Lonely Planet Kuala Lumpur, Melaka & Penang
Page 21
Serviced Apartments & Longer-Term Rentals
Some of KL’s best accommodation deals, particularly for longer stays, are offered by serviced apartments. Studios and suites tend to be far larger and better equipped than you’d get for a similar price at top-end hotels. There are usually pools and gyms within the complexes, too. There are quite a few of these complexes scattered across the city. For short stays, breakfast is usually included.
Need to Know
Prices
The following price ranges refer to a double room with bathroom.
$ less than RM100
$$ RM100–RM400
$$$ more than RM400
Discounts
Practically all midrange and top-end places offer promotions that substantially slash rack rates; booking online will almost always bring the price down. Room discounts will not apply during public holidays.
Taxes & Service Charges
At all budget places prices will be net, but at many others 10% service and 6% tax (expressed as ++) will be added to the bill.
Tipping
Not expected.
Wi-Fi
Usually free but sometimes only in the hotel lobby.
Useful Websites
iBilik (www.ibilik.my) Room rentals in Malaysia.
Asia Homestay (http://asiahomestay.com) Malaysian homestay booking site.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/kuala-lumpur/hotels) Recommendations and bookings.
Lonely Planet's Top Choices
BackHome Chic pit stop for flashpackers with a cool cafe and a tree-studded courtyard.
Sekeping Tenggiri Rough-luxe guesthouse plus top contemporary art gallery.
Villa Samadhi Asian-chic style at a gorgeous villa in the embassy district.
Best by Budget
$
BackHome Stripped-back concrete-chic dorms and rooms, plus a great cafe.
Lantern Hotel Slick, contemporary hotel in the heart of Chinatown.
Reggae Mansion Cool crash pad for the modern backpacker.
$$
Sekeping Tenggiri Lovely guesthouse combining art, greenery and a plunge pool.
Kuala Lumpur Journal Hip new boutique hotel in Bukit Bintang with a fantastic rooftop pool.
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral Playful, relaxed concept hotel steps from the KLIA Ekspres.
$$$
Majestic Hotel Heritage hotel with a modern tower wing and a gorgeous spa.
G Tower Hotel Slick, modern luxury accommodation on the upper floors of the G Tower.
Villa Samadhi Beautiful Asian-chic bolthole with gorgeous tree-shaded pool.
Best Heritage Hotels
Majestic Hotel Soak up the colonial style and take tea in the orchid room.
Anggun Boutique Hotel Antique-style charmer with four-poster beds and patterned tile floors.
Sarang Vacation Homes Friendly B&B operation in a variety of centrally located heritage homes.
Best Designer Stays
Sekeping Sin Chew Kee Swoon-worthy pair of contemporary-art-decorated rooms and apartments.
Chaos Hotel Concrete and exposed brick abound at this minimalist designer joint.
Container Hotel Stacked shipping containers have been turned into cosy en-suite rooms.
Best Flashpacker Hostels
BackHome Zen simple decoration, fab rain showers and a blissful central courtyard.
Reggae Mansion A cool operation with a lively rooftop bar, a mini cinema and a flash cafe-bar.
Paper Plane Hostel Exposed brick and original artwork in a restored 90-year-old shophouse.
Best Serviced Apartments
E&O Residences Kuala Lumpur Live the life of a high-rolling expat at these gorgeous serviced apartments.
Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur Functional, fashionable and facility-packed complex.
MiCasa All Suite Hotel Well-equipped apartments and suites and a gorgeous pool.
4Where to Stay
Neighbourhood For Against
Bukit Bintang & KLCC Kuala Lumpur's top shopping, dining and nightlife are all within easy walking access. There's good public transport, too, with the many hotels near a monorail or LRT station. Bring earplugs if you're staying in properties around Changkat Bukit Bintang, as it gets very noisy at night.
Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas Best location for quality hostels and hanging out with other budget travellers. Good public transport and great food and local atmosphere on the doorstep. The cheapest places to stay range from very basic to downright awful.
Masjid India, Kampung Baru & Northern KL Worth looking online for homestay options in Kampung Baru. Reasonably good public transport links as well as excellent eating options. Many budget and midrange hotels are scruffy and have little character. The nearby Chow Kit red-light district is seedy.
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar Prime access to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the rest of the city from KL Sentral. Interesting and lively Brickfields area a short walk away, as well as Lake Gardens. Not as much street life as in Chinatown or Bukit Bintang.
4Bukit Bintang & KLCC
Dorms KLHOSTEL$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2110 1221; www.dormskl.com; 5 Tengkat Tong Shin; dm incl breakfast RM30; aW; DImbi)
This sociable, dorm-only hostel in a renovated shophouse is within stumbling distance of the bars and eateries of Changkat Bukit Bintang and Jln Alor. There is a comfy lounge area where travellers congregate to swig beers and watch movies. The spotless bathrooms have rain showers.
Container HotelDESIGN HOTEL$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2110 4388; http://containerhotel.my; 1 Jln Delima; d RM60-169; aW; DAirAsia-Bukit Bintang)
Stacked shipping containers turned into cosy en-suite rooms are the basis of this inventive place. Deviating from the industrial design theme, a number of containers house safari-style tents for an indoor 'camping' experience; we preferred the beds in giant concrete cylinders. The concrete and campsite rooms share bathrooms.
oKuala Lumpur JournalBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2110 2211; www.kljournalhotel.com; 30 Jln Beremi; d from RM275; aWs; DAirAsia-Bukit Bintang)
This sleek new boutique hotel with a hip, urban vibe and appealing retro design is located steps away from Bukit Bintang's shopping and nightlife. Rooms feature blown-up prints of KL street life by local photographer Che Mat and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the city views. The rooftop saltwater pool and bar is a plus.
D'Majestic PlaceHOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2148 9988; www.swissgarden.com; 376 Jln Pudu; d/ste from RM280/350; aWs; LRT Pudu)
The rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites at this slick new hotel are spacious and well designed with contemporary furnishings and splashes of colour, but D'Majestic Place's biggest draw is its rooftop infinity pool and deck, with spectacular city views. It's located close to Pudu LRT station, about 1.5km from Bukit Bintang.
Wolo Bukit BintangBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2719 1333; www.thewolo.com; cnr Jln Bukit Bintang & Jln Sultan Ismail; d from RM200; aW; DAirAsia-Bukit Bintang)
Neon and mirror-clad elevators whisk you to dark corridors, the walls rippled with fabric, and on into rooms where the mattress sits on a blonde-wood floor base, like a futon, and the shower and toilet are hidden behind faux padded-leather doors. The vibe is rock-star-glam and a change from the midrange norm.
Melange Boutique HotelHOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2141 8828; www.melangehotel.com.my; 14 Jln Rembia; s/d from RM80/120; aW; DAirAsia-Bukit Bintang)
The Melange's small, well-equipped rooms are decorated in one of three themes: tampan (handsome) rooms have a masculine feel with plenty of wood and gold and black marble; ayu (elegant) rooms are minimalist and white; while manja (fun) rooms are brightly coloured with insect-shaped lamps and dragonflies on the ceiling. A good-value option with some fun design touches.
Chaos HotelHOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2148 6688; www.ch
aos-hotel.com; lot B1, Fahrenheit 88, 179 Jln Bukit Bintang; s/d from RM135/168; aW; DAirAsia-Bukit Bintang)
It might seem like tempting fate to call your hotel Chaos, but this place is actually well run with compact, smart, minimalist rooms with concrete and exposed brick walls, wooden fixtures and snazzy graphic art. Standard rooms are windowless.
Ceria HotelHOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2143 1111; www.ceriahotel.com; 270 Jln Changkat Thambi Dollah; s/d RM98/138; aW; DImbi)
An old shophouse has been cleverly converted into this 44-room hotel with exposed brick walls and some cool retro design features. Not all the rooms have windows but they're of a reasonable size with slightly better quality features than similar hotels at this price point. Plus there's a nice attached cafe for breakfast.
Mesui HotelBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2144 8188; www.themesuihotel.com; 9 Jln Mesui; d from RM170; aW; DRaja Chulan)
This low-scale gem is crafted from an old building that looks like it was made from a giant's set of building blocks. The Luxe rooms allow you to peer out of the large signature circular windows on to the street. Other compact, functional rooms gain their light from the interior courtyard, one wall of which is covered in lush greenery.
Plans are in the works to create a rooftop garden.
Anggun Boutique HotelHOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2145 8003; www.anggunkl.com; 7-9 Tengkat Tong Shin; d incl breakfast from RM250; aW; DImbi)
Two 1920s shophouses have been combined to create this antique-style, boutique property, which oozes tropical charm with four-poster beds, dark-wood floors and local crafts. A restaurant on the 1st-floor terrace serves breakfast and dinner, and there is a new spa up in the eaves (one-hour massage costs RM60). Avoid rooms facing the noisy street though – or bring earplugs.
Sahabat Guest HouseGUESTHOUSE$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2142 0689; www.sahabatguesthouse.com; 39-41 Jln Sahabat; d incl breakfast from RM115; aiW; DRaja Chulan)
This blue-painted guesthouse is well run, offering 14 tidy bedrooms with tiny en-suite bathrooms and a feature wall plastered in vivid patterned wallpaper. There’s a grassy front garden in which to relax and a small kitchen for preparing food. Rates are slightly higher from Friday to Sunday.
Classic InnHOSTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2148 8648; www.classicinn.com.my; 36 & 52 Lg 1/77a; dm/s/d incl breakfast RM38/118/148; aiW; DImbi)
Check-in is at the newer, more upmarket branch of Classic Inn at No 36, where there's spotless rooms all with private bathrooms and a pleasant verandah cafe. The original yellow-painted shophouse at No 52 continues to be a retro-charming choice with dorms and private rooms, a small grassy garden and welcoming staff. Rates are slightly higher at weekends.
YY38 HotelHOTEL$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2148 8838; www.yy38hotel.com.my; 38 Tengkat Tong Shin; s/d/loft room from RM130/150/360; aW; DAirAsia-Bukit Bintang)
The bulk of the rooms here are fine but no-frills. However, the 7th floor offers 17 creatively designed duplexes, each sleeping three, with fun themes ranging from Marilyn Monroe to circus and tree house – a good one if you're travelling with kids.
Rainforest Bed & BreakfastGUESTHOUSE$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2145 3525; www.rainforestbnbhotel.com; 27 Jln Mesui; dm/d/tw incl breakfast RM37/115/130; aW; DRaja Chulan)
The lush foliage sprouting around and tumbling off the tiered balconies of this guesthouse is eye-catching and apt given its name. Inside, bright-red walls and timber-lined rooms (some without windows) are visually distinctive and there is a small kitchen for preparing food. The location couldn't be better for nightlife, cafes and restaurants.
oG Tower HotelHOTEL$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2168 1919; www.gtowerhotel.com; 199 Jln Tun Razak; r from RM400; aiWs; LRT Ampang Park)
There’s an exclusive atmosphere at this slickly designed property atop an office complex, where the facilities include a gym, infinity pools and a top-floor lounge, restaurant and bar. Arty black-and-white prints set a sophisticated tone in the bedrooms. Ask for one of the slightly bigger corner rooms, preferably with a view of Tabung Haji.
oE&O Residences Kuala LumpurAPARTMENT$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2023 2188; www.eoresidences.com; 1 Jln Tengah; 1-bed apt from RM600; aiWs; DRaja Chulan)
Chances are once you spend a night in these elegantly designed apartments, with their clean-line furnishings and striking contemporary art, you will not want to leave. There's a good gym and large outdoor pool in the landscaped courtyard garden.
oVilla SamadhiHOTEL$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2143 2300; www.villasamadhi.com.my; 8 Persiaran Madge; d from RM700; aWs; LRT Ampang Park)
It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of KL when staying at this gorgeous boutique property that epitomises Southeast Asian chic. The black polished concrete, bamboo and reclaimed-timber rooms combine with luxurious light fixtures, idyllic central pool, lush foliage, poolside bar (serving complimentary cocktails) and intimate modern Malay restaurant Mandi Mandi to conjure an antidote to urban stress.
The recent addition of a Thai-style spa in the roof space is set to raise bliss levels even higher.
InvitoAPARTMENT$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2386 9288; www.invitohotelsuites.com.my; 1 Lg Ceylon; studio/2-bed apt from RM370/550; aiWs; DRaja Chulan)
A lively location and good facilities, including a decent-sized pool, Jacuzzi and gym, mark out this stylish hotel of self-catering studios and apartments. All units have balconies, and the purple and silver decor is reasonably classy.
MiCasa All Suite HotelAPARTMENT$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2179 8000; www.micasahotel.com; 368b Jln Tun Razak; apt from RM425; aiWs; LRT Ampang Park)
A choice of one-, two- or three-bedroom suites – all reasonably priced, with wood floors and well-equipped kitchens. Relax beside the large, palm-tree-fringed pool, or enjoy the small spa and the gourmet restaurant Cilantro. Facilities include a gym and coin-operated laundry.
Ritz CarltonHOTEL$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2142 8000; www.ritzcarlton.com; 168 Jln Imbi; d/ste incl breakfast from RM932/1550; aiWs; DAirAsia-Bukit Bintang)
Recent renovations have revamped the Ritz, where the gleaming new lobby sports contemporary gold light fixtures and a mirrored reception desk. Dark wood and marble create a nostalgic old-world atmosphere, and rooms are extravagantly appointed, if conservative in taste. The on-site Spa Village is highly recommended.
Fraser Place Kuala LumpurAPARTMENT$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2118 6288; http://kualalumpur.frasershospitality.com; lot 163, 10 Jln Perak; apt from RM380; aiWs; DBukit Nanas)
Good workspaces and walk-in closets feature in these colourfully designed apartments. The facilities, including an outdoor infinity pool, gym, sauna and games room, are top-notch.
Mandarin OrientalHOTEL$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2380 8888; www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur; Jln Pinang; d from RM720; aiWs; LRT KLCC)
Backing on to the greenery of KLCC Park, the Mandarin is one for sybarites. Silks and batiks lend an Asian feel to the rooms, which have every conceivable amenity. The club rooms are the ones to pick, allowing access to a lounge overlooking the Petronas Towers. There’s a spa and an infinity pool that seems to merge into the parkland beyond.
Grand Hyatt Kuala LumpurHOTEL$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2182 1234; www.kualalumpur.grand.hyatt.com; 12 Jln Pinang; d from RM600; aiW; DRaja Chulan)
Elevators whisk you up to a panoramic entrance lobby that pits you eye to eye with the upper levels of the Petronas Towers. All the marble- and wood-clad rooms provide great city views, and together with the top-class facilities are what you'd expect from this international brand.
Parkroyal Serviced SuitesAPARTMENT$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2084 1000; www.parkroyalhotels.com; 1 Jln Nagasari; studio/1-bed/2-bed apt from RM380/410/990; aiWs; DRaja Chulan)
/> In a great location with designer studios and one- and two-bedroom suites; the Parkroyal's facilities include two outdoor pools (one on the roof).
Traders Hotel Kuala LumpurHOTEL$$$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2332 9888; www.shangri-la.com; KLCC, off Jln Kia Peng; d without/with towers view from RM480/605; aiWs; LRT KLCC)
Perched on the edge of the KLCC Park, this contemporary design hotel offers a superb vantage point for Petronas Towers gazing; it's worth paying the supplement for a room facing the iconic landmark. Its rooftop pool and Sky Bar is a famous hang-out.
4Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas
oBackHomeHOSTEL$
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2022 0788; www.backhome.com.my; 30 Jln Tun HS Lee; dm/d/tr incl breakfast from RM56/138/192; aiW; LRT Masjid Jamek)
This chic pit stop for flashpackers offers polished-concrete finishes, Zen simple decoration, fab rain showers (all rooms share bathrooms) and a blissful central courtyard sprouting spindly trees. Also check out its cool cafe, LOKL.
oReggae MansionHOSTEL$