Looking for the best accommodation in Kuala Lumpur? This city has one huge secret that makes it an absolute paradise for lovers of beautiful hotels. It’s probably the cheapest Asian metropolis for luxury accommodation. For what you’d pay for a completely ordinary three-star hotel on the edge of European capitals, here you get a room in a skyscraper with an incredible view, fantastic breakfast, and access to a rooftop pool.
When planning your trip, I recommend one essential thing: don’t skimp unnecessarily on your hotel in Malaysia. The best part of experiencing this bustling city is often that moment when you plunge into cool water after a hot day and gaze directly at the illuminated Petronas Towers. It would be a huge shame to miss out on this experience just to save a few euros.
When choosing accommodation, you need to remember that Kuala Lumpur is definitely not a walkable city. The omnipresent tropical heat, missing sidewalks, and huge six-lane roads mean that you always choose hotels based on the nearest metro station, not based on distance on a map. A place that looks just across the street on a map can actually mean a fifteen-minute detour in intense heat.
TL;DR
- Best choice for luxury and views: If you want to stay right by the iconic towers, choose Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur or Mandarin Oriental. They offer the pinnacle of Asian hospitality.
- Best value for views: The iconic Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur offers legendary views of Petronas Towers directly from its rooftop bar at very reasonable prices.
- Best for first-time visitors: Choose ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur in the bustling Bukit Bintang district, where you’ll be close to great food and entertainment.
- Best for families with children: The enormous Berjaya Times Square Hotel will delight families thanks to its indoor theme park and great terrace pool.
- Best budget accommodation in the centre: The modern ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre offers an outdoor pool and great location even in the lowest price range.
💡 On this map you can compare what’s currently available — you’ll also see how much cheaper accommodation is just a few stops from the centre.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
Which Area to Choose
Choosing the right neighbourhood will completely influence your overall experience of the city. Each part of Kuala Lumpur has a completely different atmosphere, different transport levels, and suits completely different types of travellers. There’s a huge difference between staying in a quiet luxury district or right in the middle of a noisy Asian market.
The KLCC or Kuala Lumpur City Centre area is synonymous with absolute luxury, beautiful views from skyscrapers, and tranquillity. You’ll find the world’s best hotels scattered around the green KLCC park and Petronas Towers, beneath which lies the giant Suria shopping centre. It’s a great base for comfort lovers, but you should expect that in the evening this modern district is practically dead, as the tourist crowds quickly disperse to their hotels and nothing much happens on the streets.
The Bukit Bintang district is the complete opposite and represents the shopping and entertainment heart of the entire city. It’s definitely the easiest base for your first visit, as you’ll find the famous Jalan Alor street full of street food and excellent connections to both MRT lines and the monorail. The place comes alive incredibly in the evening, streets are full of lights, music, and you can find hotels here in all imaginable price categories from cheap guesthouses to five-star resorts. A convenient covered walkway also makes getting to KLCC easy.
If you’re looking for a cheaper and more authentic Asian experience, focus on Chinatown and the Merdeka area. This zone offers the cheapest central accommodation, bustling historic markets like Petaling Street, and a beautiful mix of old colonial buildings, Hindu temples, and mosques. For purely transit purposes, the KL Sentral district is ideal, from where the express train runs directly to KLIA airport. For longer and quieter stays, locals recommend the Bangsar and Mid Valley areas, where you’ll find great cafés and residential complexes, but you’re further from the main sights.
When to Go and When to Book
Kuala Lumpur has a typical tropical climate, which means year-round stable temperatures between 31 and 33 °C and humidity that hits you in the face right outside the airport doors. Seasonality here isn’t determined by temperature, which is always the same, but by rainfall. Generally, the driest months are considered to be from June to August, when the sky is clearest and it rains least.
The monsoon season brings short and very heavy afternoon downpours that can flood the streets within minutes. It’s precisely during these rainy months that you’ll fully appreciate a quality hotel with a large covered pool and reliable air conditioning, because you can’t really go sightseeing during afternoon downpours. Instead, you can stretch out in your room, visit the hotel spa, or enjoy a long lunch in the dry comfort of a shopping centre.
Accommodation prices logically rise during major global and local holidays. The busiest periods include especially the grand New Year’s Eve celebrations, when everyone wants to see the fireworks over Petronas Towers, and also Chinese New Year celebrations, when the city is bursting at the seams. Similarly, prices can temporarily spike during major international congresses that bring business people from around the world.
A big advantage of this Malaysian metropolis is its enormous and highly competitive accommodation capacity. In most cases, booking a hotel 2 to 4 weeks in advance is more than enough, with the exception of the holidays mentioned. Also keep in mind that during the holy month of Ramadan, opening hours of some local restaurants and smaller businesses may change slightly, but hotel services, breakfasts, and pools operate completely normally and won’t significantly limit you as a tourist.
18 Best Hotels in Kuala Lumpur: Where to Stay
Below you’ll find a carefully selected list of the most interesting hotels. The first section features absolute luxury properties, followed by hotels famous for their infinity pools, and the selection concludes with reliable mid-range and cheaper accommodation in the centre.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Right in the heart of the KLCC district and next to the iconic Petronas Towers stands Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, a huge skyscraper from where you have the entire pulsating metropolis at your feet. People come here mainly for that feeling of absolute pampering, which includes beautifully lit rooms with huge windows, an outdoor pool, and a luxury spa centre. The staff in the lobby and at the entrance work brilliantly, everyone is incredibly kind and attentive. If you fancy fine dining, you don’t even need to leave the building, and for more casual shopping or food, just take the elevator down to the ground floor, where the luxurious Suria KLCC shopping centre awaits.
However, expect that even though most people leave absolutely thrilled, occasionally someone mentions that such large spaces lack a bit of soul or more distinctive character. Some guests also noticed that when fully occupied, cleaning attention may occasionally slip, although for minor mix-ups, like confused birthday decorations, reception can smooth everything over with a smile. I’d probably recommend this complex mainly to those who want to stay at the most prestigious address and enjoy the reliable service of a big name right in the middle of all the action.
💡 Tip: Definitely try to book a room with a park view. The evening view of the illuminated fountains directly from the comfort of your giant bed is simply unforgettable, and in the morning you can head out for a quiet walk before the real tropical heat hits.
2. Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur
The legendary Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur stands just steps from the famous Petronas Towers and deservedly belongs among the best-rated hotels in the city. It feels a bit like an independent luxury village full of traditional Asian elegance, where you can easily hide from the noisy street. People here most praise the absolutely flawless staff and amazing outdoor infinity pool from which you look directly into the greenery of the adjacent KLCC park. A major trump card is the back entrance, through which you discreetly slip right into Suria KLCC shopping centre or onto the air-conditioned walkway leading all the way to the bustling Bukit Bintang district.
Come here if you appreciate classic design combined with modern technology and you like being taken care of down to the smallest detail. Right in the complex you’ll find five different restaurants and two bars, so you don’t need to go out for great food at all. For relaxation there’s a top spa or even virtual golf. Some might find it’s a huge complex, but the level of service reliably compensates. Rooms smell of cleanliness, room service brings surprisingly generous portions, and the view of skyscrapers from a comfortable bed has enormous charm.
💡 Tip: Definitely set aside plenty of time for their celebrated breakfast. A rich cross-section of Asian and Western cuisine awaits, from fresh tropical fruit to traditional Malaysian specialties, and you can enjoy it all without queues and calmly with a view of the park.
3. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
In the KLCC district you’ll find the architecturally very interesting Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which ranks among the best-rated hotels in the city, and immediately upon arrival you’ll understand why. Reception awaits you on the top floor, so you’re stunned by a fantastic panorama right at the entrance. People absolutely love the incredibly spacious rooms here, which feel more like luxury private residences. Thanks to huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the space is flooded with light and you can enjoy the city view even directly from the bathtub. It’s a somewhat pricier option, but if you’re looking for a place for romance and you like clean design full of glass and muted colours, you’ll be thrilled.
After a full day of running around sights, you’ll probably appreciate the large outdoor pool surrounded by greenery or the perfectly equipped wellness centre. What’s highly praised here is the rich breakfast selection and warm staff. Just expect that organization can occasionally stumble. It happens that check-in is chaotic without a clear queue, and if you write ahead for a room on a higher floor, they might give it to you only on the second try.
💡 Tip: Visit THIRTY8 restaurant on the thirty-eighth floor for afternoon tea or evening drinks. Even if you’re not staying here, the amazing desserts and three-hundred-sixty-degree view of the Petronas Twin Towers are definitely worth it for the photos.
4. W Kuala Lumpur
If you’re looking for something a bit bolder, W Kuala Lumpur in the KLCC district will probably entertain you a lot. It ranks among the best-rated hotels in the city, but forget quiet lobbies with a pianist—here you’re immediately surrounded by neon lights, modern art, and pulsating music. From what I’ve read, guests most praise the fantastic heated outdoor pool with a breathtaking view of skyscrapers, especially in the evening. Rooms are incredibly playful, spacious, and full of mirrors, with lights and music controlled via smart technology. On top of all this, they make excellent breakfasts and the staff apparently handles strict diets or allergies very well.
This hotel will especially delight younger travellers and nightlife lovers who want to enjoy luxury without unnecessary formality. You’ll find top spa facilities and two renowned restaurants that attract even the local elite. However, expect that it really comes alive here and DJs play in the afternoon and evening, so it’s not quite a place for quiet meditation. Also, I recommend being very careful when booking, because according to some experiences, hotel management is very uncompromising about cancellation fees and doesn’t refund money even in case of sudden health complications.
💡 Tip: In the evening definitely head up to the WET Deck bar right by the pool. From the local cabanas you’ll have the illuminated Petronas Towers right in front of you, great DJs play, and they mix excellent cocktails.
5. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur
The utterly unmissable The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is located right at the main KL Sentral hub, from where you have the entire metropolis within reach and avoid endless traffic jams. From the airport you’ll reach here by direct KLIA Ekspres train in less than half an hour, and you can just as easily head out to Batu Caves or historic Melaka. In reviews, people rave about the incredible care—staff here apparently make everyone feel like the most important guest. They also praise the morning breakfasts with loads of excellent pastries and beautiful classic interiors full of artwork and luxury carpets.
Expect that immediately upon arriving in the majestic lobby, you might be hit in the nose by a very intense fragrance of fresh lilies from the giant floral display, which might be a bit much for more sensitive noses. Otherwise it’s a wonderfully calm place where you can perfectly rest after a long flight by the outdoor pool, in the renowned spa centre, or in the rooftop bar with a drink in hand. It seems to me that although it mainly attracts business people and travellers on short transit stays, the pure elegance simply gets you.
💡 Tip: Definitely take advantage of their famous butler service, which you have as part of your stay. Staff will help you unpack suitcases with a smile, iron wrinkled clothes for the evening, or bring you coffee exactly as you like it straight to bed in the morning.
6. Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
Right on the border between the bustling Bukit Bintang district and quieter KLCC area stands Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, which ranks among the best-rated hotels in the city. While surrounding skyscrapers accommodate thousands of tourists, here you’ll find a beautifully intimate atmosphere and perfect tranquillity. People most praise the extremely kind staff, fabulous breakfasts with great selection, and also how rooms smell beautifully of essential oils. It seems to me this is an ideal refuge for those who prefer boutique style, renowned Asian spa, and beds so comfortable you probably won’t want to get out of them.
A huge trump card is the connection to the surroundings via elevated air-conditioned tunnels, through which you can walk in the cool directly to the Pavilion and Suria KLCC shopping galleries. It’s also a short walk to two metro stations, so heading out to sights is absolutely easy from here. Expect that it’s a very intimate place, which might not suit lovers of large bustling resorts. Here instead they bet on quiet relaxation by the beautiful pool and incredible views of the iconic Petronas skyscrapers and KL Tower, which you can admire directly from the windows.
💡 Tip: After dark definitely head to the hotel bar Vertigo. It’s among the very highest in the city and the view of the sunset over the lighting metropolis from here is simply magical, even if you just have one drink.
7. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur lies in the green KLCC district and seems like a great hotel for a city stay. Even though it’s a large resort, guests appreciate how it maintains the legendary Asian warmth. The biggest trump card here is the pool in the tropical garden and overall amenities. With four restaurants, three bars, and wellness, you really don’t need to step outside when you don’t feel like going out in the heat. It suits families and couples who want lots of services under one roof. People highly praise the large comfortable beds, pleasantly cooled rooms, perfectly equipped gym, and rich breakfasts.
However, expect that this five-star has some stricter rules. You won’t be allowed at breakfast in slippers, which can be a bit surprising on holiday. Occasionally there’s also mild disappointment about the missing welcome drink or confusion with paying tourist tax, but otherwise the staff works brilliantly. Getting around the metropolis from here is easy—you can walk to the Bukit Nanas monorail stop in about five minutes and to Dang Wangi metro station in ten. If you’re flying with children, they’ll definitely be pleased by the small tent that’s sometimes set up for them in the room.
💡 Tip: Walk thoroughly through the entire hotel garden, where you’ll come across picturesque ponds and even a real maze. Children will be absolutely delighted with it and you can at least enjoy a moment of shade under huge palm trees right in the middle of the concrete metropolis.
8. Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur
If your main goal in Kuala Lumpur is views of the famous towers, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur in the KLCC area is a legend you probably shouldn’t miss. The building stands right on the edge of the park, so nothing blocks your view, just the green tree canopies. People come here mainly for the iconic rooftop pool and famous SkyBar establishment. During the day you sunbathe here and in the evening the space transforms into a bustling bar full of music, from where you can perfectly observe the light show on the nearby fountains. According to recent reviews, the hotel has also undergone a discreet renovation, so rooms smell new and the staff is apparently incredibly friendly.
Price-wise, this property sits in the upper-mid range, but it seems like a perfect compromise if you want amazing holiday photos without paying extreme amounts for the absolutely most expensive resorts nearby. Just expect that although the space for two is absolutely generous, families with two children might find it a bit tight. You can have a great dinner right in the hotel restaurant Bara on 6, or walk to two large shopping centres nearby. Getting to sights is no problem at all, as metro access works brilliantly.
💡 Tip: Definitely pay extra when booking for a room labelled Twin Towers View. Looking from the comfort of your bed through the large window directly at the illuminated towers is exactly why people come here, and saving a few euros for a view of the wall would be a huge shame.
9. THE FACE Suites
The THE FACE Suites apartments near the KLCC area you may have already spotted in photos, as they’re a real hit on social media. People highly praise the spacious and modern rooms with a practical kitchenette. The ability to make your own coffee or heat food in the microwave comes in handy, especially if you’re travelling in a larger group of friends and crave more space than in a classic hotel. The absolute showstopper is the rooftop infinity pool on the fifty-first floor, from where you’ll get a beautiful panorama of the city. From the refreshing water you’ll see directly to the iconic Petronas Towers and Menara KL television tower.
However, expect that this popularity has its downsides. The pool gets really crowded with perfect shot hunters, and some visitors also warn about lengthy waits for elevators. Occasionally someone complains about noise from ventilation shafts, so earplugs probably won’t get lost in your suitcase. But if you don’t mind a somewhat livelier environment, you’ll get a comfortable base with kind staff, from which you can also walk to the nearest metro station and easily reach the sights.
💡 Tip: Head to the pool early in the morning right after opening. During the day and evening it gets quite crowded, so if you want a nice photo for memories without a crowd of other tourists in the background, you simply have to get up a bit early.
10. EQ Kuala Lumpur
The modern and incredibly elegant EQ Kuala Lumpur lies a short distance from the bustling Bukit Bintang district, but maintains a pleasant distance from the noise there. People come here mainly for the fantastic staff, who according to them work absolutely flawlessly from porters to housekeepers. Rooms will probably delight you with their clean and thoughtful design. They’re also equipped with smart electronics, so you control air conditioning or curtains comfortably directly from bed. A short walk from here you have large shopping centres and the iconic KLCC towers, so getting around the city is really easy.
What works brilliantly here is definitely the varied morning breakfast with huge selection. During the day you can cool off in the beautiful outdoor pool and in the evening definitely head to the popular rooftop bar for a drink and amazing view of the glowing city. The hotel seems great to me for those of you who want evening entertainment within reach, but require absolute quiet and precise European-level service for sleeping. You just need to expect that it’s a very modern high-rise complex, so lovers of small old guesthouses with creaking stairs probably won’t find what they’re looking for here.
💡 Tip: Definitely don’t miss the luxurious hotel spa Sanctum, which ranks among the best-rated in the city. Try booking an Asian massage—after a full day of walking in the heat, your feet will be incredibly grateful.
11. The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel
The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel is located right in the lively and noisy Bukit Bintang district, but trust me, it will immediately draw you in with its distinctive atmosphere. It’s a boutique property full of retro details that at first glance stands out from all those uniform glass skyscrapers around. Most praised here are the extremely helpful staff and spacious rooms with huge windows, comfortable beds, and creative decor inspired by the city’s history. People are also pleasantly surprised by the complimentary afternoon tea and free drinks in the minibar.
Expect that you’re in the very centre of the action, so right after leaving the building you’ll encounter a bustling street full of shops, huge shopping centres, and massage salons. A major showstopper is the rooftop infinity pool connected to a chill-out grill bar and modern bistro. They apparently used to play quite loud music here, but recently quieted it to a pleasant background, so you relax much better here with colourful cocktails. A minor fly in the ointment is the rather small gym. If you’re looking for another option nearby, definitely give Kingston Hotel 03 By iBilik @ Kuala Lumpur a wide berth, where guests often warn about mould, mustiness, and broken equipment.
💡 Tip: Just a few minutes’ walk from here lies the famous Jalan Alor street. In the evening this unassuming road transforms into an incredible street food paradise, where you can easily get, for example, excellent Chinese vegetable noodles or grilled corn.
12. Aloft by Marriott Kuala Lumpur Sentral
Aloft by Marriott Kuala Lumpur Sentral stands right at the main KL Sentral station and will engage you immediately upon entry with its colourful, incredibly playful and energetic design. People here hugely praise mainly the spacious rooftop pool with a Hawaiian tiki bar. You can have an excellent fruit cocktail there and just watch the activity on the train corridors deep below you. This seems to me like the best base for everyone planning train trips to the surroundings or who have a very early morning flight. From here you can get to KLIA international airport by modern express in less than thirty minutes and avoid any stress from morning highway jams.
The rooms themselves are according to guests beautifully clean, spacious, and surprisingly quiet, so you sleep excellently here after walking all day. You’ll also find very fast wi-fi and a practical work desk. What also clearly works brilliantly here is the great water pressure in the shower, which is a detail that’s appreciated after a long journey. However, expect that staff is often very inflexible about early check-in. Even if you arrive just an hour early and politely ask, they’ll usually make you wait for the exact time, so rather leave luggage at reception and head out.
💡 Tip: Definitely take advantage of the hotel’s direct connection to the large Nu Sentral shopping centre, which you can reach comfortably with dry feet. You’ll find loads of small shops, pleasant cafés, and especially affordable eateries where you’ll eat for a fraction of hotel prices.
13. Sunway Velocity Hotel
Sunway Velocity Hotel lies a bit outside the main tourist centre, but all the more you’ll appreciate what great services you get here for a very reasonable price. People most appreciate the direct connection to the huge Sunway Velocity Mall shopping centre and metro stations, so you have loads of restaurants and shopping literally under your nose. The rooms themselves are modern, clean, with pleasant green details and surprisingly spacious, with guests praising the excellent soundproofing. On top of all this, a beautiful rooftop infinity pool, outdoor jacuzzi, and twenty-four-hour gym await you.
It seems to me this is a great refuge for travellers who don’t mind shorter commutes to sights and prefer to spend saved money on massages or excellent Asian food. Transport to the centre is absolutely hassle-free and fast thanks to the metro. Someone occasionally mentions that the journey from the station to the hotel is walkable, but with heavy suitcases can be challenging, so probably pack light. Otherwise everything works like clockwork here, also thanks to incredibly kind staff who quickly and with a smile handle your every request.
💡 Tip: Expect that you definitely can’t walk to the centre from here due to huge roads and busy intersections. So always carefully check metro connections beforehand.
14. ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur
ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur lies right in the heart of the bustling Bukit Bintang district. If you’re coming here for the first time, you’ll probably have a hard time finding better accommodation. Right at the entrance you have money exchanges, shopping centres, and metro and monorail stations, which you can reach in two minutes. People here love the helpful staff, nice views, and quiet, minimalist rooms, which are a lifesaver after running all day in noisy streets. On the ground floor you’ll also find a nice arcade with restaurants and a café for morning espresso.
However, expect that occasionally some fly appears. Some guests point out that cleaning could be more thorough, and sometimes the missing USB outlets in the room are disappointing. Also be aware that the hotel has many connecting rooms, which doesn’t suit everyone. If you’re also heading out before ten in the morning, the main door is usually closed and you have to exit through the side entrance via stairs. Still, it’s a great base for me for exploring local gastronomy and nightlife.
💡 Tip: Definitely use the covered elevated walkway that connects this bustling district directly to the luxury KLCC area. You’ll save loads of time, avoid the worst afternoon heat with smog, and won’t get wet in a tropical downpour.
15. Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang
Grand Mercure Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang is a modern tall building right in the Bukit Bintang district, which suits everyone who likes the reliable standard of international chains without much experimentation. Earth-toned rooms have huge windows and especially lots of space, so you won’t be cramped even with large suitcases. The spacious bathrooms with quality cosmetics are also very pleasant. However, people here most praise the fantastic location. Right opposite you’ll find Jalan Alor street full of evening food markets, the GMBB centre is nearby, and you can walk to Chinatown in about ten minutes.
After wandering the city all day you’ll definitely appreciate the beautiful pool or well-equipped fitness centre, where you’ll gather strength for more days. Staff is incredibly kind, sometimes they even stop by your door themselves and ask if you need coffee or water refilled. Honestly though, I must mention one fly that guests occasionally point out. Room cleaning sometimes lags a bit and it can happen that housekeepers occasionally overlook some dust on the floor. Overall though, it seems to me like a nice golden middle way for quite a comfortable stay.
💡 Tip: When booking, rather ask right away for a room on higher floors. This way you’ll avoid potential noise from the busy streets below and as a bonus get much nicer views of surrounding illuminated buildings and the endless flood of cars.
16. Berjaya Times Square Hotel
The huge Berjaya Times Square Hotel in the lively Bukit Bintang district works more like an independent little town, from which you theoretically wouldn’t need to go out at all. The building is connected to a gigantic shopping centre, where you’ll discover absolutely everything from cheap Asian bistros to more luxurious restaurants. The biggest trump card here is the giant terrace pool with great views into the streets and also incredibly spacious rooms, though furnished in a classic, older style. You probably won’t be surprised that this accommodation is especially loved by families with children.
You’ll figure out entertainment for the little ones lightning fast here. Part of the shopping complex is a huge indoor theme park with a real roller coaster, so when a heavy downpour starts outside, you just take the elevator straight down to the rides. Expect that the hotel has some history behind it, so people occasionally mention slower air conditioning and missing modern USB outlets. An amusing detail for die-hard carnivores might also be that the breakfast buffet according to some guests leans more towards vegetarian offerings with the exception of eggs, but trust me, you definitely won’t go hungry here.
💡 Tip: Set aside at least half a day just for exploring the shopping complex beneath the hotel. Its size is incredible and in hundreds of shops you’ll find absolutely anything, from excellent food to very cheap electronics and clothing.
17. ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre
If you have a more limited budget but still want to stay in the central and safe KLCC district, ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre seems to me like a very reasonable choice. You can walk to the iconic Petronas Towers in a few minutes, which you’ll appreciate especially during evening city strolls. Most praised in reviews here are the incredibly kind and helpful staff, who will take care of you even beyond normal duties. Although it’s cheaper accommodation, you’ll find a very nice outdoor pool with a view and a decently equipped gym.
Expect that rooms and bathrooms are rather smaller, as is typical with this chain, but they’re modernly furnished and surprisingly quiet for the centre. Honestly though, I’ll add that occasionally guests lament slower check-in or minor imperfections in cleaning, so it doesn’t always work perfectly here. But if you spend days on trips and are mainly looking for an affordable bed near the metro, you’ll definitely be happy here.
💡 Tip: Definitely don’t be afraid to use their hotel breakfast. It’s really good, you’ll find loads of fresh fruit and it will perfectly energize you before a demanding day full of walking in the local heat.
18. Summer Suites KLCC Apartments by Soulasia
Summer Suites KLCC Apartments by Soulasia a short distance from the luxury KLCC district and Petronas Towers will suit everyone who likes independence when travelling. Most praised here are the spacious and bright apartments with a small balcony, which is quite a rarity among skyscrapers. The absolute biggest trump card is the functional kitchenette and washing machine, so you can easily wash sweaty clothes and make coffee exactly as you like it. It seems to me like a great place for longer stays lasting weeks, when you simply don’t want to eat every meal out. The large outdoor pool, jacuzzi, or local gym will serve for relaxation after a day of walking.
Expect that the equipment has probably seen better days and rooms may seem a bit shabby. This is compensated by a very pleasant price, where people paid roughly 69 pounds for three nights. Since it’s apartments, don’t expect any cleaning during your stay and there’s no breakfast either. You also won’t get any stunning city view from the pool. It’s good to know that for more varied nightlife and famous bars you have to go by Grab or public transport, although you can go to the nearby Pelita restaurant for cheap local food.
💡 Tip: Right on the ground floor of the building you’ll find a café and several small shops where you can buy basic groceries, water, or pastries. You don’t have to go shopping at all in the large and often unnecessarily overpriced supermarkets in the centre.
How to Choose the Right Hotel
When choosing accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, first erase from your mind the European notion of comfortable city walks. Even if a hotel is only five hundred metres from your chosen sight on the map, in reality you’re often stopped by an absolutely impassable multi-lane road without a crossing or a highway overpass. The city simply isn’t built for pedestrians and sidewalks are often missing. Therefore, always choose accommodation based on walking distance to a metro station (LRT or MRT) or the monorail line. Without good transport connections you’ll spend hours in traffic jams in a taxi.
Be careful with the popular marketing mantra “infinity pool”—it sounds great but doesn’t guarantee anything. Every infinity pool on the roof doesn’t automatically mean a view of the famous Petronas Towers. It just means the pool has an overflow edge. Always carefully check real photos from guest reviews to find out which direction the pool actually faces, so you’re not disappointed after arrival with a view of ordinary apartment blocks or a construction site on the other side of town.
Don’t forget about one important financial specificity of Malaysian accommodation that can surprise you when paying. There’s a universal tourist tax of 10 RM per room per night that only applies to foreigners, as locals are exempt. This amount is either collected directly when paying on the booking portal, or they’ll ask you for it at reception during check-in. It’s not a big hit to your budget, but it’s definitely good to count on it beforehand.
Where to Go Next
- What to See in Kuala Lumpur
- Malaysia Guide: What to Know Before You Go
- Itinerary for Travelling Around Malaysia
Frequently Asked Questions
Is accommodation in Kuala Lumpur expensive?
On the contrary, it’s probably the cheapest Asian metropolis for luxury hotels. For the price of an average European three-star hotel, you’ll get a beautiful room in a five-star skyscraper with a rooftop pool and excellent service. It’s definitely worth investing a bit more in accommodation here, because the experience and views are worth it.
Which neighborhood is best for a first visit?
The best choice is definitely the Bukit Bintang district. It’s the shopping and entertainment center of the city with absolutely perfect metro access. Plus, you’ll find the famous Jalan Alor street here, where the evening atmosphere is amazing and you can taste the best street food. It’s a great base from which to explore the entire city.
Do I need a hotel close to a metro station?
Absolutely yes. Kuala Lumpur isn’t a city built for pedestrians, sidewalks often don’t exist and the city is cut through by wide, impassable highways. Add to that the intense tropical heat. A hotel within walking distance of the metro or monorail will save you a lot of money on taxis and spare your nerves when crossing streets.
What is the tourist tax in Malaysia?
Malaysia has a universal tourist tax of 10 RM per room per night. This tax applies only to foreigners (locals are exempt) and you’ll pay it either in advance during online booking on the portal, or directly at reception during check-in. It’s a good idea to have cash ready for this.
Is the KLCC neighborhood a good choice for nightlife?
KLCC is an absolutely great neighborhood for luxury, peace and fantastic views of the Petronas Towers from your room window. However, you should expect that after dark, both tourists and locals retreat to their hotels and the streets here are quite empty and quiet. For vibrant nightlife, music and bars, you’ll need to head elsewhere.
Does an infinity pool guarantee views of the Petronas Towers?
Definitely not. The term infinity only means that the pool has an overflow edge and blends with the horizon, it says nothing about its location. Always carefully check photos from real guest reviews to find out whether the pool faces the famous towers, or just ordinary buildings.
What’s the weather like and will I actually use the pool?
Kuala Lumpur has year-round temperatures around 32 °C plus enormous, very exhausting humidity. A hotel pool here really isn’t a luxury, but an absolute necessity for survival. Especially during monsoon season, when strong afternoon downpours arrive, the ability to relax in the water or in an air-conditioned room is priceless.
Can you find vegetarian food around the hotels?
Yes, absolutely no problem. Malaysia is an amazing mix of cultures, so besides local specialties you’ll find Chinese bistros with tofu everywhere, or the fantastic Indian quarter Little India full of purely vegetarian restaurants serving great thali. Definitely try the local iced desserts like the refreshing ais kacang.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
