WHERE TO STAY IN KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA

I’m excited to be heading to Kuala Lumpur (KL) Malaysia later this week and so I wanted to share with you my thoughts and plans on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

If you’re reading this because you are planning your very first trip to KL, this accommodation guide to Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors and information on the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors, as well as a guide to best hotels near Petronas Twin Towers and where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for nightlife, is sure to be a great help to you.

Kuala Lumpur is one of my very favourite cities in the world and I’ve been fortunate to have visited this cosmopolitan city many times over the past ten years. I’ve often stayed in KL and have used the city as a base and exciting ‘transit hub’ between travelling to and from many other wonderful places in Asia.

The vibrant capital of Malaysia is a dazzling mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial architecture, buzzing street markets, and world-class shopping malls. Travelling into the city on the KLIA Ekspres (that’s the right spelling) from the airport and seeing that fabulous skyline sparking on the horizon always gives me goosebumps of excitement and anticipation.

If this is your first visit to Kuala Lumpur then I’m very excited for you!

KL is an incredible city and there is so much to do and explore there. But, whether you’re visiting for food, culture, luxury, or nightlife, choosing the best area and picking the best hotel for your comfort and budget in Kuala Lumpur can shape your experience in this amazing city.

No matter if your preference is for luxury hotels Kuala Lumpur or budget hotels Kuala Lumpur or for accommodations costing something in the middle range there will always be lots of choice. But, of course, too much choice can get overwhelming.

Let my accomodation guide on where to stay in KL help you to narrow it down!

WHERE TO STAY IN KUALA LUMPUR?

QUICK ANSWERS

If this is your first visit to KL?

I recommend Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC)

If you love food & nightlife?

I recommend Bukit Bintang

If you’re traveling on a budget?

Choose Chinatown

Planning on staying a while and want a stylish local vibe?

Head for Bangsar!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHERE TO STAY IN KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTRE (KLCC)

I have mostly stayed in Kuala Lumpur City Centre in hotels near the Petronas Twin Towers when I’ve visited Kuala Lumpur. I’ve often chosen to stay in a high-end hotel – not my usual way of travelling – but KLCC is famously affordable for five-star hotels compared with the cost of staying in similar hotels in other top cities worldwide. So, if you can, it’s time to treat yourself!

This time around, I’ve booked my first few nights at Traders Hotel in KLCC. It will be my first time staying at this five-star KLCC hotels with Petronas view, but I have been there before while visiting the Sky Bar for a cocktail and for its incredible views of the cityscape and Petronas Twin Towers at sunset.

If it’s your first time in KL, whatever type of traveller you might be, then KLCC is where you want to be. You’ll be within easy walking distance to all the major attractions. KLCC is home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. There’s luxury malls for incredible shopping experiences, rooftop bars for swanky cocktails or mocktails with stunning skyline views, and there’s also lush green parks to take a morning run or an evening stroll.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre is clean, modern, and wonderfully central.

Previously, in KLCC, I’ve stayed at the wonderful The Intercontinental (my darling late husband’s favourite hotel) and alternatively, when not quite needing a five-star treatment, I’ve also really enjoyed staying at the Holiday Inn Express for its location in Bukit Bintang: KL’s entertainment district.

Occasionally, if I’m planning a longer and more relaxed stay in KL, I’ll opt to stay a bit further outside the city to get even more value for my currency against the Malaysian Ringgit at what used to be called the Holiday Inn Glenmarie Resort. It’s now known as the Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie and from past experience I’d highly recommend this fabulous luxury resort to you.

NOTE: As I write this in the last week of February 2026 – I see the Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie is partly closed for a refurbishment – but if you’re reading this a little later into the year and you are wondering where to stay to spend some time outside the bustling city centre, then I would highly recommend checking it out for consideration.

Here are my suggestions on where to stay in KLCC.

HOTELS IN KLCC

The Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

FIND YOUR OWN PERFECT PLACE TO STAY IN KLCC USING MY INTERACTIVE MAP

WHERE TO STAY IN KL BUKIT BINTANG

Bukit Bintang is KL’s bustling and busy entertainment district. Bukit Bintang hotels are where to stay for access to local nightlife. It’s also a perfect place to stay for food lovers, shoppers, and nightlife seekers. There’s bright city lights, restaurants, bars and street food, mega malls, and nightlife, dominating this lively area.

Don’t miss Jalan Alor for street food heaven and Pavilion Mall Kuala Lumpur for luxury shopping.

BEST HOTELS IN BUKIT BINTANG

The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Melia Kuala Lumpur

ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur

WHERE TO STAY IN KL CHINATOWN (PETALING STREET)

Chinatown offers a more traditional side of KL. You’ll also find modern comfort in this historical setting at Four Points by Sheraton. For heritage charm and budget-friendly stays for backpackers and cultural explorers check availability at the centrally located 5 Elements Hotel.

Highlights of Chinatown include Petaling Street, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Central Market.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur Chinatown

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur Chinatown

IYF Hotel Chinatown

The 5 Elements Hotel Chinatown

WHERE TO STAY IN KL BANGSAR

Bangsar is a quieter, trendy, leafy, part of Kuala Lumpur that feels more local and less touristy.

It has an expat vibe and so it’s a perfect area to hang out in Kl if you’re a digital nomad or just looking for a longer stay here. Bangsar is packed with café’s and brunch spots, cocktail bars, and boutique shops.

You’ll find chic minimalist design and an infinity pool with skyline views at the Alila Bangsar KL and enjoy spa facilities and a fitness centre at Domitys Bangsar.