Best city hotels and hostels under RM200 in KL

MoMo’s, situated in the heart of Chow Kit, is something quite special. Setting itself apart as a “social hotel” with a regular roster of events and programming including DJ parties, karaoke nights and stand-up comedy, its community space-slash-lobby The Playground is ideal for making friends with fellow travellers. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in style and spunk. Inside, the 99 rooms are small — ranging from 11sqm to 16sqm — but are beautifully-, if minimally-, designed and come with all the basic amenities plus a 43” smart television and warm lighting.

316 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur (03 2776 6666).

It’s the most fun you’ll have in 14sqm. At citizenM, there’s only one type of room – all identical in terms of amenities and size, and designed for two adults to share. Aside from all the essentials, plus its prime address in Bukit Bintang, one thing that citizenM does better than the other hotels in its class is in tech fittings and features; blackout blinds, mood lighting, and the smart television can be controlled via the citizenM app or in-room tablet. Hot meals, snacks, drinks and more are available 24/7 at the on-site canteen and bar. The hotel’s lobby area is designed to resemble a living room featuring contemporary art, books and literature, iMacs for guest use, and plenty of seating areas for leisure or work. Good to know: Score cheaper rates when you book on third-party platforms instead of direct. 

128 Jalan Pudu, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur (WhatsApp text only: +44 744 417 1707).

Sleeping Lion Suites has the advantage of a spectacular location in the city, smack in the middle of Bukit Bintang. It’s an ideal base for shopping all year round; within walking distance are Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, The Exchange TRX, and The Starhill. Inside the hotel, there are 906 guest rooms outfitted with air-conditioning, flat-screen television, Wi-Fi, and all the amenities. Pleasing extras include an infinity swimming pool on the rooftop, a sauna and steam room, and a state-of-the-art gym with views of the city. 

5 Jalan Walter Granier, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur (03 2119 8999).

At lyf (pronounced “life”), there’s no fuss or formality. The hotel delivers  functional rooms with pops of colours that do away with the frills — it’s comfortable and contemporary, finished with a flat-screen television, a safe, and an en-suite bathroom. Truly, at these rates, what more could you ask for? Perhaps the property’s biggest draw, aside from its address, are the on-site facilities: there’s a café and restaurant, a kitchen, a gym, a launderette, plus a co-working lounge and a meeting room. After check-in, you’re free to explore the surrounding streets of Chinatown and Masjid Jamek on foot, with Bukit Bintang only a short walk away. 

13 Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur (03 2706 8899).

Indie Hotel sits on Jalan Ceylon, steps from the hustle and bustle of Changkat Bukit Bintang’s fashionable restaurants and bars. The rooms range from small to extra large — the biggest one at 35 sqm fits a king bed and a queen bed — and feature amenities such as a 40-inch flat-screen television, minibar, an en-suite bathroom, a workspace, Wi-Fi, and more. A Time Out tip: Ask for a room with views of the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the seventh-tallest in the world. 

9 Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur (03 2070 9000).

More than a hotel, Komune Living in Bangsar South is a co-living concept with apartment-style rooms and private lofts and studios, as well as community spaces and facilities such as a café, a communal kitchen, a games area, a gymnasium, and an infinity pool. 

It’s great for both short- and long-term stays, especially for those after an affordable, hassle-free experience with like-minded individuals and travellers. Whether you’re treating yourself to alone time or taking time off with family and friends, there’s a stylish dig for you outfitted no less with air-conditioning, a television, an in-room safe, a mini refrigerator, and a bathroom with a standing shower, plus concierge, 24/7 security, housekeeping, linen and towels, and more. Tip: Longer stays equals greater savings when you book directly.

20 Jalan Kerinchi Kiri 3, Kampung Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur (03 2742 5788).

In the bustling Chow Kit neighbourhood, Hilton Garden Inn offers business and leisure guests affordable accommodations with amenities such as a business centre, a fitness centre, a rooftop pool, bar and lounge, room service, and more. The vibe skews upscale. There are thoughtful touches in every room: a generous workspace with charging outlets for all your devices plus complimentary Wi-Fi, a television, a mini refrigerator, a safe, air-conditioning, and an iron and ironing board to make you feel at home. 

At the airy, bright lobby, guests may check in at the reception — or if you’re a Hilton Honors member, access benefits such as digital check-in and digital key, plus earn loyalty points, enjoy exclusive member discounts and more. 

452 Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100 Kuala Lumpur (03 2771 6888).

Travelodge Bukit Bintang is excellent at all the essentials. Think 24/7 support, complimentary high-speed internet, and comfortable light-filled rooms with plush bedding. Every morning from 7am, the breakfast buffet at the on-site restaurant Anytime Dining will set you up for the day. Don’t stay inside for too long though — after all, you’re only steps from Jalan Alor’s street food and the hip cafés and bars at Changkat Bukit Bintang, and a few stops from most of the city’s major attractions.

16 Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur (03 2143 1818).

The Bed KLCC is a capsule hotel ideally located (approximately a ten-minute walk from the Twin Towers) in the city centre. There’s a good mix rooms from single pods (front entry, side entry, mixed gender, female only) and private single and twin rooms to rooms for families and friends who want to stay together. Other amenities include luggage storage, free WiFi and an Insta-friendly lounge to chill out and meet friends.

12 Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL (03 2715 2413).

Combining a co-living space with social events, Mingle @ Chinatown occupies a fantastic 100-year-old heritage building in Chinatown along the city’s heritage trail. During its pre-WWII heyday, it was a social hub where locals gathered for mahjong, drinks and poetry readings. Accommodation comes in the form of private rooms (double, twin, triple, quad) and shared bunk rooms. Socialising happens at the rooftop space which turns into a bar as the sun sets, and it’s within walking distance to transport hubs, cafés, bars and local tourist sites. Mingle also has a new hostel Mingle @ Highstreet opened just this past April, located on Jalan Tun HS Lee which has a private pool.

53 Jalan Sultan, KL (03 2022 2078).

For the adventurous this sci-fi themed capsule hotel in Chinatown is just the ticket. Amenities at the Space Hotel, include Android TV in premium capsules, key card access, rain showers, 24-hour self-service laundry, free WiFi and Continental breakfast. Décor ranges from galaxy murals, neon lighting and astronaut paraphernalia and there’s even a slide! There are single and double capsules (mixed and female only), and family rooms.

3rd Floor, 5 Jalan Petaling, KL (03 2022 3330).