We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Kuala Lumpur as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places that have at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Kuala Lumpur: Ahyu Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur: The RuMa Hotel
“The Mandarin Oriental offers skyline views and rooms that feature king-size beds, marble baths and nightstands furnished with fresh orchids.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Kuala Lumpur.
“Having established its brand in Bali, Alila has opened one of KL’s most appealing new hotels. The pared-back design, integrating concrete, wood and plenty of plants, suits the tropics and there are great views from the spacious rooms, which run between the 35th and 40th floors.”
“Originally opened in 1932 and the pre-WWII KL equivalent of Raffles in Singapore, the impeccably restored Majestic is one of the city’s top luxury hotels. Whether you stay in the original building or the new attached tower block (where the majority of rooms are) you are guaranteed comfort and style. Other appealing features include an orchid-filled conservatory and two swimming pools.”
“The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur is for those who want to experience the best of KL. Literally and figuratively. It’s the Ritz-Carlton, so stays include fancy amenities like luxurious high thread-count bedding and top-notch dining.”
“BackHome Guesthouse consists of four 100-year-old wooden Chinese merchant shophouses that have been restored into a funky hostel with exposed brick walls and high ceilings with wooden beams.”
“It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of KL when staying at this gorgeous boutique property that epitomises Southeast Asian chic. The black polished concrete, bamboo and reclaimed-timber rooms combine with luxurious light fixtures and idyllic central pool.”
“The Chow Kit, the first hotel from the Ormond group, offers a promising glimpse of what’s to come from the brand. A small hotel big on style, its 113 rooms are compact but luxuriously finished, with non-essentials stripped back to keep the rates pleasingly affordable.”
“A contemporary sculpture of a white tiger prowling the lobby and a slide into its restaurant are just a couple of the fun, creative touches at this stylish property freshly opened in 2018 and just steps from nightlife hub Changkat Bukit Bintang. The top-tier loft rooms offer double-height ceilings and penthouse furnishings.”
“There are only 18 rooms at the Anggun KL, each with handcrafted teak beds, ceiling fans, air-conditioning and air purification features. Interior courtyard rooms are best.”
“A stone’s throw from KL Sentral and only a 15-minute walk from Brickfields Station, the Little India neighborhood, and a cornucopia of great food, Le Meridien’s location is ideal.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Kuala Lumpur.
Recommended by:
New York Times, Forbes, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
CNN, Forbes
Recommended by:
CNN, Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
CNN
Recommended by:
Fodors
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of southeast Asian country Malaysia that is home to a pair of 451m-tall glass and steel skyscrapers Petronas Twin Towers.
Some of the major neighborhoods in Kuala Lumpur are:
Bangsar
Bangsar is a rich and cosmopolitan suburban neighborhood that has become a go-to place for artisan places, boutiques and modern art. The neighborhood is a great place to escape for locals as well as tourists. The neighborhood is also home to several cafe-cum-bistros, restaurants, fast food joints, and many more.
Brickfields
Brickfields is mainly a neighborhood inhabited by Indian expats and it features bright display of jewelry, cloth and spices. It is regarded as a Little India and is a key place to find all things Indian. The area offers authentic Indian cuisine from foods such as Biriyani, dosa, naan, butter chicken, to desserts such as sweets and payasam.
Bukit Bintang
Bukit Bintang is a commercial neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur and is a shopper’s paradise with several high-end luxury brands and global franchises. The area is also a great place to taste great food and spend a fun evening window shopping.
Changkat
Changkat is a neighborhood that is renowned for its nightlife and is great for party animals. The neighborhood has several bars and clubs such as Opium KL, The Whisky Bar, and many more that serve a wide range of beverages and seafood and steaks.
Kuala Lumpur City Center
Kuala Lumpur City Center is the business and finance center of the country and it is the home to several global shops and offices. The KLCC Park and Convention Center is one of the busiest tourist destinations for hanging out and taking pictures.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Budapest.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then book Ahyu Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then you should book The RuMa Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists. Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in Kuala Lumpur, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur, then go for Villa Samadhi. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Make sure you check our list of the best luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
If you're looking for a great hostel in Kuala Lumpur, then you should check out Hostel Backhome. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it's in a good location. Also check out our list of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur.
Try Mandarin Oriental Hotel or Le Meridien Hotel if you're looking for a hotel with a great swimming pool. Recent customer review ratings have been excellent for their swimming pool.
Try Le Meridien Hotel, if you're looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. The hotel has excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $40 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $70 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Kuala Lumpur hotel then you can expect to pay around $120 per night.
From Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves Half-Day Tour. Explore Kuala Lumpur's beautiful countryside. Discover the Batu Caves, Batik Factory, Hindu temple and take in a fantastic view of the city. Price: $14.
Genting Highlands Day Trip from Kuala Lumpur with Skyway Cable Car Ride. A hill resort north of KL, Genting Highlands is home to an indoor theme park, shopping complex, restaurants, and more, which you can enjoy at your leisure. Price: $34.
Kuala Lumpur: KL Tower Admission Ticket. Enjoy sweeping views over Kuala Lumpur from the KL Tower Observation Deck. Admire 360-degree views and watch a film in the multisensory XD Theatre at your own expense, or upgrade your ticket to include the Sky Deck. Price: $13.
More things to do in Kuala Lumpur
The capital of Malaysia is a city with many faces. It’s home to the upscale Bukit Kiara district, where you’ll find sprawling mansions and neoclassical villas. But it’s also got plenty of grit, from the bustling Chinatown district to Kampung Baru, an old hillside village filled with shops selling traditional textiles and spices. And everything in between. If you’re planning on visiting Kuala Lumpur soon, these are the top things you need to know before your trip:
What to Know Before You Go to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the national capital of Malaysia as well as holds the distinction of being the country’s largest city. The city is regarded as the only global city in the whole of Malaysia, making it important both at home and abroad. Kuala Lumpur is among the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia making it an attractive destination for tourists and even investors.
The city is Malaysia’s financial, cultural, and economic center and serves as the home to the Parliament of Malaysia. The endearment of the city to the world is one of the reasons for its hosting of the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
The city is home to several tourist attractions and places of interest such as the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Tower, which is regarded as the symbol of the iconic and futuristic Malaysian development.
The city of Kuala Lumpur is home to three out of the top ten largest malls in the world while it was ranked 6th among the best cities to retire abroad by Forbes. Other attractions in the city are the Jamek Mosque, National Monument, and the Kuala Lumpur Tower.
If you’ve never been to Malaysia before, Kuala Lumpur can seem overwhelming. There’s a lot of history and culture, not to mention an interesting mix of traditional and contemporary architecture. Although it can seem daunting at first, with just a few basics under your belt, you’ll be able to navigate the city like a pro.
Here are some things you should know before visiting:
1) The population is very diverse, with a large immigrant population from Asia and Africa.
2) English is the most common language, but Malay and Chinese are also spoken by many people in the city.
3) It’s hot. Like really hot. Pack accordingly!
4) The best way to get around is on foot – or take the bus or train if you need to go further than your average stroll would take you.
Eating in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is home to Malaysia’s most diverse cuisine, from the spicy dishes at Malay hawker stalls to the eclectic options in the high-end restaurants of Bukit Bintang. You can find shrimp noodles and satays on most street corners, but if you want something more sophisticated, head to Chinatown for Malaysian specials like Hainanese chicken rice.
Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
It’s worth checking out the many shopping centers in Kuala Lumpur. One of the most popular is Pavilion KL, which has 6 floors of stores and offers a variety of local and international brands. Bukit Bintang’s Jalan Alor also has plenty of bargain shops to explore.
Cultural Activities in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a city that is rich in culture. There are many cultural activities to enjoy, including the Batu Caves, the National Museum of Malaysia, and KL Bird Park. But if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of coffee shops and bookstores where you can cozy up with a good read. While there are many things to see and do in Kuala Lumpur, this guide was created to help you navigate the top cultural activities in Kuala Lumpur with ease.
Traveling Around Kuala Lumpur
Getting around Kuala Lumpur is easy, as long as you know the bus routes and which type of transportation to take to your destination. The best way to get around the city is by public transportation – there are buses, taxis, and even a monorail. There are also plenty of places to rent a car or bike. Kuala Lumpur also has a great public transit system with many different types of trains that can be used at different prices.
Final Words
Some people think of Kuala Lumpur as just a transit hub—but it’s so much more. It’s an eclectic city, where you can experience the modern side of Malaysia and delve into its past at the same time. It’s worth exploring every corner and getting lost in the back alleys.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Kuala Lumpur. It gives you an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting each area’s main attractions and hotel recommendations.
If you like our list of the best hotels, hostels and B&B’s in Kuala Lumpur, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Tokyo or the best hotels in Singapore.