The absolute best hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Crisp. Clean. Modern. The RuMa Hotel is a spectacular option for those who want to get as close to the action as possible. We’re talking, roll out of bed, coffee, and get on your merry way. Conveniently located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll have the likes of the Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang shopping district, and The Starhill all on your doorstep. It’s perfect if you’re a creature of comfort (aren’t we all?), as all the rooms are well-kitted out with air conditioning, a desk, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and a coffee machine. Other perks include breakfast each morning, a top-tier restaurant, and a spa on-site.

Love a bit of adventure? Then you’ll certainly enjoy a stay at the luxurious Sunway Resort Hotel, where you’ll have direct access to the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and Pyramid Shopping Mall. And by luxury, we mean five-star luxury with all the bells and whistles. Picture soaking in the marbled bathroom while watching your favourite show on the flat-screen TV. While you’re at it, crack open a cool, crisp can of beer from the mini-bar. If you’re big on wellness, you can train, eat, relax, and repeat at its well-equipped fitness centre and MediSpa. The icing on the cake: breakfast at Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill. Location-wise, the hotel is a 25-minute drive from the city and just 35 minutes from the airport. Easy.

If you rarely plan your vacation around a hotel, let a stay at Else Retreats be the exception. The hotel occupies what once was the historic Lee Rubber building. Its art-décor façade opens into an unexpectedly swanky interior, redesigned to showcase the best of local craftsmanship – woven headboards by the Indigenous community and luxurious rugs by Omar Khan. But the creature comforts you’ll be interested in are the 49 tastefully designed rooms, sunken lounge, meditation pods, cosy library, and saltwater pool. For food, you can't go wrong with Yellow Fin Horse, where local produce is cooked over open flames. The best part of this hotel is its location, with bustling Chinatown at its doorstep.

You’ll be impressed by just about everything at the EQ. One of the first things you’ll want to do, upon check-in, is enjoy the stunning views of the Twin Towers from Sky51—the spot favoured for sunsets and curated cocktails. Rooms are luxuriously decorated in Malay-inspired hues and motifs, with timber floors and plush carpets, and panoramic views are guaranteed. And there are those little touches like a plunge bath, international adapters, complimentary snacks, and soft drinks.

It doesn’t end there. EQ’s first-class hospitality just so happens to include first-class dining with seven restaurants offering European, Japanese, Mediterranean, and local selections. What more you ask? How about the full-floor Sanctum Spa sanctuary or the infinity pool with underwater acoustics? Hurry and book fast.

It pays to find a hotel that’s different in design and ethos yet close to all the action. Lloyd’s Inn ticks all the boxes: a chic, urban retreat with rooms that reflect Balinese serenity. Think modern, industrial-leaning interiors, outdoor showers, plenty of natural light, and greenery. Part of the Lloyd’s Inn series, this 110-room, 15-storey hotel is arguably a standout, sporting much of the brand’s monochromatic DNA. Get some work done at the co-working spaces, dip in the rooftop jacuzzi, or lounge on a hanging cubby chair. Then, slip into Opeum Bistro for a delicious meal. Bordering the vibrant Bukit Bintang district with the Exchange TRX mall just steps away, you’re well-placed to shop, eat, drink, and party. 

Don’t you get tired of staying in ordinary, sometimes boring hotels? We hear a stay at this 180-room hotel is fantastic. Its interior drips with local art, design, and eco features like a vertical garden and an impressive installation of recycled bottles, steel bars and railway sleepers for stairs, which is no surprise given its location overlooking the KL Forest Eco Park. Expect all the modern perks in the rooms – flat-screen TVs, workstations, and walk-in showers – and some extras like hand-painted Peranakan tiles, congkak boards, and rattan furniture motifs. It would almost be too easy to stay in to enjoy the two restaurants, library, gym, and rooftop pool, but the downtown location puts you in the city’s retail and dining hub. 

What’s not to love about luxurious bedding and marble bathrooms? At the MO, you’ll be living it up in style with the Twin Towers so close, you can almost touch it. If you have the cash to splash, choose the club rooms and suites for private check-in and lounge access with afternoon tea and free-flow evening cocktails. The hotel is nestled within KLCC Park, giving you the best pick for exploring the city’s trendy cafes, bars, and shops. And since the hotel is linked to the Suria KLCC mall, some retail therapy is in order. Just make sure you can shove it all in your carry-on – or be prepared to waddle through customs in style.  

You're practically living inside an art installation when you stay at the Alila Bangsar – and that’s exactly why we love it. This contemporary oasis offers the perfect retreat from the bustling streets below and features incredible, neutrally-toned interiors designed by the Shanghai duo Neri & Hu. All standard rooms come with a desk and flatscreen TV, with the option to upgrade to a room with a balcony. Each floor also has a communal living room with complimentary refreshments. Head downstairs to enjoy Botanica + Co’s all-day menu, which is comprised of international and Asian dishes. Or if you fancy French cuisine headed up by a Japanese Michelin-star chef, try Entier. 

The undeniable charm of the Royale Chulan is largely owed to its regal, antique feel. Grand in style and size, we love its blend of chocolatey wood and cream linen that gives off a traditional istana (palace) vibe – but with all the modern luxuries including flatscreen TVs, waterfall showers and bathtubs, and a bed fit for a sultan. Situated within the Golden Triangle District, you’ll be close to the Pavilion Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, and the famous strip, ​​Bukit Bintang. When it comes to the on-site Telaga Bunga Spa, we hear the steam baths are divine. Enjoy. 

What makes this hotel a prime spot, you ask? Le Méridien is simply the creme-de-la-creme for panoramic views of the city and Lake Gardens – plus it’s just a 10-minute drive from the Golden Triangle District. The hotel’s interior sports a sleek, futuristic feel, with clean lines, funky geometric wall art, and built-in ceiling lighting. Each room is fitted with large windows to offer you a spectacular view of the city and is well-furnished with a workstation, flatscreen TV, and private bathroom. Le Meridien is also home to the award-winning international steak restaurant, Prime, serving premium meat cuts and an exceptional selection of wine you won’t find down your local. Cheers to that. 

What’s not to love about the pristine sheets, panelled walls and 24-hour room service available at Sunway’s Putras suite? Here, you’ll be living it up with Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and even a pair of cosy slippers. Sunway Putra is nestled within Kuala Lumpur’s Diamond Triangle district, giving you the best pick when it comes to exploring the City’s trendy cafes, bars and markets. And since the hotel is linked to the Sunway Putra Mall, some retail therapy is in order. Just make sure you can shove it all in your carry-on – or be prepared to waddle through customs in style.  

Enjoy a beautiful vista of the city from these modern, glossy skyline suites – just 900 yards from KLCC Park. All the rooms feature a private bathroom, flatscreen TV, complimentary toiletries, bed linen and towels. Guests of Kia Peng Suites also have access to a fitness suite, outdoor swimming pool, and playground – and you’ll have the chance to enjoy an Asian breakfast and buffet. Nearby, you have the famous Pavilion shopping mall, or you can have a gander around Starhill Gallery.