I am writing this from a local’s perspective and as someone who grew up here — Kuala Lumpur in recent years has become a go-to destination in Asia.

If you’re coming from Bangkok, Bali and even from Australia or the US, chances are you’re stopping in Kuala Lumpur.

One of the best things about KL are the hotels: it is modern, you get infinity pool views, accessibility to cafes, gyms and nightlife.

By price comparison, it’s a lot more affordable in Kuala Lumpur — a night in a 4- or 5-star hotel with infinity pool and gym access can start from around USD 70–100. In Bangkok, you’d usually be paying closer to USD 120–150 for the same setup, and in Singapore, it can easily go above USD 200

Another thing that I really love about Kuala Lumpur is the iconic skyline, there’s no where else you’ll be able to find views of the twin towers, KL Tower and their new tower TRX!

Here’s where to stay in KL if you’re coming for the first time or after a long time!

Also read: Malaysia 2 Weeks Itinerary: Nature, Cities & Culture

Disclosure: I only recommend things I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

Where To Stay in Kuala Lumpur: From A Local’s Point Of View

some of the best infinity hotel rooms can be found in kuala lumpur

I have stayed in gorgeous hotels that have a touch of heritage and artistry around them and some which are your usual AirBNB style kind of hotels.

In almost every blog that I encounter, everyone stays at the Regalia Hotel. Ughhh! Sure, you get pool views and maybe it is way cheaper than others but goodness, the cleanliness is atrocious!

If I were to pick the best hotels to stay, I would stick to the ones that have a bit more charm and history behind them: for example The RuMa Hotel & Residences , Majestic Hotel or Else Hotel.

Don’t stay in another brick and mortar building!

Kuala Lumpur in recent years has spent a lot of time trying to shake off the image of just being a stopover city. You’ll notice a wave of boutique hotels, renovated shophouses, and heritage buildings being turned into places that actually make you want to linger.

And honestly, that’s where the magic is.

Ok I got that. So, which are the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur?

here’s where you should stay in kuala lumpur

I’ve lived here long enough to know that there are three main areas I’d tell friends to stay in: Bukit Bintang, KLCC, and Chinatown. Each one gives you a totally different experience of KL.

There are other neighbourhoods like Bangsar, Bangsar South & Desa Park City, too but honestly don’t bother with it unless you’re staying more than one month.

1. Bukit Bintang: If You Want to Be in the Middle of Everything

This is the spot if you want KL at full volume, and I am talking like neon lights, shopping malls, and late-night eats.

Jalan Alor, the famous food street is here too. It’s not the “authentic quiet KL,” but if you like energy and being able to walk to shops, bars, and cafés, this is it.

Why I recommend it:

You can shop, eat, and party without ever leaving the neighborhood.
The MRT/monorail makes it easy to get around (though traffic here is a nightmare if you’re driving — avoid taking Grab anywhere from 5pm to 7pm).

Hotels I’d suggest:

Luxury: Ritz Carlton or The Chow Kit – An Ormond Hotel – Stylish, design-driven hotel
Mid-range: MOV Hotel or Kloe Hotel – both boutique-style stays with creative design; MOV has a rooftop pool while KLoé brings in a more artsy, laid-back vibe.
Budget: Sunshine Bedz – simple, clean, and right in the middle of Bukit Bintang.

2. KLCC: For The Classic “KL Skyline” Stay

klcc is more convenient if you want cafes & access to shopping malls

This is the most obvious spot for a lot of people. KLCC is polished and convenient.

You’ve got KLCC Park, big malls like Suria KLCC, and plenty of nice restaurants. It’s a little quieter than Bukit Bintang but still central.

Why I recommend it:

Waking up to a view of the Twin Towers never gets old.
Great for first-timers or business trips: you can walk everywhere.
Covered walkways mean you don’t have to stress about the rain.

Hotels I’d suggest:

Luxury: The RuMa Hotel & Residences or Ascott Star – right next to the towers, and the service is solid.
Mid-range: Hotel Stripes – urban chic with an artsy vibe, or Hotel Indigo KL – really cool modern design inspired by the city’s greenery and the infinity pool here is worth it!
Budget: The Bed KLCC – basically a pod hotel, but really well done and super clean.

3. Chinatown – For Food & Old-School Vibes

chinatown for all the hip culture and easy acess to back alleys & cafes

I’ll stay this beforehand but Chinatown is everything of KL but with a bit of grit and history. There’s so many speak-easy bars and the area Kwai Chai Hong with back alleys really comes alive during the night!

You’ll also find temples, markets, and a mix of old shophouses turned into boutique hotels and cafés.

It’s busy, colorful, and honestly one of the best places to eat in the city. I would stay here if you like to walk everywhere — you can even walk to the botanical lake gardens from here!

Why I recommend it:

The food: Hokkien mee, chicken rice shops, kopi shops.
It’s cheap, walkable, and has a mix of heritage and new spots.
Feels different from the glossy, mall-heavy parts of KL.

Hotels I’d suggest:

Luxury: Else Kuala Lumpur – boutique, design-focused, in a restored building.
Mid-range: Four Points by Sheraton Chinatown – modern, good value, and great skyline views. Or check out Moxy Kuala Lumpur for a fun, design-forward stay with a lively social vibe.
Budget: Mingle Hostel – social, artsy, and in a cool old shophouse.

My Favourite Hotels For Heritage & Comfort

1. The RuMa Hotel and Residences (Near KLCC)

Honestly, if you’re craving an experience and want something feels very Malaysian with local touches — you absolutely should stay here!

I like how the pool is right in the city centre but still feels private, almost hidden away.

Service here is solid too, you get views of the Petronas Twin towers and there’s options to have 2 hours massage in the hotel. The breakfast is also really high quality and there’s a Malaysian restaurant called “ATAS” in the hotel as well!

Book It Here: The RuMa Hotel & Residences

2. KLoé Hotel (Bukit Bintang)

Where do I even start? If you’re looking for a Malaysian hotel that’s unpretentious and has a creative, or artsy vibe. You have to stay here!

Downstairs, the café always has a nice buzz — freelancers, designers, and random KL folks hanging around.

They also have themed “artist lofts” like music or books, which makes it feel more personal. I loved the entire aesthetic of the hotel from the really cute reception to the gorgeous and room setup!

Their snack collection is made up of Malaysian childhood favourites and I loved it! The bed was also super comfy and exactly what you need after a long flight.

There’s insane value for money for this hotel. The property is located quite city centre, it's all walking distance if you want to go to Pavillion KL, Farenheit or TRX.

Book It Here: Kloe Hotel

3. Else Kuala Lumpur (Chinatown)

This is also another hotel that has a local feel to the hotels that the usual ones!

Else is in this old building that’s been completely redone.

I like that it has history but still looks super modern inside. It doesn’t feel like one of those shiny skyscraper hotels!

The vibe here is more slow and calm. Good if you want to relax but still be close to Chinatown food and nightlife. The pool and common areas are simple but done well. It feels more like a hideout in the city than a regular hotel stay.

Book It Here: Else Kuala Lumpur

4. Majestic Hotel KL

majestic hotel for old school charm & orchid conservatory

This is one of Malaysia’s colonial hotel known for their breakfasts and old school charm! I really love the old architecture and classic vibe of the hotel, yet it still feels modernized.

The rooms are comfortable and the service is what you’d expect from a classic five-star, but the real highlight for me is the afternoon tea in the Orchid Conservatory.

It is also right next to the Lake Gardens which makes it very convenient if you don’t want to be in a place with people everywhere.

Book It Here: Majestic Hotel

5. Moxy Kuala Lumpur (Chinatown)

moxy if you’re up for new age playful vibes in KL

This is more of a budget hotel but loud, playful, and full of color. It’s fun, a bit cheeky, and feels like it’s designed for people who don’t want a boring hotel experience.

The rooms are smaller, but otherwise it is quite a comfortable space to be in. One of the highlights are the special perk during weekdays from 2 PM to 6 PM: you get vouchers for unlimited drinks, all complimentary from the hotel.

The only downside is the soundproofing is not the best and it is only good for a short stay or people who are looking for a budget hotel!

Book It Here | Moxy Kuala Lumpur

Other Things You Should Know

What’s the best area to stay in KL for first-time visitors?
I would recommend staying in Bukit Bintang or Chinatown. This way you get culture and a bit of big city living as well!

Are hotels in KL expensive?
Not compared to other big cities. Mid-range hotels with infinity pools start at USD 60–100 a night, while five-stars like RuMa or Majestic are usually half the price of Singapore.

What’s the best way to get from the airport into the city?
The fastest option is the KLIA Ekspres train (28 minutes to KL Sentral), you can book it here. If you want door-to-door, you can book a private transfer or take a Grab.

Do I need WiFi or an eSIM in KL?
Hotels and cafés have WiFi mostly everywhere, but an eSIM for Malaysia makes life easier if you’re on the move.

What are the best tours in Kuala Lumpur?
If you want to explore beyond the city, here are my go-to picks:

👉 Genting Highlands & Batu Caves Day tour
👉 Sambal street food tour in KL
👉 Malacca day trip with lunch

How many days should I spend in KL?
2–3 days is enough to cover the highlights (KLCC, Chinatown, Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves). For other places to check out in Malaysia, check out my guides:

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