The 15 best boutique hotels in Kuala Lumpur

The RuMa, derived from the Malay word ‘rumah’ for home, is a love letter to Kuala Lumpur; this much we know to be true, from the terracotta bird cage at the foyer inspired by the canaries in cages sent down to the tin mines of yore, to the twin sculptural staircases recalling those found in old colonial houses. There are over 250 guest rooms and suites — from 43sqm deluxe rooms to two-bedroom suites for families and bigger groups — with amenities such as 330-thread count Egyptian cotton bed linen, a complimentary minibar and high-definition television, in addition to in-room dining, concierge, and laundry services.

There is a spa and a pool, certainly; a gold-graded infinity pool, no less, with sun-soaked chaise lounges and sofa beds dotting the deck. Come evening, everyone heads to ATAS, a buzzy, modern Malaysian eatery currently helmed by Mandy Goh. Treat yourself to the charcoal-grilled coral lobster here before topping off your evening with a nightcap at SEVEN.  

Which room? For your stay, the most difficult decision you’ll have to make is the one at the very beginning i.e. which room you’ll book into. Some come with views of The Exchange 106, others Twin Towers, with daybeds by the window to drink in said views. No matter what, it’ll be tastefully on-theme with copper vanity basins, rattan furniture and screens inspired by kain pelikat patterns.

What’s nearby? The RuMa is nestled in the very heart of the city’s Golden Triangle, so you’ll be within walking distance to Suria KLCC and its sprawling park, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, The Starhill, and more.

Budget range: It’s reasonably-priced for a 5-star hotel.

Time Out tip: The facilities are top-notch. We’d spend a good hour or two at UR SPA indulging in the epitome of Malaysian wellness: ancient healing traditions meet high-performance treatments with tangible results.

Just when you think that Kuala Lumpur’s hotels are all starting to look the same, KLoé swoops in to turn the capital’s hospitality scene on its head. Ng Ping Ho and Cheryl Samad — yes, the director-and-actress power couple, now hoteliers — committed to creating “a home for the creative and the curious” with the 85-key hotel, collaborating with artists and collectives such as LAIN for handcrafted furniture, Nala Designs for branding, and OUR ArtProjects for art curation. The rooms, arranged around a central courtyard, come with Aēsop toiletries, a Nespresso machine and views of the city skyline or the pool, but if you want a real deal (jazz hands) staycation, check in to the artist lofts instead: each is one-of-a-kind and outfitted with everything you need to channel the artist in you. 

Room To Draw, curated by Joee Cheong, is equipped with brushes, paint, sketchbooks; Room To Taste, curated by celebrity chef Sarah Benjamin, features a communal dining table, cookbooks, and a personal pantry of artisanal produce (you can fix yourself a little cheese kaya toast, for a treat!); and Room To Grow, curated by Ohsum Mossum, is your greenhouse in the city. Put a record on in Room To Listen curated by fono’s Rudy La Faber, which is specially-built with a sound system centred by a vinyl turntable, or curl up with a good book in Room To Read featuring floor-to-ceiling shelves of books dedicated to art, culture, philosophy, poetry and literature, curated by Tintabudi. 

On-site is also Lucky Coffee Bar for your early morning fix and the all-day modern restaurant Monroe, plating up casual comfort food in a bright, breezy setting. 

Which room? Splurge a little for one of the artist lofts.

What’s nearby? Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, The Exchange TRX, The Starhill and more are mere steps away.

Budget range: A great rate for a city escape.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss its curated weekend events featuring creative workshops, DJ nights, markets and more.

If you’re looking to hole away from the rigours of the outside world, you might not start with the neighbourhood of Chow Kit, once infamous for its seedy rep — and yet, rather than shy away from its sordid past, the namesake boutique hotel celebrates it: cheeky fringe on a curtain’s edge in a nod to late-night revels in the 70s; snug suites evoking gambling dens; deep banquettes, lounge chairs and rugs finished in fabrics and textiles traded in surrounding streets. Each room features bespoke toiletries, free high-speed WiFi and smart television. 

For dining and drinking, The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar is the hotel's heart, celebrating the multiculturalism of Malay cuisine from the north and south. At the bar, the cocktails are crafted with a nod to local flavours, like the asam boi pomelo with a Jose Cuervo Tradicional twist, or gula Melaka penicillin.

Which room? Though the rooms are incredible, it’s the Towkay Soh Suite — meaning ‘The Boss Lady Suite’ in the local Hokkien dialect — you should plump for, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the ever-changing Kuala Lumpur skyline, a rain shower, and luxury linens atop a king-sized bed. Add to that a lounge area, a reading corner, and an all-day happy hour, and you’ve got the ingredients for a boss lady escape. 

What’s nearby? Explore Chow Kit on foot: there’s the market and sights, plus a ton of cafés, old-school kopitiams, and restaurants around. Check out Joloko for a fun night with mezcal, tequila, and natural wines. 

Budget range: Snug, stylish, and value for money.

Time Out tip: If you’re after things to do, the hotel offers a walking tour for foodies around the neighbourhood. Sample the best of Chow Kit’s street food, including childhood snacks and kopitiam staples.

Clue’s in the name, you might say, because Else is something else. Gritty yet glamorous, steps away from Chinatown, the 49-room hotel spanning over 56,000 square feet and seven floors is sited within the beautifully restored Lee Rubber Building. Once inside, expect respite from the bustle, beelines and bus honkings of city life. Studio Bikin, appointed by first-time hoteliers Javier Perez and Justin Chen, has reimagined the 1930s art deco property into a chic, modern space, where the raw meets the refined. Think retro banquette seating and Roman columns at the lobby; in the gym, floatation pods available for 60- or 90-minute treatments; and exceptional art handpicked by Gilded Lion.

Raw Kitchen Hall, the dining-living hall serving up playful Latin-Asian sharing plates, and Jun Wong’s Yellow Fin Horse, championing elemental cooking over open flames, are two of the hottest new openings in the city. Hunger sated, thirst quenched, retreat into your 45-sqm Sanctuary to enjoy scenic views from the private balcony for some peace and quiet. 

Which room? The rooms are all gorgeous, to be sure, but the 45-sqm Sanctuary room is perfect for one or two weary urbanites: it’s big enough with all the trimmings (Dyson hairdryer, Omno toiletries), and not over four-figures for one night. 

What’s nearby? It’s smack in the middle of Chinatown, downtown. 

Budget range: It’s a five-star hotel and a Small Luxury Hotels of the World-listed property, so expect a price tag slightly on the higher end.

Time Out tip: For that extra boost of stillness and serenity, don’t miss the state-of-the-art floatation pod at the hotel gym, available for 60- and 90-minute sessions exclusively for in-house guests.

Budget-friendly boutique hotels can be beautiful, too. A small gem in the heart of Chinatown, Tian Jing Hotel’s Chinese-style architecture filters through to even its tiniest rooms, making for an affordable and charming base from which to explore the city. The fifteen rooms, built around an inner courtyard or tian jing 天井 (which translates to ‘air well’), come with high ceilings, smart television, Wi-Fi… and, interestingly, a balcony or a sheltered patio that doubles as the bathroom. Design-wise: it’s airy and very retro; think crisp white linens, enamel sink and copper piping, plus furniture hand-picked from all over Malaysia.

Which room? The king room with a patio is the biggest at 35sqm. But if you prefer lots of natural light (and don’t mind a slightly smaller space), book the king room with a balcony for the same price.  

What’s nearby? You’re in Chinatown, so you’re within walking distance of all the sights like Central Market, a few Chinese and Hindu temples, plus the hottest restaurants and bars.

Budget range: A good budget option.

Time Out tip: Its café, Lim Kee, is often packed and serves coffee, tea, kombucha, and small bites like roti kahwin with half-boiled eggs, polo bun, and sweets.

What MoMo’s lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality. Its 99 minimalist rooms have everything you need and nothing more: all rooms come with 43-inch smart televisions with device casting, comfy beds, warm dimmable lighting to help set the mood, toiletries from Jeanie Botanicals and free high-speed WiFi throughout the property. Accommodation aside, MoMo’s biggest pull is that it’s a “social hotel” with a regular roster of events; instead of a traditional lobby (boring!), it has The Playground,  a dynamic, ever-evolving space that hosts a line-up of exciting events, parties and food pop-ups. 

The restaurant serves crave-worthy comfort food from juicy burgers and cheesy pastas to crispy, shareable snacks and milkshakes, while the bar has all-day happy hour, cocktails, mocktails, and more.

Which room? This depends: do you like bunk beds, or are you a couple or simply prefer a queen-size bed? Either way, the Bunkies are compact at 12sqm, while the Crashpads are outfitted with either a queen bed or two twin beds. 

What’s nearby? Sights such as Chow Kit Market, Kampung Baru, temples, plus dining, drinking, and shopping options.   

Budget range: Book a stay from RM110 in the heart of Chow Kit.

Time Out tip: This is a place to eat, play, and maybe sleep. MoMo's parties can go on into the night, so if you’re not down for that, indicate at time of booking that you’d prefer a quiet(er) room.

On Jalan Kamuning, within walking distance to The Exchange TRX, Lloyd’s Inn makes its Kuala Lumpur debut. At fifteen stories high, Lloyd’s Inn Kuala Lumpur is the first of the Lloyd’s Inn series to take to the skies but much like its siblings in Bali and Singapore, it maintains a minimalist, almost reductive approach to design to bring the outdoors in: raw finishes on the walls and floors run into the rooms, where planter boxes, private verandas or small balconies provide a little hint of green. All rooms are fully air-conditioned, and come with en-suite bathroom with toiletries, smart television, Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and breakfast inclusive.

Elsewhere in the hotel, the front desk is open 24/7 with luggage storage and shower facilities; there’s a dipping pool overlooking the city skyline; all-day dining at Opeum Bistro and The Tea Room; a community space that doubles up as a co-working space; two sky terraces, and more.

Which room? The Business Room and The Sky Room feature, most importantly, the hotel’s signature outdoor bathtub, plus a desk and a cute cubby swing. If you’re going for size though, The Big Garden Room has a generous outdoor garden with a swing to boot.

What’s nearby? Lloyd’s Inn is conveniently located within Imbi and a stone’s throw away from The Exchange TRX, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the Petronas Twin Towers.

Budget range: Mid-range.

Time Out tip: Head down early for breakfast (it’s included in the room rate) as the restaurant gets crowded, or hey, there are tons of eating options available within walking distance.

If you like affordability with a little attitude, you’ll fit right in at citizenM. Think colourful, contemporary convenience. There’s no conundrum of choice here as all rooms are identical and designed for two adults, but special attention is given to the most important details: a king-sized bed fitted with the “world’s fluffiest pillows”, blackout blinds, mood lighting, smart television, and superfast Wi-Fi with cast-streaming.

The ground floor houses the check-in kiosks, the iconic citizenM living room with sofas for lounging, lots of books to browse and iMacs for guest use, plus the 24/7 canteenM for food and drinks.

Which room? It’s all identical!

What’s nearby? Eat your way through the famous food street, Jalan Alor. There’s also Changkat Bukit Bintang nearby, as well as other entertainment and shopping options. citizenM is within easy reach of LRT, MRT and monorail lines.

Budget range: You won't find a better nightly rate for somewhere so stylish and lively. 

Time Out tip: You can add breakfast to your booking for a flat rate of RM35 (excluding tax), but you’re so close to so many cafés, kopitiams, and markets that you might want to eat out instead.

AMI Suites’ art deco stylings feel almost radical at a time when many hotels are converging in a sea of soft whites and subtle beiges. That makes it one-of-a-kind; AMI Suites is a touch wacky and whimsical with its take on “looser luxury”, designed with a bold approach, clashing colours and patterns. All 115 suites, from studios to three-bedroom suites, are equipped with amenities for a home away from home, such as air-conditioning, a 40-inch television with Netflix, complimentary Wi-Fi, plus a full-fledged kitchen. Design-wise, expect brass-top side tables, painterly rugs, and wall features. 

The French fantasy takes flight at the hotel’s facilities and shared spaces, like the sky pool, the Pamukkale-inspired jacuzzi pods, the sleek black marble-and-gold-accented gym equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym, and more. Other bells and whistles include daily housekeeping, laundry and dry cleaning services upon request, and complimentary refreshments at the lobby. 

Which room? Well, this depends on the size of your party. For a short me-time staycation, even the Snug Studio (the hotel’s smallest at 380sqf) will do just fine. The three-bedroom suite fits six people if you’re travelling with family or a larger group.

What’s nearby? The hotel is near MATRADE and MITEC, so it’s perfect for business travellers. Also within walking distance: Publika Shopping Gallery and Solaris Mont Kiara (lots of Japanese and Korean restaurants). The city centre is a short drive or taxi ride away.

Budget range: Value for price.

Time Out tip: Be sure to ask for a room (subject to availability) with views of the city skyline or Suria KLCC.

The Kuala Lumpur Journal is a hotel that’ll make you proud as a Malaysian: 555 notebooks are used as hotel notepads, while art installations reference local culture such as the Pop Pop firecrackers and Malaysian road signages. It’s impossible not to be swept up by KL’s charms as each room is decked out with a blown-up photograph of the city by local street photographer Che’Ahmad Azhar. Sterile boardrooms are replaced with a creative communal space named ‘Workers Union’, and you can always sneak in a mini-break between meetings at their alfresco ‘The Shack’ beer garden. If a dancefloor is what you’re after, Changkat is just a seven-minute walk away.

Which room? Practically every room here is a win, with spacious interiors, floor-to-ceiling city views and a minibar. 

What's nearby? Situated in Bukit Bintang, you'll have the benefit of having a wealth of concept bars and cool shops at your disposal. 

Budget range: Rooms here are super cheap for a typical five-day vacation. 

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the rooftop infinity pool set against the dramatic city skyline.

If you're looking for a home away from home in the heart of Kuala Lumpur amid a hotel setting, this is the place for you. Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon offers fully-furnished serviced apartments to its guests – with free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs and modern fittings. The ensuite bathroom includes a hairdryer and handy bathroom amenities while many restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance. There's also an on-site gym for keeping up with your workout routine and a playground for the kids if you need to catch up on some emails.

Which room? Inside these roomy apartments, you'll find ultra-calming pastel interiors and exceptional city views. The only major difference is the number of beds. 

What's nearby? Centrally located, Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon puts you close to the city's vibrant entertainment hub where you'll find a good mix of cheap eats, nightlife and shops.

Budget range: Another great low-budget option. 

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the Olympic-size swimming pool. 

If your idea of a vacation is checking into a hotel and not leaving it, then Villa Samadhi should be at the top of your list. Operated by the same group that runs Japamala Resort in Pulau Tioman and Tamarind Springs restaurant, Villa Samadhi operates on the ‘villa-in-a-room’ concept with contemporary, Asian-inspired accommodation that includes everything you need for a getaway, particularly a romantic one – an outdoor Jacuzzi, showers, private gardens and a balcony that opens directly to the swimming pool are just some of the features on offer. A stay at the 21-room resort doesn’t come cheap though, but the rooms are spacious, with the smallest starting at 51 sqm, and the largest at 83 sqm, complete with a private pool.

Which room? If you can afford to push the boat out a bit, we'd highly recommend opting for The Loft apartment that features a private pool, a balcony and a minibar. 

What’s nearby? No more than a 10-minute drive away from Bukit Bintang, Pavillion, and Petronas Twin Towers. 

Budget range: A stay at this designer oasis sits on the luxury end, no doubt owing to the resort's blend of natural elements and modern design like the impeccable carpentry and dreamy outdoor lagoon.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the shuttle service to Tamarind Springs for a romantic night out.

Located at the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang, WOLO (which stands for ‘We Only Live Once’) Bukit Bintang is ideally placed to explore the heart of KL. Not only are shopping malls like Lot 10, Sg Wang Plaza and Pavilion KL within walking distance, but the building also houses two of KL’s most talked about dining and drinking venues: Mr Chew’s Chino Latino Bar on the penthouse floor and the all-day dining Brasserie Fritz on the ground floor.

WOLO’s rooms are designed to be stylish, simple and practical – it even bagged the 2015 Southeast Asia Property Awards for Best Interior Hotel Design – with pale wood panels and tatami-style beds making most of the space within each room. The prices are fairly reasonable for such a great location, with weekday room rates starting from RM210nett per night, and seasonal promotion rates going as low as RM180nett per night.

Which room? Depending on your budget, we'd definitely recommend picking a room with a window for the city views 

What’s nearby? Wolo Bukit Bintang puts you within walking distance of all the main points of interest including, the Pavillion shopping centre, Suria KLL and Petronas Twin Towers. 

Budget range: Incredibly chic and affordable rooms. 

Time Out tip: Take advantage of partying the night away at the bar upstairs, and waking up to freshly made croissants from the bakery downstairs. 

This luxury hotel is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels, a list of independent hotels that includes The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Pier One Sydney Harbour and Edinburgh’s The Glasshouse Hotel – so you know you’re in for a great stay. Located on Jalan Kamunting, the city luxury hotel is just a stone’s throw away from Yut Kee and The Row, providing ample dining and drinking options from day to night.

Not that the dining options within are anything to be scoffed at – Mantao Bar, located by the rooftop swimming pool offers a great view of the city skyline; while Brasserie 25 on the ground floor is known for its ‘Le Gouter’ afternoon tea set, and serves classic French dishes like bouillabaisse, l’entrecote du boeuf and escargots in a casual and chic setting. The 184 rooms are designed with all the amenities you’d expect of this calibre of hotel – free Wi-Fi, HD TV, complimentary minibar and espresso coffee machine –  and start from the 30-sqm Deluxe room to the 38-sqm Executive Studio room.

Which room? All of the rooms boast cool, urban interiors with offer access to a rooftop pool but if had to pick, but if you want more space on a budget, then the Executive Deluxe room is the sweet spot. 

What’s nearby? Find a number of cute coffee coffee options within a three-minute walk. 

Budget range: Another affordable steal for the budget-savvy traveller. 

Time Out tip: take advantage of ‘Le Gouter’ afternoon tea set, where you can enjoy unlimited servings of French tea-time treats from 3-6 pm at RM80 per person.  

Unless you’ve stayed at Sekeping Tenggiri multiple times, you may not notice that the renovated backyard is in fact new. Landscape architect Ng Sek San, also the designer of the Sekeping retreats, converted a 200 sq ft space at the back of the Sekeping Tenggiri guesthouse into Sekeping Backlane, a self-contained unit, equipped with just one loft room that sleeps two people, a small kitchen and a bathroom. While lorong belakangs are commonly neglected as just abandoned walkways, Sek San has cleverly transformed Tenggiri’s back lane (hence the retreat’s name) into a shady garden.

Which room? It's worth opting for an upper-level room with a veranda overlooking the garden. 

What’s nearby? This secluded little haven is a stone's throw from Thean Hou Temple and Little India Brickfields.  

Budget range: An affordable retreat for two. 

Time Out tip: Take advantage of the rooftop garden with a view of the Pantai Valley.