels, simpler guesthouses and restful urban sanctuaries. Chosen for their location, amenities and design, our pick of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur promises a superb base for exploring this terrific — and often underrated — city.
Founded by Chinese and Malay tin prospectors, KL has burgeoned into a bustling Asian trading centre. The Golden Triangle, located downtown, is the hub of the commercial action. Visit the 88th-floor observatory at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, shop-til-you-drop at KLCC — one of the city’s 60+ malls — or take a more relaxing stroll in KLCC’s 50-acre city park. The trendy neighbourhoods of Bangsar and Brickfields, KL’s ‘Little India’, are brilliant for shopping, food tours and cultural explorations. Chow Kit Market, the largest wet market in the city, is well worth visiting, as are buzzing Chinatown and the lively food stalls of Jalan Alor Street. Museum-goers should head to the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, whilst families will appreciate Auqaria and the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.
This is a city that parties long after dark, and you can expect delectable Asian and international cuisine, fantastic speakeasies modelled on dimly-lit opium dens, and live music events galore. Return to one of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur for soothing spa treatments and big breakfasts on the morning after!
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Kuala Lumpur
A hip boutique hotel for well-heeled couples, friends or families in KL's former red-light district. Artisan partners have crafted rattan, wood, brass and velvet pieces for chic rooms and suites. With top-notch cocktails, innovative cuisine & guided neighbourhood tours, this is a great-value gem.
Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bintang)
A sociable Bukit Bintang hub with a funky retro vibe, this is a top spot for fun group holidays or lively work trips. Set in central KL, Journal has flexible room options with multiple beds, desks & city views. Expect communal work or event spaces, two eateries & buzzy rooftop pool parties.
Kuala Lumpur
An iconic 1930s colonial mansion with ultra glamourous interiors. Art deco spa, fantastic restaurant in an Orchid Conservatory, enormous pool, and sumptuous chic suites that have all the mod cons. A winning spot for tradition, style, and luxury rolled into one.
Kuala Lumpur (Brickfields)
A chic, minimalist offering in a striking high-rise overlooking KL's hip Bangsar and Brickfields districts. Expect pared-back rooms with crisp white linens, teak details & expansive city views. The rooftop pool is spectacular, and the two restaurants excellent. For cool couples or business visitors.
Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bintang)
A really great boutique hotel with excellent prices. Smart and sophisticated rooms, suites and family suites, all with mod cons, some with four poster beds and private balconies overlooking the courtyard. Good Malay restaurant and very family friendly.
Kuala Lumpur
A swanky Five Star modern boutique for the luxury traveller. Super contemporary suites have lots of space and enormous bath tubs. Fantastic spa, private chef or butler service, and dazzling views from the roof top Sky bar. Excellent facilities and lots of style.
Kuala Lumpur (City Centre)
A sleek new hotel in a restored Chinatown landmark, close to hip bars, hawker stalls and the Central Market. Dusky rose interiors feature natural materials in restful rooms & suites. Relax by the rooftop infinity pool or feast at two gourmet eateries: Raw Kitchen Hall & Yellow Fin Horse. Very cool.
Kuala Lumpur
Luxury on a grand scale in the centre of the city. Contemporary classic interiors throughout opulent rooms and suites. Fantastic facilities; Japanese, Cantonese, or Continental restaurants, extensive spa, business facilities, and excellent views from the poolside. Service second to none.
Kuala Lumpur
A beautiful sanctuary in the heart of KL's Golden Triangle. RuMa offers sophisticated rooms & suites with cream colour palettes, natural wood, rattan & brass accents. Unwind at the spa or infinity pool, feast on mod-Malaysian fare at ATAS, or sip cocktails with a view. A super-chic city stay.
Kuala Lumpur
Luxury on a grand scale in the city's entertainment district. Sumptuous rooms and suites in creams with all the mod-cons and private hot tubs. Fantastic Cantonese and continental restaurants, extensive spa, Kids' Club and private butler service. For those who like to be indulged on every level.
Kuala Lumpur
A calming oasis in a bustling capital. Lagoon-style swimming pool and pavilion restaurant serving fusion Malaysian cuisine. Smart luxurious rooms and suites have shiny wooden floors and all the mod cons. Ideal for anyone with an eye for style and a desire for calm.
Kuala Lumpur
Adjacent to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, the Four Seasons promises chic, contemporary rooms and suites, vast events spaces and multiple restaurants — including excellent Yun House. An indulgent choice for couples, families or business travellers, with a gym, pool and sumptuous spa. Fabulous.
