Malaysia’s economic capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a role model in Southeast Asia, attracting more and more visitors every year for a few days or several weeks to enjoy this metropolis, ranked as one of the least expensive in the world. At the crossroads of thousand-year-old traditions of Indian, Chinese and Malay origin, the city has also enjoyed steady economic growth for over 20 years, giving rise to the modernist urban face of today. If you’d like to find out more, you’re probably wondering where to stay in Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur’s vast expanse will be presented here in just 4 major districts, the ones most often chosen by visitors to the capital. The City is one of the highlights, with its twin towers just a stone’s throw away, providing the perfect immersion in the beating heart of the city. Bukit Bintang, to the south of the City, is ideal for travelers looking for modern, affordable hotels. Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur’s liveliest and most glitzy district, is the place to stay for less. For the last, less-invested corner, Chow Kit has the merit of being conveniently located close to the Twin Towers and the traditional markets so popular with locals. Prices are in the mid-range and you’ll be able to stay in mostly modern hotels.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Kuala Lumpur, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Kuala Lumpur:
- $ this hotel overlooking the Petronas twin towers
- $$ this accommodation, located near a metro stop
- $$$ this luxury hotel, offers spacious rooms with a view over the City
Map of different areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Areas where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Kuala Lumpur.
Downtown accommodation: the modern part
If you're visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time, you're likely to be familiar with the city's twin towers connected by a footbridge, which were the world's tallest when they were inaugurated in 1998. In the very center of the Malaysian city, it's worth staying at one of the many mid-range or high-end hotels. This part of the city is clearly modern, and you'll find a myriad of new, clean shopping malls offering a very pleasant luxury shopping experience.
Close to this site, which attracts tourists from all over the world, you'll be able to enjoy Taman KLCC Park, the impressive Aquaria shark aquarium, as well as numerous shopping centers that will allow you to take advantage of the best that central Kuala Lumpur has to offer. To the west of the park, it's easy to find somewhere to eat, with a wide choice of international restaurants.
Here are the places we recommend visiting in central Kuala Lumpur:
- The Petronas Towers: A true emblem of the Malaysian city, they symbolized its economic boom over 20 years ago. A must-see with the sound and light show in the evening in the garden opposite.
- Menara Communication Tower: A distinctive tower offering a panoramic view of the city, with a café-restaurant high above. For unobstructed photos, buy the most expensive ticket.
- Aquaria KLCC: Aquarium with transparent tunnel and an impressive number of sharks and tropical fish.
It's in this part of the city that you can stay in one of the world's best-known hotel chains, offering an unbeatable experience.
Our selection of hotels to stay in the city center
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Centrally located hotel offering modern, fully-equipped studios. The bathrooms are spacious and you'll have an excellent view of the area, including the Petronas twin towers. Outdoor swimming pool for cooling off.
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This hotel complex includes a number of suites and apartments, making it the ideal place to stay if you're staying for a few days. Right in the heart of the city, in fully-equipped spaces with an incomparable view of the Petronas Towers, you'll love the chic, modern decor.
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Beautiful, upscale 5-star establishment with a large swimming pool, three restaurants and a bar overlooking the emblematic towers. You'll love staying in their huge rooms with large bay windows overlooking the entire city.
Choosing to stay in Bukit Bintang: commercial activities
In the same vein as the central district, to the south of it you'll find Bukit Bintang, one of the liveliest and most commercial areas, with must-see thoroughfares such as Jinsang Bintang, reminiscent of Times Square with its many multinational stores. Concert halls, open-air bars and street food enliven this area, and you'll be won over by the impressive range of restaurants on Changkat Street in particular.
Here's a list of places to do if you decide to stay here:
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park: indoor amusement park within the mall, located on the 4th floor, dedicated to children.
- Museum Of Illusions Kuala Lumpur: interesting museum for young and old, featuring optical illusions.
- Pavilion Kuala Lumpur: A large indoor shopping mall dedicated to the world of luxury, with many high-end brands.
In this area of Bukit Bintang, you'll find a huge range of accommodation, making it easy to find a place to stay in this part of town. You'll still find plenty of top-of-the-range hotels, ideal if you're more into comfortable travel with optimum service. Prices are affected by this, but Kuala Lumpur is very affordable, and you'll be able to choose slightly less expensive hotels offering excellent value for money.
Hotels to stay in Bukit Bintang
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In a modern establishment 2 steps from Berjaya Times Square, you can stay in cosy rooms with soothing neutral tones. Bathrooms are modern and elegant. A restaurant service is available, and you'll be close to the main shopping streets.
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A modern, colorful hotel with a retro feel, where you can stay in attractive, modern and spacious rooms. A trendyrestaurant and bar close to the outdoor swimming pool make for the perfect stay. The hotel's proximity to the metro makes it easy to get around.
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A top-of-the-range hotel combining traditional and modern styles, with elegant, spacious and fully-equipped rooms. An excellent restaurant and bar offer the opportunity to enjoy the chic surroundings. Spa and sauna services to relax after your visits.
Lodging in Chinatown: cheaper accommodation
As is often the case in Asian cities, Chinatown is the perfect place to stroll around and learn about Chinese culture, as well as that of other Asian countries. The cuisine is rich, the temples are of various architectural and religious styles, and you'll love the characteristic liveliness that emanates from this place, guaranteeing you a successful change of scenery. Located to the west of the city, it's still very close to the main sights of Kuala Lumpur. The Jalan Petaling street is a reference for its flea market, which offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities at unbeatable prices.
In this part of town, you'll find plenty of places to see and temples to visit, as well as Independence Square, the symbolic landmark of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia. We have then selected a list of the must-see places to do in Chinatown:
- Sri Maha Mariamman Temple: 19th-century Hindu temple, and the oldest in Kuala Lumpur. Entirely carved entrance tower.
- Sin Sze Si Ya Temple: mid-19th-century Taoist temple.
- Perdana Botanical Garden: huge tropical park with wild animals, rare plants and trees and a few watering holes. Here you can picnic and relax in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
- Merdeka 118: A huge glass tower over 600m high (twice the height of the Eiffel Tower), currently being finalized. A must-see when it opens if you're looking for the highest viewpoint in Kuala Lumpur.
If you want to know where to stay in this part of the Malaysian city, it's easy to find very affordable hostels and hotels. The quality/price ratio is excellent, so you'll be ideally placed both close to the center and to the surrounding greenery, all at unbeatable prices.
Best places to stay in Chinatown
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Ideally located near the Merkeda station, this youth hostel offers friendly, clean and modern accommodation. You'll be able to stay in practical bunk beds, and use the main hall for socializing.
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Hostel in an old colonial building, offering spacious dining areas, a sheltered terrace with barbecue and Jacuzzi, and an excellent traveler's atmosphere. You can stay in clean rooms with bunk beds.
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In the heart of Chinatown, at the gateway to Jalan Sultan, this modern, sumptuous establishment offers comfortable, elegant accommodation. You'll love the restaurant and lounge bar, as well as the massage services for a perfect stay.
Staying in Chow Kit: in the heart of traditional markets
To the north-west of Kuala Lumpur is another more traditional place called Chow Kit. It is home to many Indonesian and African communities, reflecting the melting pot that is the Malaysian capital. You'll love discovering the best this little district has to offer, yet it's close to the City and Chinatown, so it's easy to get around from Chow Kit. It's also one of the city's most exclusive areas, which today enjoys constant expansion as it attracts thousands of expatriates from all walks of life.
Accommodation in this area is quite similar to that in the center, with prices tending towards the mid-range and very modern establishments. You'll enjoy staying in this area, which is also well-priced, with its many traditional markets, such as the Chow Kit RoadMarket, the city's must-see for fresh fish, spices and other local delicacies.
Our selection of places to stay in Chow Kit
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Beautiful hotel offering accommodation in spacious, elegant and fully-equipped suites with large picture windows overlooking the city center. You'll love the swimming pool, which runs along one side of the building, providing an exceptional setting for lounging.
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A beautiful, modern, centrally located hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms to stay in. You can opt for suites and enjoy a panoramic view of the City through the large bay windows. The service is impeccable, and meals are readily available.
You now have all the information you need to make the most of your stay in Malaysia, including where to stay in its capital Kuala Lumpur! A true Malaysian must-see, it’s best to spend several days here to take full advantage of the many points of interest to visit, such as the Batu Caves to the north, which have become a must-see for international visitors.
To find the best place to stay, we recommend Bukit Bintang. This is where you’ll find the best location and excellent value for money on accommodation. Staying in this part of the Malaysian city will also be very convenient for staying close to the city center and its major tourist attractions, as well as to other parts of the city which are not far behind.
If, however, you prefer to be as close as possible to the Twin Towers, to experience the intensity of this city’s continuing economic boom, then the center is the place to be. For budget-minded travellers, Chinatown is the perfect place to stay for less, and to meet other visitors via the many hostels.