Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in Kuala Lumpur? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know Kuala Lumpur very well, I have created this guide of:

• Kuala Lumpur’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Kuala Lumpur, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for the first time: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, in the heart of Bukit Bintang, the city’s main hub.
• Best 5-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur with a view: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
• Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur on a budget: The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel
• Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with family: Ascott Star KLCC Kuala Lumpur
• My favorite hotel in Kuala Lumpur for a romantic stay: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, with its stunning rooftop bar and luxurious atmosphere.

In Bukit Bintang District

Bukit Bintang is the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. 

This district is buzzing with energy, from its mega-malls and luxury boutiques to its world-famous street food scene and vibrant nightlife.

It’s the best area to stay for first-time visitors.

You should stay in this district if you want:

• To be in the center of the action
• To do shopping, from luxury brands to local markets.
• An incredible food experience
• To enjoy nightlife with countless bars, pubs, and clubs.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the city’s premier shopping mall
• Jalan Alor Night Market, an iconic street that comes alive at night with hundreds of hawker stalls serving delicious Malaysian cuisine.
• Changkat Bukit Bintang, a street packed with trendy bars, international restaurants, and live music venues.
• Berjaya Times Square, a massive shopping mall that even has an indoor theme park, complete with a roller coaster.
• KL Tower, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Where to Stay in Bukit Bintang?

• citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang: A stone’s throw from Jalan Alor. Stylish, modern rooms controlled by an iPad, starting at 100$. Strong points: tech-savvy rooms, fantastic location for foodies. A superb choice for its modern vibe and value.
• PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur: An eco-chic hotel with a stunning design. Beautifully appointed rooms from 150$, breakfast included. Strong points: gorgeous green design, outdoor swimming pool, top-notch service, and direct access to shopping malls. My top pick for a first-time stay in KL!
• JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur: Directly connected to the Starhill Gallery mall. Luxurious and spacious rooms from 250$. Strong points: prime location on “Bintang Walk,” excellent facilities including a beautiful outdoor pool, and award-winning restaurants.
• Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur: This 5-star hotel offers unparalleled luxury. Rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking city views, starting from 400$ including breakfast. Strong points: spectacular rooftop bar, a spa, and an indoor pool with city views. The best hotel for a romantic and luxurious escape in Kuala Lumpur!

In KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) District

The KLCC district is the modern face of Kuala Lumpur, home to the city’s most famous landmark: the Petronas Twin Towers.

This area is more upscale compared to Bukit Bintang, featuring luxury hotels and high-end shopping.

Staying in KLCC is perfect for those who want iconic views and a touch of sophistication, while still being very central.

You should really stay in KLCC if you want:

• A luxurious experience.
• To enjoy green spaces
• Proximity to top attractions.

This district is perfect for discovering:

• Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world. Don’t miss the Skybridge and Observation Deck for incredible views!
• Suria KLCC, a premium shopping mall located at the base of the towers
• KLCC Park, a 50-acre urban oasis with water fountains featuring a spectacular light and sound show at night
• Aquaria KLCC, a world-class oceanarium
• Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, an interactive science museum.

Here are my favorite hotels in KLCC district

• Impiana KLCC Hotel: Connected to KLCC via a sky bridge. Comfortable double rooms from 110$, breakfast included. Strong points: amazing location, rooftop infinity pool with a view of the towers, great value.
• Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur: Famous for its legendary SkyBar on the 33rd floor, offering the absolute best view of the Petronas Towers. Modern rooms from 180$. Strong points: the amazing rooftop pool and bar, buggy service to Suria KLCC. A fantastic choice for stunning views and a lively atmosphere.
• Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur: Located right between the Petronas Towers and KLCC Park. This hotel defines 5-star luxury. Elegant rooms start from 300$. Strong points: impeccable service, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the park, and fantastic dining options.
• Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur: Offering some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of the Twin Towers. Spacious, modern rooms from 350$, with breakfast. Strong points: panoramic views from the Sky Lobby and rooms, an incredible outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery, and an excellent spa. This is simply the best luxury hotel in KLCC for views!

In Chinatown (Petaling Street)

Chinatown is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most historic and colorful districts.

The atmosphere here is more traditional and chaotic than in the modern city center, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

You should stay in Chinatown:

• If you’re traveling on a budget
• If you love exploring vibrant markets
• To immerse yourself in local culture and history.

Best things to see and do around Chinatown:

• Petaling Street Market, the heart of Chinatown, famous for its covered market selling everything from clothes and souvenirs to electronics.
• Central Market (Pasar Seni), an art deco building housing a wonderful collection of Malaysian arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Kwai Chai Hong, a beautifully restored alleyway with interactive murals depicting life in 1960s Chinatown, now home to trendy cafes and bars.
• Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest and most ornate Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur
• Guan Di Temple, a peaceful Taoist temple.

The Best Hotels to Stay in Chinatown

• Santa Grand Classic Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown: Located right in the heart of Chinatown. Clean, modern rooms from 70$. Strong points: fantastic location, friendly staff, and great value for money.
• Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown: A stylish and modern hotel offering international standards in a historic neighborhood. Rooms from 120$. Strong points: beautiful rooftop pool and bar with city views, comfortable rooms, and excellent location. My top recommendation for an affordable yet stylish stay in Kuala Lumpur.
• Else Kuala Lumpur: A beautifully restored boutique hotel in a heritage building. Chic, minimalist rooms starting from 200$. Strong points: stunning design, a tranquil swimming pool, and a unique atmosphere. A real gem in Chinatown.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Kuala Lumpur without spending too much:

• Lavana Hotel, Chinatown: Just a minute’s walk from Central Market. Clean and compact rooms from 55$. Strong points: unbeatable location for exploring Chinatown and accessing public transport, friendly staff, and excellent price. A great choice for a cheap stay in KL.
• The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel in Bukit Bintang. Retro-chic rooms from 90$. Strong points: awesome rooftop infinity pool and bar, great central location, and very cool design. Amazing value for money.
• Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection: Offers a luxurious feel for a budget-friendly price. Located near KLCC, this hotel features a stunning rooftop pool and beautifully designed rooms from 100$. Strong points: incredible value, chic industrial design, rooftop area. The perfect choice for affordable luxury.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur with Family

• Ascott Star KLCC Kuala Lumpur: A short walk from the Petronas Towers. Offers a range of spacious serviced apartments, from studios to two-bedroom units, starting from 150$. Strong points: apartments with kitchenettes, a outdoor playground for kids, and a stunning infinity pool. The perfect choice for families visiting Kuala Lumpur.
• Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon: Located in a quieter part of the city center, this property offers huge serviced apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms. Apartments start from 160$. Strong points: massive Olympic-sized swimming pool, children’s playground, and fully equipped kitchens. An amazing option for families needing more space.
• Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin: Situated in the iconic Ilham Tower, this hotel offers spacious studios and suites with kitchenettes, perfect for families. Two-bedroom suites are available from around 220$. Strong points: views from the high floors, an indoor saline pool, and eco-friendly design.

What is the best hotel in Kuala Lumpur?

If you are looking for the best hotel in Kuala Lumpur, I recommend you the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.

And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang	Bukit Bintang	100€
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur	Bukit Bintang	150€
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur	Bukit Bintang	250€
Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur	Bukit Bintang	400€
Impiana KLCC Hotel	KLCC	110€
Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur	KLCC	180€
Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur	KLCC	300€
Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur	KLCC	350€
Santa Grand Classic Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown	Chinatown	70€
Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown	Chinatown	120€
Else Kuala Lumpur	Chinatown	200€
Lavana Hotel, Chinatown	Cheap hotel	55€
The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel	Cheap hotel	90€
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection	Cheap hotel	100€
Ascott Star KLCC Kuala Lumpur	Hotel for families	150€
Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon	Hotel for families	160€
Element Kuala Lumpur by Westin	Hotel for families	220€